Good Day! magazine - Vol. 9, Iss. 1 - April 2025

Good DAY!

™

What’s Inside?

The American viticulture and viniculture industries have been booming over the past few decades - here's their impact.

Also inside: • Grange leaders come together to plan for the future • Grange Month Challenge • A new Junior Grange Passport about Advocacy • Homesteading - many Americans want to return to their roots.

• Recipes featuring wine • and more!

A quarterly publication of the National Grange

Vol. 9, Issue 1 l April 2025

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 William “Buddy” Overstreet, TX, Executive Committee Member boverstreet@grange.org Joseph Stefenoni, CA Executive Committee Member jstefenoni@grange.org Tom Gwin, WA, Lecturer lecturer@nationalgrange.org

Christopher Johnston, MI, 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, Assistant Steward

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

Kathy Gibson, MA, Lady Assistant Steward Kay Hoffman Stiles, MD, Chaplain Joseph Goodrich, VT, Treasurer Debbie Campbell, PA, Secretary David Allen, NC, Gatekeeper Cindy Greer, CO, 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, Pomona Welina Shufeldt, OK, Flora

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

www.nationalgrange.org

Good DAY!

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GRANGE NEWS & VIEWS

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LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

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S RA

THE STATE OF RURAL AMERICA

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IDEAS FOR GRANGE PROGRAMS & ACTION

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS & RECOGNITION

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JUNIOR GRANGE & GRANGE YOUTH

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H & L

HOBBIES & LIFESTYLE

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F & R

FOOD & RECIPES

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L W

THE LAST WORD

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On the cover:

Grape-growing and wine-making have been part of American culture and agriculture since the early days of the nation. However, in the past few decades, a new resurgence of craft has launched the American wine industry to the forefront.

Photo via AdobeStock

PERSPECTIVES:

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Viticulture and Viniculture

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Follow us on Social Media National Grange @nationalgrange @nationalgrange National Grange @nationalgrangeofficial @nationalgrangeyouth @national_junior_grange

Good Day! Magazine is a quarterly publication of the National Grange located at 1616 H St. NW, Suite 300, 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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PROCLAMATION

GRANGE MONTH 2025

GRANGE MONTH – CELEBRATE, CONNECT, AND GROW! WHEREAS, April is Grange Month! A time to celebrate our legacy, embrace new opportunities, and showcase the incredible impact of the Grange in communities across America; and WHEREAS, for nearly 160 years, the Grange has been a beacon of service, leadership, and unity, bringing together individuals and families who share a passion for making a difference; and WHEREAS, the Grange is growing, evolving, and thriving, fueled by the energy of its members who create solutions, build friendships, and strengthen rural communities through action and innovation; and WHEREAS, Grange Month is the perfect time to open our doors, welcome new members, and inspire the next generation of leaders, ensuring the Grange remains a vibrant force for good for decades to come; and WHEREAS, this is a time to ignite our passion for advocacy, service, and fun, from hosting community events and launching new projects to connecting with neighbors and celebrating the bonds that make the Grange so special; and WHEREAS, together, we stand strong, dream big, and build brighter futures, carrying forward the Grange’s mission with enthusiasm and determination; therefore be it RESOLVED, I, Christine E. Hamp, President of the National Grange, do hereby proclaim April as Grange Month and invite every member, friend, and supporter to celebrate, engage, and grow with us. Grange Strong – Today, Tomorrow, and Always!

Christine E. Hamp President National Grange GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

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www.nationalgrange.org

WWW.NATIONALGRANGE.ORG ®

PRESIDENTIAL Perspective

Christine E. Hamp

April is Grange Month, a time dedicated to showcasing our identity, principles, and future aspirations. This is our time to open our doors, engage new members, and reaffirm the Grange’s vital role in our communities – not solely for our historical achievements, but for the meaningful impact we’re making today and more importantly the milestones we aim to reach tomorrow.

The Grange’s strength lies in its members – individuals who take action, solve problems, and lead by example. As we look ahead, we must ask ourselves: • How can we make the Grange a must-join organization for individuals and families?

• What issues can we tackle to create stronger, more resilient communities?

• How do we amplify our advocacy efforts to ensure rural America has a voice in shaping the future?

One of the most critical ways the Grange makes an impact is through legislative advocacy. Since our founding, we have been a voice for rural America, championing issues that matter to our communities, our neighbors, and ourselves – from agricultural policies and rural broadband access to healthcare and infrastructure improvements.

Advocacy isn’t confined to policymakers in Washington, D.C.; it begins at the grassroots level. Every

Grange has the power to influence change locally. Let’s show up, speak up, and make our voices heard!

This Grange Month, we challenge every Grange to engage in advocacy.

• Host a candidate forum to discuss issues impacting your community.

• Organize a letter-writing campaign to address local, state, or federal concerns.

• Arrange in-person meetings with your state or federal representatives at their local offices.

• Invite elected officials to your Grange to discuss issues affecting your community.

When Grange members speak, lawmakers listen – because we are their constituents, representing rural America and the backbone of our nation.

Join the

Grange Month Challenge:

•

• •

•

Bring a friend to the Grange – introduce them to your Grange’s mission and family.

Start a community project and share it on social media with #GrangeMonth.

Attend a local government meeting and speak up on an issue that matters to your community.

Connect your Grange to Project Sustenance to battle food insecurity and build community- and selfresilience.

One of the most pressing challenges facing our communities today is food insecurity. The Grange is stepping up

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to lead the charge through Project Sustenance, an initiative designed to address hunger and food access issues by mobilizing Grange members to take direct action – from organizing food drives and supporting local farmers to advocating for policies that strengthen food security in rural areas.

This is a call to action for every Grange – because no family should have to choose between paying the bills and putting food on the table.

Project Sustenance allows Granges to make a direct, tangible difference, just as the Grange has always done – neighbors helping neighbors and communities lifting each other up and delivering real solutions for real people.

Grange Month is the perfect time to focus on recruiting new members, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our organization remains a leader in service, education, and advocacy. It is an opportunity to invite neighbors, friends, and community leaders to experience what the Grange is all about and to make it clear that we are here to stay and here to lead.

As we move forward, we must continue expanding our role in policy advocacy, community development, and leadership training. We must embrace technology, communicate effectively, and ensure that the Grange remains a force for good in every state and every community.

I challenge every Grange to make this month count. Host an event, bring in a new member, start a new project, or engage in advocacy to propel your Grange forward. The future is ours to shape, and the time to act is now.

Grange Month is not just a celebration – it’s a call to action. Find your people. Find your purpose.

Lead with passion. Build the future.

Grange Strong – today, tomorrow, and always.

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ADVERTISE WITH US Our quarterly publication welcomes advertisers. Up to a 20% discount may be offered to Grange members on their ad purchases. All rates shown are for pre-designed content submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of press date for an issue. You may request rates for ads to be designed by our staff.

GOOD DAY!™ 2025 PRESS DATES Issue

Due Date

Hits Mailboxes

August 31

October 2025

V9, I2

May 31

V9, I4

November 30

V9, I3

V10, I1 February 28, 2026

July 2025

January 2026 April 2026

Classified ads are also welcomed at $0.50 per word up to 25 words, $1 thereafter; $2.50 per website, email, or other link regardless of word count; $5 per photo (will appear no larger than 1.5”x1”). Special requests (bold design, font increase) available for extra charge. All copy should be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the due date.

National Grange assumes no responsibility for that which is advertised in Good Day!™ and reserves the right to reject ads deemed offensive or irrelevant.

Please contact Philip Vonada by email at pvonada@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (814) 404-7985 for details.

WRITE FOR US This is your chance! This is your magazine.

Submissions may be made by any Grange member in good standing, especially including Junior and Youth members, and must be your own original work.

For Juniors, you may get your parent, guardian or another mentor or adult’s assistance to write or draw the piece, but we expect all those who assist to adhere to high ethical standards and allow the Junior’s work to be reflected without influence by the adult/ older assistant.

All work must be in good taste and appropriate for our audience. The National Grange reserves the right to reject any submissions.

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Guidelines & The Fine Print Entries may include: photo essay (at least three photos that together tell a story with captions identifying the people in the photo if applicable and what is happening in the scene); short story (max. 1,500 words); poem; essay/article (maximum 1,500 words and must include at least two relevant photographs with captions); skit (no more than six speaking characters; should not take more than 10 minutes to perform and should not require an elaborate set); D-I-Y (do-it-yourself) project with supply list, step-by-step instructions and photos of each step; or open category (examples include but are not limited to a coloring book page related to Grange or agriculture; comic strip or box; recipes, etc.).

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Each entry must be submitted digitally and include name, address, phone number, email (if applicable) and Grange details (name, number and state of Subordinate Grange and office held). Junior 1+ members can list the Subordinate or State Grange they are affiliated with. E-members can list National Grange E-member.

Submission

is

acknowledgment

that

publication is authorized. In the case of Junior submissions, this is acknowledgment of right to publish by both Junior and their parent/ guardian.

All submissions must be made via email to pvonada@nationalgrange.org.

From the desk of the PHILIP J. VONADA April is recognized as Grange Month by the National Grange. It is a time when Granges across the country showcase their community impact, honor members, and welcome new friends through open houses and special events. On social media, Grangers show off their Grange pride during Spirit Week or highlight their projects and events.

But just because April has officially been designated for this purpose doesn’t mean the spirit of Grange Month has to be confined to a single page of the calendar. In fact, any month—whether it marks an anniversary, a local festival, or simply a renewed energy within the Grange— can be a time for your Grange to shine.

For some Granges, another month may hold even greater significance: Maybe your Grange was chartered in July, or your town hosts its most significant event in September; maybe December is when you feel the strongest connection to your community through holiday service projects. Whatever the case, “Grange Month” is not just about a time of year, it’s about an attitude and a commitment to engaging with your community yearround.

Keeping the Spirit Alive All Year Long

The enthusiasm that surrounds Grange Month can serve as a launching pad for activities that sustain excitement and engagement throughout the year.

April’s open house can become an annual tradition, where members invite guests to learn more about the Grange and get involved. If your Grange typically plans a recognition night for community leaders, why not use that as inspiration to spotlight dedicated individuals every few months?

Every month presents new opportunities for service, education, and advocacy. With its connection to National Heart Month, February might be the perfect time for a CPR training class. August, a peak time for agriculture, could highlight local farmers through a farm-to-table dinner or an agricultural awareness event. When you think about it, every season provides an opportunity to showcase the values that the Grange upholds.

A Personalized Engagement

Approach

to

Community

Each Grange and community is different, so celebrating Grange Month at the right time for your Grange is key. Have conversations about what might work best for your members and neighbors. If your town’s annual fair is in August, consider making that the focus of a Grange-hosted community event, with a Grange

Editor

exhibit and member drive. If school starts in September, that might be the perfect time to launch an essay contest or supply drive, working with the local PTA. The important thing is that your Grange remains visible and active. It’s easy to generate momentum in April when other Granges celebrate, but sustaining that energy requires thoughtful planning and consistent outreach.

A Call to Action

At its core, the Grange is about service. Whether it’s through fundraising, legislative advocacy, or educational programs, we exist to strengthen rural and small-town communities alike. By extending the spirit of Grange Month beyond April, we reinforce our commitment to the community around us and ensure that our neighbors know they can rely on us in every season.

Grange Month is more than just a moment—it’s a mindset. By making every month an opportunity for outreach, service, and celebration, we strengthen our Granges and deepen our ties to our communities.

So this year, take Grange Month beyond April. Make it personal, make it relevant, and most importantly, make it impactful. No matter when you celebrate, the Grange’s message of community, family, and service remains the same, and that’s something worth sharing every single month.

If you want to make it “extra” official and personalized for your Grange, work with your local or state legislators to get a proclamation for your Grange. Be sure to invite these officials to your events so they can see the tremendous impact your Granges have on the local economy and the people who make your community unique.

Remember: Every month should be Grange Month.

Let’s make it happen!

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Breakthroughs happen together.

Let’s Outdo Cancer Everything we do is intended to help patients everywhere live longer and healthier lives.

That’s why we don’t just work for patients, we work with them to deliver the breakthroughs that will change their lives.

Join us at LetsOutdoCancer.com

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward: The Rural Life Initiative’s Impactful Year 2024 marked a significant year for the National Grange and Grange Advocacy, as we launched one of our most ambitious projects — the Rural Life Initiative (RLI). This launch was supported by Pfizer, which was celebrating its 175th year in business and approached the Grange, seeking ways to “do good” in rural communities nationwide. Both Pfizer and the Grange were founded in a time when America was a predominantly rural country, making this partnership a natural fit.

In 2024, we celebrated our rich and expansive history while looking forward, showcasing events and programs valuable to our rural communities, and initiating new projects that lift us all toward the future in seven pilot states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

“We are incredibly grateful that Pfizer chose us as a partner in this mission,” said National Grange President Christine Hamp. “Strengthening rural America through educational opportunities, supporting community resilience and growth - one activity, one event at a time – has always been at the core of the National Grange’s work and mission. The Rural Life Initiative allowed these Granges to think bigger and outside of the box of what is possible.”

Avon Grange (MT) included RLI and public health materials in their fair displays.

Photo provided

A Year of Tangible Impact

Throughout the year, the Rural Life Initiative supported over 25 state-based projects, including state fairs, community health programs, media and promotional outreach, and help for North Carolina farmers.

These projects demonstrate how local actions can have a nationwide impact. All RLI events have been key in promoting rural values and community spirit, proving that unity in purpose is at the heart of being Grange Strong.

Arcadia Grange (NC) promoted the Rural Life Initiative while performing roadside cleanups.

Photo provided

Local Projects Making a National Difference

The Rural Life Initiative also helped launch local projects that Grangers in pilot states had been planning for a long time. Thanks to the RLI, these projects are now a reality. Here are some of them: In Montana, Whitepine Grange supported their local Archery Team and hosted Fly Casting Lessons that drew significant local participation. They also expanded their “Joy of Movement” fitness classes for seniors, which attracted the attention of the local TV station (watch the episode by visiting the QR at the end of the article) and is now attended by nearly two dozen people weekly.

In California, Bennett Valley Grange expanded their discussions on Rural Land Use Policies & Community Health. Meanwhile, the Rio Linda Grange’s famous Zucchini Races & Festival became a focal point for local community celebration and media coverage (watch the episode here).

In Pennsylvania, at the annual PA Junior Grange Camp, Grangers hosted a master class that introduced

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kids to the joys and benefits of rural life and highlighted the importance of rural communities. You can read all the kids’ stories and ideas by scanning the QR at the end of the article.

In North Carolina, Arcadia Grange in Lexington engaged in diverse activities from advertising at local athletic fields to hosting an ice cream sundae party and Christmas carols at Grayson Creek Nursing Home, alongside community support activities such as Crisis Control Ministries and Roadside Cleanups. Capitol Grange hosted significant events in Raleigh and Lumberton, like a Rural Life Initiative Press Conference, a Boots and BBQ Fundraiser, and Strives Against Cancer. Mingo Grange’s Pumpkin Patch Senior Health Fair brought great support and social interaction to local seniors.

Given Hurricane Helene’s

unprecedented impact on so many North Carolina residents and Grange members, the North Carolina Granges demonstrated a strong sense of community by redirecting funds from canceled events to support Grangers during their recovery. This, once again, highlights the Grange’s unwavering commitment to helping neighbors, especially those in greatest need.

Expanding Beyond Pilot States

A significant expansion of the RLI was marked by the “Shortcuts to Success” webinar in October.

This event not only introduced new grants to support Granges’ winter community events, but opened the door for Granges outside the pilot states to participate. The webinar, led by experts Beth Westbrook and Nona Bear, provided strategies for local fundraising and engagement, which were immediately put into action by Grange members. As a result, the National Grange invested nearly $10,000 in 19 local Granges to enhance their winter events and develop and promote event calendars that helped highlight their activities and attract new members, strengthening the Grange community nationwide.

“I live in a rural community in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.

Helping communities thrive and grow is personal for me,” Westbrook said.

“Sometimes all it takes is Marble Valley Grange #567 (VT) was a recipient a little help, or looking at of the $500 RLI grant, which they used to support their holiday toy drive event. While there, Santa the problem in a different Claus stopped by to show off their calendar, way, to put a Grange which was distributed to attendees. on the path for greater Photo provided

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success. Good people coming together to help others - that’s what the Grange and Rural Life Initiative are all about.”

The Rural Life Initiative also saw tremendous online engagement, with our Facebook and YouTube videos about the RLI reaching over 30,000 views across all platforms, further amplifying our message and the visibility of the Grange’s efforts.

You can watch this video at the QR below.

Looking to the Future

Reflecting on the achievements of this program, we can confidently state that this has been one of our most ambitious and transformative projects in recent years. The initiative has inspired numerous Granges across the states to undertake projects that were once just dreams. With the support of Grange Advocacy and Pfizer, the National Grange has successfully brought these visions to life in communities from coast to coast.

As we look to the near future, we hope to expand the Rural Life Initiative even further, continuing to improve lives across rural and smalltown America. We will work to bring in new partners who share our value of enhancing the well-being of our rural communities and join us in this collaborative endeavor.

Scan this QR code to view and learn more about many of the Rural Life Initiative projects from this article.

Shaping Tomorrow: Grange Leaders Plan for Success

by Amanda Brozana

National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director Grange leaders came together in the first quarter to learn, talk and address issues to ensure a vibrant future for the organization.

In late January, members of the National Grange Executive Committee, the Grange Foundation Advisory Dennis Allen speaks at the National Grange’s 3-Board Board and the Grange Advocacy board, along with Retreat in January, leading the discussion on “why,” which National Grange staff, met at the U.S. Patent and became a focal point of conversations for the week.

Trademark Office for a first-of-its-kind retreat of the Photo by Philip J Vonada leadership of the three organizations.

The agenda was set with several outside speakers expresses the core purpose of the organization. who helped attendees consider ways in which the three “The future of any organization depends on knowing entities can best work together to better service the why – why you do what you do and what does that Grange as a whole. Chris Hamp, who serves as president inspire,” Allen said during the discussion. of all three entities by virtue of her election as National Allen challenged attendees to list the strengths and Grange President, called the exercise a way for “us to weaknesses of the Grange as a whole and rank what they make sure we are using the right tool for the task.” considered most significant in each category. He revisited Hamp said that “from emerging board trends to the value of the pruning knife, noting that sometimes we impactful team-building exercises, the first day provided must “shake the tree” and prune away what is holding valuable insights that helped board members start us back from growth. breaking down long-standing silos.”

“It was a really eye-opening exercise to see how one “As we break down those silos, we open the door to thing may be a strength to some while others see it as a greater collaboration, innovation, and impact. A united weakness. I think it helped open up dialogue about where Grange is a stronger Grange – one where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and together, we build a future that honors our legacy while searching for and embracing new opportunities.”

Also on the first day, Dennis Allen, a retired USAF combat-rated flight instructor and sixtime Chief Executive Officer specializing in “turnarounds,” led the group through a discussion about the importance of getting to a singular “why” Following the work, members of the three Boards and staff were able to tour the National – a short, emotion-driven, Inventors Hall of Fame at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. captivating phrase that Photo by Elizabeth Dougherty

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“terrific,” not just for content but also for fellowship with Grange friends from across the nation and new friends he made at the event.

“But more than that, I appreciated the opportunity to interact with National Grange leadership, learn about the direction the National Grange leadership sees the Grange going, and work with Grange Grange leaders from around the country worked together to identify “What’s Next?” leaders from across the country and how to build a succession plan for their Community and State Granges during a presentation by National Grange Executive Committee member and California State in a variety of workshops and Grange President Joseph Stefenoni.

Photo by Amanda Brozana activities,” Hood said.

Attendees were provided 10 different “toolbox series” we need to go and how different generations especially perceive things,” said Richard Stonebraker, a member of lectures and interactive exercises that provided the Grange Foundation Advisory Board. “The continued resources and information for leaders to use when collaboration of the three boards of the Grange entities returning home to strengthen the Grange in their state.

“I really liked the Toolbox series, giving us State is crucial not only for promoting the Grange but also for strengthening it to ensure its success for years to come.” Grange leaders a variety of tools to use in our home Grange counsel Jeff Skinner attended the meeting to states to assist our local Granges,” Hood said. “Ideas discuss the ways in which the three entities can legally shared across state lines and connections made with interact and the differences between each entity as other states will benefit all of us. I’m excited to put what I’ve learned and gained to good use by sharing it with proscribed by their IRS 501(c) classification.

“I thought what Jeff brought to the group, and the my local Grangers here in California.”

Those who could not attend in person were time he spent answering our questions so each board could hear what he had to say, was really valuable,” said invited to join virtually through Zoom in order to hear National Grange Vice President and Grange Foundation presentations and take part in some of the breakout sessions.

Board Chairman John Benedik.

From the importance of bylaws, best practices on The discussion of “why,” as well as information about the IRS 990 form filing process and how to work with financial management, succession planning and finding Granges who have been auto-revoked or have other EIN ways to bridge differences and bolster fraternal bonds, issues continued at the Leaders’ Conference held in mid- there was a wide variety of topics covered.

“Building on the success of the last two Leaders’ February in Sonoma County, California. The conference included national delegates and officers, task force and Conferences, we are creating even greater opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth. By offering a workgroup members and various other state leaders.

Hamp opened the conference by emphasizing that diverse range of workshops, we’re equipping our leaders expanding this event beyond just State Presidents and with the tools they need to drive the Grange forward,” National Officers—both this year and last—allows states Hamp said. “My hope is that this momentum continues, to invest in their future by fostering broader knowledge- inspiring even more engagement, innovation, and a shared vision for a stronger future – a Grange Strong! sharing and actively engaging in succession planning.

“I was thrilled to see many State Presidents invite future.”

Attendees were put into groups at various times emerging and current leaders to participate, whether in person or virtually,” Hamp said. “Engaging the next throughout the weekend, starting on Friday night where generation of leadership is key to our continued growth they were asked to troubleshoot through a modern lens the organization or reorganization process of a Grange and success.”

Steve Hood, a California State Grange Field in various circumstances with SHIPmates guiding the Representative, said being included in the event was in-person groups and Senior Communication Fellow

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Those in attendance the Leaders’ Conference in California had the opportunity to visit Bennett Valley Grange Hall, the oldest continuously-operating Grange building in the nation, located in Santa Rosa.

Photo by Amanda Brozana

Samantha Wilkins guiding the online attendees in their activity.

On Saturday, similar groups formed after a workshop

by Benedik in which he “pulled back the curtain and revealed some ugly truths we can’t ignore” regarding the need for leaders “to step up and commit to action that will improve the Grange in their States and create a plan for growth.” Following that presentation, Lillian Booth, California State Grange Secretary and certified academy instructor for various first responders, provided guidance and a workshop that walked participants through how to create a personal improvement plan for State or local Granges.

“What John and Lillian presented hit home,” said Minnesota State Grange President Ann Bercher. “After last year’s Leaders’ Conference, we worked at our virtual GRIT [Grange Resources, Information and Training] day to create mission statements for each of our Granges. It was a good start, but we have to do a real assessment and create a true plan with goals that we can follow to strengthen each of our Granges and have new ones open.”

Bercher and others said the newly launched National program Project Sustenance could be part of that plan for growth as well as finding ways to get into new communities and be more appealing to young individuals, families and generally people of different backgrounds while ensuring we are welcoming, as was discussed in the final workshop by SHIPmates Vic Stevens and Scott Lyle.

“The closing workshop on being unoffendable was great and the message is so important for us as leaders,”

said Connecticut State Grange President Rob Buck, who attended virtually. “I really enjoyed the interactive workshops as well.”

Hamp said now it’s in the hands of those who were in attendance virtually or in person.

“As leaders, it’s not enough to simply attend – we must take what we’ve learned here and bring it home to our states, our Granges, our communities,” Hamp said.

“I challenge every leader to share these insights, spark conversations, and put ideas into action. I encourage our members to hold their State Grange leaders accountable – ask questions, seek updates, and ensure that this knowledge turns into meaningful progress for the Grange.”

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Project Sustenance Takes Root Across the Country

by Amanda Brozana

National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director

“Grow for the Grange” Food Security, Self-Sustainability,

Individual and Community Resilience

Van Duzen River Grange in California kicked off a yearlong initiative they have called “Grow for the Grange.” The program is designed to “promote community engagement in growing produce for ourselves, Grange dinners, and school meals,” according to a handout they provided members at their January meeting.

