Good Day! magazine: Volume 9, Issue 2 - July 2025

Good DAY!

™

What’s Inside?

The resurgance of farmers' markets across the United States is bringing fresh, local produce directly to the consumer.

Also inside: • Grange member receives National award.

• Project Sustenance takes root across the country • Grange Foundation presents Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship • How to create a Performance Improvement Plan for your Grange • Recipes feating nature's brain candy: blueberries • and more!

A quarterly publication of the National Grange

Vol. 9, Issue 2 l July 2025

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™ MAGAZINE 2Email Stephanie (swilkins@nationalgrange.org) GOOD DAY! or Philip (pvonada@nationalgrange.org)! ®

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N & V

GRANGE NEWS & VIEWS

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F

GRANGE FOUNDATION

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S RA

THE STATE OF RURAL AMERICA

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I

IDEAS FOR GRANGE PROGRAMS & ACTION

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M

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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J

Y

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On the cover:

Farmers’ markets have grown from humble colonial beginnings into a powerful force reshaping how Americans eat, shop, and connect with their communities. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the scene, you’ll discover why these markets matter now more than ever.

Photo via AdobeStock

PERSPECTIVES:

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Farmers’ Markets

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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.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

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WHAT’S THE GRANGE? The National Grange was founded as a fraternal organization for farm families in 1867 – opening its doors to men and women equally from the start.

From rural free delivery of mail to the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, Grange has influenced many aspects of American life and culture.

Today, we continue to advocate for rural Americans and those interested in all areas of agriculture – including those who just like to eat – and our local Granges provide millions of dollars and hours of service to their neighbors annually.

Each Grange operates as a grassroots unit, taking on projects most appropriate for their communities and advocating based on their members’ beliefs.

®

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

John Benedik, NJ, Vice President jbenedik@grange.org Lynette Schaeffer, IL, Executive Committee Chair lschaeffer@grange.org Susan Noah, OR Executive Committee Member snoah@grange.org 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 Barbara Foster, WV, Pomona

HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507 HEADQUARTERS ADDRESS: 1616 H ST NW SUITE 300 WASHINGTON, DC 20006

Additional Editing by: John Benedik, Lynette Schaeffer, Chloe Schmitz & Lily Thomas, and the 2024 class of Communication Fellows

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

PRESIDENTIAL Perspective Christine E. Hamp

Make it Fun. Make it Work. Make it Yours.

If you’re waiting for right now, that means being bold, being creative, and permission – here it is. being responsive.

Your programming and I’ve seen Granges thrive because they lean into what your outreach must be makes their community unique – coastal fishing towns tailored to your community organizing clean-ups and boat blessing ceremonies, and your members. As mountain communities hosting preparedness events, such, do what works for small towns reviving county fairs and tractor pulls. I’ve your Grange. Please. Not seen members light up when their Grange becomes the what you think someone place where stories are shared, problems are solved, else would want you to do. and people laugh.

Not what the Grange down Yes, we are rooted in purpose, ritual, and principle. the road is doing. Not what worked 20 years ago. What But joy, relevance, and energy are not threats to our works now – for your community and your members. identity – they are signs of life. And if we want to grow, You don’t need to wait for a directive from National, we must give ourselves permission to experiment, State, or county-level evolve, and engage on our leadership to act on creating terms. engaging and innovative The success of the National Here’s the truth: the success programs or service projects. of the National Grange begins Grange begins in your The beauty of the Grange – in your Grange. It begins when since its founding in 1867 – Grange. It begins when your your members feel ownership. has always been that it’s built It begins when the work matters members feel ownership. from the ground up, not the and when the experience is top down. The local Grange It begins when the work something people want to be is the heartbeat of our Order, matters and when the part of. and it’s yours to shape So, to every local Grange experience is something So, make it fun. Make it leader, every longtime member, work. Make it yours. people want to be part of. every curious newcomer: Want to host a chili cookyou are not only allowed to off that brings the whole town shape your Grange – you are together? Do it. Thinking of expected to.

You are the architects of our future. Don’t starting a community garden or reviving your Grange wait for a map.

Build the road. hall as a live music venue? Go for it. Want to partner Create something your community is proud of. Make with your local school or library on a youth leadership it engaging, make it relevant, and yes, make it fun. program or history night? Fantastic. Want to meet over Because when people feel connected, when they coffee and cinnamon rolls instead of formality and feel empowered, when they feel joy, they come back. fatigue? I love it.

I’m not here to micromanage you – I’m here to cheer And when that happens, the Grange isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving. you on.

So let me say it again, louder this time. Make it fun.

Too often, we fall into the trap of thinking tradition means rigidity. But the Grange has endured for almost Make it work. Make it yours.

I’m with you every step of the way.I’m with you every 160 years not because it stayed the same, but because it adapted to the needs of the people in the room. And step of the way.

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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 V9, I3 V9, I4

Due Date

Hits Mailboxes

November 30

January 2026

August 31

V10, I1 February 28, 2026

V10, I2 May 31, 2026

October 2025 April 2026 July 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 From coast to coast, Granges come alive as the heartbeat of the community. Whether it’s a pancake breakfast on a Saturday morning, a service project for local students, or a meeting where concerned community members gather to talk and plan, the real magic of the Grange is in its people – our members and volunteers who show up, speak up, and give of themselves in so many different ways.

As someone who spends a lot of time interacting with Granges of all sizes and styles across the country, one thing stands out to me time and time again: the immense value of every single member, no matter how—or how often—they participate.

It’s important for us to remember that not every member can volunteer at every event. And that’s okay.

Life is busy, and Grangers are some of the busiest people I’ve ever met. Between jobs, family, health, community events, and other obligations, it’s not always possible to attend every meeting or help with every event. But just because someone isn’t physically present at every gathering doesn’t mean they’re not invested in the Grange. Sending an idea by email, offering to make a few phone calls, or just being a sounding board for someone else’s plan—those actions matter. They build our Grange in quiet, powerful ways.

What truly keeps the Grange thriving is not perfect attendance. It’s a culture where everyone feels welcomed, heard, and valued, where people are encouraged to contribute in whatever way works for them, and when they’re able to do so. That’s the kind of Grange we should all be working to build – a place where ideas are freely shared, creativity is nurtured, and everyone knows they belong.

The Grange’s diversity – in age, experience, background, and even availability – is one of our greatest strengths. Some members are ready to lead a committee.

Others might prefer supporting from behind the scenes.

Some are vocal during meetings; others listen and offer input later. There is no one “right” way to participate.

I know firsthand how vital it is to create open lines of communication, which includes listening as much as talking. That’s why I encourage all our Granges to intentionally make space for every voice. Please don’t assume someone’s silence means they don’t care; don’t assume their absence from an event means they don’t

Editor

want to be there. Sometimes, they’re just waiting to be asked, building confidence, or maybe simply supporting in their own quiet way.

Acknowledging all contributions—large or small— is key. A thank-you note, a public shout-out, or a quick message of appreciation can go a long way in reinforcing the idea that everyone matters. Because they do.

As we work to grow the Grange in numbers and in spirit, we must also grow in grace. Let’s be patient with one another. Let’s be flexible. Let’s drop the expectation that every member must show up the same way. Instead, let’s embrace the truth that our shared values unite us, even when our schedules or strengths differ.

The Grange is strongest when it reflects its members: inclusive, adaptable, and grounded in community.

Together, we can cultivate a culture where people feel inspired to engage, take pride in their participation, and are appreciated for the unique contributions they bring to the table.

A healthy Grange is one where everyone feels welcome to share their ideas and perspectives. But more than just being invited to speak, people must know their input is genuinely valued. That their voice matters. That they belong.

Creating this kind of environment takes intention. It means actively listening to all voices, not just the most “experienced” ones. It means seeking out quieter members and asking for their thoughts. It means acknowledging contributions of all sizes and not letting anyone feel that their efforts are “less than.” And it means being patient with each other and with ourselves as we continue building a culture that is flexible, empathetic, and inclusive.

As leaders, we have a critical role in modeling this inclusive culture. Let’s practice gratitude often. Let’s be open to change. Let’s challenge the idea that only certain voices or methods are “the right way.” And let’s never forget to say two simple words that mean so much: Thank you.

After all, the Grange is not just about meetings, votes, or reports. It’s about people. It’s about connection. It’s about building something meaningful together, piece by piece, however and whenever we can.

Because when everyone feels welcomed, heard, and valued, our Grange doesn’t just survive. It thrives.

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LILLY FOR BETTER It begins with a purpose to create medicines that make life better. To find a way to come through, no matter the odds.

To be stronger than we thought we could be and to share our strength with the world around us. Our purpose makes us who we are. And every day, we work to share our purpose with those we touch. And to help them fulfill theirs. lilly.com 2020 CA Approved for External Use PRINTED IN USA ©2020, Eli Lilly and Company. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Preserving Tradition: Grange’s highest Degree filmed for historical records

by Molly Newman & Karie Blasingame National Grange Communication Fellows

On March 28 and 29, 2025, Grangers from across the country gathered at Belvidere High School in Illinois for a momentous occasion: the professional filming of the Seventh Degree, the highest membership level in the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. This Degree can only be obtained during National Grange Sessions, signifying a deep commitment to the Grange’s principles, ideals, and legacy.

According to High Priest Roger Bostwick, the purpose of this project was “to preserve the historic presentation of the Seventh Degree in full costume, while the costumes [and set pieces] are still in a condition that allows them to be used.”

The event was an extraordinary success, with nearly the entire current cast present. In cases where cast members could not attend, spouses of cast members graciously stepped in, helping to maintain the continuity and integrity of the presentation. The recording will serve as a historical preservation project and is planned to be shown for the first time at the 159th Annual National Grange Convention this November aboard the Carnival Horizon.

This is the first time the Seventh Degree has been filmed in full. In 1938, LIFE Magazine documented the work under the leadership of High Priest Charles Gardner, but only in photos and an article. Over eight decades later, this modern effort reaffirms the importance of documenting the rituals and traditions that define the Grange.

Discussions about filming and preserving the Degree have been ongoing for many years. Behind the scenes, this current project was over a year in the making.

Directors Gene and Maria Edelen of Iowa, High Priest Roger Bostwick and his wife Melanie, National President Christine Hamp, and the Lexica Communications, Inc. film crew led by Tami Wendt collaborated across Zoom meetings, phone calls, and in-person visits to bring the production to life.

Many of the costumes used in the Seventh Degree production are between 40 and 80 years old, and have

Rehearsal for preservation: In the foreground, Maria Edelen (Co-Director) and Tami Wendt (filmographer) work through stage directions with High Priest Roger Bostwick and James Taylor, while other cast members relax and prepare in the background.

Photo by Christine Hamp

become too delicate for continued use at National Sessions. Filming the Degree work not only captures the rich visual history of these garments but ensures their legacy—and the essence of the ritual—is preserved for future generations.

As the Seventh Degree undergoes thoughtful modernization to remain relevant to today’s Grangers, the traditional costumes will eventually be retired.

However, the core lessons and values of the ritual will remain unchanged.

“The lessons of the ritual will remain the same,” said High Priest Roger Bostwick, “and while the costumes may be nearing retirement, this recording ensures their story and symbolism continue to live on.”

Cast members and crew took time to reflect on the significance of the weekend. Sara Ellwanger of Prairie Grange #1832 (IL), who had the special experience of participating alongside her daughter, shared, “It’s been awesome... such a great atmosphere. I’m excited and honored to help document this aspect of the Grange, especially with my daughter in the cast.” National Grange Pomona, Barb Foster of West Virginia, echoed the sentiment, saying, “[The experience has been] great.

I’m excited to be part of it for posterity’s sake.”

The weekend would not have been possible without the incredible hospitality of Illinois Grangers, who stepped up in every way: hosting cast members, preparing

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Filming In Progress: The crew (pictured on the right) diligently captured multiple angles and takes of each scene to ensure thorough documentation and preservation.

Photo by Christine Hamp

meals, managing transportation, and making all feel welcome. Mary Brubach of Prairie Grange #1832 (IL), who helped coordinate hospitality, humbly noted: “We are excited and proud to have been able to host everyone here this weekend.

Feeding and cooking for a few people is no problem while they are working hard too.”

“I’m incredibly pleased with the Seventh Degree video project,” reflected National Grange President

Christine Hamp. “The amazing local support, the cast’s deep commitment to travel and participate, the ease of working with the talented videographer team, and the use of a fabulous facility that could lift our treasured backdrops all came together to honor the traditions of our Order in a truly inspiring way.”

The full cast includes: Roger Bostwick (High Priest), William “Chip” Narvel (Priest Archon), Martha Stefenoni (Priestess Annalist),

Christine E. Hamp (National Grange President), Cindy L. Greer (Ceres), Barb Foster (Pomona), Welina Shufeldt (Flora), Nan Barnes, Alyssa Brickweg, Emma Edelen, Rachel Edelen, Ethan Edwards, Heather Ellwanger, Sara Ellwanger, Scarlette Ellwanger, Manny Fabela, Glenn P. Gibson, Joseph L. Goodrich, Harry G. Greer, Duane J. Hamp, Walter J. Hartley, Mary Innis, Chris Johnston, Jamie Klenklen, Kevin Klenklen, Lana Korte, Sammantha Meyers, Mark Noah, Brian O’Dell, Marisa L. O’Dell, Lynette Schaeffer, James “Jimmy” Taylor, Rev. Jennifer L. TobinTinch, Leroy Watson, and the voice of Joseph Stefenoni. Additional assistance was provided by Karie Blasingame, Melanie Bostwick, Kevin Brubach, Mary Brubach, Gene Edelen, Maria Edelen, Adam Ellwanger, Emilie Ellwanger, Connie Johnston, Don Schaeffer, and Billy Shufeldt.

This recording will serve as a historical record and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Grange, connecting generations, preserving traditions, and strengthening the foundation for future growth.

The cast of the Seventh Degree, following the completion of their work, posing in front of one of the historic backdrops.

Photo by Gene Edelen

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Have you registered?

159th Annual National Grange Convention November 8-16, 2025 The 159th Annual National Grange Convention will be here before you know it!

Sailing from Miami to the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, this one-of-a-kind convention blends business with fun, fellowship with learning, and so much more.

Whether you're a longtime Granger or a friend or family member, this unique setting offers unforgettable opportunities to connect, grow, and be inspired. With engaging workshops, meaningful meeting times, and moments of celebration - not to mention everything Carnival has to offer - there’s something for everyone on board. You’ll leave energized with fresh ideas, lasting friendships, and a deeper connection to our mission. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Grange history on the high seas!

Updates are being posted regularly on social media and on the main information page. So visit today to be sure you’re registered.

Visit: https://www.nationalgrange.org/159ngconvention today!

Reserving your cabin does not register you for the convention. Make sure to do both!

Date

Port

Some National Grange Events*

Saturday, November 8 Sunday, November 9 Monday, November 10 Tuesday, November 11 Wednesday, November 12 Thursday, November 13 Friday, November 14 Saturday, November 15 Sunday, November 16

Miami At Sea At Sea Aruba Bonaire Curacao At Sea At Sea Miami

Saturday, November 8 Registration of all attendees Sail-Away Party Sunday, November 9 Opening of Session President’s Addresses Tuesday, November 11 Assembly of Demeter Business Meeting

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Wednesday, November 12 Conferral of the Seventh Degree & Assembly Convocation Friday, November 14 Election of Officers Saturday, November 15 Opening of Session by Youth Officers Installation of Officers

11 *registration required

Grange leader awarded for dedication to rural seniors

by Philip J Vonada

National Grange Communications Director The American Society on Aging has awarded Joan C. Smith with the esteemed Gloria Cavanaugh Award for Excellence in Training and Education. This honor recognizes an individual or program making significant contributions to training and education in the field of aging—a mission Joan has pursued with extraordinary passion and purpose. Smith has been a dedicated Granger for many years, as well as an avid and passionate supporter of rural communities, education, and outreach.

Smith led the National Grange team behind the Reaching Rural Surgical Seniors campaign, an initiative aimed at empowering older adults in rural communities with vital healthcare knowledge and tools. With funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the program focuses on helping seniors and their caregivers prepare for surgery, navigate complex medical systems, and recover safely at home.

With her organizational and motivational skills, combined with decades of experience in service and leadership, she mobilized the Grange network nationwide, building an educational campaign that reached more than 300,000 individuals in under a year, doubling the original two-year outreach goal.

The campaign’s resources are practical, inclusive, and accessible. They include pre- and post-surgery brochures with guided question prompts, six short instructional videos, Spanish-language versions of all materials, and downloadable presentation kits. These materials teach older adults how to communicate clearly with healthcare providers, prepare homes for recovery, and engage loved ones in care planning. Although the program has officially wrapped up, materials remain available at seniorsurgeryguides.com.

“Joan Smith’s recognition with the Gloria Cavanaugh Award from the American Society on Aging is a proud moment not just for her but for all of us who believe in the power of education to strengthen rural communities, said National Grange President Christine E. Hamp. “Through the Reaching Rural Surgical Seniors program, Joan has demonstrated how thoughtful, targeted training can improve lives and bridge critical gaps in care for older adults. Her work embodies the Grange spirit of service, innovation, and community-driven progress.”

Community involvement played a prominent role in the campaign’s success. Joan led a team of local Grange members across the country who served as peer educators, distributing materials at churches, libraries,

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Joan C. Smith, second from left, poses with ASA Board member Najja Orr (left), ASA President & CEO Leanne Clark-Shirley, and Board member Simona Valanciute.

Photo provided

gyms, public spaces, clinics, and senior centers, as well as setting up display booths at fairs, local events, and in their own Grange Halls. This grassroots model ensured that vital information reached the people who needed it most.

“The National Grange and I are greatly honored to have been selected to receive the 2025 Gloria Cavanaugh Award from the American Society on Aging. I am very proud of Grangers across the nation who have embraced the program... Thank you.” said Smith.

She credited her expert leadership team, including Dr. Laurie Anne Ferguson, Dr. Jennifer Walker, and Ms. Olivia Casey, for their dedication and innovation.

Smith’s exemplary leadership, resonant empathy for rural seniors, and passionate commitment to education have created lasting change. Her work not only supports individual wellness but strengthens entire communities— ensuring older adults are prepared, informed, and empowered to age with dignity and independence.

Smith accepted the award at the On Aging 2025 Conference in Orlando, Florida, in April.

Congratulations, Joan!

The Gloria Cavanaugh Award is supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation.

The American Society on Aging (ASA) is a leading national organization in the field of aging, dedicated to advancing the well-being of older adults and those who work with them.

Founded in 1954, ASA is a multidisciplinary community of professionals, including practitioners, educators, administrators, and policymakers, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and advocacy in aging.

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Mica Flats Grange Hops Into Action for Easter Fun and Fellowship A “Share Your Project’s Story” submission

by Bonnie Mitson & Randee Farmer

National Grange Community Service Co-Directors Thank you to Mica Flats Grange #436, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for being the first to submit the electronic SHARE YOUR PROJECT'S STORY form

located

at

https://www.

nationalgrange.org/our-values/ community-service. Details of their

Grange's recent Easter Bunny Hunt are shared below.

It is our hope that by sharing a project’s story, details might be helpful suggestions to other Granges on future projects.

Thank you and great work, Mica Flats Grange!

Project Name: Easter Egg Hunt

Grange: Mica Flats Grange #436, Idaho Approximate Hours Expended:

Members: 70+ hours (7 members)

Non-Members: 25+ hours (8 non-members, including 5 4-H members) Attendees: 60 The Goals of this project were to (1) create a family fun activity to attract young new members; (2) engage old and new

The poster used to advertise the Mica Flats Grange Easter Egg Hunt. Image provided

Grangers through the formation of an annual Easter Egg Hunt; and (3) work in partnership with other community groups for a successful event; i.e., Jolly Workers 4-H Club and the local Fire District, and a local business, Calypso Pizza, was the event's sponsor.

Publicity included Mica Flats Grange Facebook page,

micaflatsgrange.org website activities post, North Idaho

News Facebook page, and KXLY News website event page.

Posts were made from one month to two weeks prior to event date. Members were encouraged to "like" the pages, as that increases visibility and circulation. Fliers were created, distributed, and posted at the Grange Hall and with various groups including Happy Family, 4-H Jolly Workers, Fit and Fall Proof, Pinochle, and area churches. Banners were hung on the exterior of the Grange Hall. Event was, of course, publicized enthusiastically by word of mouth.

Prep of the outdoor egg hunt area started two weeks prior to the event by picking up pine cones. Using colored ground flags, the areas for the four age groups were marked off on the day before the event. Additionally, day before the event activities included (1) securing parking lot for participants use; and (2) collecting supplies at the Grange Hall (so any last minute needed items could be realized and fulfilled).

1,000 plastic eggs were stuffed with small toys and candies.

24 Golden Tickets were randomly included in eggs to be

exchanged for a stuffed bunny or chocolate rabbit. Only one Golden Ticket prize could be claimed per participant.

The day of the Egg Hunt arrived and the work continued.

With the wonderful help from the 4-H members, filled eggs were placed everywhere in the four marked age group areas, keeping in mind no hard candy-filled eggs for Groups 1 & 2 and fewer eggs for Group 1. (Group 1: ages 1-2; Group 2: ages

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the guidelines for the egg hunt; and (3) reminders to have pictures taken with the Easter Bunny, enjoy refreshments, visit information booths, and use the provided containers in the area for recycling empty eggs.

Two adult volunteers were in Easter Bunny costumes for the event. Bunny duties included (1) getting pictures taken with the kids; (2) encouraging kids to search for eggs; and (3) helping those kids with Golden Tickets to pick their prizes.

A designated Photographer was assigned to take pictures of the event. For help in record keeping and future event planning, a volunteer was assigned to keep track of attendees.

Clean-up was performed with the help of many volunteers.

Lessons Learned for next year’s Egg Hunt were reviewed

for future events: (1) create a holding or staging area for And they’re off! Children in four separate age groups hunted for plastic eggs in Mica Flats Grange’s Easter Egg Hunt.

Photo provided

kiddos and parents around a picnic table within each group area to wait for the signal to start their hunt of designated age group area; (2) set up the information booths near staging areas; and (3) purchase a few discounted stuffed bunnies after

3-4; Group 3: ages 5-7; Group 4: ages 8-12) Eggs with Golden

Easter Sunday to use for next year's event.

Tickets were strategically divided among the four groups so all groups got them.

Information Booths were set up. The Grange's display, which included membership and activity information, was strategically placed next to the refreshments (popcorn, coffee and cookies).

The 4-H display included live pet rabbits and chicks. The local Fire District display included fireman plastic hats for attendees, information on becoming a volunteer firefighter, and upcoming public interest classes. Coupons for a free small pizza from event sponsor Calypso Pizza were distributed to the adults in attendance. Adults like freebies, too! To encourage recycling eggs for use next year, three plastic bag-lined containers were placed around the area for discarding empty eggs.

A Master of Ceremonies helped tremendously with organizing attendees on event day. (Familiarity with the sound system, including a dry run on how to effectively use the system is recommended prior to the event.) Duties included (1) welcoming attendees; (2) making announcements, including

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One young attendee (wearing a fire hat from the local fire district) greets the Easter Bunny during the event.

Photo provided

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PROJECT SUSTENANCE FEATURE

An important feature of the National Grange’s signature initiative, Project Sustenance, is ideasharing 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 website.

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.nationalgrange.org/projectsustenance.

by Claudine Mincks

Lecturer, Centerville Grange #81 (WA) President, Klickitat County Pomona Grange #5 (WA)

“Success in the Eyes of the Participant” Food Security, Self-Sustainability, Individual and Community Resilience After participating in the National Grange Zoom meeting where President Christine Hamp introduced Project Sustenance, Dean Bowdish and Claudine Mincks, both officers in Centerville Grange #81 and Klickitat County Pomona Grange #5 in Washington State, decided that this was the umbrella for three different proposed projects their local and county Granges could collaborate on. Each stand-alone project could be enhanced through presenting them together as Family Fair & Garden Event. Just like the Grange Strong theme: Rooted, Resilient, United – highlighting on United.

Claudine went right to work as Program Director, setting up a meeting between Jonathon Eldred, Kid Gardening with Fun Activities and Crafts, Lucille Bevis, County Grange Mini-Fair with spotlight on Food Preservation, Dean Bowdish, Adult Education Gardening Program for a Community Garden, and Sara Wade, County Deputy and Logistics Master. When the group proposed the event at both the subordinate and county Granges, it seemed to be well-received, and several people offered support. The committee was ecstatic and went right to work, with two months before the big day.

The common goal between the three projects was having a base of enough member support among the community Granges, providing a fun interactive gardening educational program for both kids and adults to gain interest in a local community garden at the Centerville Grange Hall, and being a resource for the county to provide future workshops on food preservation, fun cooking classes and contests in the years to come

with the produce raised at the local community garden.

Each creates resilience in their hometown.

Jonathon enlisted the help of a few community members to facilitate the kids’ portion of the event.

He and his team offered each child an opportunity to learn about gardening and composting with informative coloring sheets, hands-on building a compost pile with layers of disposed vegetable, fruit, leaves, paper, and dirt, decorating a garden planter, and then planting corn seeds in biodegradable containers with the compost and dirt to take home and track until growing and then planting in the ground for 2025 fall corn harvesting. The kids enjoyed the hands-on learning, but hands down went to playing in the dirt!

Lucille, along with a few fellow Grangers, including Pat Wallenmeyer, the county Grange judge, was able to display local community food preparations and preservation in many different classes at the event.

Chutney hot water bath preservation was one of the most-entered classes in the contests at the mini-fair.

Two children from the local community participate in the activities. Photo provided

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Breads and dessert smells were wafting throughout the Grange Hall, making people stop and linger longer to look over the other non-food contest displays such as kid art, adult woodworking tractor and dragon art, and tables of handknitted items including children’s socks and baby blankets.

Dean offered adult education on gardening in the Centerville, Washington valley that covered: characteristics of soil types and weather of the Centerville Valley, traditional or polyculture (chaos or MILPA) gardening types, practices of soil testing, watering, composting, fertilizers, and companion plants, and finally gauging interest in a local community garden at the Centerville Grange Hall. The program was loaded with not only hands-on exercises for finding weather stations on the internet, but also short videos showcasing different gardening types, and the favorite was a stepby-step guide to creating a personal backyard compost pile.

A lunch for the whole family was supplied at the wrap up of the event where families could sit down inside and out of the cold wind and discuss what they had learned - and if that wasn’t enough, there were inside games set up for the kids to burn off a little more energy while the parents sat and visited. As guests from both the local community as well as a few from nearby towns around the county left to go home they were each handed a small token thank you “mini” shovel (which could be used as an ice cream spoon in the future) attached to a “plant me” paper heart that was infused with wildflower seeds and a bookmark from the Centerville Grange in hopes they would remember GRANGE. As the committee met for a wrap-up event review, they each felt a little discouraged over the low attendance and lack of participation from members who had been so excited to help when the event was first announced.

All in all, over 100 flyers went out to the schools in the local communities, postings at the local businesses and city hubs, and postings on social media ran for six weeks with hype up the last week and day of, in an area that encompass over 5,000 residents and only a mixture of sixteen kids and adults attended the event. Grange members’ promise of helping at the event started at twenty-five, and in attendance to aid on the day of the event were only ten, which, if the participation level had been as anticipated at 75+ people, would have been taxing on the Grange members that did show up to help.

Four adults sat in on Dean’s adult educational program on gardening in the Centerville Valley, and it was a unanimous “loved it” vote; however, none lived in the local community and therefore were not interested in

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helping facilitate a local community garden at the Grange Hall there. The other five adults came in to view the mini-fair entries and eat lunch. Seven kids participated in Jonathon’s kids’ gardening and composting program.

Each one of them loved the hands-on composting and planting the corn, and two sent pictures of their corn growing a month later!

Upon conclusion although the event could not be listed as a whopping success in reaching or hosting the quantity level of participation in Grange or local community members or in establishing a sustaining local community garden that could grow produce three quarters of the year to give back to those in need in the same local area. It was a rewarding, educational, and fun-filled day for the twenty-six total in attendance that did participate, learn, and grow together proving that RESILENCE word in: Grange Strong – Rooted, Resilience, United.

Next year at the same time during Grange Spirit Week, Centerville Grange #81 and Klickitat County Pomona #5 will try the same event, with a slightly revised program, more advertisement, and a dream that they can make a difference in Growing Food Security, Self-Sustainability and Resilience in America’s Hometowns such as theirs for Project Sustenance!

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Along the Way...

Corn Clubs: Precursor to today’s 4-H

By Norman Houser Author, The Pennsylvania Rambler www.thepennsylvaniarambler.com PA State Grange Membership Director When I first heard about Corn Clubs, it was new to me.

I had been researching a local Grange and came across a mention of the club. It was brief, stating members should bring their best ears of corn to the meeting being held at the Grange Hall. What I would soon discover was that the Grange was a part of the development and expansion of agricultural clubs in the early 1900s. While clubs focused on different agricultural crops, animals, or household activities, there was one club that quickly grew and spread new farming techniques across the United States: the Corn Club.

During the late 1890s and early 1900s, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reached into the rural communities, hosting programs and helping farmers through farm work demonstrations. Out of this program, new clubs were organized for children and youth in rural communities.

The first of these clubs was known as the Boys’ Corn Club or simply the Corn Club. Corn was the first crop selected due to a number of factors: First, it was adaptable to many different growing conditions. Secondly, it was an important

A 1916 Boys’ Corn Club exhibit at the state fair in Richmond, Virginia.

Image from The story of corn and the westward migration by Eugene Clyde Brooks. Image in public domain. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons

In 1912, a Corn Club member in Virginia grew 209 bushels of corn on one acre using new farming technologies, when the average acre yielded only 45 bushels of corn.

Photo in public domain

part of the economies of many regions. Thirdly, the end result (the size and shape of corn ears) could easily be compared.

The first of these new clubs was organized in 1900 by W. B. Otwell in Illinois. However, it was under the direction of Seaman A. Knapp that the club grew. In 1908, he organized corn clubs across the South under the Farmers’ Cooperative Demonstration Work. The spread of new ideas and farming techniques to the younger generations proved successful, and the clubs grew quickly. The Corn Club proved popular and spread quickly across the United States. By 1906, every state and territory – except for Alaska – had Corn Clubs in them.

The purpose of these clubs was to teach young men new ideas in agriculture. Many family farms continued to farm the way their ancestors did, refusing to adopt new ideas in farming. However, the younger generations were more open to trying new ideas. Members of the clubs were asked to try these new farming techniques on a small plot on their family farms. They could then show their parents the effectiveness of these new ideas.

Another unique part of the Corn Club was that it was not being taught by family members. This was intentional: to eliminate the traditional farming practices that were handed down from one generation to the next. Instead, the leaders were schoolteachers, county extension agents, or other agricultural agents. These leaders would pass new farming ideas and techniques to the young men. At the end of the

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While Corn Clubs were popular, they did have a couple of drawbacks: First, they only focused on corn.

Secondly, they did not allow females to join.

Soon, other farming organizations were created, but most focused on Club girls receive a demonstration on preparation for the canning of vegetables.

Courtesy May Quarles Collection, boys, mostly because Extension Service History, Special Collections Department, they were the Mitchell Memorial Library, Mississippi State University ones who typically inherited the farm, growing season, the corn was harvested continuing the family tradition. These and compared to crops raised by other included Pig Clubs, Potato Clubs, members and crops raised in the and Poultry Clubs. As the number “traditional” ways, so farmers could of specialty clubs formed, two clubs see the difference in crops harvested. focused on girls: Tomato Clubs and Corn would be placed on display at Canning Clubs. Despite the increase local fairs so the community could see in agricultural clubs, the Corn Club the differences in the crops. continued to be the most popular of The creation of the Corn Club them. was not the creation of any one These clubs were successful in organization but came about through teaching the younger generations new the workings of many different ones techniques and ideas in agriculture. under the direction of the USDA. Land Crop yields increased, and agriculture grant colleges, the Grange, schools, became a part of the curriculum in and state Departments of Agriculture many schools. Unfortunately, the were all involved in the creation of expansion of agriculture in the school Corn Clubs and clubs that followed. curriculum and information being

Several youth agricultural clubs pose together in the early 1900s.

Image via the State Archives of North Carolina

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A. B. Graham is credited with expanding the youth agricultural clubs intothe 4-H movement.

Image via the Ohio History Collection

distributed by extension agents meant that by 1920, the popularity of these clubs had declined. At its apex in 1912, there were more than 65,000 members.

Despite the club's popularity diminishing, it did not disappear. In 1902, Corn Clubs caught the attention of A. B. Graham of Springfield, Ohio.

Known in Ohio as School Agricultural Clubs, Graham would expand the club and form a new organization – 4-H. Though often overlooked, many Granges were involved in these agricultural clubs. They brought in speakers and agricultural instructors for the clubs. They allowed their halls to be used as meeting places. They also shared new farming and agricultural techniques with the younger generations. While the Grange has generally been overlooked for their contributions to the agricultural clubs of the early 1900s, its involvement and contributions helped spread information to the next generation to improve their crops, making a mark on those young people who would pass down and share with the next generation.

Pennsylvania Nursing Student Wins Grange Foundation’s Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship Smith has served in many other leadership roles with the Grange, Grange Foundation Associate including 2023–24 Pennsylvania State Grange Youth Ambassador The Grange and as an officer at her local, Pomona Foundation has and the State Grange. She was also named Shae named “Counselor of the Week” Leigh Smith of in 2024 at the Pennsylvania Junior Elizabethtown, Grange Camp, where her empathy Pennsylvania, and attentiveness made her a as the recipient trusted presence among campers of the 2025 and peers.

Ernestine Keiser Beyond the Grange, Smith is Memorial Scholarship. Smith, a actively involved with Club Ophelia, nursing major at Harrisburg Area a youth empowerment initiative, Community College, is a member and the Masonic Youth Girls Shae Smith, recipient of the 2025 of Elizabethtown Grange #2076 Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship.

Empowerment Camp, where she and currently serves as a National Photo provided plans to volunteer this summer. She Grange Youth Ambassador. also served as class representative “Shae Smith exemplifies the heart, leadership and service that the Ernestine Keiser for her evening nursing cohort and is a member of the Memorial Scholarship was established to honor,” said National Technical Honor Society.

“Shae is a dedicated and passionate leader,” said Evelyn John Benedik, chairman of the Grange Foundation Board of Trustees. “Her work as a youth mentor, her dedication Zaleski, a fellow member of Elizabethtown Grange, in a to the Grange, and her aspirations in healthcare make letter of recommendation. “Her time management skills,

by Amanda Brozana

her a remarkable role model for young people in our organization and beyond.”

“Receiving this scholarship means more than just financial support,” Smith said, “It represents a vote of confidence in my potential and goals. It allows me to focus more fully on my education and professional development without the added burden of financial stress.

It also reinforces my belief that hard work, dedication, and perseverance are recognized and rewarded. Most importantly, it motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to give back to my community in the future, just as others are now investing in me.”

Smith credits her involvement with the Grange in helping her find her voice and develop leadership skills. In her scholarship essay, Smith reflected on her transformation from a quiet 15-year-old to a confident advocate for youth engagement and inclusion within the Grange.