The initiative includes all three pillars of Project Sustenance and has engaged people from all across their community with the Grange. According to member Adriana Salgado, there were four components of Grow for the Grange members from the newly reorganized Van Duzen Grange envisioned beginning in August or September 2024.

They were: building a new community garden at a local elementary school; promoting “Garden Saturdays,” which encourage the community to go out and garden whether at home,

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An important feature of the National Grange’s signature initiative, Project Sustenance, is idea-sharing and building a resource library that will help Granges easily adapt projects others have had with success to their communities. The program is gaining traction in Granges across the nation, and Granges have begun submitting their outreach, service and programs to be added to the Project Sustenance page.

In each issue of Good Day!, we will highlight an activity, event or program submitted by Granges that meet one or more of the pillars – food security, selfsustainability, individual and community resilience – of Project Sustenance. Submit yours online at www.nationagrange.org/projectsustenance.

at the community garden, or at a neighbors; coming together as a community to prepare our produce for community meals; and hosting a monthly garden workshop.

Within just four months, the Grange had officially launched the initiative with numerous offers to assist from members of the community and great collaboration of the new Grange whose first projects after reorganizing were to provide three meals a month to the community – a pancake breakfast, a BINGO dinner and a community dinner.

At that time, Salgado said, “we had a few people asking about helping to harvest fruit around the community. That led to thinking about how to get more fresh vegetables into our meals and get more garden information into the community.”

“Support and the desire to have access to locally grown food… having that mentality already in the community was a really big help.

There were never any ‘no’s’ when we started this; just curiosity.”

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As part of this program, the Grange announced they were seeking “committed volunteers who want to come garden on Saturdays.”

“We are looking for volunteers with variety of knowledges and abilities.”

Volunteers can also become a part of the “Glean Team,” available on Saturdays to work in home gardens where extra hands are needed, such as gleaning, eradicating weeds and more.

Excess produce and education – the combination struck members as a calling and way to engage people in the food system by providing basic garden education, something the local extension agent noted was not already offered in the community by any other groups, and bringing locally grown, excess produce into their hall for community meals.

From herbs and grains to salad greens and potatoes to flowers for table settings and containers for food storage, the Grange has given a heads up to the community that they will be ready to receive and

put to good use any abundance from home harvests.

However, a connection to the local school added an extra layer of complexity and positive impact to the project, as the Grange was able to help the local elementary school reimagine how to successfully have a community educational garden, something they had done in the past but had failed in the summer months.

The Grange connected with the school and, after approval, set out to build the garden for both students and the community at large, putting out a call for donations of various resources to take the area at the school from maintained lawn to community garden.

They asked for items such as fencing materials, soil, seeds and starts, a shed, cold frames, a hoop house or greenhouse, various garden tools and harvest crates in addition to individuals with time to help with ground preparation, fencing and general labor.

As part of this program, students will be invited to take as one of their Friday electives “Gardening Club.”

On Saturdays, the garden will open, allowing the community to “get out and spend some time in the dirt.” Individuals will also be encouraged to take time to garden at home or at a neighbor’s – anything that puts someone back in touch with the soil, the food system and brings together community.

“The Grow for the Grange program wants to support you getting out to garden in any way we can,” according to the handout. “The Community Garden will be our office and our office hours are Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon.”

People are encouraged to come to “office hours” with questions on gardening, cooking or preserving, other help with their garden or to access gardening resources or just to spend some time with others in the space.

In addition, one Sunday a month the Grange will hold a Garden Workshop Series in the space. This came after members realized the great desire in the community to learn how to be more self-sufficient.

“A lot of people who are part of the workshops haven’t done a garden before and I’m realizing how intimidating it is to start a garden and plan it and there is so much knowledge in the community that is willing to be shared,” Salgado said.

The Grange already has the 2025 schedule complete, including a basic introduction to garden planning put on by a local Master Gardener, a field trip to the local seed exchange, programs on starting seeds in spring and winter, bed prep and garden maintenance, and a fall harvest festival.

The series, which has 25 spaces, is offered free for Grange members and is $100 for non-members. People were asked to commit to attending at least two-thirds of each session or save the space for someone who could attend, and promised another series in 2026.

Salgado said the Grange has so far done much of the project free.

“So far we haven’t had any budget. For the workshops, we’ve been in contact with the Master Gardeners and the Extension Program. We haven’t had to pay for anybody to facilitate any workshops and we’ve had so many offers for donations, it’s been amazing.”

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This column reflects on some historic documents and writings from leaders of the Grange or from Grange publications, then adds annotation or responses from current Grange leaders with how it can be applied to the current work of the Grange.

A Look Back: “The Will to Win”

by Herschel D. Newsom 16th President of the National Grange originally printed in the July 1962 issue of The National Grange Monthly

The rugged character, the more than usual ability and firm dedication to purpose and task that characterized Oliver H. Kelley and his coworkers, as founders and architects of the Grange in the 1860’s, and into the decade of the 70’s, commands respect and esteem from those of us who are living and working in the decade of the 1960’s.

The significance, therefore, of the dedication of the Kelley Farm and homestead to permanent recognition of their work in erecting the “institution of the Grange” – in building the foundation for an organized agricultural structure, in drafting a blueprint for evolution of cooperative effort and achievement among rural and agricultural people – became the subject for solemn reflection and constructive meditation – as the National Grange symbolically transferred ownership of this frontier farm and home of Brother Kelley, to the Minnesota Historical Society. This historical site of National significance thus is permanently preserved as a part of the work and effort of that Society not alone to tell the story of the Grange and of the agricultural crusade which did so much to improve the lot of pioneer farmers, but to tell this important story in connection with the total work of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Theirs is to stimulate an understanding and appreciation of history, in order that we and our successors may be appropriately inspired and, therefore, activated; that we may mobilize our abilities and our energies to build and to grow to meet the comparable but changing challenges of a century later.

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Our Obligation Brother Kelley, Brother Saunders, and all their coworkers built and served with distinction. It is, therefore, not only appropriate, but imperative, that we fully recognize our debt to them, and our obligation to the present and to the future. Even as 100 years ago it was becoming increasingly apparent that the acceptance of individual responsibility and the reliance upon individual effort was insufficient – so must we 100 years later build equally well and effectively, in the present and for the future, if we are to keep faith then, if we are to avoid defaulting to our successors.

As one drives through the beautiful mountains of our Western portions of North America, one cannot but be impressed time and time again by the everchanging impressions. Even viewing the same mountain from a slightly different vantage point oftentimes gives a substantially different effect or idea. Perhaps it is for this reason that some of us have used several feet of film, taking pictures from the top side of clouds from the window of an airplane, as we behold the beauty and the ever-changing formations and patterns – even though their substance is universally the same.

New Ingredients In pondering the problems that our predecessors faced a century ago, it seems clear that substantially, their problems and ours have been made of similar substance.

It is clear, however, upon deeper reflection that there are new and important ingredients in the mixture of the “clouds” and the “mountains” that rural people of the America of the 1960’s confront. It is equally clear that we confront problems of much wider origin, and much more immediate impact. The decade of the 1860’s, for example, brought certain progress, though at great cost, in resolving a long-standing conflict as to appropriate authority in the several states, versus the necessary authority in the central or Federal Government in these

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United States of ours.

Now, in the decade of the 1960’s, we confront similar problems and others of more far-reaching significance, being resolved before our very eyes, as to the relationships of nations and peoples around the world. …

Forces in Operation Even as was true 100 years ago, destructive forces are in operation which would render our efforts null and void. Difficulties are but opportunities to test our abilities, however, and even though our problems clearly take on broader scope and greater magnitude than did those

of a century ago, our “equipment” and our resources – and let us hope our devotion – to principle and our “will to win” – must, in combination, balance the increased magnitude and importance of the challenge that we shall meet in this decade.

--Instead of loving your enemies, treat your friends a little better.

– Ed Howe

A response: Honoring the Past, Working for the Future

by Philip J Vonada National Grange Communications Director

The Grange has been operating for nearly 160 years, and while times have changed, the challenges facing rural America still demand the same grit and determination that fueled its founders. Newsom’s "The Will to Win" reminds us that history isn’t just something to admire—it’s a guide for moving forward. For the Grange to stay relevant and effective, we need to take the lessons of the past and apply them to today’s world.

Mr. Newsom hit the nail on the head when he wrote about recognizing history not as something distant but as fuel for action. The dedication of the Kelley Farm wasn’t just about preserving a landmark; it was about keeping the Grange’s original mission alive: fighting for rural communities through cooperation, education, and advocacy. These principles aren’t outdated. Instead, they’re more important than ever as small towns and rural communities struggle with economic hardship, quick technological shifts, and

weighty political divisions that seem to widen every day.

One of the most significant issues right now is the growing disconnect between rural and urban America. In our early days, the Grange stood up to monopolistic railroads and economic exploitation. The battleground looks different today, but the fight is the same: ensuring rural communities aren’t left behind. That means pushing for better infrastructure, expanding high-speed internet access, and supporting policies that keep farming sustainable—not just financially but also environmentally.

Let’s talk politics... Just like in the 1860s and 1960s, there are forces at work trying to divide and weaken rural communities. Newsom warned about destructive influences, and he was right. The Grange has always been about grassroots power, and now more than ever, it needs to step up and bring people together instead of letting partisanship drive them apart. Rural America deserves

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strong advocacy, not politics that leave us hanging daily.

But the future isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. As an organization and as individuals, the Grange must embrace engaging younger generations and diverse populations. That means tapping into digital tools, using social media effectively, and expanding educational programs that prepare rural youth for modern careers while keeping their roots strong. If the Grange wants to thrive for another century, it can’t just rest on tradition— it has to innovate and grow.

So, what's the bottom line? The Grange’s legacy is one of resilience, and that same spirit needs to drive it forward. The challenges are big, but so is the opportunity. If the Grange can adapt while staying true to its core mission, it won’t just survive— it will lead the way for the future of rural America, and by extension, the whole country

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Along the Way...

The Grange Building at Penn State University

By Norman Houser Author, The Pennsylvania Rambler www.thepennsylvaniarambler.com PA State Grange Membership Director Standing at the corner of Shortlidge and Pollock Roads on Penn State University’s main campus in State College, Pennsylvania, is a building that is often overlooked by students as they pass. To many, it is just another building on the sprawling campus, but it holds a history that many students fail to recognize. It is a building erected by the Pennsylvania State Grange as a part of a Building Fund campaign and holds testament to what Grangers can do, even in the hardest of times.

It’s hard to imagine that, at one time, Penn State was a struggling university, but in the late 1910s/early 1920s, the land grant university faced an uncertain future. The financial needs of the university had fallen short, so to secure financial help, the university sent out a plea for help. The University created a $2 million Emergency Building Fund campaign, asking people and organizations for financial support.

At the December 1922 State Grange session in Williamsport, a resolution was brought to the floor to form a committee to investigate how the Grange could help the university. Under the direction of President/ Master John A. McSparran, a committee was formed.

The committee met with Penn State President John Martin Thomas and other campus officials on March 14, 1923, at State College. After much discussion, it was decided the Grange would support the erection of a new dormitory as the existing dorms were crowded.

As recorded in the April 1923 Pennsylvania Grange News: “approximately eleven hundred applicants were turned away during the previous year, and out of every three girl students that apply for membership, two are turned away on account of inadequate facilities at the college.” With that information, the committee decided the need for a new dormitory for women was needed and they would erect a building that was modern with “generous proportions, for the benefit and training of the young women of the State.”

The official request for funds read: “Brother and sister, much as we need young men trained in the science of agriculture, a thousand times more do we need young women trained in the science of homemaking, so that they may be prepared, not only to battle with the

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The original blueprint of the first floor of the Grange Memorial Dormitory at the Pennsylvania State College shows Matrons’ living quarters in addition to dorm rooms, spacious living rooms, and office spaces.

Image courtesy of Penn State University Park Campus History Collection 1

perplexities of life themselves, but to be guardians of future generations” (Centre Daily Times, April 15, 1970).

While the committee saw the need to erect the dormitory, they faced an uphill battle. The State Grange supported it but realized that “farmers were suffering from the effect of loan returns for their toil, and a tax ridden epoch such as the world had never known” (Pennsylvania Grange News, April 1923). As a means of upholding the Grange’s desire to help the university, the committee proposed that the Pennsylvania State Grange make two payments to the university – one in 1923 and the second in 1924. To raise money, the committee asked that every member donate two dollars towards the erection of the new dormitory. One dollar would be collected from each member towards the 1923 payment and the second dollar would be collected for the 1924 payment.

In addition to the individual donations, many Granges hosted events to raise money, including a concert held by Brandywine Grange #60 which drew a crowd of 700+ people. In 1925, to raise more money for the new dormitory, the State Grange made the decision to publish and sell cookbooks. 42,000 were sold with a profit of $12,000 added to the donation fund.

In November 1928, ground would be broken for the Grange Memorial Dormitory. The Centre Daily Times, in the November 30, 1928, edition, had this to say about the Grange Building: “One hundred women can

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The Grange Memorial Dormitory, photographed in 1952 (left) and the renamed Grange Building photographed in 2016 (right).

Left image courtesy of Penn State University Park Campus History Collection 1 Right image via Penn State University Creative Commons

Sales of the first-ever Pennsylvania State Grange Cook Book raised over $12,000 to contribute to building the dormitory.

Image Courtesy of Aardvark Rare Books

be accommodated in the proposed structure, according to the architect's preliminary sketch. The latest in furniture and fixtures will provide for their comfort. With few exceptions, the rooms of the building will be double.

“The main floor will be devoted to spacious social rooms, matrons' and guest rooms, as well as a dining room. A wing will flank each end of the building. These two sections are set aside as dormitories. The upper floors will be given over to study rooms and dormitories.”

What the article did not mention was the box placed beneath the building’s cornerstone. Included within the box was: the first plan of

the building which was rejected; the a part of Penn State’s campus and second plan which was accepted remains a lasting testament to the as the building’s design; booklets dedication of Grangers to make a describing the Emergency Building difference in the lives of America’s Fund campaign; the story of young people. the dedication exercises at groundbreaking; and other Grange publications.

In 1929, The Pennsylvania State Grange Memorial Dormitory for Girls was opened with State President/Master Edward B. Dorsett giving the dedication address. On September 23, 1929, 102 women – mostly seniors and juniors with a handful of sophomores – took residence in the hall.

In 1957, the building was renamed the Grange Building.

In 1962, it changed use from a girl’s dormitory to a residence hall for graduate students.

Four years later, the Offices of Student Aid, Student Affairs, and Division of Counseling and Placement moved into the building. In 2016, it was announced that a $1 million renovation plan for the Grange Building was planned, "to better serve the needs of the Division of Undergraduate Studies, including a new conference “List of Materials Placed in Box for Corner room, restrooms, offices, and Stone of the Grange Memorial Dormitory” includes information about the Emergency student space and waiting Building Fund Campaign, the State Grange’s areas." efforts, groundbreaking materials, and more.

The Grange Building remains Image courtesy of Penn State University Park

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Connecting America to More Opportunity We’ve invested more than $145 billion primarily in our communications infrastructure from 2019–2023 to connect more communities to greater possibility. attconnects.com/ConnectingAmerica

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©2025 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Connecting all Americans to the Technology of the Future Traditional telephone networks have been an essential part of our lives for decades, serving as a means of communication for Americans nationwide. However, these networks were designed for a different world, one where voice was the leading communications service. Today, modern networks and services play an essential role in our daily lives, connecting us to an endless number of services and opportunities.

I’m sure you have noticed how access to education, employment, healthcare and banking services has shifted online. As time goes on, more and more activities require high-speed internet at home. Every American – regardless of their location or age – should be able to participate in these activities, or the “internet economy” as it is sometimes called, but they can’t if all they have access to is the old telephone service delivered over 20th Century technologies.

As many (if not most) Americans have already moved toward newer technologies like fiber and wireless, some still use traditional landline phones delivered over copper wires, even when they have access to modern, more capable alternatives. Currently, less than 5% of our customers choose this outdated technology. For rural communities, we need to prioritize delivering newer network technologies like fiber, wireless and satellite services that are already bringing better, modern connectivity elsewhere.

Some of our customers still using the old copper network technology routinely face barriers to accessing the internet, often having to leave their homes and drive somewhere to reach a connection online. In today’s world, consumers should have easy access to dependable voice and broadband services from the comfort of their homes and shouldn’t be relying on copper technology when significantly more functional options are available.

Newer network technology also offers practical value, like increased reliability and access to public safety. During a storm or flood, copper wires are more prone to damage, and repairs are slow and costly. Also, modern public safety resources are upgraded to work with newer networks. Most first responders can support a community with Next Gen 911 features, like text, video and location sharing. These technologies help first responders locate emergencies more quickly and properly prepare in advance. However, these features aren't available if someone is calling from an old copper telephone line.

For these reasons, we are transitioning away from copperbased services across our networks and further investing in connecting our customers to more modern and reliable alternative options. Throughout this multi-year transition, keeping our customers connected remains our first priority.

No customer will lose access to voice service.

These options include fiber, wireless and satellite services that not only offer voice but also the high-speed connections

necessary in today’s world. Whether you're working, studying, in a telehealth appointment with your doctor, enjoying your favorite streaming TV show, placing a prescription refill order online or video calling with grandkids, these newer technologies ensure a smooth and reliable experience. That’s why we’re focused on expanding access to our modern networks, building on years of investment and decades of innovation.

Recognizing that fiber offers superior speed and reliability compared to certain outdated technologies, we’re continuing to deploy fiber to more locations. We’re the largest fiber builder in America and have plans to reach 50 million locations by the end of 2029.

By transitioning remaining customers from copper networks, we can bring fiber to more people as we will no longer be investing in redundant networks – instead shifting the significant resources needed to upkeep the copper network that only 5% of our customers use into further building out newer technologies.

Modern networks are far better for our customers than TDM-based copper – all more capable of improved resiliency, performance, and future innovation. There isn’t one connectivity solution that can address all customers so we’re thoughtfully investing in multiple connectivity avenues.

Wireless connectivity – including 5G – will support important applications like precision agriculture, small businesses and telehealth services in many areas where fiber deployment is uneconomical. Modern satellite services are also a tool in our connectivity toolbox, particularly in rural, hard-to-reach areas where fiber or even wireless are not options.

As we’re working through this transition, we’re collaborating with our customers and federal and state governments to ensure a smooth transition where all our customers continue having access to voice service. As customers shift from outdated products to newer technologies that better suit their voice and other connectivity needs, we are continuing to work with them to ensure that they continue to have voice connectivity throughout the process. We have approached this transition with a “high touch” process and can say that policymakers and Americans together agree it is time for us to complete the move from copper to more modern networks and invest in our future.

As we invest in our modern network infrastructure going forward, it doesn’t make sense to continue putting dollars toward copper. Even more importantly, it doesn't make sense for our customers to waste money on a service that has one capability – making a phone call – when much more reliable and functional alternatives are available.

While the old network fueled advancements in its time, we are now focused on building networks for the next century.

Challenge accepted.

We don’t expect solutions to come easy.

We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for some of the world’s most challenging diseases.

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Grange Advocacy Playbook

Engaging with Your Legislators & Local Elected Officials

The National Grange believes that engaging with legislators and local elected officials is a critical way to ensure our voices are heard in the decision-making and policy-shaping process. By actively participating in the political process, individuals – especially Grange members - can help shape legislation that impacts their livelihoods, families, and local economies. We encourage everyone to contact their elected representatives, attend town hall meetings, and become informed advocates on issues that matter most to you and to your community.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR LEGISLATORS Locate your state and federal legislators using www.congress.gov for federal representatives and your state’s legislative website for local officials. You can also use www.usa.gov/elected-officials to find all your elected officials.

Note their office locations, contact information, and any scheduled public meetings or town halls.

STEP 2: ARRANGE AN IN-PERSON MEETING Call or email your legislator’s local office to request an appointment. Make sure to start this process at least two weeks in advance of your preferred meeting date.

Be clear about your intent: "I am a constituent, and a Grange member interested in discussing [specific issue]."

Be flexible with timing and willing to meet with legislative staff if necessary.

For most federal officials, it is more likely that you’ll get a meeting with a legislative assistant or other staff member than a face-to-face with your official.

STEP 3: UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES Stay informed about key issues affecting your community and Grange priorities.

Utilize National Grange and your State Grange resources for position statements, policy briefs, and talking points.

The National Grange Journal of Proceedings has the most up-to-date National Grange policy. For your State Grange policy, reach out to your State Grange Legislative Director or President.

STEP 4: PREPARING FOR A MEETING Assemble a small group of Grange members if possible; numbers add strength.

Keep your message focused – state the issue, explain its local impact, and propose a solution.

If you don’t have a solution in mind, ask the official how THEY feel you could be proactive in solving the issue.

Bring supporting materials, such as local statistics or personal stories.

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STEP 5: ENGAGE EFFECTIVELY Be professional, polite, and concise.

Share a personal connection to the issue to make a lasting impression.

If applicable, ask for specific action, such as sponsoring or supporting a bill.

Leave behind a business card, a brochure from your Grange, a magazine/newsletter, and your contact information.

STEP 6: FOLLOW UP Send a thank-you email or letter summarizing key points from the discussion.

Stay in touch with the office by providing updates and attending public events.

Encourage fellow Grange members to engage and reinforce your advocacy efforts.

Invite the elected official to a Grange meeting if appropriate – they can discuss the issue further with your members.

STEP 7: REPEAT. REFINE. REPEAT. Develop an advocacy routine and keep it going.

A consistent routine of holding and/or attending regular events as well as face-to-face appointments will establish your Grange as being interested in the public policy process.

STEP 8: SHARE YOUR SUCCESS Inform the National Grange, your State Grange, and your local Grange about your advocacy efforts.

Share your experience on social media and within your community.

Ongoing engagement will build lasting relationships with policymakers and staff.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PERSONAL BELIEFS DO NOT ALIGN WITH GRANGE POLICY Grange Policy is wide-reaching and meant to benefit as many Americans as possible – particularly those in rural areas and small towns. It is possible that your personal beliefs may not align with Grange policy. So, what do you do then?

First, remember that you arranged a meeting to represent your Grange – if an issue comes up that doesn’t sit right with you personally, keep the Grange’s interests at heart.

Second, stay professional. You have the right not to engage in a conversation about a particular issue, or to gently steer the conversation back.

You can suggest amendments to Grange policy later by writing a resolution suggesting a change. This would pass through the resolution process – from local to State Grange, then to National Grange if appropriate. Remember that all Grange policies exist because of individual members’ ideas and participation in this grassroots process.

From Resolution to Reality: North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day

by Laurie Barnhart North Carolina State Grange Legislative Director

The Beginnings

A designated date to show appreciation to all North Carolina farmers was introduced at the beginning of the 2023 North Carolina Legislative Long Session last year. A Grange Resolution passed by Grantham Grange #968, which was then passed by the NC Grange membership, was the impetus.

After discussions with the Agriculture Committee Leadership at the General Assembly, Rep. Jimmy Dixon of Duplin County was happy to craft a bill for recognizing a North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day; and so it was that the second Thursday in November is set aside as a day of appreciation and recognition for all North Carolina farmers and farm families.

The NC Grange along with the support of our North Carolina commodities, NC Farm Bureau and the NC Dept. of Agriculture have been 100% supportive of this effort at the NC Grange. We are proud to be a part of spearheading this campaign and are committed to supporting it year after year.

For a state that ranks 3rd in Agriculture diversity and has an economic impact of over $100 billion dollars annually, we feel strongly that North Carolina farmers are deserving of a day set aside for all they do to provide food and fiber to all of us. They help make North Carolina the great state that it is.

North Carolina’s 2024 Inaugural North Carolina Farmer Appreciation Day A Rainy Celebration After more than a year of hard work and coordination, the North Carolina Grange is proud to say that the firstever North Carolina Famers Appreciation Day was a

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Spurred by a resolution from Grantham Grange, the NC legislature passed this resolution to desginate North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day.

tremendous success. The Grange, along with the support of the NC Department of Agriculture, the NC Farm Bureau and many of our North Carolina commodities, hosted this inaugural event. Special guest and keynote speaker was former United States Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

The Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year were recognized, and all of the state’s farmers were honored at a celebration dinner in the Tobacco Pavilion at the NC State Fairgrounds.

The Pavilion was fitted with clear panels to be used if it was rainy and cold, and rainy and cold it was! It was a packed house; however, a roaring fire and beautiful flower arrangements made a very cozy venue proving once again that farmers are NOT “fair-weather friends!”