“I knew that I did not want to feel small for the rest of my life,” she wrote. “I have been able to guide others, provide insight, and be a safe person that others look up to.”

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Smith poses for a photo with a camper and some feathered friends during the 2025 PA State Junior Grange Camp.

Photo provided

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Smith served as a Youth Officer at the 158th National Grange Convention in Bettendorf, Iowa, in 2024, alongside fellow Pennsylvanians Harvey Reyburn (left) and Bryce Danko. Photo provided academic excellence, and commitment to youth empowerment and community service are truly impressive.”

Jennifer Danko, Pennsylvania State Grange and National Grange Youth Co-director, praised Smith’s role at the PA State Junior Camp, noting her “positive interactions with Juniors” and her “reliability and dedication” as a counselor.

“Shae is a compassionate youth that is highly motivated to pursue a career in the nursing field,” Danko wrote.

Anna May Nauss, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, noted Smith’s involvement at all levels of the Grange – local, county, state and national – as a

major factor in the committee’s positive review of the application.

“Shae is a well-rounded applicant and demonstrated that she excels academically and has a strong commitment to the Grange. She also displays leadership and is highly committed to community service,” Nauss said.

Smith is a first-generation college student and plans to use her nursing education to serve others in both clinical and community settings.

She believes that scholarships like these make a true difference in students’ lives. “As education costs continue to rise, I would encourage Granges and

State Grange Foundations to expand their support for students by continuing to invest in scholarship programs and creating mentorship opportunities,” Smith said. “Financial aid is vital, but students also benefit immensely from guidance, career networking, and community involvement. Granges can further support students by building partnerships with local schools, hosting educational workshops, and promoting vocational and technical education alongside traditional academic paths.

By investing in the next generation this way, Granges not only preserve their legacy of service but also empower young people to thrive and give back to their communities.”

The Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually by the Grange Foundation to a Grange member who demonstrates leadership, academic promise and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. The award honors the legacy of Ernestine “Ernie” Keiser, a long-serving advocate for youth and education in the Grange.

For more information about the Grange Foundation and its scholarship opportunities, visit www. grangefoundation.org.

“Ultimately, this scholarship brings me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a registered nurse, and I’m committed to making the most of the opportunity it provides,” Smith added.

Let’s hear your story

Being a Grange member is one of the most rewarding experiences. For many, the story of how they came to join the Grange does not capture the essence of how they came to be a Granger and what that means in their lives.

We want to hear from you!

What is your #GrangeStory that tells how you became a Granger? Did you find ways to apply Grange lessons to your daily life and share them with friends and coworkers? Did you find yourself embracing new ideas and finding ways to overcome differences?

Submit your story of no more than 650 words and a photo, if applicable, to Philip Vonada, Communications Director, at pvonada@nationalgrange.org for potential inclusion in a future issue of Good Day! or use on our social media.

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Connected Communities: Reducing the Impact of Isolation in Rural Areas Courtesy of Family Features

according to the American Time Use Survey. They are increasingly more likely to take meetings, shop, eat and enjoy entertainment at

Throughout history, humans’ ability to rely on one another has been crucial to survival. Despite modern developments that help individuals live with minimal human engagement, the human need

home, making it easier for them to stay within their own four walls and avoid social interactions.

Authentic

human

connection

is

a

basic

but

often

unacknowledged necessity for health, “as essential to survival

to connect remains.

However, in many parts of America, a trend toward isolation

as food, water and shelter,” according to the U.S. Surgeon

is emerging. Over the past two decades, people are spending

General’s Advisory on the Health Effects of Social Connection and

more time alone and less time engaging with others in person,

Community.

according to data from the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General.

Understanding Social Isolation

One segment of Americans at particular risk of social isolation,

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

loneliness and their negative impacts are select populations who

(CDC), about one-third of U.S. adults reported feeling lonely

live in rural areas.

and about one-fourth said they don’t have social and emotional

“There is an urgent need to take action and improve mental health in rural America,” said Jeff Winton, dairy farmer and founder and chairman of Rural Minds, a nonprofit mental health advocacy

support (the basis of social isolation).

The concepts of social isolation and loneliness can go hand-inhand, but the two are actually quite different.

organization that partnered with Pfizer to raise awareness about

Social isolation is defined by an absence of relationships or

the physical and mental risks of social isolation. “Challenges

contact with others. Someone experiencing loneliness may or

to mental health can be inherent in a rural lifestyle, including a

may not have social connections, but lacks feelings of closeness,

belief in self-reliance as a virtue, fear of judgment and difficulty

support or belonging. Despite the distinction, both can have a

getting an appointment with a limited number of mental health

negative impact on a person’s mental and even physical health.

Several factors can influence a person’s risk for social isolation

professionals, among others.”

Many Americans are increasingly spending more time alone

and loneliness.

“Social connection is a dynamic that changes over time,” said Nikki Shaffer, senior director, occupational health and wellness, Pfizer. “Transient feelings of loneliness or solitude may be beneficial because they can serve as motivation to reconnect. However, chronic loneliness (even if someone is not isolated) and isolation (even if someone is not lonely) can represent significant health concerns.”

Isolation in Rural America Compared to people who live in urban areas, many rural Americans experience higher rates of depression and suicide but are less likely to access mental health care services, according to the “Health Disparities in Rural America: Current Challenges and Future Solutions” study published in “Clinical Advisor.” What’s more, CDC data shows suicide rates among people living in rural areas can be 64-68% higher than those in large urban areas.

Photos in this article via ShutterStock

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Rural areas have 20% fewer primary care providers compared to urban areas, according to a report in

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Boost Your Social Connections

Take a proactive approach to combatting social isolation and loneliness with these everyday actions that can promote stronger social ties.

•

• JAMA, and the Health Resources and

as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day or

Services Administration reports more

drinking six alcoholic drinks daily.

than 25 million rural Americans, more

In addition, poor or insufficient social

than half of rural residents, live in mental

connection is associated with increased

health professional shortage areas.

risk of disease, including a 29% increased

Among rural counties, 65% lack a psychiatrist. Nearly 30% of rural

risk of heart disease and a 32% increased

•

risk of stroke.

Americans don’t have internet access

Social isolation is also associated with

in their homes, which complicates the

increased risk for anxiety, depression and

option for telehealth. These figures from

dementia. Additionally, a lack of social

Rural Minds exemplify the challenges

connection may increase susceptibility to

facing rural America.

viruses and respiratory illness.

“Some people in rural communities

Learn more about the impact of social

still don’t understand or accept that

isolation, especially on residents of rural

mental illness is a disease,” said Winton,

areas, and the steps you can take to

who grew up on a rural farm. “Rather, a

reduce isolation and loneliness by visiting

mental illness can often be viewed as a

ruralminds.org.

•

personal weakness or character flaw. A lot of the stigma around mental illness results

•

in unwarranted shame, which adds to the burden for someone already suffering from mental illness.”

Health Impacts of Social Isolation Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling; it harms both individual and societal health. In fact, loneliness

•

and social isolation can increase the risk for premature death by 26% and 29%, respectively.

Lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much

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Invest time in nurturing your relationships through consistent, frequent and highquality engagement with others. Take time each day to reach out to a friend or family member.

Minimize distractions during conversation to increase the quality of the time you spend with others. For instance, don’t check your phone during meals with friends, important conversations and family time.

Seek out opportunities to serve and support others, either by helping your family, co-workers, friends or people in your community or by participating in community service.

Be responsive, supportive and practice gratitude. As you practice these behaviors, others are more likely to reciprocate, strengthening social bonds, improving relationship satisfaction and building social capital.

Participate in social and community groups such as religious, hobby, fitness, professional and community service organizations to help foster a sense of belonging, meaning and purpose.

Seek help during times of struggle with loneliness or isolation by reaching out to a family member, friend, counselor, health care provider or the 988 crisis line.

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The rise of remote work: How remote work is shifting the geography of jobs

By Amanda Weinstein and Camden Blatchly originally published by the Center on Rural Innovation The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally reshaped the way we live and work. One of the most significant changes has been the dramatic rise in remote work, allowing workers to decouple where they live from their employer’s location. This shift has implications for population growth patterns across U.S. counties, particularly in rural areas and small towns across America.

In a new study funded by enFocus, Dr. Michael Hicks and Dr. Emily Wornell at Ball State University, and Dr. Amanda Weinstein at the Center on Rural Innovation show that local quality of life now plays an even more critical role in determining where people choose to live (and work) in the post-pandemic world.

to offer remote work options. The remote work trend will likely continue for tech and other sectors as both employers and employees recognize the benefits of remote work, such as worklife balance and flexibility, including more flexibility in where an employee can live.

Quality of life as a driver of population growth To estimate the quality of life for every county across the U.S. — both rural and urban — the study employs a unique methodology using labor and housing market data to estimate the premium people are willing to pay to live in locations across the U.S. The findings reveal that the importance of quality of life in driving population growth has more than doubled since the onset of the pandemic for all geographies, and particularly in rural areas and small towns, also known as micropolitan areas (see figure below).

The implication is that remote work allows people to live in locations that they find desirable without being tethered to job locations, leading to a redistribution of population based on quality of life preferences. The impact is largest for rural (nonmetropolitan) areas.

After COVID (between 2021 and 2022), this association

The shift to remote work Remote work, once a niche trend, became a mainstream mode of employment as the COVID-19 pandemic forced employers to adapt. In May 2020, 35.4% of people reported working remotely due to the pandemic, up from just 5.6% in 2018.

While some sectors have reverted to traditional work settings, many companies have embraced a distributed workforce model as a permanent option in order to attract and retain highly skilled workers. The tech sector, known for its intense competition for talent and generous benefits packages, is also the most likely

Quality of life was associated with higher population growth between 2010 and 2019.

All graphs provided by CORI. grew stronger, highlighting rural areas increased ability to offer households a high quality of life that was previously out of reach when they were constrained by their employer’s location.

Let’s take a look at one county as an example.

Iron County, Utah is known for its vibrant arts scene and

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pandemic subsided, many families with kids have stayed in smaller communities.

Challenges and considerations

abundance of recreation opportunities. Since COVID, Iron County, Utah has experienced a greater increase in remote work than the national average and saw nearly a 10% rise in tech jobs last year—a trend common in areas with a high quality of life.

Many rural areas have faced population decline as automation and globalization have disproportionately reduced employment opportunities and residents moved to larger metropolitan areas in search of jobs.

Remote work may help reverse this trend by enabling people to stay in or return to their hometowns without sacrificing their careers. Remote work provides increased access to jobs that were previously available only in urban centers. Population growth observed post-COVID is higher for high quality of life places such as Cedar City.

High-paying tech and professional jobs can now be performed anywhere with a reliable internet connection, and recent bipartisan infrastructure legislation has made unprecedented investments in rural broadband.

Many rural areas still lack adequate broadband infrastructure, which is crucial for residents to access new employment opportunities. This is especially true for rural areas with disproportionately large shares of people of color. Increasing access to employment opportunities can stimulate local economies by increasing jobs and the disposable income of residents as well as growing new businesses.

Many remote workers report higher levels of job satisfaction and work-life balance. The absence of commuting saves time and reduces stress, allowing more time for work and more time for family, hobbies, and community engagement. Moreover, the lower cost of living in rural areas allows families to enjoy safe small towns with social networks that can support families without sacrificing their careers. While many workers did return to urban areas as the

The rise of remote work and its impact on population growth presents both opportunities and challenges for policymakers.

Economic development strategies and workforce training programs will likely need to adjust to the rise of remote work. It is incumbent upon rural and urban places with lower estimated quality of life metrics to identify the factors holding them back and find ways to improve local quality of life for residents. Regions with high quality of life but previously limited economic opportunities could see a resurgence in population growth and jobs.

However, this could also increase housing prices and potential displacement issues in these areas. To avoid this risk, policymakers need to balance attracting remote workers with ensuring that local residents can continue to afford to live in their communities and have access to remote work.

The skills required for many remote jobs, particularly in tech and professional services, may be less prevalent in rural populations. For example, rural high school students are less likely to have access to computer science classes than students in large metropolitan areas. Workforce development programs that focus on training and upskilling residents are vital — partnerships between local educational institutions and employers can help create a talent pipeline that meets the needs of remote work opportunities in addition to local demand for tech talent.

Looking ahead

By addressing the challenges and leveraging the benefits of remote work, rural and urban communities can thrive in the digital economy. Policymakers, business leaders, and community organizers must work together to ensure that the shift to remote

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work benefits everyone, creating a more equitable and prosperous future, and a higher quality of life for both rural and urban America.

As remote work becomes a permanent fixture in the employment landscape, areas that offer a high quality of life are likely to see continued population growth, reshaping the demographic and economic map of the U.S.

of rural communities, and that rural people should have the same access to opportunities in the tech economy. As a national nonprofit, CORI uses data-driven research, partnerships, programming, and investment to support and connect rural leaders as they build inclusive tech ecosystems in rural America.

Learn more at www.ruralinnovation.us.

The Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) believes in the potential

Migration to Rural America Resulted in Population Growth Last Year, Census Shows

By Sarah Melotte originally published in The Daily Yonder Thousands of people moved to rural America last year, causing the fourth year of continual growth in rural areas, according to a Daily Yonder analysis of 2024 Census estimates.

Nonmetropolitan, or rural, counties grew by 134,000 residents between 2023 and 2024, reversing a decadelong trend of population decline that happened between 2010 and 2020.

Since 2020, in-migration has been the primary force behind rural population gain. If it wasn’t for people moving to rural America, nonmetro counties would have lost more than half a million residents over the past four years.

That’s because deaths have been

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Infographics via The Daily Yonder.

Created with Datawrapper with information via the U.S. Census Bureau.

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outnumbering births in rural places, a phenomenon demographers refer to as natural decrease. (Natural increase, on the other hand, occurs when births outnumber deaths).

Between 2023 and 2024, rural America lost 104,600 residents to natural decrease. But because the number of people who moved to rural counties was greater than the number of people who left, rural America saw a net migration of 240,000 residents.

(Nonmetropolitan, or rural, counties in this analysis are the counties not on the list of metropolitan areas in the 2013 Office of Management and Budget database.)

A similar trend occurred in smaller metropolitan areas.

Metro counties with populations fewer than 250,000, referred to simply as small metros in the table below, lost just over 2,000 residents to natural decrease in 2024. These counties, however, also gained an additional 226,200 residents by people moving in.

In medium-sized suburbs of cities with populations between 250,000 and 1 million, natural decrease resulted in a drop of 10,300 residents. But in-migration added 203,600 residents to those counties, resulting in a net gain of 193,100 residents in 2024.

But in the nation’s largest counties, population growth happened through a combination of both natural increase and in-migration. In the major metros with populations exceeding 1 million residents, both natural change and positive net migration resulted in a growth of almost 1 million residents. The suburbs of those cities gained about 1.2 million, primarily through migration.

In medium-sized metros, or cities with populations between 250,000 and 1 million, increases in migration and births resulted in a net gain of more than half a million more residents.

The South as Epicenter of Rural Growth

In 2024, America gained population across every type of geography, from the nation’s largest cities to the countryside’s smallest towns. But that growth was more pronounced in some regions over others.

About two-thirds of the national rural population growth happened in the South, for example. Home to nearly 18 million rural residents in 2024, the South is the largest region in the United States in terms of population size, so it follows that the most drastic fluctuations in raw numbers happened there.

Like the rest of rural America, population growth in the South was a direct result of people moving in. The South gained an additional 130,100 residents in 2024.

Simultaneously, these counties lost 41,800 residents through natural decrease. The resulting net change in population in the rural South was a growth of 88,200 people.

In terms of percent change, however, the largest growth last year happened in the Interior Northwest. Between 2023 and 2024, the Interior Northwest, which includes the states of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, grew by 12,000 residents, a 0.68% increase.

Population growth in the Interior Northwest happened because of a mix of natural increase and migration. Inmigration accounted for an additional 10,000 residents, while natural change resulted in about 2,000 new residents.

The Mid Atlantic region, which includes states like Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland, among others, was the only region that saw rural population declines in 2024. But that decrease was relatively minor–about 3,100 residents, a 0.07% drop since 2023.

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Study: Drone Technology Has Potential to Help Rural Healthcare

By Liz Carey originally published in The Daily Yonder A study released in December of 2024 has found that drones not only can provide rural residents with access to healthcare resources, but that rural people are eager to embrace the new technology.

Researcher Ellen Hahn, associate director of AppalTRuST in the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, was on the research team for the study that looked at drone delivery of healthcare resources to Appalachian patients that was recently published in Health Promotion Practice. Although the study was limited, she said, it showed that the concept could work.

“We found that it was safe to use drones,” Hahn said. “Some of the research around drones and healthcare delivery says that people are kind of

hesitant or skeptical, and we wondered what will a group of clients think?

Well, they were very interested. They embraced it. Plus, the materials that we delivered to them by drone were things they didn’t have access to.”

Hahn said the recently published study, conducted in 2020, wanted to see if drones could work in hard-toreach areas such as remote parts of the Appalachian mountains.

The study involved partnerships with Kentucky Homeplace, a community health worker program that provides medical and social assistance to rural residents they might not otherwise have had access to; the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health; and USA Drone Port in Hazard, Kentucky. The study focused on delivering personal protective equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Together with leaders in the Perry

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) quadcopter drone carries a first aid package over a neighborhood.

Licensed via AdobeStock

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County Wellness Coalition, the team worked out a system to deliver PPE such as face masks to Kentucky Homeplace clients in Perry and Knott counties in rural southeastern Kentucky, with a combined population of about 42,000.

“A lot of these participants, because they have chronic illness, are homebound anyway,” Hahn said. “I thought it sounded interesting and could have a ripple effect, particularly during flooding and other disasters.

The question was, could we use drones to get people what they needed when they can’t get things?”

After an initial consultation with their community healthcare workers about the program, the clients were able to tell workers where on their properties the drone could drop the delivery.

“As you can imagine, safety issues with power lines and trees and the weather were an issue, and we started this project in December (2020), so it was really winter into spring months,” Hahn said.

“We had to see how it would work.

The community health workers had to delay it because of weather or power lines, or trees a few times, but it was a close collaboration with the community health workers who were trained as visual observers.”

Once patients received the delivery, research found they were more likely to use the PPE. Before the study, only 60% of patients said they wore a mask every day. After the drone delivery, 90% reported wearing a mask every day. And those reporting they would not go out in public without a mask went up ten percent after delivery.

Of the study’s participants, 60% said they’d be willing to receive items via drone again, and 80% said they would like to schedule future deliveries of PPE items by drone at the end of the study.

The group also learned how to navigate the safety issues surrounding drones. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require that drones cannot fly beyond visual sight of the operator and colleagues, which requires coordination of community healthcare workers and drone pilots. Also, USA Drone Port tested various basket weights and different basket materials to determine how to successfully make deliveries, according to the study.

Increasingly, medical officials and drone operators around the country are exploring how to use drones to get prescriptions and other healthcare resources to people in rural communities.

In Maryland, a University of Maryland team is testing using drones to get prescriptions to remote areas like Smith Island, a community ten miles west of the mainland where its nearly 200 residents are mostly older and homebound.

Their prescriptions are generally delivered by ferry, which only runs once a day, weather permitting. Officials on the island said that getting prescriptions becomes even more challenging when the water freezes.

“When the ice is heavy, it can take six hours to get there—if you can go at all,” Eddie Somers, a retired fishing boat captain and official on the island, said in a statement.

Sometimes, he noted, it’s necessary to use an ice-breaking boat to get prescriptions to those in need.

John Slaughter, a retired Navy helicopter pilot, runs the University of Maryland’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Command and heard about the island’s issues during a talk with a Maryland doctor. Two of the doctor’s patients had run out of medicines during a freeze, which required the state to dispatch the medications in a helicopter. Slaughter thought the jobs could have been done with a drone.

“That helicopter costs thousands of dollars an hour to operate when you consider fuel, maintenance, flight crew, and ground crew,” Slaughter said in a press release In November of 2024, the university was awarded a $1.76 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a drone operation to get medical shipments to rural residents in that state.

Last year, a similar project in Texas had rural practitioners work with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to test drone delivery of medical supplies to rural areas of that state. And in Michigan, an economic development organization headed a partnership to test drone delivery of medical supplies and other healthcare needs to residents in rural Michigan.

Hahn said her team’s research shows that drones can have an impact on the health of rural residents.

“It was a small study, but we did see a significant impact in people reporting access to resources that they didn’t have, which is really what we were going after,” she said.

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

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America Needs More 5G Spectrum 5G is transforming rural America, connecting families to home broadband – many for the first time – and advancing precision agriculture. But to expand access and create a more connected future for our rural communities, America needs more 5G spectrum – the radio waves wireless networks use to transmit data.

Tell your Senator and Congressman, America needs more 5G spectrum.

Safety First When Considering Anti-Obesity Medications to social media feeds of many Americans, promotion of these illicitly manufactured anti-obesity medications is seemingly everywhere. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) there are pharmacies, weight loss clinics, and medical spas engaging in compounding Recent years have brought significant advances practices by misrepresenting compounded weight loss in pharmaceutical treatment options to treat obesity. drugs. The FBI notes that these misrepresented drugs Americans living with obesity or overweight now have can pose safety risks and significant health consequences access to powerful anti-obesity medications that help to patients, such as gastrointestinal disorders, nervous control blood glucose and insulin levels and promote system disorders, cardiac disorders, psychiatric disorders, feelings of satiety (feeling full). When taken alongside and death. a healthy diet and physical activity, people taking antiYou may be asking, “What exactly are compounded obesity medications can experience significant weight medications?” According to the FDA, compounding loss, and some of the medications also positively impact is generally a practice in which a licensed pharmacist, several other issues. For example, semaglutide has been a licensed physician or, in the case of an outsourcing found to significantly reduce the risk of major adverse facility, a person under the supervision of a licensed cardiac events in adults with obesity or overweight who pharmacist, combines, mixes, or alters ingredients of a also have heart disease. drug to create a medication tailored to the needs of an Unfortunately, because of the lack of Medicare individual patient. and other insurance coverage for Food and Drug The FDA notes that a drug may be compounded for Administration- (FDA-) approved anti-obesity medications, a patient who cannot be treated with an FDA-approved many Americans, including older adults, are turning to medication, such as a patient who has an allergy to a illicitly manufactured and potentially dangerous copycat certain dye and needs a medication to be made without products. From advertisements during “the big game” it or an older adult or a child who cannot swallow a tablet or capsule and needs a medicine in liquid form. In such situations, practitioners in hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities sometimes provide compounded drugs.

In these situations, compounding can serve an important patient need.

Compounders also may prepare compounded versions of a drug on FDA’s drug shortages list if the compounded drug meets certain conditions detailed in federal law. Because of this stipulation by the FDA, compounding certain anti-obesity medications was legally allowable when those medications were on the FDA’s drug shortage list. This is no longer the case as pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing enough of these medications to meet demand Editorial photo via AdobeStock for them. However, illicitly compounded

By Jennifer L. Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

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drugs, or dangerously high amounts of active ingredient(s).

It is vitally important that people protect themselves from potentially unsafe illicitly manufactured medications. The FBI recommends the following: • Avoid suspiciously low prices of weight loss drugs sold by unlicensed healthcare providers.

• Be cautious when purchasing any pharmaceutical drugs online and buy only from licensed pharmacies. You can check whether a pharmacy is licensed through your state board of pharmacy. A link to each state board is Editorial photo via AdobeStock available through the FDA at https:// www.fda.gov/drugs/besaferx-youranti-obesity medications continue to be available to the source-online-pharmacy-information/locatepublic. state-licensed-online-pharmacy.

It is important to know a few things about compounded • Consult with your medical provider before using any anti-obesity medications: pharmaceutical weight loss drugs.

• They are not FDA-approved in their compounded form, and the FDA verified the safety, efficacy, or quality of the compounded substance.

• Compounded drugs and generic drugs are not the same. Generic drugs are FDA-approved drugs that meet the therapeutic equivalent to a brand-name drug. This might not be the case for compounded drugs that may have different ingredients than the FDA approved medication.

• Only patients whose needs cannot be met with an existing FDA-approved medication should use compounded medications as unnecessary use of compounded medications can expose patients to serious health risks. For example, if a patient has an allergy to an ingredient in an existing FDAapproved medication, they may benefit from a compounded version of the • Medications purchased from unregulated and unlicensed sources can expose patients to potentially poor-quality products.

• Often, the active pharmaceutical ingredients for compounded anti-obesity medications arrive from China, Turkey, India, and other foreign sources and, according to the National Association of Attorneys General, can contain contaminants, other unknown

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Please spread the word and remember “Safety first when considering anti-obesity medications!”

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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4,000 Reasons to Love Bees Courtesy of StatePoint While most people picture the beloved honey bee when they think about bees, North America actually has 4,000 species of native bees, many of which are busy right now.

“Throughout spring and summer, these insects dutifully pollinate crops and wildflowers, playing a vital role in fostering healthy ecosystems,” says Clay Bolt, manager of Pollinator Conservation and Great Plains communications, World Wildlife Fund.

According to Bolt, native bee species are beautifully varied in their appearance, behaviors, feeding habits and habitats.

They can be striped, metallic, fuzzy, thin and rotund, in a spectrum of colors. The world’s smallest species— the Euphorb mini-fairy bee—is only found in southern deserts. At 2 millimeters, it is about as long as a U.S. nickel is thick.

Different bee species fly at different times—early morning, daytime or night. Many emerge seasonally in spring or summer, while others remain hidden underground for years awaiting summer monsoons. Bees inhabit diverse environments, from cold mountain peaks to beaches.

Generalist species visit many flower types, while specialists pollinate only specific flowers. And unlike bumble bees and other hive-dwelling bee species, such as honey bees and stingless bees, over 70% of the world’s bee species are in fact solitary, hardworking moms who quietly nest in overlooked places like decomposing logs and alongside garden paths.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what is a bee?” you might be surprised to learn that they are vegetarian wasps.

Photo (c) Clay Bolt

However, unlike their wasp relatives, which often feed their young protein in the form of paralyzed insects and the hamburger they might steal from your picnic table, most bees provide their offspring with protein made from pollen mixed with nectar. The mother bee compacts these materials into a pellet and places it within her nest cavity, lays a single egg atop the mixture, then seals the chamber where the young bee will develop entirely without maternal assistance.

How can you help bees?

Sadly, bees face threats to their survival, but there are steps you can take to help protect them.

Bees need healthy, pesticide-free foods throughout their lives. This is one of the greatest gifts you can offer these pollinators, especially because parks and gardens often grow flowers that only bloom during peak summer.

By planting a variety of plants that flower from early spring through autumn, the number of native bees and other pollinators visiting your

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garden will increase exponentially.

“Through small acts of kindness, you can transform the lives of these remarkable creatures, while filling your heart with profound hope and wonder as you witness their delicate yet ongoing care of our shared world,” says Bolt.

The recently celebrated World Bee Day (May 20) also kicked off World Wildlife Fund’s new “Stories of Hope and Wonder,” an ongoing series that connects people to the wonder of nature and offers hope for a future benefiting both people and wildlife. Each month, “Stories of Hope and Wonder” will feature a different species overcoming some of nature’s toughest obstacles to ensure its survival. To access these stories, visit www.worldwildlife.org/ hopeandwonder.

Bees are industrious creatures that are essential to vital food systems and healthy ecosystems. While bees are at risk, individuals can make all the difference in their own backyards.

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Grange kicks off celebration for America’s 250th with “Red, White and You” Campaign

By Amanda Brozana National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director The Grange is a deeply patriotic institution. This ideal was sewn into its identity from the founding vision of an organization that would mend a tear in the American fabric and build a stronger union.

Today as the U.S. is preparing to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, the call to honor this milestone comes both personally and to each chapter through the Grange’s “Red, White and You” Campaign.

Earlier this year, National Grange President Chris Hamp established the America’s 250th Grange Workgroup to provide suggestions and assist in directing pieces of the Grange’s celebration activities. First up is the collection of photos of members dressed in red, white or blue to create an American flag photo collage.

Celebrating Red, White & You! Get out your red sweater. Or your white shirt. Or your blue dress. It’s time to show your patriotism and become part of the Grange’s American flag collage. It’s simple: Wear a shirt, dress or outfit of primarily one of the three colors, then take a photo on a smartphone or digital camera and submit it at https://grange.biz/redwhiteyou.

Provide as high-quality an image as you can. Submit by December 4, 2025. The collage image with a celebratory message will be available starting January 2026.

In the fall, the America’s 250th Grange Workgroup will produce a coloring page that Granges can use as they see fit – from engaging Junior members in a discussion about American values and providing the page for younger children to sponsoring a local school contest.

“We want to make the options flexible to fit each Grange’s needs,” said workgroup chairwoman Lois Barber, of Kansas.

You’ll also find recipes in upcoming issues of Grange Today!

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and on the soon-to-launch Grange Engage platform. These recipes, that “strike a chord as American staples or celebrating the best of American agriculture,” according to Barber, will be pulled from Grange cookbooks and contests.

Granges at all levels are also encouraged to use the American Flag Junior Passport as inspiration for a Lecturer’s Program or even a community event. (Can be found at https:// www.nationaljuniorgrange.org/junior-grange-passport/) The workgroup is also suggesting each Grange hold a picnic or fellowship event to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans to assemble, discuss and pursue happiness.

They also encourage Granges to continue to honor veterans in the ways that fit their membership and community – holding a presentation or recognition event, offering discounts at Grange events, or presenting Quilts of Valor to name a few.

Hamp said the contests and activities are an excellent way to participate “out loud,” but she is also encouraging members and citizens of the nation to go much further.

“Celebrating the nation’s semiquincentennial is not just about doing so in our halls or our meetings. It’s about living every day as a citizen committed to the American ideals of liberty, democracy, justice, equality and self-determination,” Hamp said.

Hamp has written the first of a series of op-eds on the importance of being actively engaged in the democratic process and living the American ideals, including engaging in and encouraging civility in our interactions with all.

“If one does nothing else to celebrate 250 years of American freedom, independence and self-governance, every one of us should commit to civil interactions with others at all times, especially when we find we disagree,” Hamp said.

Hamp encourages each member to read the op-eds as they are released and share them during meetings, with local news outlets, with the library and with friends and neighbors.

More suggestions for semiquincentennial celebrations will be posted to the Grange Engage platform and in future Grange Today! issues. You can submit details of the way in which your Grange is celebrating through Grange Engage beginning in the fall.

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Farmers’ Markets: Bringing the Farm to the People

From humble beginnings as a necessary means to sell their goods, to today’s valueadded events, farmers markets have served as a way to connect the small-scale farmer to the consumer for hundreds of years.

Mountain Brook Vineyards, Tryon, North Carolina Photo via Megan Bucknall on Unsplash

Farmers’ markets in the United States have a rich legacy that dates to the nation’s founding days.

Long before the rise of industrial agriculture and supermarkets, these community-focused marketplaces were the primary means by which urbanites (or anyone who didn’t live on a farm) accessed fresh, local food. In colonial America, open-air markets formed organically where local farmers, ranchers, and artisans gathered to sell their goods directly to city folk. Cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York all had vibrant markets by the 1700s.

The oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the United States

is believed to be the Central Market in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which dates to 1730. This marketplace, a large brick building with an openair feel in the downtown area of Lancaster City, is a testament to the enduring value of direct producerto-consumer relationships. In the early days, these markets were not just places of commerce but hubs of social interaction, public discourse, and local governance.

With the rise of industrialization, refrigerated shipping, and the emergence of large grocery stores in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, farmers’ markets began to decline in popularity. Convenience and price took precedence over community and freshness.

However, this trend would not last forever.

The 1970s marked a significant turning point, however. Growing concern over the health implications of processed foods, a resurgence of interest in organic and natural farming, and the burgeoning environmental movement all contributed to a revival in demand for locally grown produce.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) helped formalize the farmers’ market movement in 1976 thanks to the passage of the Farmerto-Consumer Direct Marketing Act, which encouraged states to support local food systems.

Since then, farmers’ markets have been on a steady upward trajectory. According to the USDA, there were just 340 farmers’ markets in 1970. By 1994, there were 1,755. Fast Pennsylvania’s Lancaster Central Market forward to 2024, and that is estimated to be the oldest continuallynumber now exceeds 8,600 operating farmers’ market in the United registered markets across all 50 States, with its doors open since 1730.

Photo via AdobeStock states, according to the Farmers

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Market Coalition. The resurgence of farmers’ markets reflects a broader cultural shift toward sustainability, community-building, and healthconscious living.

Farmers’ Markets as Economic Engines

Farmers’ markets are more than just quaint weekend activities or “something to do.” They are critical components of both rural and urban economies. For small and midsized farms, these markets offer higher margins than wholesale or commodity sales. By selling directly to consumers, farmers retain more of the purchase price—often 90 cents on the dollar, compared to 15 cents through conventional retail chains.

For rural economies, farmers’ markets can keep money local and help sustain family farms.

In urban areas, they can act as economic catalysts, drawing foot traffic to neighborhoods, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing underused public spaces.

A 2011 USDA study found that farmers’ markets and other directto-consumer sales contributed over $1.2 billion to the U.S. economy annually. More recent estimates suggest that the number has nearly doubled.

Additionally, markets often serve as incubators for food entrepreneurs and start-ups, such as cheese makers, bakers, and condiment producers, many of which transition to brick-and-mortar storefronts or national distribution.

In food deserts, particularly in underserved urban areas, farmers’ markets have also served as a tool for improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Many markets now accept SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) and offer matching programs, such as “Double Up Food Bucks,” to help stretch

food assistance dollars.

“Food Stamps go back to before 1994,” says Darlene Wolnik, Senior Project Manager for the Farmers Market Coalition.

“Farmers’ markets, which were less than a thousand in number, were taking in almost $10 million in food stamps. And then we had this digital divide where they A farmers’ market in the heart of came up with the Washington, DC. Photo by Harrison Mitchell on Unsplash EBT card, and we were out in parking lots, and ‘how are we going to do that?’ We had to wait until we got the technology there… The program that farmers’ markets came up with is this idea of taking somebody on a food benefit program and incentivizing them to return by giving them a match to it – you know, those are called the ‘match programs’ or ‘doubling up.’ Farmers’ markets came up with those before it became federal policy.”

The Farmers Market Coalition cites that, nationwide, more than 3,390 markets accept Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers, and over 4,500 participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. A 2015 report from the USDA states that over $38 million was spent at farmers’ markets through these two programs alone.

centers without walls.

Wolnik says farmers’ markets create a “town square where everybody feels welcome.”

They are also critical spaces for cultural exchange.

Immigrant and Indigenous farmers often bring heirloom crops and traditional growing techniques that diversify the American food landscape. Whether it’s Thai basil from a Hmong grower in Minnesota or blue cornmeal from a Navajo farmer in New Mexico, these products connect shoppers to food cultures far beyond the supermarket shelf.

According to the Farmers Market Coalition, “More than 85% of farmers’ market vendors traveled fewer than 50 miles to sell at a farmers’ market.” The USDA reports that more than half of farmers traveled less than 10 miles to their market.

Markets also play a crucial role in promoting healthy eating by offering fresh, seasonal, and nutrient-rich foods directly from local producers. Unlike many grocery store options, which are often heavily processed or shipped long distances, the fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, and whole grains found at farmers’ markets are typically harvested at peak ripeness, resulting in better flavor and higher nutritional value and encouraging consumers to incorporate more wholesome, unprocessed foods into their diets.