NC Farmers Appreciation Day would not be possible without the efforts of the NC Grange, who led the

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named the Strawberry innovation, and a passion for Grower of the Year and agriculture extends beyond his own inducted into the NC operation. He is a valuable asset to Vegetable Growers the agricultural community and an Hall of Fame. “Curtis inspiration to other young farmers,” Smith is an anchor said Brandon Hartman, Rockingham of our local produce County Livestock and Forage Crops community. Young and Extension Agent. beginning farmers look Norwood said he was shocked to Curtis for guidance to be a finalist, let alone win Young and try to emulate Farmer of the Year. He said of the him,” said nominators other finalists, “I’ve learned to respect Lisa Rayburn and them very much and what they do.

Tammy Kelly of I’m still in shock over here because I NC Cooperative don’t feel like I do anything more than Extension. “He serves so many other people do every day.” as an unofficial mentor Other finalists in the Farmer of the Past U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was a to many aspiring Year category included runner-up, special guest and keynote speaker at the celebration banquet.

Photo provided growers while also Marlowe Ivey of Goldsboro and third serving a role in place, Reggie Strickland of Mt. Olive. supporting the entire Young Farmer of the Year finalists initiative to have a designated day to were Ethan Lineberger of Dallas in show appreciation for North Carolina local produce community.”

Receiving Young Farmer of the second place and Adam Barnhardt of Farmers. With support from the NC Dept. of Agriculture, NC Farm Bureau, Year (35 years or younger) was John Mooresville in third place.

In addition to farmers and and NC commodities, the initiative Norwood of Ruffin. Norwood is a special guests was presented to Rep. Jimmy Dixon fifth-generation farmer producing agriculturalists, of Duplin County who crafted a bill to beef, pork, hay, lamb, blueberries, NC Representative Jimmy Dixon, recognize a North Carolina Farmers and blackberries to individuals and NC Senator Brent Jackson, NC restaurants. He volunteers as a leader Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Appreciation Day. Every second Thursday in in both FFA, 4-H and the NC Farm Troxler, and Ray Starling with the NC November is set aside as a day of Bureau. “John Norwood exemplifies Chamber were also in attendance at appreciation and recognition for all the qualities of a young farmer the celebration dinner.

North Carolina farmers and farm worth recognizing. His leadership, families. North Carolina agriculture is over a $100 billion industry, driving much of the state’s economic success.

Behind this robust industry are the hard-working farmers who produce our food, fuel, and fiber. North Carolina is home to over 46,000 farms, many of which are more than 100 years old. The state has deep roots in agriculture, and a bright future.

This year’s NC Farmer of the Year went to Curtis Smith of Seven Springs.

TC Smith grows a variety of produce on his farm including strawberries, cantaloupe, sweet corn, collards and NC State Grange President Jimmy Gentry (at podium, right) addresses the audience watermelon. He is a fourth-generation and recognizes Rep. Jimmy Dixon (left), who was the driving force behind the bill farmer who is heavily involved in the that brought Farmers Appreciation Day to life.

Photo provided agricultural community. He has been

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Washington Grangers assemble in capitol to advocate for rural concerns Youth/Junior Grange Legislative Experience

by Tom Gwin Washington State Grange President Every year, the Washington State Grange holds a Legislative Day to provide a platform for Grange members to converge upon the state capital in Olympia to engage with lawmakers, advocate for rural communities, and address key issues impacting agriculture, education, and rural life across the state.

This annual event has become a cornerstone of the Grange’s mission to foster democracy, strengthen communities, and create meaningful dialogue between Grangers and their elected officials.

In January, the Washington State Grange held two events designed for Grange members to learn about the legislative process while advocating for rural concerns.

Youth and Junior Grange members gather in front of the Washington State Capitol in Olympia for their legislative experience day.

Photo provided

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The Youth/Junior Grange Legislative Experience was held January 19-20 with young members from four Granges in attendance. The group started their program at the State Grange Office, just four blocks from the state capitol. As it was a beautiful day, the delegation walked to the capitol building for a tour and scavenger hunt. After taking pictures, the group trekked back to the Grange Office. The State Grange Youth Department treated the delegates and their chaperones to dinner later in the evening.

Monday, January 20, started with a speaker, Dylan Brown, Government Relations Director for Quinn Thomas. Dylan is a Washington Legislature veteran. He came into the legislature as an intern as well as held positions on campaigns, as caucus policy staff and caucus communications staff. Dylan spoke to the group about how to engage the legislature and ways to get into a career at the capital.

The youth delegates also met with Myra Hernandez, the Washington State Senate Director of Civic Education. She spoke to the group about page and internship opportunities on campus and answered questions.

The youth attended committee meetings and had appointments with the state legislators. While the intent of the meetings was primarily educational, youth delegates were able to address their concerns with their legislators.

The delegation from the 7th Legislative District met with State Representative Andrew Engell and his aide. Grange members included: Rusty Hunt and Marcus Dingman of St. Andrews Grange, Douglas and Marie Woodrow of Okanogan Grange, and Elton Kearney of Kettle River Grange.

Photo provided

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Washington State Grangers gathered at the capitol building to advocate on behalf of issues in their home districts and across the state.

Photo provided

Washington State Legislative Day

Grange

The Grange’s Annual Legislative Day was held on February 4. Nearly ninety Grangers gathered at the State Grange Office in Olympia for orientation and a presentation by State Grange Government Lobbyist Jesse Taylor.

Grangers then made the trek to the State Capitol Building for tours, legislative meetings, and additional speakers. The State Grange made appointments for each attendee to meet with their State Representatives and Senator or their office staff. The time between appointments was filled with attending hearings of the Senate and House Committees.

This year’s speakers included State Senator Mike Chapman of the 24th Legislative District, who also serves as the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Chair. Chapman spoke about the legislative process, the WDFW commission, agriculture bills currently under consideration by

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the committee, and what it is like to chair a committee.

The group also heard from Joel McEntire of the 19th Legislative District. McEntire spoke to the group mainly about the capital budget process and discussed “how the sausage is made” at the capitol.

He discussed bills before the House Education Committee, of which he is a member.

The delegation also heard from Evan Scheffles, WA State Department of Agriculture Policy Director. He reviewed who the main points of contact are at the WSDA and how to reach out to them. Scheffles also spoke about the budget process and how WSDA advocates for policy in the legislature while also being part of the governor’s cabinet.

State Grange staff made appointments for each of the delegates to meet with their legislators, advocating for rural concerns and Grange policy regarding those concerns. Many

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Washington State Grange Lobbyist Jesse Taylor presented an orientation about the lobbying/advocacy process.

Photo provided

delegates met with their legislators to gather support for their application for Capital Budget Funds, which will be allocated later in the session.

The 90 participants represented 40 Subordinate/Community Granges, covering 19 separate legislative districts. Most were firsttime participants at the event.

Lunch was served at the State Grange Office, around the legislators’ scheduled appointments. The four-block trek was reinvigorating for most of the delegates.

Following lunch and additional meetings, Grange members returned to the State Grange Office, where Grange Lobbyist Jesse Taylor completed the day with a debriefing session. It was a great day for the Grange and agriculture in the State of Washington!

Do you really know what you’re injecting into your body?

They may call it “semaglutide,” but it’s not real FDA-approved medicine, and it’s not proven safe or effective.

Some compounded semaglutide vials have been found to contain dangerous impurities, banned substances, or incorrect doses.

Bottom line: If the label doesn’t say Wegovy® (semaglutide) or Ozempic (semaglutide), it’s not FDA approved and you have no idea what’s inside. ®

FDA declares the shortage is over, ask your health care professional about the real Wegovy® and Ozempic®.

Your health deserves the real thing.

Get the facts at semaglutide.com

Please see Prescribing Information at semaglutide.com.

By scanning the QR code, we may collect aggregate data for analytics. No personal information will be collected.

Wegovy® and Ozempic® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. © 2025 Novo Nordisk Printed in the U.S.A. US25NNM00064 February 2025

Differences Matter with GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

by Nancy Glick National Consumers League

Imagine a disease as big a health hazard as smoking, as deadly as opioid addiction, and that worsens hundreds of chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

Shouldn’t this disease get serious attention from healthcare professionals and shouldn’t people with this disease get timely effective treatment? And shouldn’t people with this disease be protected from marketers making misleading claims about unregulated treatments?

Obviously yes, if the disease is cancer or a stroke. But this is not always true for obesity.

Why? Because obesity is not regarded as a serious matter, even though more than 100 million Americans are living with obesity, representing more than 40 percent of adults. This is concerning because studies show that obesity worsens the outcomes of over 230 obesityrelated chronic diseases, is linked to approximately 400,000 premature deaths each year and costs the U.S. economy an estimated $1.72 trillion annually.

Yet, these numbers only begin to document the problem in rural America where the rates are 6.2 times higher than in urban America.

Many factors are involved – from diet, lifestyle, income, and education to transportation challenges and healthcare deserts. But what is adding the most fuel to the crisis are the many health providers who are uninformed

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Editorial photo via Adobe Stock

about treatment, and the coverage policies of Medicare, Medicaid and many health plans, which exclude FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, so these treatments are out of reach.

Taken together, these challenges have led to what the National Consumers League now considers the nation’s second obesity crisis -an escalating “infodemic” of false information circulating online about popular weight loss drugs called “glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists” or GLP-1s. These new medicines, which work in the body to reduce appetite and slow digestion, can achieve a weight loss of 5-15 of body weight over 12-72 weeks.

Accordingly, demand has spiked and many consumers, especially those without insurance coverage for these drugs, are seeking cheaper versions of GLP-1 drugs from online sources.

Paying less for GLP-1 drugs is a plus if all GLP-1 medications are

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essentially the same medicines. But this is not the case, and differences really matter. The less expensive drugs promoted online are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they are untested compounds. In contrast, several GLP1 drugs are FDA-approved because the manufacturers were required to conduct long-term human studies demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of these drugs and FDA cleared these medicines based on scientific evidence.

When drugs are FDA-approved, FDA also sets specific requirements regarding which people qualify for treatment and the responsibilities of the manufacturer. For GLP-1 drugs, FDA determined that adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are eligible for treatment as well as individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have a chronic condition. FDA also requires manufacturers of approved GLP-1s to tell the public what side effects are

possible with these medications in their ads and online information.

Regarding non-approved GLP-1 drugs, none of these rules apply. The drugs are called “compounded” medicines because FDA allows specialized pharmacists to combine, mix or change the ingredients in the original drug under special circumstances, such as the patient needs the medicine in a different form.

Because compounded drugs are intended to be custommade, FDA does not approve these drugs for use. This means Statistics via the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute, the American Lung Association, and the Alzheimer’s Association. that compounders do not have to follow the same rules as the approved drugs when it comes to has identified thousands of websites that promote the conducting safety tests, putting information in ads about illegal sale of GLP-1 drugs. possible side effects, or reporting serious health problems Additionally, NCL is aware of new research reported in to FDA. the JAMA Health Forum, which finds that many websites This system works for a one-of-a-kind compounded for mass-produced compounded GLP-1 drugs do not drug for a specific person, but not as well for many people include information about the drugs’ adverse effects and with obesity seeking treatment with GLP-1 drugs. FDA use misleading language suggesting the compounded allows pharmacies to make compounded drugs during a product is FDA-approved or equivalent to an FDA shortage, which occurred for branded GLP-1 drugs due to approved GLP-1 drug. high consumer demand. The shortage is now over and FDA Because these practices can put people’s health at is working with compounders to wind down sales. However, risk, on February 5, NCL issued a national alert calling on the National Consumers League (NCL) is concerned that consumers and health professionals to heed the warnings some sellers, including illegal online pharmacies, will from the FDA that compounded versions of GLP-1 drugs continue to hype their drugs safe, cheaper, “doctor tested” now widely promoted on television and online are not alternatives to FDA-approved GLP-1 medicines when their approved and may cause serious health problems. At the products are untested, unapproved drugs, and the source same time, numerous medical societies and state Attorneys of the ingredients are not known.

General have joined with NCL in issuing warnings that urge Does this matter? FDA says yes and warns that consumers to obtain prescriptions for GLP-1 medications compounded GLP-1s may contain incorrect dosages, the from a trusted health provider and to fill the prescription at wrong ingredients, too much, too little or none of the an appropriately licensed pharmacy. active ingredients, and possibly bacteria. Underscoring It is due to threats like this that NCL partnered with the the potential health consequences from dosing errors and National Council on Aging and leading obesity specialists exposure to the wrong ingredients, FDA has received 607 to develop and issue the first Obesity Bill of Rights for the adverse event reports related to compounded versions nation with eight essential rights, starting with the right to of GLP-1 drugs as of November 24, 2024, many of which accurate, credible, science-based information on obesity involve life-threatening and even deadly consequences. and obesity treatment.

This includes approximately 10 deaths and over 100 In furtherance of this important right, NCL urges hospitalizations. consumers not to assume that compounded GLP-1 drugs Besides the potential health risks, the National sold online are FDA approved or that medical societies Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) warns that illegal endorse the use of these drugs. Rather, it is best to follow online pharmacies are selling substandard or falsified GLPthe advice of the FDA and many health organizations to 1 drugs without holding the required pharmacy licensure avoid these untested versions due to concerns about their and without requiring a valid prescription. In fact, NABP safety, quality, effectiveness and unknown ingredients.

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3 Myths about Rural Education that are Holding Students Back

By Shaneka Williams Professor & Department Chair of Educational Administration, Michigan State University

As scholars who study rural education, we compiled a list of three facts about rural education accompanied by the myths that would help policymakers better design programs to support rural students.

PhD Student in Educational Administration, Michigan State University

1. Rural communities are becoming more diverse

Darren Dubose

and Kimberly Clarida

Postdoctoral Researcher in Educational Administration, Michigan State University Originally published by The Conversation

Much has been written about the potential consequences of getting rid of the Department of Education, one of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promises.

Little of the discussion that we’ve seen has focused on the impact on rural schools, which often depend more than urban ones on federal funding.

In fact, rural education often can seem like an afterthought to policymakers and scholars, who tend to design reforms aimed at urban and suburban areas, even though 20% of the nation’s students are educated in rural schools.

This lack of rural research and focus has perpetuated many myths and misconceptions about rural education that overlook the strengths and opportunities for students who attend rural schools.

There’s a myth that rural communities are overwhelmingly white. While it’s true that most rural counties are majority white, these communities are becoming increasingly diverse.

The share of people of color in rural communities climbed from 20% in 2010 to 24% in 2020, according to U.S. Census data. In addition, people of color make up a majority of residents in 10% of rural counties.

This is because while white people are leaving, people of color are moving in. From 2010 to 2020, over 2 million white people left rural communities, while more than 2 million people of color took their place. The number of rural people who identified as multiracial doubled to nearly 4 million over the same period, and all rural communities except those in Arizona saw an increase in their Latino population.

While the Black population in rural America shrank somewhat during the 2010s, it remains the case that the largest concentration of Black people outside of cities is in the rural South. In fact, 81% of Black people who don’t live in cities live in the South, a legacy of slavery and how generations of Africans were forcefully taken to work the land as free labor.

Without truly understanding who resides in these communities, educators and policymakers cannot adequately address students’ needs. Failure to do so widens opportunity gaps for rural students, particularly those who reside in the South.

2. Rural educators know how to succeed

Despite myths and misleading statistics, students in rural areas achieve just as much as their peers elsewhere.

Editorial photo via AdobeStock

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Another myth is that rural communities lack the knowledge or resources to succeed in educating their youth.

As such, policymakers often fail to include rural communities’ cultural capital when they develop textbooks, teacher training plans and education policies. By cultural capital, we mean the knowledge, skills, education and advantages that people inherit and use to achieve success in society.

One glaring example is that rural communities are rarely represented in teaching materials and curricula, which frequently ignore their local knowledge, traditions and values. This creates a gap in students’ ability to see themselves in jobs and positions outside of their personal contexts. And it hampers teachers’ ability to leverage student strengths when teachers are unprepared to connect with their backgrounds.

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State and federal education funding is another example of rural students’ cultural capital being overlooked. Too often, funding policies penalize rural schools for their smaller sizes by supporting the closure and consolidation of schools and overlooking their need for more money to account for lower revenue from local and property taxes. This results in a disruption of rural communities’ strong social cohesion and abandoned buildings that reduce economic opportunities.

Community initiatives and local programs provide important resources that larger urban districts might take for granted.

A new grant initiative at Michigan State University that all three of us are involved with aims to help change this. Focused on helping teachers better engage high school physics and chemistry students, the program is collaborating with two historically Black colleges and univerities in the rural South to provide rural students with access to more advanced science courses. By working with Alabama A&M University and Winston-Salem State University, it helps ensure local communities’ cultural capital are part of the program. It also seeks to pull together community partnerships to advance science access and learning in the South.

By redesigning policies to take advantage of rural cultural capital, communities and policymakers could unlock untapped potential within rural schools and enhance educational

Despite the size and nature of rural school districts, students in these communities are growing more diverse. Policymakers need to have a better grasp of who is living in these communities in order to better serve their students.

Editorial photo via AdobeStock

outcomes for all students regardless of where they live. We believe such policies could foster stronger connections between rural K-12 public schools and their surrounding communities, creating more relevant and engaging learning experiences for students.

3. Rural students are high achievers

A third myth is that rural students underachieve. As a result, their academic success is too often overlooked by researchers and educators.

In reality, students in rural areas meet the same measures of success as in urban ones – especially in the early years. For example, math and reading scores are higher in rural than nonrural schools before the third grade, according to the Center for School and Student Progress. After that, the higher scores begin to fade due to summer learning loss. After schools close over the summer, rural students are generally left with few formal summer learning opportunities, compared with those in more urban areas. There is a strong need for more state and federal money to increase access to summer learning opportunities.

Despite this widespread learning loss, graduation rates among rural students are higher than those of nonrural students.

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But once again, policymakers fail these students, who have collegegoing rates that are lower than in urban areas.

Some of the most common factors contributing to this trend include limited access to transportation, the distance between students’ hometowns and colleges and universities, and lower awareness of financial aid opportunities. In addition, students in the rural South have less access than other students to advanced science courses like physics and chemistry, which can block postsecondary opportunities.

We believe debunking these and other myths and recognizing the diverse strengths of rural communities would help ensure that all students across the nation, including those in rural areas, can attain long-term educational and economic success.

Disclosure: Sheneka Williams receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Darren Dubose and Kimberly Clarida do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Michigan State University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation US.

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When Retirees go Rural As many retirees choose to relocate to more rural areas, they bring their resources and expertise to communities that can often use them. In return, they get a community they were often missing in their urban homes.

by Pat Raia originally published by The Daily Yonder When Karen Sicner and her husband John made the decision to relocate from metro Atlanta to build a new home on a two-acre homesite in rural Sylva, North Carolina, moving closer to their daughter and her family in Tennessee was a major factor. Since then though, they’ve discovered that there are other perks connected to trading city life for the county living that have nothing to do with getting geographically closer to family.

“I’ve been downtown (Atlanta) today and it’s going to take me an hour or more to get home and it’s only 20 miles away,” Sicner said. “I won’t miss the traffic and the congestion and who knows, it might be cheaper to live in the country, too.”

The Sicners are among those seniors who are increasingly swapping their homes in urban or even suburban areas for ones situated on anywhere from two to ten rural acres in the Carolinas, Maine, Missouri, Texas, and elsewhere.

And while it seems that this is a tactic for elders to avoid high costs, high crime and over development, those who keep an eye on who moves where in America say it has been happening off and on for decades.

According to University of New Hampshire researcher and senior demographer Kenneth Johnson, the relocation of older adults from urban areas to rural locales began

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in the 1970s, waned in the 1980s, enjoyed an uptick in the 1990s and after slowing in during the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009, picket up again in 2010 and beyond.

“We don’t have good data on age specific migration patterns after 2020, but, all the data I have looked at suggests a significant increase in migration of older adults to rural recreation and retirement areas since 2020,” Johnson said in an interview.

Where they went had to do with places they had been before, he said.

“In many cases, the older adults have prior experience in these areas either from vacationing there or having seasonal homes.”

That’s exactly what Andy Mooers

has seen for the better part of 45 years spent matching retirees with real estate in northern Maine.

“People start with a vacation home here and then begin to ask how they can live here full time,” he told The Daily Yonder. “People come from Florida, Texas, Georgia or from Illinois in an effort to avoid the traffic and the high taxes -and some people are buying a farm and hope they will have a piece of land for their kids.”

According to Mooers, some of his clients make the move from the city to rural Maine just to escape the stuff of urban life. “This is Mayberry,” he said. “We don’t have the traffic and we don’t have the crime and we don’t have (high) cost of living, either.”

The small community of West Plains, Missouri became a welcome retreat for retirement for Mary Eaton Campbell and her husband Rich.

Photo by Paltron, via Wikimedia - CC BY-SA 4.0

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In fact, the prospect of stretching retirement funds indefinitely can tip the relocation scales for seniors who ponder making any move.

“Say your house in the urban area sold for $400,000 plus and you buy one for $100,000 in small town Maine or in the country somewhere, it’s the right move to the right location,” Mooers said.

Add to that lower costs of everything from car insurance to property taxes to some groceries, and the move to the country seems the obvious choice.

It’s exactly the choice that Mary Eaton Campbell and her husband Rich made when they relocated from Loomis near Sacramento, California, to a house in a 31home development in Nixa, Missouri, then to a 10-acre homestead in West Plains, Missouri, in January 2021.

“The community mailbox was right next to my house,” Eaton Campbell recalled in an interview. “Basically, all we did was change our zipcode.”

So the couple searched for a homesite further into the country and found themselves purchasing a home built in 1977 on 10-acres of pastureland, featuring a workshop for Rich and a mining shed that Eaton Campbell turned into a She-Shed.

“Neither one of us ever had property like this before,” she said.

Eaton Campbell immediately subscribed to the local newspaper and her husband undertook the care of the property. In between, the pair began to connect with other members of the community.

They quickly met and became friends with the neighbors, and learned about the church and social groups from another woman who also became a friend.

Meanwhile, Rich connected with members of a local Amish community who offered to bush hog the property for the hay that grew on it and who helped connect with others around.

“We have closer relationships to our neighbors than we ever did in our subdivision,” she said. “When you are in a metro area or a subdivision, there are so many people that you become invisible.”

What is not always close is certain quality medical care and those who choose a rural life must be prepared to travel to get it.

“For example, my dentist is about an hour away in Mountain Home, Arkansas,” Campbell explained. “But it’s a beautiful drive and when I go I make a day of it shopping, too.”

In fact, the availability and proximity of quality medical care is something Eaton Campbell researched early on and that Sicner also considered when she bought her North Carolina homesite.

But that’s just one of the things that gerontologist Nancy Schier-Anzelmo, principal in Alzheimer’s Care Associates, a California-based counseling practice specializing in senior care, recommends that retirees research before making their move.

“Make sure you research your options,” SchierAnselmo advised in an interview with the Yonder. “As we get older it’s hard to make new friends and that’s why it’s important to find your tribe – those people who are at the same stage of life and have the same life experience as you do.”

Even so, seniors who move into smaller, rural communities are not the only ones who benefit from the move, researcher Johnson told The Daily Yonder. The communities at large experience an increased economic activity as newcomers purchase supplies and other products from local retailers, support local cultural, church and charitable organizations, purchase medical and other services and even boost housing and land prices.

“An additional benefit that many non-metro areas get from a stream of older migrants is the considerable expertise and experience with large corporate and government bureaucracies that many migrants have from a long career,” Johnson said. “Many local nonprofit organizations and even government units can benefit from this expertise given the shortage of staff and limited resources that many organizations in rural areas have.”

For Mary Eaton Campbell though, the benefits of her new rural home are more than economic.

“I have no regrets,” she said. “One of my greatest joys is waking up in the morning, having my coffee on the porch and looking out on our land – at this point in our lives, we better be living our best life.”