“Nobody really eats well in the U.S. anymore,” says Wolnik. “The stigma should not be only attached to people who have less money – people don’t know how to cook… no one eats well. Are we able to change behavior because of a farmers’ market? … We’ve had hospitals come and set up clubs with their members or patients and said to them, ‘We’ll give you a coupon

Cultural Significance and Community Impact

Beyond economics, farmers’ markets are invaluable cultural and community resources. They provide a rare space in the modern world where producers and consumers interact face-to-face, exchanging not just goods but also stories and knowledge, which helps foster transparency in food production and bolsters trust in what we eat.

Markets are often more than food stalls. They host cooking demonstrations, live music, kids’ activities, gardening classes, and nutrition education. They reflect the character of their communities and act as community

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A 2024 survey by inFlow asked respondents to identify the primary benefit to visiting a farmers market.

Graphic via inFlow Inventory

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to go shop at your local farmers’ market, and the market will have a cooking demonstration to show those patients how to make healthy food choices.”

A 2024 survey by inFlow of 1,000 people showed that over 45% of respondents visited farmers’ markets primarily for the health benefits, ranking only behind freshness of produce and supporting local farmers.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite their popularity and benefits, farmers’ markets are not without challenges. Farmers and their families need to take time away from their land to travel to and manage booths, which can be physically and financially demanding. Weather, changing consumer trends, and competition from large-scale grocers or online delivery services can also impact profitability.

Additionally, the demographics of market-goers have generally skewed toward higher-income and white communities, raising concerns about inclusivity. However, many organizations and local governments are working hard to change that, promoting markets in more diverse

neighborhoods and increasing accessibility through transportation initiatives and subsidies.

“There’s a lot of interesting misinformation out there about markets,” says Wolnik. “People like to think that farmers’ markets are expensive. But when you do price comparisons – which I’ve done a number of these all over.” Wolnik says she compares farmers’ market prices to stores like Walmart and Whole Foods, but “markets in season are always right in the middle or on the low end of what we’re talking about. That’s if the grocery store even has that item, which they often don’t carry that local, cultural item.

The pricing is opposite on the valueadded items – that’s what is more expensive because those producers have to buy the equipment and the materials often at retail price, then sell a jam or jelly.”

Wolnik points to subsidies and underwriting that enable mass producers to make these items more affordable – but perhaps not to the same quality as what local producers can create. inFlow cites that over their respondents, “A significant 67% of

A 2024 survey by inFlow showed that about 67% of respondents thought farmers markets were priced either somewhat or very reasonably.

Graphic via inFlow Inventory

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Tips for Visiting Your Local Farmers’ Market X Go early for the best selection, or late for potential deals.

X Take cash: some vendors don’t accept cards (though many now do).

X Talk to farmers: ask how something is grown or how to cook it.

X Bring your own bags or baskets to reduce waste.

X Do a “first lap”: you never know what might be at the next stand, so before you buy anything, see what’s offered all around the market.

X Be open-minded: try a fruit or vegetable you’ve never seen before.

X Check the schedules: some markets only run seasonally or on select days. Some markets have a rotating vendor schedule, so don’t miss your favorites! Others have schedules of demonstrations, musicians, or other valueadded events.

respondents found prices at farmers’ markets to be at least reasonable with 25% specifically identifying them as very reasonable.” Only 2.6% of respondents thought markets were “too expensive.” Their average respondent stated they typically spend between $26 and $50 at a market.

As the U.S. food system continues to evolve, farmers’ markets are embracing innovation. Some are held year-round, taking place indoors during the winter months the Farmers Market Coalition states that, as of 2010, more than 15% of farmers’ markets were operating yearround in some form. Other markets are integrating tech, allowing preorders via apps, or even offering

Be open-minded! While many vendors will have your grocery staples, some also offer hard-to-find or hard-to-grow local delicacies. You never know what you might find at a farmers’ market.

Photo via AdobeStock

markets in 1999, involving 234 farmers. Fewer than ten years later (2008), there were 102 farmers markets involving 1,064 farmers in the same state.”

Whether you’re picking up tomatoes for a salad, discovering a new herb, or just enjoying a local coffee in the morning air with your community, every trip to the farmers’ market is a small but meaningful act of participation in a more grounded, resilient, and humanscaled economy.

So next Saturday morning, when you sling your tote bag over your shoulder and head to your neighborhood market, remember—you’re not just shopping. You’re investing in a movement.

If you’re looking for a farmers’ market near you, check out the USDA’s Farmers Market Director or localharvest.org.

home delivery. The future will likely see hybrid models that combine the charm of in-person shopping with the convenience of digital platforms.

Regular farmers’ markets still aren’t readily reachable in many areas, either. In April 2025, Trace One analyzed USDA data, checking the rate of farmers’ markets, on-farm markets, and CSA (community-supported agriculture) programs per 100,000 residents.

According to their analysis, Vermont leads the nation with 20.1 markets per 100,00 residents, with Wyoming (12.2) and Minneosta (9.4) coming a distant second and third. Meanwhile, areas in the south and southwest came up on the lowest end, with the least market-friendly three states ranking Utah (1.3), Nevada (1.2) and Texas (1.1).

This doesn’t mean there are no markets in those states, just that they aren’t the best for local food access.

Why Farmers’ Markets Matter Now More Than Ever

In an age of climate anxiety, economic uncertainty, and social fragmentation, farmers’ markets offer something simple yet profound: connection. They connect consumers to the land and the hands that cultivate it. They connect neighbors to one another. And they connect local economies in a way that resists the depersonalized, extractive logic of globalization.

As concerns mount over the environmental toll of industrial farming, many see small-scale, local agriculture as a path forward. Farmers’ markets are an essential component of this vision, empowering farmers, nourishing communities, and planting seeds of sustainability. The Farmers Market Coalition also cites that “as the number of markets grow around the country, so do the number of farmers. For instance, Alabama had 17 registered farmers

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Data according to Kaggle, based on 2020 research and census numbers. Graphic via inFlow Inventory

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75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

New Hampshire • Priscilla T. Kimball, Rochester #86

California • Frank Nichols, Western Yolo #423 Connecticut • Joanne B. Cipriano, Beacon Valley #103 • Elizabeth Robertson, Vernon #52 • Charles M. Smith, IIII, North Stonington #138

80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Meredith Pappadia, North Stonington #138 • Robert Parkhurst, Senexet #40

Maine • Julien Beaulieu, Danville Junction #65 • Melissa Knowles, Community #593 • Gloria Ross, Waterboro #432

Maine • Maurice Keene, Danville Junction #65 New Hampshire • Grace Leone, Rochester #86

Massachusetts • Nancy J. Blackmer, North Orange #86

New York • Robert Albrecht, Pleasant Valley #838

New Jersey • L. Claire Grissett, Grandview #124 • Sonia C. Millner, Grandview #124

Ohio • Barbara Miller, Leesville #2078 Washington • Kennethy Surdyk, South Lake Stevens #690

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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75 YEARS (cont.)

New York

Pennsylvania

New York • Carmen Bird, Fairport #467 • Mary Earlandt, Lincoln #122 • Carolyn Herman, Villenova #604 • Herbert Herman, Delevan #1541 • John Herman, Villenova #604

•

Annetta W. Merkel, Virginville #1832

•

•

Harry Whitehead, Hookstown #1980

Ohio

•

John Marvin, Fairport #467

•

Alice H. Messerich, Stanford #808

•

Robert Reip, Oak Grove #873

Washington •

Richard Claussen, Hope #155

•

Jim Hatley, Whelan-Ewartsville #114

•

Stella Hinderer, Whelan-Ewartsville #114

•

John McCarthy, Ford’s Prairie #33

•

Kennethy Surdyk, South Lake Stevens #690

•

Connecticut • James Carter, Senexet #40 • Nicholas H. Mullane, North Stonington #138 • Camilla Tarryk, North Stonington #138 • Richard Tarryk, North Stonington #138

•

Harry Wurth, Turkey Hill #1370

Keith Strayer, Miamii #2158

Oregon

50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

Illinois • Keith Brauer, Turkey Hill #1370 • Keith Dintelmann, Turkey Hill #1370 • Frank J. Wurth, Turkey Hill #1370

Barbara Schaefer, Pleasant Valley #838

•

Pam Clark, Ada #570

•

Barbara Harder, Ada #570

•

Ivan Harman, Parkdale #500

•

Hazel Flory, Parkdale #500

•

Edward (Ed) Luttrell, Molalla #310

Pennsylvania •

Thomas Heffner, Virginville #1832

•

Neil Hoffman, Virginville #1832

•

Jane Krik, Virginville #1832

•

Ronald Newhard, Virginville #1832

Rhode Island •

Gladys Brayton, Moosup Valley #26

•

Lisa Kingsley, Slocum #36

•

Steven Norden, Moosup Valley #26

•

Linda Stedman, Richmond #6

Iowa

Vermont

•

•

Gene Edelen, Chester Royal #2181

Maine • Elaine Brewer , Danville Junction #65 • Brenda Dyer, Waterboro #432 • Dwayne Hartford, Fairview #342 • Dale Hoslt, Alexander #304 • Cindy Marceau, Fairview #342 • Florence McCormick, Waterboro #432

Susan Spaulding, Middle Branch #463

Washington •

David Betz, Tyler #610

•

Daniel Boone, Johnson #118

•

Dennis Bowers, Hope #155

•

Harold Brewer, Johnson #118

•

Minnie Lou Calawy, Hope #155

•

Adele Carlson, Hope #155

•

Karen Etheredge, Hope #155

•

Keith Flammang, Haynie #169

•

Peggy Furth, Humptulips #730

•

Tom Gwin, Humptulips #730

•

Melvin Kauzlaraich, South Bay #250

•

Dean Kiner, Whelan-Ewartsville #114

New Jersey

•

Denise McCartan, Blak Lake #861

•

Susan Allen, Vincentown #67

•

David McCauley, Cedar Valley #306

•

Janet Ballinger, Vincentown #67

•

Dennis Pfaff, Whelan-Ewartsville #114

•

Roger Kumpel, Vincentown #67

•

Robert Stewart, East Hill #786

•

Ruth Kumpel, Vincentown #67

•

Jane B. Stratton, Whelan-Ewartsville #114

•

Jane Lysle, Vincentown #67

•

Thomas Vogt, Johnson #118

•

Harry Thompson, Vincentown #67

•

Larry Williams, Glenwood #94

Massachusetts • Carol E. Fish, Dartmouth #162 • Mary Sloan, Holden #78 New Hampshire • Michael A. Hayes, Rochester #86 •

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Richard A. Hayes, Rochester #86

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

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A lifetime of service: New Hampshire Grange member reaches 80 years of membership

By Judy Bailey Rochester Grange #86, New Hampshire At 94 years young, lifelong Granger Grace Leone was recently honored with her 80-year membership certificate and pin by Rochester Grange #86, surrounded by loving family and fellow members. Ten members from Rochester Grange joined in the celebration, six of which were Grace’s own family. What a remarkable 80 years it’s been!

Gracie’s Grange story began in childhood. She was deeply involved in 4-H and often tagged along with her parents, Harry and Frances Germon, to Grange meetings. On her 14th birthday in 1945, she proudly joined Banner Grange #265 in East Rochester, New Hampshire. A few years later, her future husband Carroll became a member, too—he liked to joke that it was the only way he could spend time with her when they were teenagers!

Grace and Carroll built a life rooted in the values of the Grange. They raised four daughters—Janet Smith, Judy Bailey, Jean Robinson, and Jen Bailey—on a farm in Lebanon, Maine. There, they raised cows, pigs, chickens, and ducks and grew most of their own food. They had meat and milk, made butter every Saturday, collected eggs, and kept a huge garden overflowing with veggies and fruit, pollinated by Carroll’s own beehives. It was a true family operation: Gracie at the wheel of the truck, Carroll running the baler, and the girls stacking hay.

Gracie was thrifty and resourceful, too—she canned and made jellies, turned printed grain bags into shorts and pajamas, sewed patchwork shirts and jackets, and even made potholders from old blankets.

Their love for Grange didn’t stop at home. Gracie was a devoted Matron (Leader) of Banner Junior Grange and became one of New Hampshire’s most admired leaders in the organization. Her home and heart were always open to the children of East Rochester, New Hampshire, and Lebanon, Maine. She was named State Matron of the Year multiple times, and under her guidance, Banner Junior Grange was often recognized as the best in the state.

Beyond Gracie’s involvement at the Junior Grange level, she and Carroll were both members of the National Grange and very active in Subordinate, Pomona, and State Grange as well.

They both held offices for Subordinate and Pomona Grange and served on committees for all Grange levels in New Hampshire.

They often helped install new officers across the state. Gracie especially loved the potluck dinners and social events—she was usually the first to arrive to help set up and always raced to the kitchen after the meal to claim her favorite job: washing dishes!

In 1992, Banner Grange merged with Rochester Grange, and Grace and Carroll transitioned right along with it. In 2006, they

Grace Leone poses with her Grange 80-year membership certificate.

Photo provided

received the New Hampshire State Grange Spirit Award, a tribute to their unwavering dedication to Grange values and community service. Their legacy lives on through four generations of Grange members in their family.

Even outside the Grange, Grace and Carroll stayed busy.

They helped build the local fire station—Carroll as a volunteer firefighter and Gracie supporting through the ladies’ auxiliary.

Carroll later joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs, while Gracie became a Girl Scout leader and active member of several service organizations. In retirement, she was known as the friendly substitute lunch lady at local schools and lovingly made and donated hundreds of mittens for local children. She also stayed active with her local senior citizens group.

Now, at 94, Grace looks back on her Grange years with a full heart. When asked what she loved most about it, she smiled and said, “I liked it because it lets us help people, and we always had good times, made good friends, and always helped each other.”

Wise words—and a beautiful reminder of the spirit that keeps communities strong. Cheers to you, Gracie. Here’s to a life welllived and still going strong!

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

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Welcome New Members TO THE Grange Family California

Fieldbrook #771 Chris Aramkul Bettyann Biringer-Rehm Clarissa Clark Maximilian Cox Yvonne Doble Columbine Donald Devon Fowler Simone Groves Jeffrey Jorgensen Marques Mayo Armando Pena Quentin Peterson

Martina Wells

Lambert #439

Harold Lunt

Elim Zavalza And 17 Junior members

Bri McFarland

Jess Phillips Cindy Rudd

Colorado

Left Hand #9 Greg Hangge

Roger Rudd

Lewis #406

King Hill #162

Altona #127

Charmaine Neighbors

Gene Boyles Margaret Gannon Dawn Richardson Tom Rutkowski Animas valley #194 Evonne Bentley Florence Short

Sadie Phy Christa Unger

Cache La Poudre #456

Norco #869

Joanne Fallert

Amanda Babiar Ryan Babiar Victoria Barich Amy Belk Adrian Brauner Wendy Brauner Amanda Buchhelt Audrey Buchhelt Grace Buchhelt Jarret Buchhelt

Amber Graves Nancy Hare Carol Hoff

Edi Ramirez Lynette Ramirez Alexzander Reedy Ian Saenz Diane Truong Eli Justin Wells

46

Josh Andrea Amanda Barnett Joyce Halldorson Lynette Hamilton Greg Herron Karen Huston

Todd Pyle Golden Gate #451

Del Kuhn Kathy Moss

Frank Blaha

Steve Moss

Katy Drego

Charlie Petersen

Brenda Ellis

Edgemere #355

Erich Grossman Cindi Inklebarger Alex Lein And 4 Junior members

Kennedy Ahlefeld Palmer Ahlefeld Tiffany Ash Jordan Durham David Gann Budd Hetrick Sharlene Hetrick Evan Hodges

Tarfiff Jerry

Blanchard #440

Carolyne Pyle

Kuna #59

Delaware

Idaho

Chuck Delarm

Gary Brightwell

Lucinda Hodges

Bryan Vogel

Linda Burns

Bill Allen

Shawna Yaussie

Carol Tunner

Florissant #420

Kylor Punsalang

Tom Meyers

Kristie Wyatt

Cindy Gearhard

Michele Mon

Michelle Meyers

Aubriana Pedigo

Jan Sherrod

Rani Holt

Dan Mon

Ed Marten

Massango Bamba

W. Ringer

Kimberly Figueroa

Steve Lemler

Jeff Law

Capital #18

C. Mooribian

Florida #306

Jessi Lemler

Joan Hollis

Alex Seuberth

C. Miller

Chris Figueroa

Ryan Johnson

Yeon Gras

Broad Creek #59

A. Johnson

Zach Witt

Rytan Hamamoto

Stan Adams

Elizabeth Roscoe

Carole Gano

Andrea Doyle-Enriquez

Leah Hamamoto

Redlands Mesa #487 Bill Crank

Michael Stuzer

Karen Smith-Surreall

Sandra Arias

Judy Vogel

LuAnn Allen

Carmen Croitoru Linda Ellis Tara Elvira Robbie Hampton Sandi Hampton

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Patrick Hodges Joey Maxey Franke McDermot Mark McDermott Christopher Regli Patrick Regli And 2 Junior members Lemhi Community #404 Dale Knight Kynsley Knight Larisa Knight Oaklyn Knight

Welcome New Granges!