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download our app to learn more Network Pass: Eligible for users not already on the T-Mobile network; 1 trial per user. Compatible unlocked device required. Limited-time offer; subject to change. 5G device required to access 5G network. Data available for 3 monthly cycles for approximately 90 days. During congestion, customers on this plan using>50GB/mo. may notice reduced speeds until next monthly cycle due to data prioritization. Video typically streams on smartphone/tablet in SD quality. Tethering not available. Not for international use. Active non-T-Mobile service required; your carrier's terms also apply. You may need to upgrade when you switch to get full coverage. Coverage not available in some areas. See Network Management Policies & Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information. T-Mobile, the T logo, Magenta and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2025 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

7 Garden Growing Basics for Beginners 3. Understand the importance of quality soil. You may think any dirt will do, but keep in mind the soil you Growing your own produce is an all-around smart plant in will be the primary source of nutrients for practice, from the money you’ll save at the grocery store your produce. Not only that, but quality soil provides to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet. stability so plants can root firmly and grow healthy Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it’s a project and sturdy to support their bounty. Quality soil even a beginner can tackle with ease. Consider these tips to also allows for ample drainage. Organic matter like start growing your at-home garden: compost, leaf mold or aged manure all help improve 1. Select a perfect spot. You’ll want to place your soil quality.

4. Keep water close. Lugging water can quickly garden in an area where you see it often so you’re eliminate the pleasure of tending your garden, so be reminded to weed and care for it regularly. Find a sure you’re situated near a hose. You’ll know it’s time flat area you can access easily, where erosion and to water when the soil is dry about an inch below the other pitfalls (including hungry wildlife) won’t be a surface. problem.

5. Plan for plenty of sun. A bright, sunny spot is a must, 2. Choose between ground and containers. There since most vegetables, herbs and fruits depend on are pros and cons to gardening in containers vs. six or more hours of sun every day. Remember the the ground, and there’s no universal right choice. sun’s path changes throughout the year, and as trees Rather, the best garden depends on your goals and and foliage grow, they may produce more shade preferences. A ground garden usually offers more with each growing season. space and may provide a better growth environment 6. Consider what you’ll grow. Starting with veggies you for roots. However, a container garden is often easier know you like is a smart starting point since you’ll be to maintain and may be all you need if you wish to pouring sweat equity into making them grow. Over grow just a few plants. time, you might add new varieties, but early on, keep your focus on foods you know you like so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste. You’ll also need to consider what you can grow to maturity within your area’s growing season. If necessary, you might want to start transplants you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the temperatures allow.

7.

Plant according to a calendar.

Knowing how long it takes different foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar. You don’t want to harvest everything at once, and if you stagger planting and replant what you can, you’ll have a garden that produces food for your family for a longer period of time.

Find more helpful tips for managing your Photo courtesy of UnSplash home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.

Courtesy of Family Features

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Harness the Power of Walking: Benefits of being physically active Courtesy of Family Features

make a world of difference for heart health and mental clarity.

A walk isn’t just good for your body; it’s a simple, powerful way to care for your mind and soul. Physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood and promotes overall well-being. Yet physical activity levels in the United States continue to decline, a trend threatening both mental and physical health.

Less than half of adults and fewer than 1 in 5 children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update.

National recommendations call for children to get at least one hour of physical activity each day, but the latest statistics show less than 19% of children in the U.S. achieve that target.

Meanwhile, less than half of adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity.

What’s more, according to data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1 in 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health.

For decades, the American Heart Association has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country through events like National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 2. These tips and information can help you understand how a brisk walk can

Benefits of Physical Activity

Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.

The physical health benefits may be obvious, but research suggests physical activity can also help bring more joy to your life. According to the 2019 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, people who get the recommended amount of physical activity are less likely to experience depression.

Regular physical activity enhances your mood, sharpens your mind, improves sleep and boosts overall well-being, all while reducing the risk of disease and depression and increasing both the quality and longevity of life.

How to Be More Physically Active

Exercise as simple as a brisk walk can put a major spring in your step. It can even energize you to finish other tasks at hand, whether it’s cooking or running errands. Give your daily physical activity level a boost with these tips: • Exercising outdoors is a great way to get moving.

Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging and improve mood. It’s even better if you can enjoy the sunshine outside, which can improve mood, boost your immunity and help you get some vitamin D. • Invite a family member or friend along with you.

It’s good for them, it’s good for you and it’s good company all around.

• Instead of wondering if you’ll move today, explore how you’ll move. A walk, a dance or a stretch all count.

Getting Pets Involved

Pets are part of your family, and they can help you get healthy together. Pets provide a fun reason to spend more time outside and get the exercise needed to reduce the risk of disease later in life.

Getting moving along with your pet adds more exercise to your routine, which means living longer, reducing risk of dying from heart attack or stroke, reducing risk of diabetes, reducing stress and even boosting your overall happiness and well-being.

Exercising with your pet can also mean enjoying more socializing. You may find yourself meeting other dog owners in your area on a walk or at the dog park.

Photo courtesy of ShutterStock

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Learn more about how simple habits like walking can support your overall health at heart.org/MoveMore.

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Older Adults Can Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls With These Doctors’ Tips Courtesy of StatePoint Media Among older Americans, falls are the number one cause of injuries and death from injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not only are seniors more at risk for falls, but when they do fall, they are at a greater risk for injuries, hospitalization and complications.

Medical experts say that for people of all ages, a ground-up approach to fall prevention starts with healthy feet.

“Painful foot conditions, such as osteoarthritis, calluses, bunions, hammertoes and diabetes complications, can make it difficult to maintain balance and coordination when walking or standing,” says Bryn J. Laubacher, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ACFAS). “Compounding the issue is that when you are suffering from a painful foot condition, it can be more difficult to engage in the strength and balance exercises that ultimately reduce fall risk.”

Experts say that eliminating foot pain can lessen one’s

Photo (c) Paperkites / iStock via Getty Images Plus

chances of experiencing a life-altering fall. That’s why the foot and ankle surgeons of ACFAS offer these steps for

Fortunately, many surgical techniques today can be

keeping feet and ankles strong and healthy:

performed on an outpatient basis. There are also more

Don’t ignore pain: Foot pain is not just a normal consequence of aging, so don’t ignore aching and suffering or resign yourself to it. You likely have a treatable condition.

See a foot and ankle surgeon when you experience pain for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Examine your feet: Regularly inspect your feet. If you notice any bumps, lumps or other changes, make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon for evaluation.

Exercise: Simple stretching exercises can help you maintain strength and mobility in your feet and ankles, as well as provide pain relief. Talk to your physician about appropriate exercises for you.

Protect: Wear cushioned insoles or any special footwear you are prescribed, along with comfortable, well-fitting and

According to Dr. Laubacher, new medical technologies and ground-breaking surgical interventions, such as bioengineered scaffolding for reconstructive surgery, minimally invasive techniques and stem cell regeneration, are helping patients restore functionality and get back to normal faster than ever before, For more ways to keep feet and ankles healthy and prevent falls, and to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the ACFAS patient education website. Foot and ankle surgeons are experts in providing both conservative care as well as surgical approaches to foot and ankle healthcare.

“Remember, just one fall can have a major impact on a person’s independence and quality of life. That’s why it’s so

supportive shoes, every day – even around the house.

Consider advanced options: Know that at times, surgery is the most appropriate treatment for a given condition.

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options than ever before.

important to prevent falls by taking care of your feet and ankles,” says Dr. Laubacher.

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Know Your Hearing Hearing is foundational to your health. Yet you may not understand your hearing like you do your vision, blood pressure, or other measures of health and wellness.

YOUR HEARING NUMBERS WILL CHANGE OVER TIME It’s not just you—everybody’s hearing changes over time because the parts of the inner ear that detect sound wear out throughout our lives.

Children and young adults can hear very soft sounds and may have Hearing Numbers as low as -10 dB. But as we get older, our Hearing Numbers get higher.

LEARN YOUR HEARING NUMBERS Your Hearing Numbers tell you, in decibels (dB), the softest speech sound you can hear in each ear. The higher your Hearing Numbers are, the harder it is to hear and communicate in noisy places.

Use a free app from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to learn your Hearing Numbers. All you need is about five minutes, a smartphone or tablet, and a pair of earbuds or headphones.

DOWNLOAD THE HEARING NUMBER APP!

Apple App Store

Google Play

USE YOUR HEARING NUMBERS TO HEAR BETTER

FOR ALL HEARING NUMBERS

Get close and face-to-face with the person you want to hear Turn down background sounds, like music or the TV

FOR HEARING NUMBERS OF ABOUT 10 TO 60 dB

Over-the-counter (or OTC) hearing aids

FOR HEARING NUMBERS OF ABOUT 20 TO 90 dB

Prescription hearing aids

FOR HEARING NUMBERS OF ABOUT 60 dB AND HIGHER

Cochlear implants

PROTECT YOUR HEARING The most important thing you can do to protect your hearing is to avoid loud sounds. If you can’t move away from or turn down loud sounds, use hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs.

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DAY! MAGAZINE I GOOD Learn more at HearingNumber.org www.nationalgrange.org ™

Know Your Hearing!

By Molly Sheehan and Frank Lin, MD, PhD Our ability to hear allows us to understand the world around us and stay engaged with families, friends, and colleagues. Enjoying the wind chimes on your porch, talking with friends or grandchildren, listening to music, and tuning into emergency alerts are all possible because of our hearing.

For all of us, though, our hearing will gradually and subtly decline over time. By the time we’re in our 40s, 7% of us will experience some hearing loss. By our 60s, that number grows to 27%, and by our 80s and older, 82%. Hearing loss is inevitable even for those of us who didn’t attend loud concerts or crank up the volume in our earbuds.

All too often, people perceive hearing loss as an inconsequential part of aging. Scientists now know that nothing could be further from the truth. By understanding this important aspect of your health, you can track the changes to your hearing that occur naturally over time and know when to use technologies to protect your hearing and hear better.

For many people, though, understanding their hearing

By the time we’re in our 40s, 7% of us will experience some hearing loss. By our 60s, that number grows to 27%, and by our 80s and older, 82%.

Editorial photo via AdobeStock

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is a challenge. You may know your height and weight or track your blood pressure and other measures of health and wellness. But how does hearing even work? How does it change over time, and how does hearing loss affect our health? And most importantly, what can we do about it?

How Hearing Works Hearing takes place in two steps.

The first step is that your inner ear (the cochlea) takes in the everyday sounds, made up of thousands of different pitches and intensities, and converts these different sounds into a signal that is transmitted to the brain.

The second step of hearing occurs when your brain receives the signal from the ear and decodes it into meaning, whether the sound you just heard was someone saying your name, a clap of thunder, birds flying by, or perhaps all three at once. To do this, your brain relies not only on the signal sent from your ear but also visual cues: the context of the ongoing conversation, the darkening sky, the movement in the trees.

Your Hearing Changes Over Time There are many different types of hearing loss, but the most common type develops over time as parts of the inner ear wear out. This happens so gradually and subtly that you may not even notice that your hearing is changing.

The inner ear is made up of specialized cells that are responsible for converting sounds into a signal that your brain can decode. Unfortunately, these specialized cells can’t regenerate once they wear out and have become damaged.

As these cells wear out, the inner ear becomes less accurate at encoding the sounds into a precise neural signal. Your brain still receives a signal from the ear, but the signal comes across as garbled and unclear. That’s why it sounds as if other people aren’t speaking clearly or are mumbling.

We didn’t always understand how hearing contributes to our overall health or the consequences of hearing loss for adults. But we now understand that treating hearing loss has long-term implications for keeping us healthy.

For example, scientists and doctors have long known the positive benefits that addressing hearing loss can have on relationships and personal well-being. Feeling withdrawn and detached from others is linked with poor health effects like early mortality, heart attacks, and cognitive decline.

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As well, hearing is one of several systems in our bodies that allow our brain to maintain our body’s balance, reducing risk of falls as we get older.

Hearing loss also impacts our brain health. Research has shown that treating hearing loss in older adults who had more risk factors for cognitive decline slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over three years.

There are three main mechanisms that may explain why hearing loss may be associated with cognitive decline. First, with hearing loss, speech and sound are garbled by the time they reach the brain, which requires the brain to use extra effort for processing and deciphering this speech and sound. The brain then has fewer resources for thinking and memory, which can contribute to declining cognition. Second, with hearing loss, the parts of the brain that are stimulated by speech and sound are now under stimulated, which can lead to atrophy and changes in brain structure and function. Third, hearing loss can make communicating with others more difficult, which can lead to social isolation, another risk factor for dementia.

The good news is that protecting your hearing and treating hearing loss early may help lower these risks.

By taking simple steps now, you can keep your brain and ears healthy for years to come.

healthy hearing can have Hearing Numbers as low as -10 dB, and this number increases as we get older.

Generally, the higher your Hearing Numbers are, the harder it will be to hear and communicate in noisy places.

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has released a smartphone app for Android and Apple that makes it free, fast, and easy to test your hearing in each ear. The app is part of a public health campaign to raise awareness about the importance of monitoring, protecting, and optimizing hearing at all ages. Knowing and tracking your Hearing Numbers is an easy way to understand your hearing. It can empower you to protect your hearing and know when to use strategies and technologies to hear and communicate better.

If you have AirPods Pro 2 and an iPhone or iPad, you can also learn your Hearing Numbers with the clinical-grade Apple hearing test.

You can also learn about your hearing from a hearing care professional, such as an audiologist or hearing instrument specialists. An ear, nose, and throat physician (also called an ENT or an otolaryngologist), can evaluate your hearing, particularly if you have any medical concerns about your hearing, like ear pain or discharge.

Know Your Hearing

Communication strategies and everyday technologies can help you hear better, no matter what your hearing is like. Some things are intuitive, and some take some tinkering with your personal tech devices, but all these tips are easy to implement:

One of the easiest ways to begin understanding your hearing is to know your Hearing Numbers. Known clinically as the four-frequency pure tone average, Hearing Numbers tell you, in decibels, the softest speech sound you can hear in each ear. Children and young adults with

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Use Easy Tools to Hear Better

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Get close. Being closer to the person you want to hear is always better, ideally, at arm’s length for a conversation. This is because sound loudness and quality both drop off quickly with distance. In particular, in certain rooms or buildings with high ceilings or lots of hard surfaces, there can be a lot of echo or reverberation which rapidly degrades the quality of the voice you want to hear. When you can’t be at arm’s length (for example, listening to a speaker in a lecture room or attending religious services), being in the front row rather than the back of the room can make all the difference between understanding everything that is said versus only catching every few words.

Be face to face. This allows your brain to use the visual cues of lip movements and facial expressions to ‘decode’ in real-time the incoming sounds. These cues are hugely helpful for allowing your brain to quickly interpret sounds into meaning.

Choose the best environment for hearing. Rooms that are smaller and have lower ceilings and soft surfaces such as curtains and rugs, have less echo and reverberation than cavernous spaces with hard walls and floors. When possible, turn down any background noise, like a television or music, when talking to others.

When something is unclear, summarize and repeat. For example, if your spouse is asking you about plans for the evening but you only caught a few words around ‘dinner’, rather than saying “huh?”, you should instead say “I heard you say something about dinner but missed the rest.” This makes it easier for the speaker, who now knows exactly what to repeat.

Simple changes to the technologies you already use can

help your hearing too. Using closed captioning when watching movies and TV means your brain won’t have to concentrate so hard to catch the dialogue. Making phone calls using voice-over-IP – Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp, and FaceTime – will give you better sound quality. And smartphones often offer customizing audio outputs based on your hearing so it’s easier to hear calls and listen to music.

When those strategies aren’t enough there are technologies available, from over-the-counter hearing aids, to devices prescribed by an audiologist or hearing aid specialist, to surgical options like cochlear implants, that can all help people at different points on the hearing spectrum hear their best.

Protect Your Hearing A good rule of thumb is that if you are somewhere loud enough that you need to raise your voice to be heard, take steps to protect your hearing. Exposures to loud sounds add up over time.

Wear hearing protection. Earplugs and earmuffs can lower the volume of loud sounds. Some headphones offer a noise cancelling feature. Keep hearing protection nearby so it’s always handy.

Limit your exposure. Try to take breaks from loud noise. In noisy environments, try to step away for a while to give your ears a rest.

Turn down the volume. If you listen to music or talk radio while working, keep the volume at a safe level.

Noise from headphones or speakers can add to the sounds around you, making it even louder.

Have your hearing checked. If you notice yourself saying “What?” more often, struggling to hear conversations, or feeling like people mumble, it might be time to get your hearing tested. Catching hearing loss early can help prevent further damage.

The most important thing is to begin thinking about your hearing as part of your everyday health over your lifetime, much as you may think about your blood pressure and weight. Measuring and routinely tracking your Hearing Numbers annually using the free app from Johns Hopkins or seeing a hearing care professional can clue you in to how your hearing health and the steps you can take to protect and optimize your hearing.

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A hearing test is just one a few ways to ensure your hearing is protected as best as possible.

Editorial photo via AdobeStock

About the Authors: The authors lead a public health campaign at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health that aims to create broad acceptance of the Hearing Number as a tool for understanding and communicating about hearing.

Dr. Lin is a long-time member of the Gerontological Society of America and is pleased to collaborate with GSA on this issue of Good Day!.

About the Gerontological Society of America: GSA is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. GSA’s principal mission — and that of our 5,500 members — is to promote the study of aging and disseminate information to scientists, decision makers, and the general public.

Founded in 1945, GSA is the driving force behind advancing innovation in aging — both domestically and internationally. Our members come from more than 50 countries.

The Vision of GSA is Meaningful Lives as we Age. Learn more at www.geron.org.

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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.

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2020 CA Approved for External Use PRINTED IN USA ©2020, Eli Lilly and Company. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.™

Viticulture & Viniculture The grape-growing and winemaking industries in the United States have boomed in recent decades. How has that affected the American agricultural footprint?

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45 GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINEMountain Brook Vineyards, Tryon, North Carolina www.nationalgrange.org

Photo via Stephanie Klepackion Unsplash

Agoston Haraszthy, the “Father of California Viticulture,” imported European grapevines and helped establish California as a premier wine region. The Prohibition era dealt a significant blow to the industry, forcing many vineyards to shut down or shift to producing sacramental wine. The revival of the industry in the mid-20th century, led by pioneers like Robert Mondavi, positioned the U.S. as a global wine powerhouse.

The Foundations of Viticulture Atwater Estate Vineyard sits along Lake Seneca in New York’s Finger Lakes, a tourist destination for some of the most famous wines in the United States.

Photo by Flickr user: Plutor Licensed through Wikimedia Creative Commons CC BY 2.0

The art and craft of winemaking is deeply woven into the fabric of American history, culture, and commerce.

Across the United States, viticulture—the cultivation of grapevines—and viniculture—the process of turning grapes into wine—are fundamental to the agricultural economy. These industries not only support rural communities but also drive tourism and exports.

From the early colonial days to the modern, worldclass wineries of Napa Valley and beyond, grape-growing and winemaking have evolved into a multi-billiondollar industry supporting rural economies, fostering agritourism, and promoting agricultural innovation.

While rooted in centuries-old traditions, they continue to evolve with technological advancements and environmental challenges. Exploring their significance reveals a story of passion, precision, and economic power.

Growing grapes is both a science and an art, depending heavily on climate, soil composition, and careful vineyard management. The French concept of “terroir” encapsulates the unique environmental factors that shape a wine’s characteristics. Microclimates, in particular, play a crucial role in determining how and when grapes ripen, ultimately influencing the flavor and quality of the final product.

Different grape varieties flourish in different regions.

Cabernet Sauvignon, with its bold tannins and full body, thrives in California, Washington, and Texas.

Chardonnay, known for its versatility, is cultivated in California, Oregon, and New York, yielding wines that range from buttery to crisp. Pinot Noir, a notoriously delicate grape, finds its best expression in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and California’s cooler coastal areas.

Meanwhile, Riesling flourishes in the Finger Lakes region of New York and in Washington, offering high acidity and aromatic complexity.

A Rich History

The history of grape-growing and winemaking in America dates back to the 16th century when European settlers introduced viticulture to the New World. Early attempts to cultivate European grape varieties (Vitis vinifera) in the humid East Coast climate were largely unsuccessful due to disease and pests. However, indigenous grape species such as Vitis labrusca and Vitis rotundifolia thrived, leading to the production of native wines.

In the 19th century, pioneers like

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The Napa Valley sign located along St. Helena Highway, Oakville, California. This is the sign for the famous wine production area in California.

Photo by Professor Rabbit Licensed through Wikimedia Creative Commons CC-BY-SA-4.0

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The U.S. is home to over 10,000 wineries spread across all 50 states, each benefiting from unique terroirs that support different grape varietals. Some of the most prominent wine regions include: California • Cabernet Sauvignon – Thrives in Napa Valley’s Mediterranean climate, producing bold, complex wines.

• Chardonnay – A flagship white grape in Sonoma and Napa, known for its balance of acidity and oak influence.

• Zinfandel – A uniquely American favorite with deep roots in California, producing rich, fruity wines.

Oregon • Pinot Noir – The crown jewel of Willamette Valley, producing delicate, aromatic wines with earthy undertones.

• Pinot Gris – A crisp, refreshing white variety that has gained popularity in recent decades Washington State • Merlot – Produces smooth, velvety wines with plum and chocolate notes.

• Riesling – A versatile white grape that thrives in the cooler climate of the Columbia Valley.

New York • Riesling – The Finger Lakes region is known for producing world-class Rieslings with bright acidity and minerality.

• Concord – Used primarily for sweet wines and juice production.

Texas • Tempranillo – A Spanish grape that has adapted well to Texas’ warm climate.

• Viognier – A floral, aromatic white variety gaining traction in the state’s wine industry.

The wine industry is a powerhouse within the American economy. Generating over $70 billion annually, it provides employment in farming, production, marketing, hospitality, and distribution. Beyond the vineyards and wineries themselves, numerous ancillary sectors—such as glass manufacturing, label design, distribution, and logistics—also benefit.

California, the epicenter of American wine production, is home to over 4,200 wineries, supporting over 325,000 jobs and contributing over $57 billion to the state’s economy alone. Despite being a relatively small region, Napa Valley generates over $9 billion

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annually and supports tens of thousands of workers in agriculture, tourism, and retail. Similarly, Oregon’s wine industry contributes nearly $7 billion to the state’s economy, with its renowned Pinot Noir leading the charge in exports.

Washington, the second-largest wine producer in the country, generates over $8 billion in economic activity, driven by more than 1,000 wineries and extensive vineyard acreage. The state’s wine exports continue to grow, particularly in key markets like China and Canada.

The Finger Lakes region in New York, known for its Rieslings, plays a significant role in the state’s $6.65 billion wine industry, bolstering tourism and providing employment to thousands.

The economic impact extends to industries such as barrel-making, glass bottle manufacturing, and label design, creating jobs and generating tax revenue. Winerelated tourism, which draws millions of visitors annually, fuels local economies by supporting hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and artisanal businesses.

Agritourism, particularly in regions like Sonoma, Texas Hill Country, and Virginia, has transformed many rural areas into thriving economic centers.

Exports also play a key role, with American wines reaching global markets such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany. The U.S. exports over $1.5 billion in wine annually, with California accounting for roughly

Oak barrels in the wine cave of Rutherford Hill Winery in Napa County, California. The “red band” on some wine barrels is the residue of spilt red wine.

Photo © Frank Schulenburg / CC BY-SA 4.0

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95% of those exports. Growing international demand, especially for high-end wines, further cements the industry’s significance in the national economy.

Successful vineyard management requires a delicate balance of pruning, irrigation, and pest control.

Sustainable practices, including the use of cover crops and organic farming, are becoming increasingly popular. Meanwhile, modern technology, such as drones and artificial intelligence, helps vintners monitor vine health, optimize yield, and ensure sustainability.

Precision viticulture allows growers to collect data on soil conditions, water stress, and pest threats, leading to improved decision-making.

Disease and pest control remain ongoing challenges.

Threats like phylloxera (a microscopic insect that feeds on roots and leaves of grapevines), powdery mildew, and Pierce’s disease–a fatal bacterial infection–can devastate vineyards. Many growers rely on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to maintain vine health while reducing chemical use. Advances in genetic engineering and disease-resistant rootstocks are also helping mitigate risks.

The Art and Science of Viniculture

Once grapes are harvested, they begin a transformation from fruit to wine. The timing of the harvest is crucial, as sugar levels, acidity, and tannin development all affect the final product. Some vineyards still opt for traditional hand-picking methods, which allow for selective harvesting, while others utilize mechanical harvesters for efficiency and large-scale production.

After harvesting, the grapes are crushed and destemmed. Fermentation follows, a process in which yeast converts sugar into alcohol. Winemakers may use either wild or commercial yeast strains, each adding distinct nuances to the final product. The choice of fermentation vessel—whether stainless steel tanks, concrete eggs, or oak barrels—further shapes the wine’s profile.

Aging is another crucial step. Some wines mature in oak barrels, which impart complexity, tannins, and subtle flavors such as vanilla and spice, while others are kept in stainless steel tanks to preserve fruit-forward freshness.

Bottle aging further refines the wine’s profile, softening tannins and developing richer aromas and flavors.

Winemakers must carefully balance elements such as acidity, tannins, and alcohol content to achieve the desired final product. Wines are then filtered, stabilized, and bottled before making their way to consumers across the country and around the world.

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Innovations in Viticulture and Viniculture

The American wine industry has benefited greatly from technological and scientific advancements. Several key innovations have propelled U.S. wine production forward: Sustainable Farming Practices Wineries are increasingly adopting sustainable viticulture practices, such as organic and biodynamic farming, to reduce chemical use and promote soil health. Water conservation efforts, cover cropping, and integrated pest management have become standard in many vineyards.

Precision Agriculture The integration of GPS mapping, drones, and soil sensors allows winemakers to monitor vine health, optimize irrigation, and detect disease early. These advancements lead to improved grape quality and higher yields.

Hybrid and Disease-Resistant Grapes Research institutions have developed hybrid grape varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and climate fluctuations. Examples include Marquette and La Crescent, which thrive in colder regions like Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Innovations in Winemaking From temperature-controlled fermentation tanks to AI-driven blending techniques, modern wineries are leveraging technology to enhance the consistency and quality of their wines. Natural and low-intervention winemaking is also gaining popularity, with many producers embracing native yeast fermentations and minimal sulfite use.

Connecting to the Public

Wine tourism is an essential part of the industry, drawing millions of visitors each year to vineyard tours and tasting rooms. This influx of tourists generates revenue for local economies, supporting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. Luxury wine resorts, boutique wineries, and farm-to-table dining experiences have further enhanced the appeal of wine country.

Many wineries now embrace sustainable and organic practices, responding to consumer demand for ecofriendly products. Solar energy, water conservation, and regenerative farming are all gaining traction. Additionally, farm-to-table collaborations between wineries and local farmers highlight the connection between wine and regional cuisine, making wine an even more integral part of the American agricultural landscape.

Agritourism has become a major economic driver for

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luxury resorts, providing a full sensory escape for visitors.

Challenges and Opportunities

As climate change, consumer preferences, and technological advancements continue to shape the industry, the future of American winemaking looks both promising and dynamic. Key trends to watch include: Climate Adaptation Rising temperatures are pushing wineries to explore higher-altitude vineyards and cooler-climate regions such as Michigan, Idaho, and Vermont. Researchers are also developing heat-resistant grape varieties that maintain quality despite warmer conditions.

Sustainability and Regenerative Agriculture Sustainability will remain a central focus, with more wineries transitioning to carbon-neutral operations.

Regenerative agriculture practices—such as no-till farming and biodiversity conservation—will become increasingly important for soil health and environmental preservation.

Agritourism to wineries, vineyards, and festivals continues to grow in the United States, like the Altus Grape Festival in Altus, Arkansas.

Photo by Doug Wertman from Rogers, AR, USA Grape Stompin’ - Part II, CC BY 2.0

rural communities, with vineyard visits, wine tastings, and wine festivals attracting millions of visitors annually.

Wineries now offer immersive experiences, including: • Vineyard Tours – Guests can walk through lush vineyards, learn about grape cultivation, and witness the winemaking process firsthand.

• Tasting Rooms – Wine enthusiasts can sample different vintages while engaging with knowledgeable sommeliers.

• Wine and Food Pairings – Many wineries collaborate with chefs to offer gourmet experiences that highlight the synergy between wine and cuisine.

• Wine Festivals and Events – Events such as the Napa Valley Wine Auction and Oregon’s International Pinot Noir Celebration bring together wine lovers and industry professionals from around the world.

• Wine-Themed Accommodations – Some wineries offer boutique stays in vineyard cottages or

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Expansion of Lesser-Known Wine Regions While California, Oregon, and New York continue to dominate, emerging wine regions in states like Virginia, North Carolina, and Arizona are gaining recognition.

With investments in research and infrastructure, these regions are poised to become major players in the industry.

Technological Integration Artificial intelligence, blockchain for wine authenticity, and automated vineyard management will further streamline production and enhance quality control.

Evolving Consumer Preferences As younger generations seek sustainable, experiential, and natural wines, winemakers will continue to innovate with organic wines, low-alcohol options, and alternative packaging (e.g., canned and boxed wines).

Viticulture and viniculture are far more than just the processes of growing grapes and making wine; they are dynamic forces driving the American agricultural economy. From the meticulous care of the vines to the artistry of winemaking, these industries sustain rural communities, contribute to international trade, and enrich cultural experiences through agritourism. Wine is not just a beverage—it is a testament to history, innovation, and the enduring connection between land and people.

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Honoring THE BUILDERS OF OUR

L egacy

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES 85 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Ohio • Aileen Hiltner, Morgan #829 •

June Vernon, Amesville #798

80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP New York • Velma Crouch, Wide Awake #747 Deloris Bebout, Robertsville #1784 Maynard Mead, Jefferson #1311 Kay Snyder, Robertsville #1784 Ruth Waldock, Oxford #2211

Washington • June Hampton, Bee Hive #385

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Alione Cone, Lyme #147 Illinois • David Donley, Turkey Hill #1370 •

Floyd Schlueter, Turkey Hill #1370

Maine • Grace Addison, Benton #458

Massachusetts • Louise Hannum, Whately #414 • Jane Pease, Ware #164 New York • Ismay Payne, Ravena #1457

Washington • Irene Miller, Newaukum #198

Ohio • • • •

75 years (cont.)

Ohio • David Blough, Jefferson #1311 • Bobby Davis, Ewing #2082 • Sara Harper, Neelyville #299 • Betty McDonald, Monroe Dan Emmett #847 • Beverly Mead, Jefferson #1311 • Kenny Rheinscheld, Ewing #2082 • Patricia Salvato, East Plymouth #1548 • Arlene Schnebly, Monroe Dan Emmett #847 • Maxine Shelley, Union #1783 • Elmer Simon, Unity #1761 • Joan Smock, Jefferson #1311 • Helen Swartz, Hemlock #2049 • Shirley Thomas, Little Muskingum #2621 • Barbara Van Scoy, Oxford #2211 • Ida Zeppernick, Mile Branch #933 Oregon • Rose Esbenshade, Siletz Valley #558 Pennsylvania • William Cameron, Perry Valley #1804 Washington • June Hampton, Bee Hive #385

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 Colorado • Kathy Ashwood, Pikes Peak #163 • Kenneth Ashwood, Pikes Peak #163 • Charles Bainbridge, Pikes Peak #163 • William Fuerstenberger, Pikes Peak #163 • Betty White, Pikes Peak #163 Connecticut • John Andrews, Lyme #147 • Shirley Pennala, Lyme #147 Illinois • Amy Bouvet, Turkey Hill #1370 • Donna Ellwanger, Prairie #1832 • Fay Ellwanger, Prairie #1832 • Kathy Lickenbrock, Turkey Hill #1370 • James Weber, Troy Grove #1852 • LaVonne Wundrow, Leroy Community #1873 • Leslie Wundrow, Leroy Community #1873 Maine • Steven Cyr, Golden Harvest #33 • Richard Lawrence, Benton #458 Massachusetts • Julie Haman, Whately #414 • Andrew Olanyk, Whately #414 • Alan Sanerson, Whately #414 New Jersey • Joseph DeSandre, Hamilton #79 • Karen S. Hawkins, Hamilton #79 New York • Paul A. Albro, Albright #440 • Larry R. Hulle, Hamptonburgh #950 North Carolina • Linda Hutson, Sumemrfield #661 • Kathy Irvin, Corriher #627 • Jean Pace, Britton’s Neck #629

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Welcome New Members TO THE Grange Family California

Kurt Hexburg

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Ramona #632

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Robert Krysak

Joe Durst

Celia Balderree

Selma Jean Schantz

Scarlett Mason

Kristian Grasberger

Leland Erickson

Debbie Scott

Sarah Mendoza Michaud

David Hammond

Sharon Fuller

Guy Scott

Alan Michaud

Eric Hexburg

Vivian Joran

Teresa Valin

Cheyenne Michaud

Gold Hill #326 Elysia Anaya Tara Bannister Tom Bannister Jacob Biggs

52

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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Julia Miramontes-Crider

Portneuf #229

Linda Williams

Gina Montegna

Tyler Coon

Julie Willis

Tony Montegna

Elizabeth Groneman

Terry Willis

Chris Moody

Melissa Stecklein

Erin Moody

Rathdrum #351

Guilford Hope #6

Barry Nielsen Derek Nielsen Leslie Nielsen Naomi Oakes JoAnna Palasi Amanda Sparks Joe Stupar Carissa Ultsch Shelby Williams And 1 Junior member

Colorado

Mt. Allison #308 Sheri Foster Pleasant Park #157 Jean Dent Pleasant View #164 Dennis Dee Tirtzah Dee Geneva Ferrera Jill Harrison Ray Harrison Richard Hillier Jeane Ruybal Larry Ruybal Willard Wells

Idaho

Mica Flats #436 Mitzi Bangs* Tom Bangs* Crystal Geren* James Geren* Nampa Valley #131 Carolyn Lavespere Carol Standley

Ernie Carlson

Joshua Payton

Carrie Meyer Hopewell #1747

Illinois

Welcome New Granges!

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

Clayton Fisher

Beaver Valley #1791

Rebekah Hodgson

Chloe Broughton

Jessica Wernle

Corra Curry

Leroy Community #1873

Rich Curry Amber Paulson MacIntyre Wilson R. MacIntyre

Cody Book Prairie #1832 Jeremy Adams

Andrew Meinert

Dixie Mountain #860 (OR) Gold Hill #326 (CA) Greenhorn #384 (CA) Ramona #632 (CA) Selkirk Valley #1153 (WA)

Mandy Adams

Beth Olson

Dawn Calkins

William Eric Paulson

Jackson Dinges

Jessica Jenkins

Ethan Fortener

Brian Mader

Nancy Goodall

Alana Mader

Frances Juhl

Donna Mader

Jason Mamer-Cox

Mika Mader

Kaleigh Mamer-Cox

RayLynn Morrison

County Line #1751

Carole Pfieffer

Erin Splechter

Patrick Anderson

Conner Runnels

Jessica Bonte

Annabelle Torres

Mike Splecther And 8 Junior members

Amber Dimond

Avarie Torres

Paula Perez

Gabriel Torres

Maine

Barbara Peterson

Chelsea #215

Katleyn Roth

Melissa Torres And 2 Junior members

Nicole Brackett

Brittany Shere

Turkey Hill #1370

Robert Godbout

Jessica Taromina

Harry Fishbein

Angie Umhoefer

Thomas Krieg

Community #593

Greg Umhoefer

Angela Kurburski

Ethan Walker

Matthew Kurburski

Flora #1762

Jeannine Lipinski

Manuel Salgado Teresa Salgado Broad Hollow #1806 Bruce Andres

Ron Lipinski

Maxwell Banks

Mary Sawyer

Cassie Beasley

Ron Sciarra

Chad Beasley

Bobby Shyrock

Terry Bermman

Sydney Shyrock

Tammy Brauer

Carlie Weller

Krista Cornn

Paradise Valley #389

Larry Kappenman

Tyler Weller

Brad Dillon

Mary Kappenman

Cheri Dillon

Debbie Nelson

Kansas

Amanda Knight

Josh Nelson

Otter Creek #1493

Cassie Olson

Owen Nelson

Katey Hazen

Erick Olson

Kevin Scott

Levi Hazen

Kara Schabacker-Bermman

Jared Jenkins

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Colleen Kelley Deering #53 Erin Fennelly Peter Francoer Jhenda Meas Lyna Meas Selah Meas Zoe Miller Graig Weaver Arita Wells East Sangerville #177 Sue Humphries Daniel Mullins Elizabeth Mullins Nick Mullins Sarah Robinson Joan Shapleigh

53

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Enterprise #48

Harraseeket #9

St. George #421

Victor #49

Evelyn Dean

Nancy Salmon

Everett Allen

Veronique Carter

Hollis #132

Sarah Allen

Nancy E. Corbin

June Conrad

Diane Moore

Ron Crusan

Sonja Morin

Sally Crusan

Diane Mushero

Alexa Cunningham

Waterford #479

Erika Randall William Stinson-Barone Fairview #342

Gary Norris Huntoon Hill #398

Tyler Bartlett

Cheryl Baker

Tom Bondaruk

Jonesboro #357

Avis Bradford

Jerry Cunningham

Carolyn Hendricks

Mike Bushey Amy Chadbourne Abagail Clair

William Farkas

Sarah Ippoito

Ed Freitag

Karen MacDonald

Molly Haley

Andrea McGill O’Rourke

Jeffrey Clair

Elijah Lembo

Stephen J. Smith

Nichole Clark

Topsham #37

Denise Vose

Tim Downing

Denise Weaver

Lakeside #63

Paul Dudley

Emily Weaver

Edward Mahoney

Susan Furbush

Tranquility #344

DonnaMarie Mortinson

Corey Hight Jennifer High

Merriconeag #425

Liza Hight

Samuel D. Alexander

Toby Hight

Maddy Boynton

Sherri Lewis

P. Michael LaPlante

Kristi Marden

John Secone

Kristina Moore

Lisa Secone

Mike Moore

Brandon Smith

Lynne Mosher

Mill Stream #574

Joey Mosher Cathy Nguyen David Rizzo Lisa Rizzo

Allan Dean Cindy Dunham Willard Hardy Jeanne Hollingsworth Janis Kay Alan Kayser Dave Kenney

Sandra Otis Anderson Tonny Tripp

Ed Klein Joshua Klein Rebecca Klein Maple Leaf #940 Thomas Moody White Pigeon #1345 Lou Ann Younts

Debi Kenney

William Younts

Carol Larson

New Hampshire

John G. Pincince

Kris Stenberg

Mia Sewall

Aurora #235

Robert Sewall Trenton #550 Kristin Farley Bing Miller George Rossi Valley #144

Ashley Lyn Woodson

Granite #192

Amanda Klein

North Jay #10

Jennifer Kovel

Kewin McBride

Colon #215

Antrim #98

Sarah Flarerty

Judi McBride

Michigan

Dorothee Newcombe

Paugus #540

Farmington #12

Dottie Richards

Paula Hanley

Ben Norton

Steve Swindels

White Rock #380

John Luft

Ocean View #463

Mary Swindels

Matthew Chapman

Allison Allen

Alice Wilbur

Linda Templin

Charles Allen

Joyce Flanders

Saco #53

Leslie Jenkins Shawn Jenkins

New York Copake #935 Kerry Green Rosa Lazcano

Elaina Fortier

Steven Berry

Matthew Fortier * Denotes Associate Member

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. ®

54

NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: MAY 31, 2025

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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Cuyler #449

Betty Bennett

Braedon Callahan

Douglas Boyd

Tom Fowler*

Bill Davis

Willow Sampson

Dennis Francis

East Chatham #1066

Ryan Olufs

Jacob Kuhnen East Pembroke #1157 Kassie Crane Jody Hanel Fredonia #1 Sue Penhollow Freedom Plains #857 William Fitch Jerelyn Smith Hinman Hollow #1331 Deborah Taylor

Oregon Ada #570

Kara Alford Azalea #786 Alhaina Abercrombie

John Robinson

Kelvin Applebee Dawn Bahnsen Joanne Bahnsen Adrienne Brown

Beaver Valley #306

Mark Robinson

Robbie Riley

Amanda Carver-Mulholland

Cherry Teague

Beavercreek #276

Jim D’Ambrosia

George Teague

Ruby Garcia

Patt D’Ambrosia

Jeffery Turner

Boring-Damascus #260

Peggy Dudley

Amy Williams

Shaun Martinez

Cape Fear #1296

Buell #637

Kathy Fowler

Maria McManus

Nick Folwer

Michelle Rector

Corriher #627

Thomas Rector Rochelle Rentsch

Melvin McAlister

York Rentsch

Haily Fleming

Gina Seaford

Coliene Roberts

Milton #685

Raymond Seaford

Nichole Trotter

Candace Smith

Central Point #698

Debra Butner

Becky Anicker

Katherine Robinson

Brenda McAlister

Kirkland #684

Dixie Mountain #860

Gerald Brown

Eric Evans Kim Evans Matt Furrow Ryan Gott Kari Hansen Shawn Kroening Susan Kroening Angel Metzler Corey Metzler Jeremy Mulholland McKenna Mulholland

Greg Chandler

Larry Smith

Boyd French

Grantham #968

Chris Gonzales

Tina Hinson

Megan Huber-Hill

Meg Woolbright

Leonard Luttrell

Pierstown #793

JoCo #1304

Cherry Park #667

Kathy Romeo

Leslie Donaldson

Mark Romeo

Kathy R. Edwards

D. M. Lee

Tom Graff

Colton Rose

Mona E. Harris

Dale Ryals

Marla Macloud

Jake Rose

Mary Livermore

Juniper #1194

Kate Mast

Dori Schorr

Emily McKenzie-Holland

Donna Wallace

Mike West

Samuel E. Wilcox

Maegan McKenzie And 1 Junior member

Columbia #267

Eagle Valley #656

Stanford #808

A. Michael Dianich

Ray Crapo

St. John’s #729

Seve Eberlein

Matthew Benack

Cindy Knight

Ana Krivokapik

Fairmount #252

WCC #1303

Courtney McHill

Diane Richardson Richard Richardson

Kara Cronin Mairead Cronin Gertrude Desmond Tyler Knapp Yorktown #862 Alex Mandara Anna Mandara

Tammy Blevins Andrew Fulk

Jackie Craig Margarita Esparza

Lindsay North Donn Owens

James Kemp

Marsha Owens

Ohio

Creswell #496

Pam Wald Josh Mitchell

Gianna Mandara

Painter Creek #1923 1 Junior member

North Carolina

Stelvideo #295 4 Junior members

Natasha Pfander

NC State Grange*

Sophia Mitchell Crow #450 Diane Diess

Pam Billings

Gale Gates

Ann Bennett

Richard Gedeon

Bert Bennett

Pam Kersgaard

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Dalton Paull Stephany Paull Gloria Ray

Peggy Johnson Deborah LaPlace Paul Leisy Fern Hill #592 Robert Fletcher Sara Monk Fort Union #953 Rosala Jensen Fruitdale #379 Rebecca Zolkoski Goldson #868 1 Junior Member Greenfield #579 Mike Brandt

55

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Hurricane Creek #608

North Bayside #691

Lory Jensen

Jennifer Watkins

Joni Herb

Henry Sanders

Ashley Scherman

Stacy White

Lacomb #907

Pacific #413

Mike Scherman

Brent Rea

Lynn Goldsetin

Live Oak #655

Robert Goldsten

Pennsylvania

Tom White And 5 Junior members

Michelle Helmer

Phoenix #779

Long Tom #866

Mark Koener

Eagle #1

Hank Hoover

BJ Bennett

Redmond #812

Patty Hansen

Sherrie Williamson

Sheree Shown

Rockford #501

Elizabeth Thomas Lowell #745 Meesa Anders Jeremiah Bradburg

Madz Wright Salmon River #516 John Fiedler

John Lowe

Debbie Hoffman And 1 Junior member

Maplewood #662

Santa Clara #746

Sharon Boucher

Barberton #571 Charles Allen Deanna Allen

Sandra Hoover

Macey Bodily

Elizabethtown #2076

Baw Faw #34

Richard Ebert

Hazel Barnts

Halfmoon #290

Bethel #404

Michelle Irvin

Lynn Brookhaus

Jadine Reese

Camden #687

Patricia Wenrick

Karen Kinsella

Jefferson #1373

Kevin Kinsella

Elanor Chimiel

Clarkston Heights #982

Brooke Montgomery

Kimberton #1304

Wendy Casto

Christine Grimm

Ashleigh Torres

Terry Murray

Marys River #685

Paul Torres

Stony Point #1694

Karen Cross

Bronwyn Williams

Karen Lee

Sauvie Island #840

Ron Lee

Susan Figler

Tarweek Folk School

Carol Joseph

McMinnville #31

Scholls #338

Elaine Barsotti

Dirk Allison

Mike Barsotti

Jeanne Cuddeford

Velma Bottenberg

Terry Cuddeford

Barry Diagle

Frank Perkins

Chris Huey

Steven Warneke

Dennis Lee

Silverton #748

Larry Lee Madelyn Mulhern Alice Riley Carol Scherrell Dennis Schweitzer Blaine Vandehey Sandy Vandehey

Rhode Island

South Fork #605 Paul Flanders

Springwater #263 Tigard #148

Dawn Anderson Jeffrey Anderson Donna Wyatt Wesley Wyatt Moosup Valley #26 Laney Nelson Richmond #6 Joe Hartman

Kyle Hogrefe

Mohawk #922

Chepachet #38

Jennifer Hartman

Terri Hall

Mike Anderly

Virginville #1832 Janice Garman

Leann Bleakney

Elizabeth Walczyk

Thor Noble

Washington Addy #603

Leta Belback

Michele Freese

Gregory Bacon

Zane Clifner

Kelly McClaren

Warner #117

Chase Duskin

Morning Star #311

John Czernik

Brooke Mulkey

Willamette #52

Maclara Mulkey And 2 Junior members

Amy Becker

Mosier #324

Winona #271

Jessica McGrimsey

56

Jocelyn Fortin James Fritz Madaleen Heberlein

Praveen Venkatachala Jeff Jensen

Teresa Jackson Luke Johnson Darcie McNamee Hayden Watkins

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Pam Hall Elizabeth Northrup Denice Strohmaier Denise Yeoman Crescent #1123 Kayla Gordon Dr. Andrea Merrick Williams Kenneth Williams Deer Lagoon #846 Jim Barden Peter Holton George Lawson Vicki Lawson Sandra Nonhof East Spokane #148 Valerie Kloepfel Elk Plain #782 Timoth Moore Elma #26 Jim Sorenson And 12 Junior members Fargher Lake #853 David Marsolek Lacey Marsolek Abby Trussell And 1 Junior member Fern Prairie #866 Chanel Schonert Jason Schonert Kallen Schonert And 1 Junior member

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Forest #153

Ashley White

Rexville #815

Bill Haney

Kimala Coleman

Vicki Whitemarsh

Rick Brock

Chad Haney

Moses Lake #1151

Janet Hamilton

Hannah Haney

Barbara Hathaway

Sandy Haney

Kevin Summers

Shannon Haney

Howard Zoet

Brittany Hedrick Kory Hedrick Kylie Kalstrom

Lateea DeMoss Mario DeMoss Arnold Hughes

Kimberly Bepple Thomas Bepple

Fort Colville #533

Ruth Hinen

Alicia Johansen

Benjamin Howell

Joan Zoet

Jack Johansen

Jeff Howell

Rome #226

Donzella Leahy

Mathew Morice

Dillon Churchill

Linda O’Neal

Danielle Ordway

Carla Hinchen

Fredonia #545

Cindy Schmidt

Daniel Hinchen

Kaylie Schmidt

River Howell

Wade Schmidt

Klaus Klix

Diana Shields

Kenneth McCoy

Ken Shields

Shira Nahari

Kathy Taywe

Dennis Rensink

Debra Valle

Brian Syvertson

Quane Scott

Josse Valle And 2 Junior members

Mark Alan Tisland

Fruitvale #348

Oakview #311

John Westerfield

Margeret Blankenship

Roy #720

Jimm Weber Freedom #1152 Kendel Cochran Toby Cochran And 2 Junior members Fruitland #999

Ray Latham Gary Miller Steve Moore Patrick Moss Mark Oslund Leonart Rickey Granville #857 Kody Freidrich Horseshoe #965

Carolynn Gregory Margaret Jones Rose Tiller Kin Wilhanan Olalla #1125 Kerry Aspinwall Carol Bon Brandt Barbara Forstrom

Steve Dalton

Barbara Gill

Warren Lewis

Dave Goodhue

Josey McCrory

Joy Horntvedt

Humptulips #730

Michael Horntvedt

Bayli Duvall Shane Miles Inland #780 Dee Thomas Lonnie Widner Ronda Widner Kenova #556 Jeff Wyrick Sophronia Wyrick Long Beach #667 Bonnie Black Annika Kay Kathy Moore Tasha Murray Barbara Pederson

Jane Westerfield

Haley Wellman Salmon Creek #849 Chelsea (Selah) Pieretti Samish Valley #926

Merle Kalstrom Carrie Lindemann Marvin Lindemann Stevie Lindemann Amy March Brandt March Kara March Havyn Mathes Jon Mathes Lindsey Mathes Cheyenne Maupin Josh Nyberg Natalie Nyberg Deleasia O’Donnell Sara O’Donnell Tommy O’Donnell Cassie Petrick Clint Petrick

Randy Sue Collins

Maddie Petrick

Devon Rogers

Hannah Taylor

San Juan Island #966

Alexa Woelfel And 13 Junior members

Janice Maple Bobb Friday Harbor Food Bank

Sharon #800

Alisha Halvorson

Margaret Truttman

Robert Lilly

Skagit Valley #620

Samantha Lilly

Maynard Axelson

Kate Roberts

Jennifer Bowman

Bonnie Leckron

San Poil #684

Karen Burkhart

Hughette Marsicano

Rob DeVolt

Michelle Dekok

Ronda Odden

Selkirk Valley #1153

Reed Eckstrom

Pamela Kellington Roberta Lauren

Dorothy Schuster

Cody Bashaw

Charmaine Scott

Weston Bedrick

Susan Sundahl

Abrona Carlson

Patit Valley #1039

Adam Dispenza

Del M. Avery

Maria Dispenza

Prosperity #3135

Oscar Dispenza

Annett Brokaw John Senn Quimper #720 Herb Tracy

Candace Ellsworth

Robin Gaynor Kimberly Hargrove Meredity Hodgkinson Stephen James Ross Johnston Zachary Linn Robert Stanley

Shawn Ellsworth

South Bay #250

Emily Fleshman

Betty Bookmeim

Steven Fleshman

Kenneth J. House

Alicia Haney

Shannie Jenkins

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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Judy Jugan

David Weinstein

Ten Mile #399

Waller Road #1111

John Kelly

Katherine Weinstein

Debi Brooks

Joe Price

Brian Lindsay

Stevenson #121

Twisp Valley #482

Katherine Trezise

Patti Duchesnaeu

Susan Finn

Windsor #980 Neal Macomber

Sandy Mode Anita Thomson

Doug Lovelace

Danielle Hoffman

South Camano #930

Gudrun Stoffelmayr

Eloise Hoffman

Janell Clark

Stranger Creek #374

Jason Hoffman

Emma Harsh Emily Kim Ted Nestor

West Virginia

Kyle Hoffman

Brian Fortner

Oxford Grange #526

Michelle Schmidt

Deidre Fortner

Jennifer McCloy

George Schoenfeld

Zinna Su

MEMORIAL NOTICES MARGARET SMITHERS

Past First Lady, Texas State Grange (2008-2016) January 10, 2025.

hearts and prayers are with Jack,

Margaret, 82, left us peacefully,

their children, grandchildren, and all

just shy of celebrating her 61st

of Margaret’s loved ones. Margaret’s

wedding anniversary with her beloved

legacy will live on in the hearts of her

husband, Jack Smithers, former State President, this February.

grateful for the warmth and light she

Margaret’s life was a beautiful reflection of the Grange spirit— dedicated to service, community, and the values that unite us all. Her unwavering love for the Grange and It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we share the passing of Margaret Smithers, former First Lady

Grange family, and we are forever

its mission touched countless lives, and her leadership, kindness, and

brought into our lives.