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

Capital Valley

Pomona #2 (CA)

Fieldbrook #771 (CA) Norco #869 (CA)

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Mica Flats #436

Lamoine #264

Catherine Nelson McDonald

Andrea Gabel-Richards

Mountain Home #285

Terre Lefferts

Richie Skiles Paradise Valley #389 Julane Anderson Samuel DeGrey Sandy Johnstone

Sherry Rogers

New York

Kirkland #684

Elaine Swift

Lincoln #122

Addison #854 Ernie Swift

Dotty Small

Adirondack #530

Richard Small

Charlene Alexander

Norway #45 Mary Ann Brown

Martin Schrodt Marth Cleary Tom Cleary Newark #366

Linda Wild

James A. Suhr* Plattekill #923

Linda Lederhos

Ruby Bryant

Ausable Valley #973

Archie Remior

Deobrah Hanlon

Maryland

Adam Krawiec Bethlehem #137

Pleasant Vlaley #838

Janet Remior Pleasant Ridge #135 Dusty Cooper

Calvert #424 Nancy Trego

Alison Dooley

Brett Greenberg

Thomas Dooley

Rhinebeck #896

Nikkole Smith

Margaret Rosenzweig

Corinth #823

Ricard #993

Barb Arnold

Eva Dobbs

KaLynn Cooper

Leitersburg #361

Elena de la Concepcion

Mark Fadley

Surine Greenway

Brian Forsythe

Tim Greenway

Judy Hood

Sarah Mowry-Ruesga

Nicole Hood

Sophie Mowry-Ruesga

Scott Hood

And 3 Junior members

Lois Jarman

Linda Rohne

Portneuf #229

Earl “Yogi” Lenhart

Curriers #1273

Stephen Brown

Heidi Turner

Arn Platou

Crystal Killenbeck

Jerry Cox, Jr.

Kansas

Brittany Sentelle

Tracy Zozewicz

Jessica Evans

David Sentelle

Cuyler #449

Frank Fowlkes

Doug Arnold Joe Mihalek Shelly Mihalek

Justin Sigler And 1 Junior member

Gardner #68 Donn Cooks

Thurmont #409

Maine

Louise Kay

Amber Hammond

Faith May

Cathy Jeanty

Cathy Yoder

Nixie Jeanty

WACOHU #415

Enterprise #48 Peter Warner Evening Star #183 Bette Pelletier

Nixon Jeanty

Theresa Stevens

Nyrie Jeanty

Michigan

Jennifer VanBrunt Suzanne Williams

Burns #160

Harraseeket #9

Elba #783

Bruce Pless

Kathryn Wallingford Gentille Sandy

East Chatham #1066 Mackenzie Calhoun

Annalise Abruzzese

East Madison #228

Michael Larry

Ted Konieczka

Maple Leaf #940

North Carolina NC State Grange* Beverly Bridge

George Garcia Susan Jones Brooke Klamah John Leatherwood Scott Marlow Taylor McDaniel Danny Owen Bushy Fork #1073 Faith Fagala Charlane Gross Brian Ludwig Hailie Mondono

Eureka #46

Adam Roush

Allan Cook Brenda Cook

* Denotes Associate Member

HAS YOUR GRANGE RECENTLY WELCOMED A NEW MEMBER? Make sure they are recognized!

Most names listed are submitted by State Grange leaders, but anyone may submit the names of new members so they can be recognized in Good Day! by emailing Philip Vonada at pvonada@nationalgrange.org. ®

NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2025

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47

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Corriher #627

Loudon Center #2276

Fort Rock #758

Cheryl Detmar

Lori Barbee

Katlin Sherman

Nancy Bowers

Wayne Detmar

Carla Earnhardt

James Sieger

Tim Dunks

Chris Earnhardt

Monroe Dan Emmett #847

Fort Union #953

John Goodman Paula Goodman Ferman Karriker Ferguson #809 June Glass Grantham #968 Brian Giddens Jerry Grantham Kellie West Steve West Guilford #1036 Shannon Kerr Ragan Price Fank Smith JoCo #1304 Joe Austin Matrimony #771 Karrie Dillon Deanna Mabe Old Richmond #675 Nancy Crooks St. John’s #729

Rosemary Young Pike #1669

Carrie Swanson Hope #269 Dion DeWolfe

Kathi Utsler

Irving #377

Timothy Utsler

Bart Aikens

Waterford #231

Sherrene Aikens

Jerry Stiers

Jamie McIntosh

Sandra Stiers

Junction City #744

Oregon

Veria Labaron

Abernethy #346 Melissa Kuhn

Alice Morrison Kinton #562 Lena Carter-Scott

Bellview #759

Maidson Smith

Jyothi Rundel

Lake Creek #697

Buell #637

Abbi Ford

Trevor Hoffman

John Ford

Bill Stapleton

Kyla Ford

Belinda Templeton

Tami Ford

Camas Valley #521

Jonelle Karchen

J.T. Berk

Little Deschutes #939

Elizabeth Gallagher

Geia Cooper

Central #360

Julie Hampton

Marc Crull

Cheryl Hoar

Bryson Hagler

Shirley Crull

Catherine Johnson

Cathy Strube

Chetco #765

Debbie Kidd

Ohio

Albany #1611 Annabelle Hicks Clear Creek Valley #1843 2 Junior members Eureka #1241 1 Junior member Ewing #2082 Maggie Puckett Pamela Puckett Jefferson #1311 Hal Georgia Kyle Scott Hass Maria Hass Brandon Tuttle Jodi Tuttle

Lynn King

Ed Gibson

Susan Lorrain

Clarkes #261 Brandee Stafford And 1 Junior member Creswell #496 Bob Britt Bonnie Britt Laurie Cooley Brittany Garrelts Deer Island #946 Mary McCartney Eagle Creek #296 Daniel Armel Fairmount #252 Ger Gatsos Amie Lake

Mike Nason Nichole Quijano Marys River #685 Chris Evans Mary Kissinger Pam Wald McMinnville #31 Debra Koltenuk Heath Koltenuk Mohawk #922 Leata Freese Pete Huseby Bill Kelso Dan Tipton Mohawk-McKenzie #747 Michael O’Rourke Suzi O’Rourke Molalla #310 Scott Keyser Rodney Wymore Mosier #234 Janet Lieninger Emily Stranz And 1 Junior member Multnomah #71 Toni King

Jean Stunt

Myrtle Creek #442

Robert VanGrieken

Bridget Conner

Live Oak #655

North End #820

Patricia Beveridge

Arnie Hem

Long Tom #866

David McKenzie

Janell Anderson Rich Anderson

Samantha McKenzie Philip Tennis

Chris Shown

Tiffany Tennis

Lorane #54

Oak Grove #198

John Garbini Judy Kemp

Jennifer Erickson Wayne Welch Julie Wickman

Kathleen Kihn

Chris Wright

Macleay #293

Pine Valley #815

Liss Charles Dave Colfax

48

Alesa Nason

Shawn O’Grady

John H. Goins

Barbara Lisoski

John Jackson

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Kellee Ford Cindy Thayer

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Pleasant Grove #475

Tigard #148

Grassroots #2112

Laurie Lesh

Patty Bingaman

Cassidy Gettinger

Melanie Bowser

Leila Semrau

Anita Metlen

Kelly Horsford

Lynda Howell

Vicki Shea

Katy Smutz

Eliza Kelchner-Lee

Alyssa Shirley

Jennifer Swartz

Quincy #321

Richie Stone

Harmony #1201

Pleasant Valley #1643

David A. Leamer

Lauren Best

Hayfield #800

Albert Chambers

Wendy Schmidt

Triangle #533

Raenel Stafford

Stephanie Stuart

Deni Youngblood

Western Star #309

Redland #796 Tammy Beylund Richard Hampton

Ed Jackowski

Jaleaha Wright

Hickory #1285

Westside #854

Kati Dodd

Denise Chambers David Stoyer Progress #96

Kristen Thompson

Rose Smith

Troy Ott

White Eagle #683

Hookstown #1980

Red Lion #1781

Jessica Anglin

Nicholas Turner

Elona Trogub

Elliott Becker And 2 Junior members

Howard #297

Row River #835

Wickiup #722

Jessica Dawson

Renie Duvall-Mixer

Brittany Smith

Bob Iliff

Sauvie Island #840

Noreen Iliff

Rose Marie Mann Charles Metzker Rockford #501

Patrick Kirkhuff

Williams #399

Anne Seward

Michele Scherer

Scholls #338

Winona #271

Marilyn Ireland Tera Ireland Siletz Valley #558 Barbara McKee Silverton #748 Mary Desantis Anne Harris Kate Pe Parc Mark Steiner And 1 Junior member Skyline #894 Erik Erath Louis Vandenberg Smith River #585 Gracie Janiszawski

Karla Henry Gabriel Lannon Philip McKeehan Oliver #1069 Brittany Covey Michael Covey

Megan Troxell California #941 Erma Vegh Wendy Wright

Samuel Janiszawski

Rachael Letsche

South Fork #605

Keith Lutz Bill Parker Melissa Parker Fred Piper

Scrubgrass #1705 Billie Guiste Michael Guiste South Auburn #1188 Cody Mowry Stony Point #1694

Jessica Willson

Ontelaunee #1617

Valley #1360

Scott Bailey

Connor Taggert

Dustin Cranmer

Walker #786

Dillon Riley

Michael Letsche

Lorie Park

Tioga #1223

Fairdale #1157

Ron Janiszawski

Dan Park

Gary Zaring

Ethan Jenkins

Glen Warren

Roseville #1290

Grace Tempel

Nelson Kraeer

Fassett #1567

Hailey McCarty

Peggy Noble

Elyse Geiger

Marsha Mosier

Lila Frey

Cadence Tempel

Chestnut Ridge #1133

Carrie Galan

Joe Richardson

Madison #2064

Big Creek #1559

Gouglersville #1743

Springwater #263

Cindy Marcy

Pennsylvania

Joseph Janiszawski

Carolyn Lochert

Jefferson #1373

Richell Chiu-Yap

Jennifer Janiszawski

Bill Kenworthy

Joyce Shufelt

Cody Dahr

Michael Rowles Michelle Rowles-Cranmer Terry Rowles Keith Smith

Dave Wenrich Walker #2007 Beth Haupt Terry Haupt Zoey Kennis Warriors Mark #974

Lori Smith

Debbie Johnston

Madison Steingraber

Rhode Island

Faye Trump Richard Trump

Moosup Valley #26

Perry Valley #1804

Robin Newcomb

Harrison Boaz Jonathan Bradshaw

Billy Piers Julie Piers

Bryce Danko Ryan Duffy Diane Laverty

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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Virginia

Goodwill #959 Corey Anglin Katherine Ashworth Bill Ashworth Jef Biehler Dan Berry Carla Berry Alice Little Terry Little Ben Walton Diana Walton Lori Woodley Terrapin Neck Grange #932 Alex Butler

Crescent #1123

Fort Colville #533

Malo #679

Brian Briggs

Danielle Olsowiki

William Clarke

Rena Clark

Emillee Souder

Thomas Clark

Fruitvale #348

Casey Dunne And 2 Junior members

Cynthia Colthorp Carla Sue

Jeff Parker

David P. Sue

Cheryl Reese

Deer Lagoon #846

Jim Samuels

Alissa Bonnell

Derek Smith

Isaac Bonnell

Green Bluff #300

James Fulton

Scott Larson

Joyce Fulton

Clarissa Mollette

Dan Grone

Hope #155

Wanda Grone

Linda Carter

Steven Myres

Tina Butler

East Spokane #148

Washington

Tara Carpenter

Barberton #571

Timothy Brown

Grace Allen

Russ McDonough Humptulips #730 Jevin Morris

East Wenatchee #1012

Jack Glacker

Cole Bartlett

Sam Glacker

Darcy Carpenter

Trista Glacker

Matthew Carpenter

Heidi Nault

Dale Chapman

Jesse Nault

Shane Chapman

Josh Nault

Zack Curtis-Pierre

Anita Wilson And 2 Junior members

Tara Curtis-Pierre

Bee Hive #385

Cathy Rogers Jacob Smith Ronald Stroup Kennewick Valley #731 Carrie Clark Dillon Rice Long Beach #667

Manson #796 Samuel Bouquay Michel Commons Olivia Libbey Jessica Maisonnave Chad Steiner Jeana Steiner Raichelle Wallace Matlock #357 Acacia Baker Tina Monaco Menastash #1054 Sasha Alsup Lori Beckett Robert Beckett Michael Berline Tiffany Berline Anthony Clayton Kjersti Clayton Mark Erickson Peggy Erickson

Barbara Bates

Elayna Flora

Charles Peterson

Billy Bower

Jerica Flora

Nancy Peterson And 7 Junior members

Dawn Boyer

Trevor Flora

Bernie Games

Bobbie Jenks

Nick Manzaro

Elk Plain #782

Erin Kirby

Georgia Jenks

Jane Schuyleman

Jesse Latner

Gary Kirby

Chad Larson

Joseph Schuylmen

Fargher Lake #853

Jared Vinchench

Samantha Larson

Nathan Schuyleman

Danielle Bul

Logan Hill #1086

Alicha Mechan

Tyler Schuyleman

Taizak Fortner

Karen Yeager

Laylah Mitchell

Bethel #404

Barrett Ottmann

Lauren Loebsack

Byron Myers

Curtis Mecham

Cara Myers

Tait Mecham

Krista Thomas

Ross Minshull And 14 Junior members

Michael Thomas

Isabel Riley

Cash Ottmann

Burbank #630

Hannah Patching

Long Beach #667

Ruth Patching

Caleb Mayorga

Justice Woltersdorf

Delaney Nagy

Liberty Woltersdorf

Tom Rainbow

Tammy Woltersdorf

Lopez Island #1060

Grace Helm Matthew V. Kirkelie Dillon Rice Central #831 Steve Hanson Larry Neil Chimacum #681 Rob Story

David Young And 8 Junior members Forest #153 Andrea Dulney

Brenna Nies Lummi Island #925 Julia Lowe

Minnehaha #164 John (JT) Buck Ed Carter Pam Carter Molson #1069 Heather Scharbach Mountain View #98 Gail Dagan Patricia Fink

John Gemin

Becky Miles

Kelly Gemin

Dylan Ohnemus Jeri Rutherford

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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Okanogan #1103

Samish Valley #926

Skookumchuk #584

Twisp Valley #482

Mindy McCoy

Kindra Rigby

Jessica Davis

Grace Ashford

Olalla #1125

Taylor Rigby

Kevin Jensen

Jean Davis

Timothy Rogers And 1 Junior member

Krystal Jensen

Salyna Gracie

South Bay #250

Iain McAllister

Amber Luehrs Erika Martinson John VonBrandt Olympic View #774 Stacey House Prospect Point #1067 Cheyenne Boshart Monique Boshart Thomas Boshart Wade Boshart Emma Sears And 1 Junior member Prosperity #315 Robert Haight Pamela Nistler Allison Sargent Diana Sargent Hayley Young Rexville #815

San Juan Island #966 Robin Blair Bo Blue Lori Boyd Valerie Breda Karl Bruder Kim Bruder Nancy Devaux Lucretia N. Devina Ferry Boat Seeds/Louisa Brouwer

Teresa Johnson

Todd Clouse

Susie Kinsolver

Stevenson #121

Whelan-Ewartsville #114

Jesse Archer

Amanda Brozana

Jan Kielpinski

White Trail #1143

Maka Chkhaidze

Sean Sieler

Jeri King

Tri Community #1008 Pat Brown Gayle Furness Triway #1093

Rambler Goods/Drew Loura Rhonda Scott SJI Pride Foundation/Shayne Smith

Nicole Belsvik Ryan Belsvik Dawn Schroeder Zephan Schroeder Kendra Still

Christa Wilkinson

Dan Torve

San Poil #684

Robin Torve

Dean Bell Sequim Prairie #1108

Tracee Sitton

Amanda Beck

Riverside Valley #1047

Sharon #800

Erika Varela

Adam Bailey

Sallal #955

Carson Bailey

Cory Watters

Violet Prairie #996

Mary Sieler

Lucas Sitton

Jenerra Loken

Teri Clouse

Gudrun Kat

Kelly Bell

Jaimie Lindstrom

Sergio Reynaga

Kelley Creech

Lance Hale

Jake Sitton

Melissa Carter

Spring Hill #909

The Valley #1048

Devon Morris

Kim Borum

Larry D. Franz

Eliza Habegger

Quimper #720

Aubree Sitton

Bryce Mode

Aubrey Hale

Greg Meyer

Rudy Roth

Tyler #610

Curry Miller

Claudia Ross-Kuhn

Dee Lloyd

Ryane Meyer

Suz Howells

Michele Mayer

Ralston #843

Jim Wurzer

Jamie Ann Dearing

Rebecca Meloy

Bly Windstorm

McCall Daniels

Elizabeth Gadbois

Kari Koski

Richard Watson

Don Stonack

Swauk Teanaway #984

Bobbi Krebs-McMullen

Angie Tabor

Jessie Bensley

Paul Barger

Alexis Lerma Alyssa Lerma Trever McGrone Brandon Osterhout Stephanie Osterhout Carter Schultz Ella Schultz Emily Schultz John Schultz Michael Shay Rebecca Shay Bowen Summers Melissa Swanson And 6 Junior members

Della Bailey Tashona Bailey Jeanne House Courtney Munson John Toohey And 1 Junior member Skagit Valley #620 Robert Reichle

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MEMORIAL NOTICE JOHN J. “JACK” COTTRELL, III

Past President, Rhode Island State Grange (1998-2002) Jack held many jobs before

by his daughter Roxanne Nelson.

beginning his career in the grounds

He is also survived by many nieces,

department at the University of Rhode

nephews, cousins, and friends who

Island where he worked for over 25

were like family.

years, until his retirement. When

Services were held on May 12th,

not working, Jack could often be

with burial in the New Fernwood

found volunteering at the Richmond

Cemetery, West Kingston, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations can

Grange, Washington County Pomona State

be made to the Richmond Grange

Grange, and he was a member of

for the Richmond Grange Scholarship

all 3 organizations for over 65 years.

c/o PO Box 144, West Kingston, RI

While his love of the Grange could

02892.

be felt by anyone who spoke to him,

------

John J. “Jack” Cottrell III, 82, of

his love for the Washington County

Cards & Condolences may be sent

West Kingston, Rhode Island passed

Fair was even greater. Jack served

away on Tuesday, May 6th surrounded

as a volunteer from the founding of

Patricia Cottrell

by his family.

the fair, served as Chairman for 10

899 Waites Corner Road

Born in West Kingston, to his loving

years, and Entertainment Chairman

West Kingston, RI 02892

parents, the late J. Jesse Cottrell Jr

for 30 years. His quick wit and sense

and L Virginia (Kenyon) Cottrell. He

of humor will be missed by those who

Roxanne Nelson

was the devoted husband to Patricia

knew him.