Well done, good and faithful servant. At this time there are no funeral arrangements.

-----Cards & Condolences may be sent to:

generosity will be forever cherished

Jack Smithers & Family

by all who knew her.

7361 Parkett Drive

of the Texas State Grange on Friday,

During this difficult time, our

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San Antonio, TX 78223

JOSEPH WILLIAM FRYMAN, IV

Past President, Nebraska State Grange (2004-2012) Past National Grange Treasurer (2007-2009) and Executive Committee Member (2009-2017)

Joseph William Fryman IV was born on December 20, 1947, and left this earthly world on December 8, 2024, at the age of 76. He was born in Blair, Nebraska, to Olga Schriefer Fryman and Joe Fryman Jr. He had two older sisters at home awaiting his birth, Joan and Shirley. Joe grew up on the family farm north of Blair.

He attended Cuming City Country School, Blair High School - Class of 1966, and Dana College, graduating in 1970 with a degree in accounting and economics. He was active in 4-H and FFA, and was a school bus driver in college. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves for 6 years where he was trained as a radio repairman and as a drill sergeant.

On May 22, 1971, Joe married Tamara Christensen. Joe and Tammy were blessed with 3 children: Erin Ring (Chad), Laura Jackson (Mick), and Matthew Fryman (Beth), and 6 grandchildren. Four granddaughters, Hailey Jackson, Lanea Jackson, Nora Fryman, and Lucy Fryman, and two grandsons, William Ring and Tage Jackson.

Joe and Tammy lived and farmed on the family farm which has been

in the Fryman family for 150 years.

They raised corn and soybeans, as well as hogs and cattle in the earlier years. Joe was raised milking Jersey cows, and said he and Tammy had a “prenuptial agreement” that eliminated the dairy portion of their farming operation. In addition to farming, Joe worked for H & R block in Blair for 30 years.

Joe served on the Washington County ASCS County Committee for 9 years, and served as the chairman for several of those years. He also served on the Blair Community School Board for 20 years, 5 years as the Board President. Joe and Tammy joined the Riverview Grange in 1974, where he held various offices and was the Nebraska State Grange president for 8 years. He also served as the National Grange Treasurer and on the National Grange Board of Directors for many years. Joe and Tammy were fortunate to travel to numerous states through their roles in the Grange, and made many Grange friends across the country.

Joe earned numerous awards throughout his life, but he wouldn’t want us to list them so we won’t.

Joe was a member of First Lutheran Church since 1971, serving on the church council, as council president, as a Sunday School teacher, and as a confirmation mentor. Joe and Tammy now attend Reach Church and Christ Lutheran Church. He also recently served as a Stephens Minister.

Joe enjoyed travel and planning many adventures and experiences for others. These included family trips and organizing bus trips

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with the Nebraska State Grange members. He also loved traveling internationally with his wife Tammy, and wintering the last few years in Arizona. Many of the family’s favorite memories come from the adventures Joe planned including road tripping from Nebraska to California, taking the train to Montana, and spending a Christmas in Hawaii.

Joe also enjoyed restoring old tractors and cars, doing crossword puzzles, reading farm magazines, playing card games, and planning goofy party games for the grandkids.

Joe leaves to mourn his loss his wife of 53 years, Tammy; children and grandchildren, Erin, Chad, and Will Ring; Mick, Laura, Hailey, Lanea, and Tage Jackson; Matt, Beth, Nora and Lucy Fryman. Sisters, Joan Greene and Shirley Nyberg.

Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Curt and Tami Christensen, Steve and Karen Christensen, Jeff and Linda Christensen, as well as many nieces and nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Olga Fryman, infant sister Joyce, parents-in-law Tage and Louella Christensen, brothers-in-law John Green, John Nyberg, Ronald Christensen, and nephew Wade Nyberg.

Memorials can be directed to Reach Church, Christ Lutheran Church, or the Blair Area Community Foundation.

-----Cards & Condolences may be sent to: Tammy Fryman 14512 County Road P16 Blair, NE 68008

59

BARBARA ANN RUSH

Past First Lady, Rhode Island State Grange (1986-1990) worked as an administrative assistant

Junior Grange #27, having served in

at Brown University, contributing

that position with Paul, for 55 years.

to various departments. She also

Recently, Barbara and Paul were

served as a volunteer EMT with her

honored by the National Grange

husband Paul in Western Coventry.

and the Rhode Island State Grange

Her

community

for their lifetime of service, including

extended beyond her work and

recognition at the 80th anniversary

volunteer efforts – Barbara was a

of the Junior Grange.

service

to

her

remarkable leader within the Rhode Island State Grange.

Barbara Ann (Pagler) Rush, 85,

Paul is a past National Grange Gatekeeper.

As a past First Lady of the Rhode

Barbara

was

also

an

active

Island State Grange, Barbara made

member of Summit Baptist Church,

lasting contributions in leadership.

where she shared her faith and built

Island, on October 20, 1939, she was

She was a Past Voting Delegate of

lasting friendships. Barbara also

the daughter of the late Dante and

the National Grange, Past President

loved to knit, having handmade many

Marjorie (Roberts) Pagler and sister

of Moosup Valley Grange #26 and

hundreds of baby hats for infants at

to the late Virginia Novak. She was

Kent County Pomona Grange #3,

local hospitals.

predeceased by her daughter Joyce

and served as Secretary Emeritus

Barbara’s legacy of kindness,

Chase, and is survived by her beloved

of both Moosup Valley and Kent

decision, and service will love on in

husband of 63 years, Paul Rush, her

County Pomona Granges for over

the hearts of all who knew her.

granddaughter, Molly Chapman, and

30 years. She and Paul also were a

------

her husband Dylan, and many who

part of National Youth Grange for

Cards & Condolences may be sent

lovingly knew her as “Nana Babs”.

many years and travelled all over the

to:

passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025. Born in Providence, Rhode

Barbara’s life was marked by her

country together to various Youth

Paul Rush and Molly Chapman

dedication to family, community,

Grange events. She was also Junior

6502 Flat River Road

and service. For many years, she

Leader Emeritus of Moosup Valley

Greene, RI 02827

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Handling Problem Members: A Guide to Conflict Management

by Amanda Brozana

National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director The Grange has always been about fellowship, kindness, and community service. It’s a place where people come together to support one another and work toward a common good. However, let’s be real—any organization that brings people together is bound to encounter conflicts, and sometimes, those conflicts revolve around members who just don’t seem to get along with others.

Ideally, problems can be handled with a friendly chat, some guidance, or some constructive feedback.

The Subordinate Grange Manual makes it clear that respect and open communication are key to keeping things running smoothly. Encouraging members to express concerns openly, offering mentorship, and even providing workshops on conflict resolution can

go a long way in preventing tensions from getting out of hand.

But what happens when that doesn’t work? What about the members who have been around for a long time and refuse to change—or worse, become even more disruptive when confronted?

You don’t need to be the President or an officer to take the lead in addressing conflict. Every member of the Grange has a role in maintaining a positive, welcoming environment. If you notice a problem— whether it’s someone continuously interrupting others, making sarcastic side comments, or dismissing new ideas—you have just as much right to address it as a leader would. The key is to approach it in a way that doesn’t escalate the situation.

The best approach to handling conflict starts with a calm, one-on-one conversation. Nobody likes to feel called out in front of a group, so if you need to address someone’s behavior, try pulling them aside privately. Leading with curiosity rather than accusation can make a huge difference. Instead of saying, “You’re always interrupting people in meetings,” you could try, “I’ve noticed that some people struggle to get a word

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61

in during meetings. How do you think we can make sure everyone has a chance to speak?” This approach makes the person feel involved in the solution rather than under attack.

It’s also important to recognize that bad behavior— whether it’s interrupting, making exasperated noises, rolling eyes, gossiping, or putting others down— doesn’t just affect the people directly involved. It affects the entire Grange. New members, or those considering joining, pay close attention to the group’s culture. If they see members constantly cutting each other off, making snide remarks or spreading rumors, they may decide this isn’t the right place for them.

People join the Grange because they want to feel part of something positive, and if meetings or events feel negative or hostile, they won’t stick around. Retaining members is just as important as recruiting them, and a toxic environment—whether intentional or not— can drive away good people who would otherwise contribute to the organization.

If you’re wondering whether your own behavior might be contributing to the problem, there are a few good habits to keep in mind. One of the easiest ways to make meetings more welcoming is to wait until you’re acknowledged to speak, rather than jumping in or talking over someone. This helps keep meetings orderly and ensures that quieter members, who may not be comfortable interrupting, have a fair chance to share their thoughts.

Avoid gossiping or spreading rumors about fellow Grangers. If you have an issue with someone, it’s always better to talk to them directly rather than venting to others or making passive-aggressive remarks.

Attacking people based on personal beliefs, rather than sticking to facts and fair discussions, is another way conflict can spiral out of control. Disagreements are natural, but they should always be handled with respect.

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Of course, not every issue can be solved with a conversation. That’s where the rules and procedures outlined in the National Grange Digest of Laws come into play.

Every Granger has the right to participate in meetings, share their thoughts, and vote on important matters. But with those rights come responsibilities.

Members are expected to uphold the organization’s values, respect fellow members, and contribute positively to the group. When someone repeatedly disrupts meetings, behaves inappropriately, or does something that brings disrepute to the Grange, leadership has to step in.

The process for addressing problem members starts with a formal complaint, usually submitted to the executive committee. From there, an investigation takes place, giving the member a chance to explain their side of the story. If the issue isn’t resolved informally, a formal hearing is scheduled, where evidence is presented and both sides can speak. Based on what comes out of the hearing, the committee decides what action to take. In some cases, it might be a warning or temporary suspension. In more serious situations, expulsion is on the table. And if a member feels the decision was unfair, they do have the right to appeal to a higher Grange authority.

This isn’t about kicking people out for minor disagreements or enforcing a rigid set of rules without flexibility. The goal is always to work things out first, lead with kindness, and encourage members to grow.

At the same time, it’s important to protect the integrity of the organization and ensure that every member feels safe, valued, and heard.

Conflict is never easy, especially when it involves people who have been part of the Grange for years.

However, by balancing compassion with accountability, members can navigate difficult situations while keeping the Grange’s spirit alive.

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Support Rural America.

Stand Up For Universal Service.

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early 60 million people live in rural America, working every day to feed our nation, drive economic growth, and keep our country strong. These communities depend on reliable connectivity to thrive.

Broadband opens doors for rural families, providing access to healthcare, education, jobs and business opportunities. Yet today, these essential connections are at risk.

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is responsible for bringing affordable broadband to rural areas and supports schools, hospitals, businesses and first responders. But the USF now faces serious obstacles, including legal

challenges and an outdated funding system, that could put at risk affordable connectivity for millions of consumers.

Time is running out. We need leadership in Washington to protect this vital resource and ensure that rural America remains connected and strong.

It’s time for Congress and the Trump Administration to act.

Learn more at USTelecom.org

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

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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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www.nationalgrange.org

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.

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.

STAMP CERTIFICATION

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NOTES ON STEPS/STAMP WORK

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion, Junior Grangers will be able to: Identify the three branches of government Explain the basic steps of how a bill becomes a law Use creativity to learn and engage with the topic Learn public speaking skills through presenting Learn leadership skills by leading an activity Conduct basic research skills and note taking skills as you gather information about government

LEARNING OBJECTIVES The purpose of this passport is to educate Junior Grangers about how laws are made in the United States and the process of government.

NECESSARY RESOURCES Internet access, poster board, markers, crayons or printer and printer paper

Junior Leader Signature ____________________________________________

date approved my stamp on ______________________________.

AUDIENCE Designed to be completed sequentially as Juniors grow, with culmination after Junior member has achieved at least a thirdgrade reading level and understands internet research. To earn the stamp, all steps must be completed but need not be done in order.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

The United States #66

How a Law Gets Made

state ___________________________________ Grange #___________ in ________)

(or, if a 1+ Junior member, my mentor is a member of

state of _____________________________ Junior Grange #_________ in _______,

name of leader/mentor My Junior leader, __________________________________________________,

date I completed this passport on _______________________________________.

Name of Junior ___________________________________________________

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Step 1. Identify the three branches of government, and what each one does.

Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 6. Research information about how a bill becomes a law and watch this video on YouTube: "I'm Just a Bill" (Schoolhouse Rock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ8psP4S6BQ Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 7: Complete the Our Government: How a Law Gets Made worksheet (available on www.nationaljuniorgrange.org in the Passports section)

Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 8: Create a simple flowchart that shows the steps of how a bill becomes a law.

Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 9: Create a "Good Idea for a Law" poster.

Think about something that would make your community, school, or Grange better. Design a colorful poster that shows: What your idea for a new law or rule would be Why you think it would help people Who would benefit from this law How you would convince others it's a good idea Present your poster to your Junior Grange group or family members and listen to their thoughts on your idea.

Date Completed: ____________________________

www.nationalgrange.org

Step 2. Find out what a law is and why we have laws.

Look up information about what laws are and why communities create them.

Write or draw your answers to these questions: What is a law?

Why do we need laws?

Who has to follow laws?

Name three different types of laws.

Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 3. Be a detective! Find examples of laws in your daily life.

Look around your home, school, or community for signs of laws in action (like stop signs, food labels, recycling rules, etc.). Take photos or draw pictures of at least 3 examples of laws you found. For each one, try to answer: Who does this law help?

What might happen without this law?

Who makes sure people follow this law?

Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 4. Research a law that affects young people (like education, safety, or health).

For younger Juniors: With an adult's help, learn about a simple rule or law that keeps kids safe (like wearing bike helmets or seatbelts). Write or Draw a picture showing how this rule helps kids.

For older Juniors: Research a law that was passed in the last 10 years that affects young people. Write down what the law does, when it was passed, and how it might affect you or other children.

Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 5. Interview an adult about a law they think is important. Ask them why they think this law matters and how it affects people’s lives. Write down their answers.

Date Completed: ____________________________

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The Power of Youth: Why Junior Grangers are Key to Project Sustenance’s Success

By Makayla Piers National Grange Communication Fellow National Junior Grange Advisory Team

As the National Grange launches Project Sustenance, a groundbreaking initiative focused on food security, sustainability, and community resilience, there’s no better time to highlight the crucial role our Junior Grangers play in this important mission. The involvement of our youngest members isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential to creating lasting, meaningful change in our communities.

When we engage Junior Grangers in Project Sustenance, we’re doing much more than assigning them tasks or teaching them about food security. We’re cultivating future community leaders who understand the importance of sustainable practices and community service from an early age. Their natural enthusiasm and creativity bring fresh perspectives to our projects, often leading to innovative solutions that we adults might never have considered.

The benefits of involving our Junior Grangers are multifaceted. First, they learn valuable life skills through hands-on experience. Whether they’re helping with community gardens, participating in food drives, or learning about sustainable practices, these young members are developing practical skills that will serve them and their communities for years to come. They’re also learning about food systems, environmental stewardship, and the importance of community support networks at an age when such lessons can make a lasting impression.

Moreover, involving Junior Grangers helps bridge generational gaps within our organization. When young members work alongside adult Grangers, both groups benefit from the exchange of knowledge and perspectives. Our experienced members can share traditional wisdom and time tested practices, while our Junior Grangers often bring technological savvy and contemporary insights to the table.

Perhaps most importantly, engaging youth in Project Sustenance helps ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. Today’s Junior Grangers are tomorrow’s community leaders, and by involving them now, we’re creating a pipeline of informed, passionate advocates for food security and community resilience. Their early exposure to these important issues will shape their

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understanding of community service and environmental stewardship for years to come.

The enthusiasm of our Junior Grangers is contagious.

When young people get excited about community service projects, they often inspire their peers, families, and even entire communities to get involved. Their participation helps spread awareness about Project Sustenance’s mission and can attract new members to our organization.

As we move forward with Project Sustenance, let’s ensure that our Junior Grangers have meaningful opportunities to participate and lead. Their involvement isn’t just about teaching them it’s about empowering them to be active participants in building stronger, more resilient communities. From planning and organizing events to implementing projects and sharing their successes, our Junior Grangers have valuable contributions to make at every step.

The future of our communities depends on nurturing the next generation of leaders who understand the importance of food security, sustainability, and community service. By involving our Junior Grangers in Project Sustenance today, we’re not just supporting current community needs, we’re investing in a more sustainable and secure tomorrow.

Let’s embrace the energy, creativity, and dedication of our Junior Grangers as we work together to make Project Sustenance a success. After all, the future of the Grange, and our communities, rests in their capable hands.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Photo via AdobeStock

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Youth Department updates deadlines, adds new contests be a live competition at the convention this year.

by the National Grange Youth Advisory Team

Therefore, to enter the national contests, speeches,

Greetings from the National and performances must be made via video and Grange Youth Advisory Team!

submitted through an online application. Those

We are pleased to announce that

submissions are due September 1.

the 2025 Program Book has been

We are excited to announce a new contest that

released and can be found on the

our department is holding this year, the Sticker Design Contest. Youth and young adults are

website to download.

With the National Session being at sea this encouraged to design a Grange-related sticker year, we have made some changes to our contests,

using as many colors and as much creativity as

so please take notice of the new guidelines. We

they desire. Designs are to be submitted using

are excited to see the hard work and creativity

the online application by September 1. The winning

of our young members through these various

sticker will be printed and used to promote the

opportunities.

Grange. Along the same lines to promote the

For any youth or young adult wanting to serve Grange, young people can participate in the Social as a National Youth Officer or wanting to represent

Media Reels Contest. Reels must be Grange-

their state as an Ambassador at this year’s National centered and submission is also due September 1.

Convention, the application deadline has been

With updated deadlines, new contests, and

moved to May 1. The deadline for booking and old contests updated, we encourage everyone paying for cabins for the cruise is in August, so we

to download a copy of the 2025 Program Book

updated these application deadlines to allow young from the National Grange Website. All contests people time to make their arrangements to attend.

and programs can only be entered using their

Please note that minors attending the convention respective online applications, which can also be found on the website. We will announce all winners

must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

The Public Speaking and Sign-a-Song Contests in an online awards program this fall using Zoom. will be held in person at the Regional Conferences. We look very forward to receiving your submissions This year, both state and regional winners are permitted to enter the national competition in

this year.

Please contact our department with any

hopes of increasing participation. There will not questions at youth@nationalgrange.org.

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Spinning Toward the Sun Donates 100% of Profits to Rebuild Asheville After Hurricane Helene

By Chea Parton Founder, Literacy in Place and Reading Rural YAL

Spinning Toward the Sun: Essays on Writing, Resilience, and the Creative Life is a new collection of essays curated by contributing editor, Nora Shalaway Carpenter. A diverse range of celebrated authors, including Carpenter herself and yours truly, have contributed essays on writing, resilience, and the power of community when facing adversity. Contributing authors offer everything from personal stories to practical advice to fellow creatives and anyone who might be going through a tough time.

More than a collection of essays, Spinning Toward the Sun walks its talk in the way a community of authors has come together to raise money for a community in need.

Hurricane Helene ripped through Asheville, NC months ago, and the rebuilding effort is far from over. So many folks lost everything, and 100% of the profits made from Spinning Toward the Sun are being donated to those rebuilding efforts.

Proceeds from Spinning will be split evenly between Beloved Asheville and World Central Kitchen, two crucial organizations dedicated to long-term community rebuilding as well as immediate support for those working on the frontlines and residents directly affected by the aftermath of Helene. Every book purchased will help provide clean water, food, and financial support for debris removal, home restoration, and school and community revitalization.

This anthology features essays donated by over 30 esteemed authors, including New York Times-bestseller and former Ashevillian Alan Gratz, National Book Award finalist and two-time Newbery winner Erin Entrada Kelly, and Coretta Scott King & Newbery winner, Alicia D. Williams. I am also fortunate to have an essay called “Look at What I’da Missed” about the resilience I developed being raised by rural farmers and factory workers, many of whom were Appalachian out-migrants. None of the authors will receive any payment or proceeds from the book, so Spinning serves as a beautiful reminder that we all have gifts to give in service and support of our communities—our time, our energy, and our creative gifts.

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Spinning Toward the Sun is curated by award-winning Asheville-based author Nora Shalaway Carpenter and published by Burlwood Books, an independent press based in Austin, TX whose mission is to foster and inclusive art in all its form. Released on March 18, 2025, Spinning is available for purchase everywhere in both print and eBook. An audiobook version is also scheduled to be released shortly after the print book.

You can learn more about the collection and get updates on the release on the Burlwood Books website at http://burlwoodbooks.com/spinning.

More on My Essay When I heard that resilience was going to be one of the themes of the collection, I knew exactly what I was going to write about. I have learned so many great lessons from my rural raising, but resilience definitely has to be at the top of the list. From marking hogs as an 8-year-old to pollinating corn in a research facility as a 13-year-old to now taking care of animals in subzero weather as a thirty-nine-year-old, I have and continue to have so many opportunities to cultivate my resilience.

And I’ve had so many elders in my life who have helped to me to see what that looks like in practice.