749 Waites Corner Road

Grange

or

Rhode

Island

“Patty” (Fish) for 46 years.

Besides his wife, Jack is survived

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to:

West Kingston, RI 0289

ATTRACT & RETAIN MEMBERS by leaning into our

FRATERNITY

a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure: the quality or state of being brothers; persons of the same class, profession, character, or tastes. The Internal Revenue Service adds that a fraternal organization must provide members with a program of activities and benefits.

(Merriam Webster)

To stay up-to-date on Grange news and activities, please visit us regularly at nationalgrange.org Like and follow National Grange on

fraternal roots

Put yourself in the shoes of a new or prospective member, or a member of your community who interacts with your Grange, or a member discussing the Grange. Is what they’re hearing and seeing positive, friendly, and welcoming? When new people come to visit or join your Grange, do you have the right person greeting them and offering to answer any questions they may have? We often forget how confusing our business operations and jargon can be for newcomers.

Do you have mentors for new or prospective members who have been given specific guidance on how to encourage members to participate as much (or as little) as they wish? Often, we forget that newcomers may not be aware of annual events or that they are welcome to participate in contests or attend various conferences and events of the Grange throughout the nation.

Some Granges have developed certain habits or personalities that make others feel unwelcome or as if they are intruders. Even long-time members should sometimes reevaluate their place and consider whether the Grange holds value in their lives when they feel marginalized or left out. Who is checking in, and what is your plan to put a quick end to any bad behavior that may negatively impact someone’s Grange experience?

Every Grange can improve its internal culture by working to engage every member as part of the Grange family. In addition, your Grange can provide greater opportunities for fellowship, offer healthier potlucks, find ways to celebrate members’ personal milestones, and more - all things that will make membership more meaningful.

Trying to be everything to everyone is not a successful strategy for recruitment or retention plans. Your Grange must have an identity and a purpose.

First, your Grange must know and understand the fundamental ideals of the organization and commit to them. Read over the Declaration of Purposes and lessons you can find in the first four Degrees, the New Member Welcoming Ceremony, the Installation Ceremony, and the Opening and Closing rituals. You can use the National Grange’s Heirloom Program for a brief primer.

Then, assess the needs and interests of your members, as well as the activities for which you are known. Do your current activities fulfill the social and philanthropic desires of your membership? If not, consider what will enrich the lives of your members and improve the larger community you serve. Don’t just stick to what you know if that’s not what excites your members and the people in your community, who you wish to see be part of your Grange. Feeling good about doing good is a member benefit that improves the overall membership experience. When service projects, educational programs, member experiences, and advocacy align with the interests of members, passionate members who participate and build richer bonds with the organization are the result.

As you develop your identity and purpose, often in the form of a mission statement, you will also more clearly see who Grange is “for” and those people, when asked to join, will have a clearer understanding of where they fit and why and how they should participate.

Don’t ignore those who™ care about your mission but who come from a population that 53 GOOD DAY! inMAGAZINE may not be represented your membership.

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When a member pays dues, they have “bought into” everything offered - from access and influence through voice and vote at meetings to entry rights for contests to the benefits offered through the various divisions of the Grange. Yet, we often find members uninformed, in part because of intentional gatekeeping of information. By failing to pass on information, you are making a choice for other members. Even if something isn’t of interest to you, it is still important that all members have access to the information and opportunities they have paid for.

While the level of their engagement is up to the individual member, sharing details about upcoming events, camps, and contest and scholarship opportunities, as well as many other aspects that make Grange great, is something each of us should do with prospective, new, and even seasoned members. It was contests, camps, and other events and opportunities that “set the hook” for many of our legacy families and members with deep Grange roots.

Don’t just share information generally at meetings. Send a message to your entire membership. Encourage each to subscribe to State and National physical and digital publications, attend virtual and in-person Grange events at various levels, and interact with the Grange on their social media platforms. Make sure to add the fraternal touch. Take time to make a personal connection with members, especially those you don’t often see at meetings or events, to inform them of things that may be of interest to them and build a better bond between them and the Grange.

We cannot expect people to willingly pay dues and give up their time if they aren’t getting anything they value in return, and we all value fun. Dances, nights out at local Little League games, nature walks, orchard tours - pick something and provide your members the opportunity to come together beyond your meetings and outside of your Grange Hall to enjoy each other’s company and the world around them. Remember, though, what is fun to one generation might not be to another. Get people from various ages and backgrounds involved in planning one or several events that will engage all members and provide them with something to reminisce about later in their Grange journey.

Don’t forget, while a certain level of decorum is necessary to conduct your business, your meetings can also be enjoyable.

Some ideas might include encouraging your Lecturer to have a short but relevant activity or game as part of their program, have themed meetings like funky shoes or silly sweaters, invite grandkids and have a talent show during your potluck, ask a different officer each meeting to bring a clean joke to tell during “Good of the Order.” Just make sure to be respectful of the time of your members.

The Grange’s original motto was “Esto Perpetua” - roughly translated to “may it go on forever.” That was the vision of our founders, and it should remain the mission of every member. This requires us to believe the Grange is bigger than ourselves and the members here today. It also requires us to adequately prepare our Granges and our successors to carry on into the future.

Essential pieces of the puzzle for long-term organizational health are to allow new members or those who have “waited in the wings” to take active leadership roles when they ask for it, encourage those who are more reserved and provide all members with the tools to succeed. If you aren’t sure how to mentor or engage members in project leadership or as officers, seek guidance from the National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Department or look for other resources suggested by your State Membership Director or State President.

Ensure your membership is always asking: “Is this for the good of the Grange of tomorrow, not just the good of the Grange of today?” Be good stewards of what you’ve inherited as well as what you’ve earned. A future generation of members will speak of your work, and you will have earned that “well done, good and faithful servant.”

We must all believe the Grange is not “mine” or “yours” but an enduring bastion of goodwill and value to our society and the generations that will follow us. If this is not your belief, why? And is your mindset rubbing off on prospective, new, or seasoned members around you? How can that be changed? The Grange’s longevity requires us to be honest in our assessment of our Grange and ourselves. Is the experience we are offering today -- both locally and through the opportunities from the State and National Grange -- of value? If so, how do we communicate this to current and prospective members? We also must challenge ourselves to look in the mirror and answer the question: “Do I see an enthusiastic ™ MAGAZINE new members?”

It is imperative that you adopt the attitude and 54 Patron, ready to welcome, mentor, support, and inspire GOOD DAY! mindset that Grange growth starts with you. www.nationalgrange.org

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Rebuilding Brotherhood: How Grange Can Help Men Reconnect in an Age of Loneliness

by Amanda Brozana

National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director

In the late 19th century, the Grange transformed rural life by providing farm families, especially women, with vital social outlets. The Grange helped bridge the isolation of rural living through shared meals, educational opportunities, and fraternal gatherings that built lasting bonds. Today, as American men face a growing “friendship recession,” Grange is once again uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge— this time to help men rediscover the value of meaningful, face-to-face friendships.

The Male Friendship Recession

Over the past three decades, male friendships have sharply declined. In 1990, 55% of men reported having six or more close friends. By 2021, that number had plummeted to 27%. Even more concerning, the percentage of men with no close friends rose from 3% to 15%, according to the Survey Center on American Life. This trend is especially pronounced among single men, who are more likely to report having no close confidants.

Experts say the roots of this friendship recession are complex.

Cultural norms that prize selfreliance and toughness can make men feel that seeking out emotional

Behind closed doors, a growing number of men grapple with loneliness in silence — a quiet crisis often overlooked in modern society.

Editorial Photo licensed via AdobeStock

connection is a sign of weakness.

“Men are often socialized in an environment where stereotypical gender roles portray them as ‘rugged’ individuals who are ‘able to withstand pain and suffering,’” said Canh Tran, a licensed clinical social worker. Boys often grow up being told to “man up” or “get over it,” and that conditioning can linger into adulthood, making it harder for men to express vulnerability or ask for support.

The rise of digital entertainment and social media has also played a role. While technology can connect people across distances, it can also replace in-person gatherings with passive scrolling, isolating men further. The American Perspectives Survey found that while women often maintain social ties through regular check-ins and planned activities, men’s friendships tend to be built around shared activities,

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such as sports or hobbies, which may dwindle as life becomes busier with work and family commitments.

The Hidden Costs of Isolation

The decline in male friendships is more than a social inconvenience— it’s a serious health concern with ripple effects that impact entire communities. According to Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, loneliness and social isolation are as damaging to long-term health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Men who lack strong social connections are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and even heart disease. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on health and happiness, found that strong relationships are the single most important predictor of a long and healthy life. As Robert Waldinger, the study’s current director, puts it,

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“Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism in predicting health outcomes.”

Beyond individual health, the consequences of male isolation are far-reaching. Men who are socially disconnected are less likely to engage in regular health check-ups, maintain balanced diets, or stick to exercise routines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This neglect places not only their own health at risk but also creates a burden on public health systems as chronic conditions go unmonitored or untreated.

Loneliness has also been linked to aggression and intolerance. A 2023 article in Time magazine noted that men who experience prolonged social isolation may become more susceptible to extremist views and tribal thinking, contributing to a climate of hostility and polarization in society. Without the moderating influence of close friendships, some men may fall into echo chambers, where unchallenged ideas can fester into resentment or aggression. A study in Personality and Individual Differences found that lonely individuals, particularly men, are more prone to reactive aggression – impulsive or retaliatory behavior sparked by perceived slights or rejection.

Emotionally, isolated men may develop a more negative outlook on life. Chronic loneliness can lead to increased cynicism, distrust, and withdrawal from civic engagement, eroding the sense of community and mutual support that holds neighborhoods and towns together. The loss of male friendships doesn’t just hurt men – it weakens the fabric of society as a whole.

These hidden costs highlight why addressing male isolation is not just about improving individual lives – it’s about strengthening communities.

The Grange, with its deep history of fostering connection and fellowship, is uniquely equipped to help men rediscover the power of belonging.

stay socially engaged, it can add to their own emotional load while doing little to solve the underlying issue: that men often lack the tools, time, or encouragement to build friendships on their own.

That’s why it’s crucial for families – especially parents and grandparents – to model and encourage friendshipbuilding from an early age. Teaching boys that it’s okay to show vulnerability, ask for help, or express emotions can lay the groundwork for healthier adult relationships.

Partners can help by gently encouraging men to make plans with friends, join community groups like Grange, or even reach out to an old buddy. These small nudges can make a big difference in helping men rebuild their social lives.

Grange: A Historical Model for Connection

One of the founding principles of the Grange was to enhance the social lives of farm families through education and community events. As a fraternal organization, the Grange brought people together for mutual support and fellowship. Grange halls have been, since they were first built, places where neighbors gathered for dances, debates, potlucks, and shared problem-solving.

Today, Granges around the nation continue to offer programs that foster community engagement, from local service projects to educational workshops and social gatherings. These initiatives provide a safe, welcoming environment where men can meet others, form bonds

The Role of “Mankeeping”

In many cases, it’s women who have taken on the burden of keeping men socially connected, a dynamic sometimes called “mankeeping.”

When women feel responsible for ensuring their husbands, partners, fathers, or sons

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The Grange can be the place in you rocmmunity the brings men of all ages together - in service or in socialization.

Editorial Photo licensed via AdobeStock

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over shared interests, and experience the kind of camaraderie that builds resilience.

A Call to Action

Addressing the male friendship recession is not just about personal happiness – it’s about community health.

Grange can play a key role by creating spaces where men can connect through meaningful activities, shared service, and honest conversation. Family members can support this by encouraging men to step outside their comfort zones and prioritize friendship as a vital part of their well-being.

As Grange members, we know that a stronger community starts with stronger connections. By helping men find and nurture friendships, we’re not only honoring our Grange tradition of neighborly care – we’re building healthier, happier communities for generations to come.

Every Grange can find its own way to combat this important social issue. Many of those ideas can tie into two of the Project Sustenance pillars: personal sustainability and individual and community resilience.

Here are three suggestions or you can find your own solution and share it with us using the Project Sustenance submission form at https://grange.biz/pjsubmission.

Some Suggested Solutions Host A Traveling Skills Exchange Series

For Granges without a hall, host a rotating series of skill-building workshops at members’ homes, local libraries, or public parks. Men can teach and learn from one another—woodworking, grilling, basic mechanics, gardening, or whatever skills are unique to their community. This model removes the need for a permanent facility and encourages members to step into leadership roles by hosting or facilitating a session.

How to start: • Create a simple sign-up sheet for men to propose skills they’d like to teach or learn.

• Host one workshop per month at a member’s home, a public venue (with permission), or a rented space like a library community room.

• Encourage informal social time after each session—think coffee and snacks—to keep the focus on building connections, not just skills.

• Promote the program in local newsletters, social media, and flyers at community hubs like feed stores, farmers markets, and churches.

men gather to tackle meaningful work in the community: repairing a neighbor’s fence, fixing up a public park, maintaining a cemetery, or helping a community member in need. Physical work often creates natural conversation and shared purpose. This also gives men a reason to keep coming back, strengthening bonds over time.

How to start: • Partner with local nonprofits, churches, or municipal offices to identify service needs.

• Promote the events as casual, no-commitment opportunities—show up when you can, no pressure.

• Encourage mentorship by pairing older and younger men to work side by side.

• End each session with a meal, coffee break, or social hangout to encourage relaxed conversation.

Create A Regular Men’s Discussion Group

Create a standing time for men to gather and talk – about life, hobbies, challenges, and ideas. It’s not a formal support group, but a low-key, welcoming space for connection. This can be held in a Grange hall or at a local coffee shop, diner, brewery, or even virtually. Topics can be suggested in advance such as favorite books, family traditions, or local history, or the group can keep it open-ended.

How to start: • Choose a consistent time and place: the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the local coffee shop, for example.

• Spread the word via flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth.

• Assign a member or volunteer to loosely facilitate—welcoming newcomers and keeping the conversation flowing.

• Emphasize that the goal is connection, not debate or “fixing” anyone’s problems.

Organize Monthly Service Days for Men

Organize a standing monthly service project where

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A Recipe for Success: How a Performance Improvement Plan can help your Grange

by Lillian Booth Secretary, California State Grange Master Instructor, California Commission on Peace Officers Standards & Training Granges far and wide are known for their dinners, food booths, and recipe books. Year after year, the recipes for making these wonderful events happen ensure the continued success and reputation of the Grange.

In workshops and seminars, Granges discuss the need for a winning solution. “How do we attract new members?” is always the question. Ideas are tucked away in binders, some discussions are held of “what if?” - a few might implement the idea and make it a success. But while many like an idea, they don’t know how to start to put it into practice and manage it.

What does it take to make an idea become a successful event or project? Is it achieving the goals of the Grange, or is it just busy work?

That is the question that needs an answer. The best way to achieve success in any event is to construct a plan.

A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a tool for Grange leaders who want to help individual Granges. There is no one-size-fitsall with a PIP. This is individualized and created to address the specific needs of a Community, Pomona, or State Grange. Yes – State Granges need this too!

Creating a PIP

Having the “recipe” for success isn’t enough, you also have to have a plan to make the recipe better each time.

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Every Grange has something to improve. It can be interpersonal relationships, a new fundraiser, or increasing participation at meetings. Or it can be about how to add more fun to the Grange activities.

There are steps to any successful recipe, from the ingredients to how it is prepared. There are also steps to designing a successful PIP.

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Those steps are: stating the purpose, creating the overall plan, setting goals, and establishing objectives to fulfill those goals, which is the “recipe.” However, you must write it down. If you don’t write it down, it doesn’t happen.

Purpose

What is the overall purpose, scope and direction of the PIP? This can be difficult to begin if you include too much information. Keep this targeted to the task at hand.

Plan

This is the overall outline to achieve the Purpose of the PIP. If there is a conflict in a Grange, the plan could outline areas where the Grange is under-performing, and also identify what happens if the plan is not completed. Example: The Community Grange shall work to improve the Grange brand image in the community to attract and retain new members to increase participation in the Grange. The Community Grange will comply with this plan in order to retain its Charter and be a Grange in good Standing.

Conversely, this can also be written as a plan for a new project or to improve an existing one.

Example: The Community Grange will enhance the brand image and food services at the County Fair to attract more customers and foot traffic.

Goals

The next step is to write the Goals to achieve the plan. Keep them within the scope of the plan.

You can write several goals. Using the acronym of SMART Goals,

use these steps. Is the goal SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIVEABLE, REALISTIC, and TIMELY. Create a goal for each step necessary to achieve the plan.

Objectives

There can be multiple objectives to achieve one goal.

These are specific tasks written as a definitive statement pertinent to just this specific goal. Staying focused on simple statements for the objective is no easy task.

Many times these are made complicated by our thought processes. Keep it simple. This is the list of “ingredients” for your recipe.

When writing goals and objectives – don’t forget the fun!

Delivery

If a State Grange develops this PIP for a local Community Grange, the delivery of the plan is crucial. There should be conversations and visits well ahead of a final plan being delivered.