This essay is really close to my heart because it contains the voices of my closest and best teachers—my family. Some still here and some gone. And the collection

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is near and dear to me as well because it is dedicated to helping Appalachia, which is where all of my dad’s side of the family is from. All of my rural raising has taught me that we should always help where we can. I learned this when my Papaw helped bring in an injured farmers crops, and when other farmers helped my Papaw after his own injury. My participation in this collection is meant to honor my resilient forebearers as well as support rebuilding efforts from afar.

So many authors in this collection are rural people, and working with them feels like home. I hope you’ll consider helping in the way that you uniquely can. Maybe that means purchasing a copy of this book, maybe it means donating directly to organizations doing the good work, maybe it means something entirely different, but I hope you’ll give whatever gift you have to support the rebuilding efforts in Asheville and/or wherever you know there is a need.

2025

National Grange Youth Contests & Programs

Ambassador Program* Youth Officer Team* Junior Mentor Award National Public Speaking National Sign-a-Song Wib & June Justi Community Service Award *NEW* Sticker Design Contest *NEW* Social Media & Reels Contest *Applications Due May 1

LEARN MORE: NATIONALGRANGEYOUTH.ORG 72

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We’re working to drive patient-centered progress in innovation, affordability and access to life saving prescription medicines.

Learn more at PhRMA.org

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Two poets (or three), a mountain, a Grange hall, and its curtains

Painted stage curtain, with wings and teasers, at the Blazing Star Grange in Danbury, N.H. Photograph courtesy of Curtains Without Borders

by Mary Lyn Ray Originally printed in the At Eagle Pond newsletter The presence of New Hampshire’s Mount Kearsarge is constant at Eagle Pond Farm—where poets Donald Hall and Jane Kenyon shared a writing life—and in the small towns the mountain presides over, in what Don and Jane wrote (and reflected on), and in the habits, conversations, and consciousness of this place.

“There are many hills for looking at,” Don acknowledged in his String Too Short to Be Saved. “But Kearsarge has a presence denied the [others]. Farms and little towns surround Kearsarge on all sides . . . . All of us, wherever we stand, look out on Kearsarge, its colors shifting each day by sun’s light and by season, its red beacon witnessing to invisible granite. All of us claim the best sight of Kearsarge. . . . If we go [away], when we return, Kearsarge is the first of home we see.”

A historic curtain at the Blazing Star Grange Hall in Danbury (which is next to Wilmot, where the farm is, and was, as much, home to Don and Jane) appears at first to be a view of Kearsarge with Eagle Pond in the foreground.

A closer look reveals, however, that the distinctive profile familiar at the farm is reversed, showing the mountain as seen from somewhere to the south, looking north. But the composition and its components celebrate equally the mountain as it’s known on this side.

The Kearsarge curtain was painted in 1921 by Egbert L. Foster (1866-1947) of Manchester, New Hampshire, one of many artists and scenery companies outfitting the stages of town halls, Grange halls, and opera houses

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at that time. It is part of a very rare complete set of curtains, wings, and teasers owned by the Grange that also includes a grand drape titled “Springtime,” a formal garden backdrop, matching overhead teasers, and a set of vertical flats (also called wings or ears) that can be assembled as “an elegant old-fashioned parlor” on one side or a woodland scene on the other. At the Blazing Star hall, there is also an advertising curtain by a different artist, Arthur S. Ives (1896-1955) of North Woodstock, New Hampshire, painted in the early 1930s.

About the stage curtains

A grand drape is typically the most impressive curtain, suggesting rich--often flamboyant-- draperies pulled aside to reveal a scene within a decorated frame.

It is hung at the front of a stage, directly behind the proscenium arch. Other fabric backdrops, called roll drops because they drop from wooden or steel rollers, are suspended farther back, and some of those have additional pieces that can include teasers and pairs of flat wings that help create a sense of depth, conceal the clutter of performance, and provide entry at the sides of a stage.

Many grand drapes conjure romanticized European scenes but not all. Some depict a local vista or landmark.

Another curtain painted by Foster for the Masonic Lodge in not-distant Franklin (see Jane’s poems, “At the IGA, Franklin, New Hampshire” and “The Way It Is in Franklin,” along with “The Five-and-Dime” elegy in A

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Left: The grand drape at the Danbury Grange and (above) “an elegant . . . parlor” configured from reversible flats only.

Photographs courtesy of Curtains Without Borders, which oversaw restoration of the hall’s complete set of scenery in 2014.

Hundred White Daffodils) presents the storied granite profile of the Old Man of the Mountains at Franconia notch in the White Mountains, which collapsed in May of 2003 after centuries of freezing and thawing caused the assemblage of rocks to shift.

Chris Hadsel, Director of Curtains Without Borders (a small nonprofit of outsize achievement that is focused on inventorying and preserving historic painted stage

The Old Man of the Mountains (top) centers an unrestored grand drape at the Meridan Masonic Lodge, Franklin, N.H..

In contrast, the grand drape by Charles Huiest of Troy, N.Y. for the stage at the Wilmot, N.H town hall (formerly used also by the Wilmot Grange) is of the Imagined European style. It can be seen behind Don and Jane at a reading filmed in Bill Moyers’ documentary, “A Life Together,” 1993.

Photographs courtesy of Curtains Without Borders

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curtains), speaks of this scenery as social capital. “The objects displayed in the spaces where we live say a lot about us, what we value, what we think, and what we dream about. The paintings on our walls, our furniture, our souvenirs, and books on our shelves all help define us.” In the same way, she says, “the places and spaces we build as communities also speak volumes about who we are and what we value.”

The first public buildings in northern New England, she observes, were meetinghouses, churches, and schools. “Then, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, libraries were built in large numbers and, at the same time, Grange halls and town halls with auditoriums and stages.” Between the 1890s and 1940s, these and somewhat but not radically grander spaces known as opera houses were where a town gathered for entertainment (such as vaudeville and theater provided by a national touring company or a community pick-up cast, actual opera, musical comedy, musical shows, or single performers) as well as for graduations, anniversaries, and birthday parties; edifying lectures; town meetings; and Saturday night dances.

Hand-painted stage curtains “were functional necessities, but they were also public art,” Chris says.

Though not unique to northern New England, they may (because of cultural habit in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine) have been been more common here and thereby survive here in greatest number.

Typically painted in water-soluble paint on cotton muslin attached to overhead rollers, stage curtains were susceptible to damage and wear. Yet “seldom,” Chris notes, “are they so worn or damaged that they cannot be saved for another hundred years of use and appreciation.” Led by Chris and primary conservator MJ Davis, “assisted by dozens of dedicated people who drive hundreds of miles and put in many long, dustladen hours [to] make conservation of historic stage

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for regulation of exorbitant rates charged farmers by railroads and grain storage facilities, as well as support of public libraries, free delivery of rural mail, expansion of A combined garden and woodland scene at the Danbury Grange. rural electricity, Photograph courtesy of Curtains Without Borders formation of the universityscenery possible and affordable,” based Extension Service, and Curtains Without Borders relies on creation of farmers’ coops that grants, local fundraising, friends who provided insurance to members. believe in their work, and community Improvement of the social lives of volunteers . farmers and their communities was To see a panorama of curtains of no less, if different, importance. and related scenery, get closer to the Nahum Bachelder (1854-1934), cultural history they carry, and have who grew up in East Andover, an over-the-shoulder look at how New Hampshire, on a farm of each is stabilized and restored, go to commanding presence on Taunton Christine Hadsel, Suspended Worlds: Hill, joined the Grange when he Historic Theater Scenery in Northern was twenty-three, applied himself to New England (David R. Godine, “practical agriculture” all his life, and 2015) and the nonprofit’s website, came to be a major and successful https://curtainswithoutborders.org. advocate for the National Grange.

And if you know of a curtain not Along the way, he was also a included in the national map on their governor of New Hampshire and, website, contact them! perhaps of longer consequence, What else Grange halls preserve “Commissioner of Agriculture and In some places, activities in oldfashioned venues came to an end as movies and television offered other options for entertainment, and graduations and meetings moved to school stages or school “multipurpose rooms” (of unfortunate name) combining lunchroom, gym, and public space. But this history didn’t end everywhere.

The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry” typically shortened to “the Grange” - was founded in 1867 to promote the social and economic needs of American farmers and best practices in agriculture.

Nationally, members organized

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Immigration.” Many New Hampshire farms were abandoned after the Civil War because of a new industrial economy, appeal of land to the west, competition with larger farms, and always the state’s stony soil.

Bachelder promoted sale of these as summer homes for wealthier, largely urban and out-of-state, buyers. This encouraged significant, lasting preservation of an older rural landscape and a mixing of new cultural habits in small-town life.

Bachelder was later forced to resign from the Grange and was removed from the the state board of agriculture after criticism for neglecting the state’s struggling farmers. But individual Granges, in their own ways, became a continuing presence in places like Danbury.

In 2025, Blazing Star Grange #71 is celebrating its 150th year in Danbury and remains a fixture of the town’s life. It was organized in early December of 1875 and met for the first time on Christmas night. After members gathered in borrowed spaces for some thirty-five years, the hall (now listed on the N.H. State Register of Historic Places) was built in 1911. Little—including the varnished beadboard walls and

ceilings, the upstairs hall and its portraits and plaques, the downstairs dining room and kitchen—has changed since then, beyond the introduction of electricity and heating.

Locally, the Grange fair (including a parade with floats and oxen) is one of the high holy days of the year. It is always the first Saturday in September after Labor Day. Come if you’re near. And throughout the year, there are still suppers, dances, entertainments, markets, workshops, projects to benefit the town, and community gatherings at the hall. The Grange is also a scrupulous keeper of the town’s memories and new ones that accrue. It’s no wonder it was beloved by Don and Jane.

1981-82”) wrote almost a book of a poem about the occasion: “Don Hall and Jane Kenyon of Eagle Pond Farm Invite a New York City Boy, Resettled for a Time in Boston, to a Country Party; and Everybody Hears Some Poetry at ‘The Grange’ in Danbury, New Hampshire, at Kate Fowler’s 100th Birthday Party, July 16, 1978” (see The Agni Review, No. 16, 1982, pp 51-59, https://www.jstor.org/stable/23007469).

Note: the poetry heard that day was not Jane’s or Don’s; it was written by a Grange member for the occasion. A newspaper clipping about the event remains tacked to a beadboard wall.

Benedikt begins his poem: It wasn’t my land, it was your land, up they-ah. So, for me it was a bit like theatre (At first), not only to have Boston there as point of departure, but also to find myself still farther away, way up North here, in the middle of New Hampshire.

Twice-a-tourist, at Ms. Kate Fowler’s 100th (!) Birthday Party.

It was held (Stranger still), in one of them “grange”-places, “The Blazing Star,” that they had

Pie-eating contest at the fair, 1999. Photograph by Artelia Lyn Ellis, whose pictures were part of the documentation of that year’s fair as a Local Legacies Project for the American Folklife Center—one of select reports from all fifty states—in observance of the bicentennial of the Library of Congress in 2000.

Courtesy of the Library of Congress

Don, Jane, and the Blazing Star

On fair day, Don was audience for the parade. Jane was in it. Then Don’s turn came in December. To shield any young readers, we provide only a link to a piece of reminiscence Don wrote for Yankee in 1992: https://newengland.com/ yankee/magazine/the-man-in-the-red-flannel-suit.

In the summer of 1978, Don and Jane brought a New York poet visiting from Boston to a party at the Grange hall. Michael Benedikt--initially a largely Surrealist poet who also served as poetry editor of The Paris Review from 1975 to 1978, an associate editor with Art News, and editor of acclaimed anthologies—later (“Boston, 1978-80; N.Y.C.,

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Restored chandelier and oil lamps at the Danbury Grange Hall.

Courtesy of Blazing Star Grange

Built, farmer-folk, almost a full century ago . . . .

The poem continues past the party to commentary on the drive back to the farm, reflection on contents of the attic (or back chamber, as the family called it), and preparations to get to the bus to return to Boston. All through, it ponders what Aaron Copland states in an epigraph to the poem: “One of the primary problems for the composer in an industrial society like that of America is to achieve integration, to find

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justification for the life of art in the life about him.”

After his time at Eagle Pond, after the Grange, after a tour of the countryside, Benedikt ends his summary of the visit with recognition of “those few strong strange precious moments we are given”--

in its own way, continues with the poems for occasions and poems for entertainment written by its members in observance of the life around them and brought to, now, a hundred and fifty years of meetings.

---

Those rare times when . . . there is, at last, at least some tiny interim calm time for listening for the steady music accompanying, and blessing, all things; giving us the means, sometimes, for a well-behooved, if relatively brief, beholding of this still-rich, fresh earth with relief.

He has done the same thing Don and Jane were doing in their poetry and prose--and the same thing the Grange,

Reprinted from the February 2025 newsletter of At Eagle Pond, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established to preserve the New Hampshire farm where poets Donald Hall and Jane Kenyon shared a writing life, as well as to honor their work, open the house to the public, invite reflection on poetry and place, offer a range of programs, and eventually provide residencies for poets and others to take up their own work. For more information, visit www. ateaglepond.org.

2025 National Grange Lecturer’s Contests Quilt Block Contest Canning Jar Pattern

Virtual Photo Contest Open to Adults & Juniors

Garden Design Contest

Creative Writing Contest

2024 winner - Susan Hanks

Design-a-Program Contest

LEARN MORE:

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Community Voices The Grangel

By Sonny Hays-Eberts Marys River Grange #685, Oregon Her husband felt 1929 was an aberration they could ride out. “People still have to eat.” When the bushel price dropped below $1 in 1930, and to 86 cents by midJune, he was a different man. Early one July morning, he went to the barn with his hunting rifle and there was a single sharp report.

Mercy buried her husband on the farm, with her parents and grandparents, next to where she hoped to lie someday, always next to him. She sent a letter to her brother, Francis, back east pleading for his help with the farm, but heard nothing. Francis had left years ago, choosing to head east and make a living at an occupation easier than farming, and Mercy was not surprised, even with the stories of bread lines in the cities, that Francis ignored her request.

Twenty-five years of living on a wheat farm in eastern Oregon had exposed Mercy to hardships, but this level of loss overcame her. Stricken with loss and despair, she only roused herself in late fall when the wheat was golden and drooping. The bills and delinquent notices had piled up, but those would wait until the crop was in.

If she wanted to have a place to live, she needed to put her grief behind her, and start working the farm again.

Mercy had helped harness the twenty mule team with instruction from her husband, but after that her husband had done the harvesting. She had been responsible for the individual mules – the collars and hames, the girth bands, breeching and straps. Her husband had laid out the yokes and tug chains while she did the mules and had hooked up each as she finished and moved to the next one. It was challenging to lay out the heavy yokes, and it took several tries before it was organized correctly.

It was nearly eleven by the time she had the combine ready to go, a far cry from the usual start shortly after sunrise when she helped him.

Operating the combine was more challenging than hooking it up. The jarring ride and dusty environment were bad enough, but it took every bit of Mercy’s

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Are you an author, poet, or illustrator?

Be a part of Community Voices!

Would you like to share what you have to say with Good Day! readers? Email your submissions to pvonada@nationalgrange.org with the subject “Community Voices” to be considered!

Submissions to not have to be Grange-related.

strength, concentration, and awareness to keep the team on the field. She had to plan her turns long in advance, but by the time the sun set, Mercy finally felt she might be able to actually do this.

The next week was the most physically brutal week Mercy ever endured. She would arise at four, bring the banked coals back to life, and by the time the roosters started crowing, have fed the hens, mules, horse, and the few cows and pigs and was working on breakfast.

Her elder daughter was in charge of feeding the dogs and cats, gathering any eggs and feeding herself and her younger son for the rest of the day. It had been dark for several hours by the time she unhooked the combine and team, put up the equipment, and stored the day’s harvest. More than once had she fallen asleep while in the midst of eating the dinner her seven-year-old daughter had prepared, and she slept in dusty harvest clothes without bathing, lucky to get five hours of sleep and do it again.

By the time she sold the crop, it was destined to be used as animal feed, and she was lucky to get $.53 per bushel. It would at least allow her to keep the farm for another six months.

As Christmas approached, Mercy cursed herself for her self-indulgence in the late summer. Grief, or not, the season of abundance was brief. Canning, drying and putting up crops in the root cellar were tasks she should not have ignored. Cutting and storing firewood were also chores she should have attended to. It was one thing for her to suffer from her paralysis, but she was also going to cause suffering for her children. It was bad enough there would be a very paltry Christmas, it would be worse with cold and hunger.

As if to punish her, that year was one of the coldest on record in Morrow County. The thermometer hung to the porch railing was only visible through the icy panes of the window after the ice was rubbed off, but no matter. The mercury was all gathered in the lower bulb, somewhere below zero. Knowing the exact number wouldn’t make it warmer.

The old house was drafty and Mercy, Sadie and Jonah were gathered by the wood stove, bundled under piles of quilts.

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Sadie’s breath puffed from her red cheeks as she burrowed into the well worn quilt. “Tell us a story mommy!”

Mercy had lost faith when her husband died, and retreated. She stopped going to church, she stopped going to the Grange and stopped going into town. Tonight, with her children gathered, she realized she needed to feed their faith as much as their bellies.

“Have I told you guys about the Grangel?”

Their eyes widened. “No! Tell us, tell us!”

“This is a story your grandmother, my mother, told me. It’s a story that shows that you might get help, at any time, from unexpected sources, if you listen.

Grammy Josephine lived in town with her family. Her brother, Samuel, had gone to fight. For some reason he felt he had to avenge the Maine, even though he lived in Oregon. He fought with other Oregonians, and was killed in the Philippines when Grammy was a girl.

She always missed him.

One summer day, she was outside playing, when she heard the voice of her brother tell her to quickly go to Lexington Grange, do not tarry, hurry! Without hesitation, she hurried up the hill to the Lexington Grange #726 hall. As she reached the hall, dark clouds gathered, and rain began to fall. Grammy was happy at first, it had been a very dry summer, but soon the rain picked up and hail started.

She took cover against the building as the storm intensified again.

Suddenly there was a large wall of water, nearly forty feet tall rushing

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down Willow Creek toward town.

Grammy watched in terror as the wall battered the town, moving buildings off foundations and hearing the cries of townspeople.

By the time she made her way back down, the floodwaters had receded.

Grammy found both her parents safe, although great grandpa Joseph broke his leg.

Grammy always insisted it was an Angel of the Grange, or a Grangel, as she called it, that spoke to her in Samuel’s voice. She joined Lexington Grange after that.”

“Why don’t we go to the Grange anymore, mommy?” asked Sadie.

“Oh, darling, it’s complicated.

I guess right now it reminds me of your dad. But let’s think about the Grangel instead before we go to sleep okay?”

Several days later there was a knock on the door. The sound startled Mercy, who had been solitary for so long. Finding her way to the door she opened it to find Tom Carter,

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the owner of the adjacent farm, and someone she knew from Grange meetings.

“Morning, Ma’am. Don’t mean to intrude, but I haven’t seen you at the Grange since the summer. Just want to make sure you’re okay. If it’s proper, I want to invite you and the kids to Christmas dinner. I’m just by myself and would love the company.”

Taken aback, Mercy started to stammer out “I’m sorry…” but before she could refuse, she heard the voice of her departed husband.

“I’m gone Mercy. I love you.

I will always love you, but you need to let go. Let me go. Go to Christmas dinner.”

Taken aback by the voice, and remembering the story of the Grangel, Mercy hesitantly agreed to dinner.

Years later she would be glad she did, it would turn out to be one of the pivotal decisions of her life.

It had been the best evening of Mercy Carter’s eighty years on earth. Oh, marrying Tom Carter was up there, as was the births of Sadie, Little Joe and Anna.

But today was a celebration of all she and Tom and had done; a golden wedding anniversary and the two of them Grange Golden Sheaf members.

“And that, my little Sarah, is why there is an Angel with wheat wings and a wheat halo in the hall. I made it forty-five years ago. Didn’t your Grandma Sadie ever tell you about the Grangel? I told her the story when she was about your age. It’s all true.”

HOMESTEADING FEATURE

An Easy Guide to Living off the Land

By Colleen Denise

What is Homesteading?

Ono Grange #445 (CA) Homesteader

My name is Colleen Denise; I’m a member of Ono Grange #445 in California. For the past two years, I’ve been on a journey to grow my own food and take control of what goes on my plate. It all started with a simple goal - to know where my food comes from and to nourish my body with fresh, homegrown produce.

Gardening is one of my big passions, and while the process is incredibly fulfilling, it’s not without its challenges. There’s nothing more frustrating than planting seeds with high hopes, only to watch them struggle or not grow at all with no clear reason why.

But those challenges only make the rewards that much sweeter. Few things compare to the satisfaction of harvesting food that you grew yourself from seed to putting it on your table.

Many people in today’s fast-paced world are looking for a simpler way of life. They are returning to a “homesteading” type of life. Homesteading is about going back to basics, such as growing your own food, raising animals, and living more independently. It’s a way to live sustainably, save money, and enjoy a healthier, rewarding lifestyle.

Homesteading means becoming more self-reliant by making or growing the things you need. This could include growing vegetables, raising chickens, sewing your own clothes, or even using solar panels for energy.

You can homestead almost anywhere, from a large rural farm to inside a small apartment.

Why Do People Choose Homesteading?

Homesteading is appealing for a variety of reasons: • Sustainability: It’s an earth-friendly way of living with less waste and focusing on using natural resources.

• Saving Money: While it might cost a bit to start growing your food and making things yourself, you can save money over time.

• Healthier Living: Eating fresh, homegrown food and staying active through gardening and other chores is great for your body and mind.

• Independence: Homesteading helps you rely less on grocery stores and modern conveniences, allowing you increased control over your life.

What Do Homesteaders Do? Homesteaders take on a variety of tasks to live independently. Some of the most common activities include: • Gardening: Growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs for food.

• Raising Animals: Keeping chickens for eggs and meat, goats for milk to drink and making soap or bees for honey.

• Preserving Food: Storing extra food by canning, freeze-drying, dehydrating or freezing.

It’s Not without its Challenges...

For many, homesteading brings a renewed connection with where their food comes from - from vegetables and herbs to cattle, goats, and chickens.

Photo by Zoe Richardson on UnSplash

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Homesteading can be hard work. It takes time to learn new skills, and things don’t always go as planned. Bad weather, pests, or failed crops can make it tough.

Those who stick with it believe the rewards are worth it at the end of the day. Homesteading brings a sense of pride, teaches valuable skills, and helps you live closer to nature.

How to Start Homesteading You don’t need a big farm to start

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homesteading. Here are some simple ways to start: • Start Small: Grow a few vegetables in pots or try keeping a couple of chickens.

• Learn as You Go: Read books, watch videos, and ask for advice from other homesteaders. There may even be a Facebook group of Homesteaders near you • Set Goals: Decide what you want to focus on, like gardening or making your own household items.

No matter what steps you make, no matter how small, it matters!

The Joy of Homesteading Homesteading is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to live a meaningful and sustainable life. Whether you’re growing a single tomato plant or building a self-sufficient farm, homesteading helps you connect with nature, learn new skills and take control of your future.

If you’ve ever dreamed of living simply and more sustainably, homesteading might be the perfect path for you.

“Homesteading” will look different for everyone. For some, it means a full life “off the grid,” finding ways to generate their own power, and crafting or growing as much of their life as they possibly can. For others, it can be turning an urban backyard into a garden to grow their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs, raise honeybees, or even small backyard animals (like chickens) when ordinances allow.

Photo licensed via AdobeStock

able through the Grange St l i a v a ore Now for digital download

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NOTES FROM A SMALL TOWN

I Have Known a Few Immigrants in My Life There was a boy named Herbert who, in sixth grade, told me

By Christopher Dean

that his father (who owned a restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown)

First Gentleman, Massachusetts State Grange

had had “a whole other family when he lived in China before he

When I was living in Rockport, everyone was of the exact same ethnic group, they all looked like me. Basically, we were all descendants of northern European Protestants, and quite a few of us had blond hair and blue eyes. I knew that there were other ethnic groups because I saw photographs of them in the picture magazines of the time, though I never met any of them in my hometown. It was just normal to me: not everyone in the world is like me, but everyone here is like me. That was the only world I knew.

When I was eight, we moved to Brookline, Massachusetts, the oldest and closest-in suburb of Boston. The schools were noticeably better, there was a better library (and a branch of it was right near our house), there was a cinema we could walk to, well-maintained parks, and streetcars that took us into the city of Boston itself. There were also lots of ethnic groups, many

came to America.” I asked him what happened to them. “They all died, like, in the 1930s, so it was like about thirty years ago,” he said. “Wow,” I thought, “His whole family? That’s sad. Does he ever talk about them?” “No, only once, but he didn’t finish.”

I couldn’t imagine a whole family dying and really didn’t know what to say.

When I think back on it now, I realize that they would’ve died during the horrors of the Sino-Japanese war, a catastrophe for the Chinese that left millions dead as a result of politically motivated famine and war crimes of indescribable savagery perpetrated on them by their invaders. I had no idea that any of this had even happened and, most likely, his father had only given him the most basic information as he was too young to understand most of it. Or maybe his father never talked about it after that one time; many people can never talk about the horrors they’ve witnessed or experienced.

people of different races, historical traditions, and faiths. I had

When I was in the fourth grade, there was another child,

heard about black people, but I’d never heard of Jews before, or

Sarah, who came from Ohio, but whose mother had been born

Muslims. Brookline had all kinds of people that were alien to me

before the War, just like my parents, only in Poland, not New

at first, but who became just normal kids that I went to school

York City. Sarah knew very little about her mother’s childhood,

with and didn’t think about as being at all different from me.

only that her parents and all her uncles, aunts, and cousins had

I was surrounded by immigrants, recent ones, sometimes

all died during the war and that she and her older sister were the

right out of their home country, still not able to speak English

only survivors in their family. Sarah’s mother came to our class

yet, or maybe first-generation kids, who spoke accented English

once, to talk about a part of her childhood. I don’t remember

at school but Russian, or Mandarin, or Hebrew at home with their

much of the story, only that it involved men in long gray coats

parents. And there were all kinds of international influences,

firing guns at her and her sister after they jumped off a train with

including getting Yom Kippur holiday off because the schools

a lot of other people and ran along a railroad line, in the rain, and

had only half attendance on the first day of the two-day Jewish

hid among the trees in a forest. All of this seemed to my nine-

holiday. My brother and I learned a fair number of Yiddish words

year-old’s imagination like it would’ve been a pretty exciting

which amused our mother when we used them. And there

adventure. Now I realize that they were likely escaping from Nazis

were children with accents that came from speaking fluently

who were transporting them to a death camp and they managed

but echoing the rhythms of their parents’ native Mandarin, or

to survive against impossible odds. I wish I remembered the rest

Hebrew, or Russian.

of the story beyond that they arrived in Ohio after the War, as

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immigrants and refugees, since, really, there was nowhere else

prisoners just north of Berlin. Linda told me, sort of embarrassed,

for them to go.

that every now and then he would sit in the corner of the dining

When I was in the fifth grade, there was a girl in my class,

room and eat soup out of a battered metal bowl that he’d kept

Ingrid, whose mother had immigrated to America after she

from the camp and cry until he fell asleep on the floor. She didn’t

married an American GI whom she met when she was a teenager.

understand what was going on with him, but by that time even

They settled in Brookline and Ingrid’s father, a friendly and

I had a sense what he must have endured. Her parents had left

deeply intelligent man, was a correspondent for an international

Germany before the Partition in 1949, emigrated to Boston so

news organization. Her mother taught me that you could clean a

he could work at Harvard teaching physics as the universities in

penny by rubbing it with regular ketchup from the kitchen. She

Germany were, for the most part, still not operating. Emigrating

also told me that when she was young her family had to seek

was the only option they had, her father’s suffering had been

cover in an air raid shelter and, after one raid, they came up

huge, and there was nothing keeping them at home anymore.

out of the shelter to discover that their entire neighborhood was

Many years after I’d graduated from high school, I read a

“just gone,” blasted to bits by the Allies; they had lost everything

highly praised account of a midwestern American woman who

but what they had with them in a single suitcase.

married a German aristocrat and moved to his family estate in

Later, she went to get water in two metal buckets and, while

the German province of East Prussia, in what is now Poland. He

standing at the pump, a woman who was a complete stranger,

was in the Wehrmacht and was killed in Russia in 1943, leaving

leaned up to her and said, “You know, they’re not taking the

the estate to her. In the winter of 1945, to keep ahead of the

Jews to settle them in the east. They’re killing them. They take

invading Russian army, she announced that she would go west,

them in trains far away and kill them with gas.” She went home

taking anyone who wanted to go, and some of her servants joined

and asked her mother if this was true and all her mother said

her, while the rest stayed behind. The small group escaped on

was, “If you tell anyone, they’ll kill us too.” Ingrid’s mother could

foot through snow from East Prussia to Berlin, carrying only what

hardly wait for the War to end, so she could emigrate and leave

they could on their backs. She found out years later that all those

her battered and guilty homeland, knowing that she couldn’t

who stayed had been executed by the Russians. Her sometimes-

stay there any longer.

harrowing story was mesmerizing and well written. Imagine my

And there was a girl I knew in high school, Linda, whose

surprise when she wrote that she eventually emigrated back to

parents had arrived from Germany in 1948. Her mother was

the US, finally settling in Brookline, which made me realize I had

a healthy and cheerful woman whose family had survived the

gone to school with two of her grandchildren.

war intact, she could be counted on to bake for Linda’s class

In my personal experience, amazing things often happen

fundraisers. Linda’s father had been a member of an anti-Nazi

when you give people a chance to go someplace new and thrive

family and had spent years in a concentration camp for political

there.

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The Joy of Cooking

with wine

By Ann Olson Bercher

President, Minnesota State Grange Certified Culinary Specialist On a recent trip to Sonoma County in California, I was lucky enough to spend a few hours at a vineyard.

Even though it was late winter, and the vines were bare, I could imagine the vineyard full and lush with gorgeous greens and golds of leaves and the royal deep blues and purples of grapes clinging on the vines. A walk through the barrel aging room was an aromatic luxury. Wine, waiting to mature into the luxurious beverage that I have come to enjoy.

It’s been a long time since I took my first sip of Boone’s Farm strawberry wine. College days were fraught with experimenting with all sorts of foods, beverages, social activities, oh, and classes. Wine wasn’t on the top of my radar those days, but fortunately, over time I have come to learn more about wine, and enjoy it so much more.

Wine is a welcome accompaniment for almost any occasion. In celebration, we often lift a glass and toast an accomplishment, a holiday, or other gathering. It might be a soothing end to a stressful day. It is a lovely addition to a carefully planned dinner. It’s welcomed when paired with snacks of all kinds. I have also found that cooking with wine can be a game changer to the ultimate finish

of the dish!

Why cook with wine? Well, if you have that pesky last glass of wine in the bottle, it’s a great way to use it up. It’s also a wonderful way to elevate the outcome of a humble stew or braise. Wine adds acid to your dish and enhances the flavors on your palate.

Can you cook with cheap wine? Sure, but the rule of thumb is only cook with wine that you enjoy the flavor of.

Any wine that you purchase and enjoy drinking is a great choice for cooking with. It’s also a good idea to cook with the wine you will be serving with the dish because it connects the wine in your glass to the food on your plate. If you don’t have enough wine for both, use a similar wine for cooking. If you need a half bottle of wine for a recipe, you might want to consider using a reliable “bottom shelf” wine.

If you don’t drink it, a wine critic has suggested that you freeze it for future cooking. Yes, you will destroy the wine, but it will still be fine to cook with. (It’s like freezing fresh herbs. It’s not the same as fresh, but the flavor is still there.) Another cooking-with-wine advocate keeps boxed wine on hand due to its longer shelf life once opened.

What about supermarket cooking wine? I cannot recommend it. Cooking wines are generally of low quality, have additives sometimes including salt and sweeteners, and they just don’t taste good. You can probably buy a decent wine for the same price. Don’t use any wine with off flavors or odors. An open bottle of wine that has been refrigerated for up to two weeks will probably be fine for stewing or braising because of the length of cooking time.

What kinds of wine can be used in cooking?

Most wines can be used for cooking, keeping in mind that as the liquid in a recipe reduces in volume, the flavors in the recipe intensify. Consider the sweetness, acidity, and whether or not the wine has been aged in oak. Light flavored dishes are enhanced with wines that won’t overpower them, while more decadent dishes may exhibit more complex flavors when using a more robust wine. If the wine pairs well with the dish, it will

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usually also taste good included in the recipe.

Red wines almost always work best with the deep rich flavors of meats. A Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon will enhance a beef stew or braised pot roast, while a Pinot Noir or Merlot will add depth to a marinara sauce.

White wines with acidity and structure are perfect for light dishes and dressings. The acid in the wine means you can cut back on other acidic ingredients in the recipe such as lemon or vinegar. Use an unoaked white such as Pinot Grigio for delicate fish and seafood, and an aromatic Riesling in a creamy white sauce for poultry.

Light, dry rosé wines are interchangeable with crisp, lightto medium-bodied white wines.

Rosé can add softly tart and citrusy notes to a dish, whereas a white like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay might offer a more herbaceous flair

To cook with wine, Just like cooking meats and vegetables, using different cooking methods changes the flavor and the texture of the food. The same is true for cooking with wine. Different cooking techniques will change the flavor and structure of the wine. The main role of wine in cooking is to improve the already existing flavor and aroma of the food. We don’t want wine to overpower what’s already the main food, but rather to enhance the whole culinary experience.

Roasting vegetables with wine means you can use less oil while still maintaining a moist cooking environment. Use a wine that has a similar flavor profile to what you are roasting. To roast vegetables in wine, cut vegetables into 1-inch pieces, mix with ¼ cup of wine and your choice of herbs and seasonings. o Roast at 400 F, stirring every 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Try steaming fish or vegetables over wine instead of water. Full-bodied fruity wines will impart bold flavor without any bitterness.

Wine is a natural ingredient for marinades that soften muscle tissues, penetrating the interior and delivering an added layer of flavor. Bringing the wine to a boil, reducing it, then cooling it before adding additional ingredients helps cook off some of its alcohol and concentrates its flavor.

Braising is the process of cooking food quickly to brown it and develop flavor and then cooking it slowly, along with liquid, in a sealed pot. This technique is most often used for transforming tough cuts of

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meat into tender, rich dishes, but it can also be applied to vegetables.

Using wine in the liquid is optimal both for its flavor and acidity. Fruity flavors bring complexity, and wine’s acidity enlivens the more mellow flavors that build up in a braise.

Pan sauces are the bonus feature of sautéing, pan frying, or searing meats or vegetables. Once the meat or vegetables have browned, remove them from the pan, and pour off most of the fat, if any. Add herbs, onions or other spices and sauté briefly. Deglaze the pan by turning up the heat and adding wine, stirring to release the cooked-on bits on the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook to burn off the alcohol and reduce the volume of the wine. Add broth, stock or water and simmer until it has reduced again by about half. Whisk in a couple of pats of cold butter, adjust seasonings, and you will have a lovely pan sauce.

Wine helps to create a moist, fluffy crumb in baked goods while bringing subtle acid and fruit notes.

Red wine will add deeper color and richness to the finished product, and in icing or ganache, it is exquisite.

As a precautionary note, when cooking with wine, not all of the alcohol is burned off in the cooking

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process. Alcohol starts to evaporate when it reaches o 140 F, so while most of it has burned off, there is no guarantee that the finished product will be alcohol free.

An additional precaution, never add wine to your dish just before serving, unless you plan to ignite it, such as for a dessert flambé, or as used in a salad dressing.

Minnesota Wines As a native Minnesotan, I would be remiss if I did not mention the University of Minnesota, which is recognized as having one of the country’s top wine grape research programs. They have been developing high-quality, cold-hardy and disease-resistant wine grape varieties since the 1970s. In 2000, they added an enology lab and research winery, located at the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center in Chaska.

Their research has helped vineyards and wineries to populate northern climes in the US and Canada. I have purchased wines when visiting wineries in Michigan, Maine, and Wisconsin that contained grape varieties from Minnesota. (Learn more at https://mnhardy.umn. edu/grapes/varieties). You may have seen them too: Marquette, La Crescent, Frontenac, and Itasca. Yes, and I have used them for cooking too.

Cheers!

Vino Vinaigrette makes 1 cup

¼ cup white wine, or rose wine* 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1/3 cup olive oil** 1/2 teaspoon sugar

* Dry white wines are perfect for using in vinaigrette dressing such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. ** A bold specialty olive oil would be a perfect addition to this easy salad dressing.

in white wine serves 6

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1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/8 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt and pepper to taste

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl or shake together in a sealed jar.

2. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

3. Refrigerate remaining dressing. Let sit at room temperature 15 minutes and shake well before serving.

Poached Cod Fillets 2 pounds cod fish fillets 2 shallots, diced 1 fennel bulb, diced 1 tomato, seeded and diced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ¾ cup dry white wine 2 teaspoons fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, tarragon or thyme) Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing

1. Pat fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Place fish fillets with shallots, fennel and tomato in a large skillet. Cover with wine, 3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes until fish is flaky and tender.

4. Remove fillets from skillet and keep warm.

5. Add butter to pan sauce and heat until melted. Serve sauce over the fish.

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Coq au Vin Blanc 2 cups tiny pearl onions 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup yellow onion, coarsely chopped ¾ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon salt

serves 4

½ teaspoon ground black pepper 3 ½ to 4 pounds of chicken pieces, breast and or thighs 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 teaspoon sugar

1 pound cremini mushrooms, quartered 1 bay leaf 2 cups dry white wine 1 cup unsalted chicken stock ½ teaspoon dried thyme

1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven.

2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and tender (ten minutes). Remove onions and set aside.

3. Combine flour, paprika, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, shaking off extra.

4. Add olive oil to the Dutch oven and heat. Brown all sides of chicken pieces. Return onions to the pot.

5. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon pieces until lightly colored and fat is rendered. Remove with slotted spoon and add to the chicken.

6. Drain pearl onions, dry slightly on a towel, then add the pearl onions to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly until lightly browned. Sprinkle them with sugar and continue cooking until the onions are caramelized. Add to the chicken.

7. Place mushrooms in the skillet and cook over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Add to the chicken 8. Add bay leaf, wine, chicken stock, and thyme to the chicken. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees.

9. Transfer chicken and vegetables to a warmed platter.

10. Bring the remaining liquid to a boil and reduce until it is slightly thickened. You may wish to add ¼ - ½ cup each of chicken stock and wine. Simmer for at least 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings. Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables and serve.

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Marinated Grilled

Leg of Lamb

with rosé sauce serves 8

1 cup rose wine 1 tablespoon salt 1 cup fresh rosemary leaves (one ounce) plus sprigs for garnish 2 heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled (3/4 cup) ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 ½ teaspoons black pepper 1 6–7-pound bone-in leg of lamb with shank attached, trimmed 1 2-ounce can anchovy fillets in oil, drained 1 cup rose wine 1 cup beef stock 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1. In a small saucepan, bring wine to a boil, undisturbed until it has reduced to ¼ cup. Remove from heat, add salt and stir until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.

2. In a blender, combine wine reduction, rosemary leaves, garlic cloves, oil and pepper. Process until a thick, creamy paste forms. Set aside.

3. Using a sharp paring knife, puncture leg of lamb every 1 ½ to 2 inches, creating 1-inch-deep slits. Tear anchovies into small pieces and stuff into lamb slits.

4. Smear lamb exterior with the rose mixture, rubbing it into the slits.

5. Wrap lamb tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.

6. Uncover lamb and let sit at room temperature for about an hour.

7. Preheat oven to 400 degrees 8. Place Leg of lamb in baking dish and roast for 1 ¼ hours for rare or until internal temperature is 115 to 120 degrees. Do not turn lamb while roasting.

9. Remove lamb from oven, place on a warmed platter, loosely tent with foil, and let sit 20 minutes before carving.

10. Place baking dish on stove top over medium high heat. Add rose wine and deglaze pan. Pour liquid into a small saucepan.

11. Continue heating juices and wine over medium heat until reduced by half.

12. Add beef stock and continue heating until thicken and coats the back of a spoon.

13. Reduce heat and add butter, stirring until melted.

Season with salt and pepper.

14. Serve sauce drizzled over sliced lamb.

President’s Recipe Raisin Applesauce Cake

with Browned Butter Frosting

shared by President Christine Hamp

This was my dad’s (Harold “Butch” Ohlsen) favorite.

He made it for a Washington State Grange baking contest in the early 1990s and won first place at the state level.

His prize? A lighted lipstick case!

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For the Cake: ¾ cup raisins ½ cup boiling water ½ cup shortening 1½ cups light brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground allspice 2 eggs, unbeaten

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1½ cups thick applesauce 2½ cups sifted allpurpose flour ¾ cup chopped walnuts 2 teaspoons soda

Red wine

Chocolate Cake

Yield: One 9” cake

½ cup unsalted butter 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1 large egg at room temperature 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips*

3 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate*, finely chopped 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter 1 tablespoon light corn syrup ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted 2 tablespoons Cabernet Sauvignon Flaky Sea Salt *I recommend 60% cocoa semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

3. In a large bowl beat together granulated sugar, butter and egg until pale in color.

4. Add wine and vanilla, mix to combine. Add flour mixture and mix until combined.

5. Scrape batter into prepared baking pan. Bake 45 -50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Let cake cool completely.

7. Make Ganache: Place chopped chocolate, diced butter and corn syrup in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high at 20 second intervals until melted, stirring in between intervals.

8. Stir in powdered sugar and wine. Let stand at room temperature until thickened slightly.

9. Invert cake onto a plate and again onto a platter.

Spread ganache on top of cake, letting it drip down the sides. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt. Let stand until ganache is set, about 30 minutes.

10. Cut into wedges and serve with slightly sweet whipped cream.

Make the Cake: Combine raisins and boiling water; set aside. In mixing bowl, beat shortening, sugar, salt, spices, and eggs until creamy smooth and fluffy. Scrape bowl often. Blend in applesauce, then flour and walnuts. Stir soda into undrained raisins; add to batter and mix well. Pour into greased and floured 9”x13”x2” pan. Bake at o 350 F for 40-45 minutes or until cake tests done.

For the Frosting: ½ cup butter 4 cups sifted powdered sugar

¼ cup cream 2 teaspoons vanilla

Make the Frosting: Brown butter in pan over medium heat until deep brown. Remove from heat. Blend in sifted powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla; beat until of spreading consistency. Thin with cream, if necessary.

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Cabernet

Venison Stew

serves 8

¼ cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 4-pound boneless venison roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes 7-8 tablespoons of olive oil, divided 8 thyme sprigs 4 whole cloves, crushed 8 juniper berries, crushed 3 bay leaves 3 2-inch lemon peel stripes 3 tablespoons lemon juice

o

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a large bowl, toss together flour, salt, pepper and venison until coated.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Working in small batches, add venison and cook, turning occasionally until well browned, 15 minutes per batch. Transfer venison to a plate.

Add more oil 1 tablespoon at a time between batches as needed.

4. Place thyme, cloves, juniper berries, bay leaves and lemon strips in a double layer of cheesecloth, gather edges together and tie securely with kitchen twine. Set aside.

5. Place onions, carrots, mushrooms, garlic and 2 tablespoons olive oil in the Durch oven. Cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally until onions are softened, about 15 minutes.

6. Add tomatoes, broth, spice bundle, lemon juice and venison. Return to a simmer over medium-high heat.

7. Transfer Dutch oven to preheated oven and braise, uncovered until venison is fork tender, about 2 hours, stirring in wine after 1 hour.

8. Return Dutch oven to stovetop and bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Reduce to low and gently simmer until sauce has thicken slightly, 10 – 15 minutes.

9. Remove from heat and skim and discard fat from surface. Remove and discard spice bundle. Season with salt and pepper and serve over egg noodles or roasted potatoes. It’s also great on its own.

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3 medium sized onions, large diced (5 cups) 4 medium carrots, peeled and diced (1 ½ cups) 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (3 ½ cups) 4 large garlic cloves, chopped 1 28-ounce can whole peeled plum tomatoes, crushed 4 cups beef broth 1 ½ cups Cabernet Sauvignon or other robust red wine

THE LAST

Word

By Jim Trezise

President, WineAmerica

Wine: The Tasteful Economic Engine “We hear of the conversion of water into wine at the marriage in Cana as a miracle. But this conversion is, through the goodness of God, made every day before our eyes. Behold the rain which descends from heaven on our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.” – Benjamin Franklin “And Noah began to be a husbandman, and he planted a vineyard.” – Genesis 9:20 Since Noah planted a vine once the Ark settled, grapes have become a global fruit, spanning the earth between 30 and 50 degrees latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres. There are 10,000 different types of grapes, over 18 million acres of vineyards, and 60 countries which produce wine.

Among those, the United States is the world’s fourth largest producer, and the #1 consumer.

Of the world’s total grape acreage, 49% is used for wine, 43% as fresh fruit, and the rest for fresh juice and raisins. But in terms of economic impact, the value of wine grapes per ton far outpaces all the other uses due to wine’s incredible value-added nature, as described later.

The Magic of Wine Wine is fermented grape juice, a natural farm product. But it is far more than that, as elaborated in “The Magic of Wine” section of our WineAmerica website.

Wine is a millennia-old cultural phenomenon,

dating back some 8,000 years to its origins in what is now the Republic of Georgia, followed by Persia (now Iran), Armenia, Sicily and beyond. It has been a source of income, sustenance, and social interactions in cultures around the world. It is a liquid food that makes other foods taste better, and vice versa. And it is mentioned 247 times in the Bible, with 40 of those negative (mostly warning against abuse), 145 positive (often in the context of meals, blessings, and worship), and 62 neutral (mostly describing situations). Wine is part of humanity.

If music is the universal language, wine is the global toast—for weddings, births, reunions, graduations, ship launchings, and peace treaties. It is also the inspirations for poets, philosophers, and politicians throughout the ages: “Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” – Galileo “Wine is bottled poetry.” –Robert Louis Stevenson “By making this wine vine known to the public, I have rendered my country as great a service as if I had enabled it to pay back the national debt.” – Thomas Jeffeson “Wine and friends are a great blend.” – Ernest Hemingway.

“Wine is life.” – Petronius All of this and more is available in “The Magic of Wine” section of our website. An equally illuminating section is “Economics” with the Economic Impact Study.

Wine: The Tasteful Economic Engine WineAmerica is the national organization of American wineries, with 400 members from 45 states

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and a focus on grassroots federal public policy advocacy. To help make our case, we commissioned a National Economic Impact Study of the Wine Industry

by John Dunham & Associates, a leading economics research firm specializing in public policy. The top line figures for 2022: • $276 billion total economic impact on the U.S. economy • 50 states produce wine • 10,637 wine producers • 1.84 million jobs • $95.5 billion annual wages • 49 million tourist visits • $16.7 billion tourist expenditures • $22.83 billion total taxes • $14.67 billion federal taxes • $8.15 billion state & local taxes But that tells only part of the story. Total impact includes three major categories: Direct (everything from vine to glass); Supplier (the thousands of suppliers to the wine industry in many different sectors); and Induced (the economic benefits to local communities from employment and spending on homes, cars, groceries, gas, and much more).

What’s more, the impacts of those three categories are all robust: $111 billion Direct; $76 billion Supplier; and $88 billion Induced.

The 2022 study showed the impact of wine up 25% over 2017 despite the Covid crisis, and we are now awaiting a new 2025 study.

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Crisis and Opportunity The Chinese character for “Crisis” is a two-stroke symbol of “Danger” and “Opportunity”. That’s where the American wine industry is today. There are several major headwinds all at once: • Climate change has been affecting where we can grow what kinds of grapes, as well as fueling wildfires, atmospheric rivers, arctic freezes and more.

• Generational shifts in consumption patterns do not favor wine, nor has the wine industry sufficiently marketed to diverse populations.

• Increased competition from distilled spirits, and new packaging options, have put wine at a disadvantage.

• A global anti-alcohol campaign led by the World Health Organization is having a negative effect on our industry.

• Tariff wars with wine in the crosshairs are incredibly damaging to the American wine industry.

In the 43 years I’ve been in the wine industry, I’ve witnessed many major challenges, but never so many at once. It feels like we’re in a version of Whack-aMole just trying to keep our heads above water.

But there’s one key to survival and success: Working together. Fortunately, the American wine industry is composed of people who are naturally collaborative, and who believe what I’ve said for four decades:

Diversity is our Strength. Unity is our Power.

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The re ’s

... o t e im T l l i St th

B n o O a t rd e G

for a Grange convention unlike any other!

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

Learn more: www.nationalgrange.org/159ngconvention