There should be a proper understanding of the culture of that specific Grange. Enlist their ideas ahead of time. Co-writing with the Grange leadership will help create buy-in for success, so when the PIP is delivered and expected to be implemented, there are no surprises.

The same approach applies to a Grange creating its own PIP for internal use. One of the constants in the Grange is allowing all members a voice. Using a PIP as an overall plan ensures that all members have an opportunity to create something that will benefit their Grange.

A PIP can be created with five or six people, and then a draft can be brought to a meeting, allowing members to review it and make edits

before a final document is approved. It is essential that others outside of the initial group who contributed to the creation of the PIP have an opportunity to read and review it. When a group creates a plan, there is groupthink – you all know what you mean to achieve the final statement. However, others may read it and not have a clear understanding of what you were trying to achieve. Clear communication is an absolute.

Using the PIP process and becoming proficient at it helps to organize the thoughts of many people into a cohesive, usable document. It is not a long process. It memorializes the ideas and creates a visual roadmap of where you want to take your Grange. As we say in California, it “keeps it between the navigational beacons.”

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Crafts... Camera... Action!

Your 2025 Junior Grange Oceanic Adventure Awaits!

By Makayla Piers National Grange Communication Fellow National Junior Grange Advisory Team Ahoy, Grangers! The 2025 Junior Grange Program Book has just dropped anchor, and it’s loaded with treasure! This year, we’re not just dipping our toes in the water – we’re diving headfirst into the deep end of creativity and fun. And speaking of diving, have you heard? We’re literally taking this show on the road... er, ocean! The National Convention is setting sail on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship bound for the Caribbean. That’s right – Junior Grange is going nautical!

With the convention being held at sea for the first time in Grange history, the entire program has transformed to embrace this maritime adventure. The most significant evolution is the shift to all-digital submissions for every contest. No more packing fragile wreaths like they’re rare artifacts! No more crossing your fingers that the postal service treats your masterpiece with the reverence it deserves! Now everything from art entries to community service reports can be submitted with a few clicks to nationaljuniorgrange@gmail.com. Your Junior’s creativity can sail smoothly from their hands to our judges without ever leaving dry land!

This digital transformation means Junior Grangers from Maine to California, Washington to Florida, and everywhere in between can join the fun with just a camera click and email send! Whether you’re planning to cruise with us or participate from your hometown, everyone can showcase their talents in the national spotlight. No more worrying about shells breaking or wreaths getting crushed in transit – just snap a photo and hit send! It’s the most accessible our contests have ever been – no shipping required!

Crafting Up a Storm!

Speaking of seashells – have you seen our new craft contests? We’re going full nautical this year, and we need your Junior Grangers’ creative hands on deck!

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Warning: Side effects of participating in this year’s Junior Grange Program may include: uncontrollable creativity, excessive knowledge about water conservation, newfound public speaking confidence, and an urge to collect seashells at inappropriate times. Parents should be prepared for temporary takeovers of kitchen tables by craft supplies and random facts about ocean farming at the dinner table.

Our Ocean Farm Discovery Wreath Contest lets kids transform ordinary shells and seaweed into extraordinary oceanic showcases. Think of it as underwater farming meets Martha Stewart! One part educational project, one part home décor – these wreaths might just be the perfect blend of learning and crafting. Plus, who can resist the opportunity to legitimately collect “craft supplies” during your next beach vacation?

The Ocean Placemat Contest turns mealtime into marine education. Winning designs will become downloadable placemats during our cruise convention.

Imagine the bragging rights when your Junior’s artwork adorns dinner tables sailing through the Caribbean! “Oh, that placemat? Just a little something my child designed that’s now CRUISING THE HIGH SEAS.” Casual vacation flex achieved.

And for those who march to the beat of their own underwater drummer, the Creative Art: Open Category provides free artistic rein to explore connections between water and agriculture. Watercolors for a water theme?

Perfectly on-the-nose! Clay sculptures of irrigation systems? Why not! The creative possibilities are as vast as the ocean itself.

Building Through Contests

Life Skills Signature

Our Sign-A-Song and Public Speaking contests aren’t just competitions – they’re confidence factories with lifetime warranties!

Watch as formerly shy Juniors transform into

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poised communicators before your eyes. The impact of these competitions extends far beyond childhood.

Former Junior Grangers regularly report that these experiences became the foundation for success in school presentations, job interviews, and leadership roles. Some have even confessed they can now order at restaurants without breaking into a cold sweat – now that’s progress!

With digital submission now available, participation has never been easier. Junior Grangers can record their performances at state competitions, with winners advancing to the national contest. Stage fright in front of a camera is much less intimidating than a live audience – though we can’t promise pets won’t judge your performance from the sidelines.

Ocean Theme Makes a Splash

This year’s agricultural awareness theme, “Water - as it relates to Agriculture,” perfectly complements our nautical convention setting. Junior Grangers will discover which crops are the “water hogs” of the plant world and which are more like desert camels. They’ll explore water efficiency techniques that would make a water conservation engineer proud. Who knew agriculture could involve so much splashing around?

And what better way to dive deeper into this watery theme than through our writing competition…

Our Creative Writing Contest challenges Junior Grangers to explain “HOW/WHY IS WATER IMPORTANT TO AGRICULTURE IN YOUR AREA.” But let’s be honest getting kids to willingly write essays can be like trying to convince cats to take swimming lessons!

Foolproof Motivation Tactics for Junior Leaders: 1. Tell them this might be the only homework that could earn Caribbean bragging rights. “Oh, my essay?

It’s currently cruising international waters.”

2. Remind them that writing about water conservation is basically saving the planet from a desk chair.

Superhero work without the cape wedgies!

3. “You know how you’re always telling me I’m wrong about everything? Here’s your chance to be the expert and tell ME how agriculture and water work!”

4. When all else fails, bribe them with a cookie! (Just kidding... mostly. We didn’t tell you that.)

With this year’s digital submission, your Junior Grangers can edit until it’s perfect - no crossed-out paragraphs, no eraser holes, no dog-ate-my-essay disasters! And with age-appropriate guidelines, everyone from our 5-year-old future journalists to our 14-year-old budding novelists can

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make a splash in this literary adventure.

Remember, Shakespeare never wrote about agricultural water conservation. Your Junior Grangers could be pioneering an entirely new literary genre.

Service Learning: Getting Delightfully Dirty for a Good Cause

Our 2025 service initiative focuses on coastal clean-up projects. Junior Grangers will identify local waterways needing attention and implement meaningful clean-up efforts. It’s the perfect opportunity to make a difference while getting gloriously muddy in the process – environmental education meets childhood puddlejumping dreams!

The community service projects represent a core pillar of the Junior Grange experience. When children see how their efforts directly improve their community, it often creates a lifelong commitment to service. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about counting trash bags filled as a measure of accomplishment!

To encourage broader participation, we’ve adjusted the Cape of Honor service recognition tiers. The White tier now starts at just 10 hours – about the time it takes to binge-watch a season of your favorite show, but infinitely more rewarding.

Charting Your Course for 2025

Mark your calendars now! Most entries require submission by September 1, 2025, giving plenty of time for quality craft-creating, speech-perfecting, and signlanguage-mastering. Start early, and you might just avoid that traditional late-August craft store panic run (we’ve all been there).

The 2025 Junior Grange program isn’t just about contests and awards – it’s about creating meaningful experiences, building essential skills, and making memories that will last long after our cruise ship returns to port. By embracing these opportunities, we prepare our Junior Grangers not just for a successful convention, but for successful futures as engaged citizens and confident leaders.

So batten down the hatches, stock up on craft supplies, and prepare for a year of extraordinary adventures with your Junior Grange! The 2025 Program Book awaits, and this journey promises to be unforgettable. All aboard the S.S. Creativity – no seasickness guaranteed!

For complete contest rules, submission guidelines, and program details, consult the 2025 Junior Grange Program Book available at www.nationaljuniorgrange.org.

Questions can be sent to Rebekah Hodgson, Junior Director, at junior@nationalgrange.org.

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Summer Health and Safety Tips Doctors Want You to Know Courtesy of StatePoint School is out, the days are long and the temperature is rising. For a safer, healthier summer, follow these American Medical Association recommendations: 1. Wear sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Also, no sunscreen is waterproof. If you’re splashing in a pool or sweating in the summer sun, you’ll need to reapply every couple of hours or immediately after swimming.

2. Get up to date. With measles cases increasing, make sure your family members are up-to-date on their vaccines before travel and camp season. Double check everyone’s vaccine status. If you have questions, speak with your physician.

3. Be water safe. Make sure everyone in your family achieves water competency skills. Teach children to ask permission before going near water, have inexperienced swimmers or boaters of all ages wear U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jackets, and always swim in lifeguarded areas at the beach.

4. Watch your diet. Reduce intake of processed foods, paying particular attention to added sodium and sugar. Add fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds to your diet. This doesn’t mean you have to give up summer barbecuing. Simply replace red meat and processed meats

Photo by Ridofranz / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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with lean meats, like poultry, and plant-based proteins. Also, reduce your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and drink more water instead.

5. Be physically active. Take advantage of warmer weather to get outdoors and get active. For optimal physical and mental health, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorousintensity activity each week. While exercise is important, avoid working out outside in the early afternoon (noon to 3 p.m.) when it’s hottest. Drink water before, during and after physical activity, and wear light-colored, lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing.

6. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including cool, moist, pale skin, and heavy sweating, headache, nausea and dizziness. Be advised that extreme heat can be especially dangerous for certain people, including those taking certain medications, those with chronic diseases, older adults and children. Additional precautions may be necessary to keep these groups safe in hot weather. CDC’s Heat Risk Dashboard informs on how best to protect yourself when temperatures can impact your health.

7. Use caution. If you’ll be consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans—up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

8. Know your blood pressure numbers. Extreme temperatures can impact blood pressure, so it’s especially important right now to visit ManageYourBP.org to better understand your numbers and take necessary steps to get high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

9. Check first. Before heading outdoors, check your community’s outdoor air quality using the Air Quality Index.

Smoke from wildfires and degraded air quality that gets worse with warmer temperatures can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Children, pregnant people and those with certain chronic conditions must be especially careful.

“Behind every summertime joy—warmth, barbecues, watersports—is a not-so-secret health or safety hazard like sunburn, heat exhaustion, drowning, unhealthy foods and drinks” says Bruce A. Scott, M.D, president of the American Medical Association. “Simple steps can ensure your family safely enjoys the summer season.”

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Makin’ Waves: National Grange Youth Launches Leadership Academy at the 159th Convention at Sea This year, the National Grange Youth Advisory Team is proud to launch the Makin’ Waves Leadership Academy 2025 during the National Grange Convention at Sea aboard the Carnival Horizon.

With the inspiring theme, “I don’t want to be a follower; I want to be a leader and create new waves,” the Academy is designed to empower young Grangers with the tools, mindset, and confidence to lead with purpose and impact.

The Academy is structured around four dynamic and progressive modules, aimed at developing key dimensions of leadership. Through hands-on workshops, collaborative activities, and guided reflection, participants will navigate the full journey of leadership from selfdiscovery to strategic influence.

Captain Your Own Ship: Foundations of Personal Leadership Leadership begins within. In this opening session, participants will explore the core elements of personal leadership: self-awareness, confidence, values, and mindset.

Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their own strengths, motivations, and leadership potential while building the courage to stand authentically in their values.

With engaging activities and peer discussions, this session lays the foundation for individuals to take the wheel of their own journey and steer with purpose.

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Navigating the Storm: Resilience, Grit, & Emotional Intelligence No great voyage is without storms. This module equips young leaders with the tools to weather life’s inevitable challenges through resilience, emotional regulation, and empathetic leadership. Participants will learn to manage stress effectively, overcome setbacks, and lead with heart during adversity. By developing emotional intelligence and grit, they will build the strength not only to endure tough moments but to grow from them.

Charting the Course: Vision, Goal-Setting, & Strategic Thinking In this forward-looking session, attendees will learn to shape a compelling vision and set actionable goals that align with their long-term purpose. Focusing on strategic thinking, innovation, and prioritization, this module helps participants refine their decision-making and build roadmaps for success. Like expert navigators, they’ll leave with the tools

to chart clear courses whether for personal development, community projects, or future leadership roles.

Anchors Aweigh: Leading Others & Creating Real Impact

The final module focuses on the outward influence of leadership— how to rally others, communicate effectively, and leave a lasting mark.

Through lessons on teamwork, influence, and creating positive change, participants will practice leadership that uplifts and unites.

They’ll explore how to motivate teams, build trust, and drive community action, ultimately preparing them to drop anchor and lead wherever they land.

The Makin’ Waves Leadership Academy 2025 promises to be a transformative experience, equipping tomorrow’s leaders with the insight and skills to lead boldly on board and beyond. With a spirit of discovery and service, this academy is not just about steering the ship—it’s about stirring the waters and making waves for good.

Makin’ Waves Leadership Academy Schedule (tentative) Saturday, November 8 Youth Check In & Orientation All Aboard “Get Acquainted Games”

Friday, November 14 9:00-11:00am - “Charting the Course” Youth Officer Practice 2:00pm - Cruise Activity: TBD

Sunday, November 9 9:00-11:00am - “Captain Your Own Ship: Saturday, November 15 2:00pm - Cruise Activity: Cornhole 7:30am - Youth Officer Practice & Photos Tournament 8:00am - National Grange Business Monday, November 10 Session Opens with Youth Officers 9:00-11:00am - “Navigating the Storm” 9:00am-11:00am - “Anchors Aweigh” Youth Officer Practice 2:00pm - Cruise Activity: TBD 2:00pm - Cruise Activity: TBD 4:00pm - Session Closes with Guest Officers

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Rural Representation and Place in Graphic Novels

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

I was sitting at my teacher table when one of my 7th grade students approached me with a mischievous smile on her face and a book in her hands.

“Hey Laynie (pseudonym),” I said, wary but smiling.

“Whatcha got there?”

“I think you should read this book.” she said with confidence, handing it to me.

At first, I was excited. Then I looked at the book, realized it was a graphic novel, and my face must’ve been loud, because Laynie began defending the book. I considered it for a minute or so, and then said, “You know what… I make y’all read stuff you don’t want to read all the time. Why should I be any different?” as I took the book from her.

Hi. My name is Chea, and I am not a graphic novel reader.

And it’s not because I have some elitist ideas about how much easier they are than other types of reading. It’s quite the opposite, actually. Reading graphic novels takes more effort and active reading/analysis than I usually want to put in, which is why I’m in awe of my students who read them voraciously. For me, print text alone is so much easier. But I was willing to do it for a student. As I read, I contemplated the ways graphic novels can evoke ideas and characteristics of place and took to my shelves to pull down and re-acquaint myself with the rural graphic novels I have in my collection.

So much of culture and identity is built on place and space which also shape art, and because of the way graphic novels use illustrations, they present readers with a unique opportunity to consider how place shapes everything from cultural practices to tone.

Texts to Check Out Northranger by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo is a Whippoorwill Honor-winning graphic novel about rural ranch work inspired by Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey.

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Horror-movie-loving Cade Muñoz is a closeted queer teen growing up in Texas. So, to him, real life is scarier than his favorite slasher flicks. When is family is on hard times, Cade and his stepdad Dale, go to work on a ranch owned and operated by one of Dale’s old commanding officers. Initially, Cade hates everything about the ranch—the early mornings, all the horse poop, the heat, but when unexpected feelings develop between Cade and the rancher’s son, Henry, things take a dark and mysterious turn. Not only is the story diverse in its rural representation and completing engaging on account of the gothic mystery, readers are able to see the difficulty and amount of labor it takes to run a ranch and care for animals in a way that isn’t possible in print alone, especially if the reader has never experienced that kind of work before. The images also contribute to the gothic tone of portions of the novel and literally help to color the readers understanding of the feelings connected to the action of the story.

Brooms by Jasmine Walls and Teo Duvall is a graphic novel set in 1930’s Mississippi about historical injustices, magic, and broom-racing. In the story, best friend duo, Billie Mae and Loretta are determined to make enough money to move out west to a state that allows Black folks to legally use magic and participate in races; Chen Kwan juggles being a good “son” to her parents and being true to herself during races; Mattie and Emma, descended from lines of strong Black and Choctaw folks, try to dodge government officials who want to send them to residential magic schools/academies; and Luella (who’s in love with Billie Mae) fights to keep the government from taking power from her cousins the way hers was. In this graphic rural historical novel, magic becomes a stand-in for the power and rights of rural folks of color and brings alive the fight to preserve them. On every page, the magic comes alive through the images. There’s also something really powerful about seeing the illustrations of the rural housing, open spaces full of fireflies, and diversity of skin tone.

These aspects in illustration provide unique and powerful opportunities for readers to see themselves and the history/ legacy of their ancestors before them in the text.

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A middle grade option, Candle Point by Mike and Nancy Deas follows Kay during a winter storm on the coast in the Pacific Northwest. The power is knocked out across all of Sueño Bay. Being shut-in with her big family leaves Kay feeling a bit claustrophobic, so she sets out to stay with her Aunt Gayle. Along her journey, Kay stumbles upon an injured moon creature and discovers an entire colony of them living in a network of caves and tunnels.

After tricking her friends into coming to the lighthouse to help the moon creature, noting goes according to plan, and Kay ends up putting them all in danger. Can Kay regain their trust enough to save them all? The illustrations make more tangible the coastal craggy rocks, the magic of moon crystals, and the wildness of the winter storm. The trucks and tall pines, the fluffy snow, and caves are all key to the lived experiences of the characters as well as readers from rural areas like it. Kay’s plucky spirt and Aunt Gayle’s surly

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disposition are also more evident and nuanced in the way they have been illustrated.

I’m not an avid reader of graphic novels, nor am I a graphic novel scholar, but I do recognize the unique power they have to show rather than tell. To let readers see themselves, their experiences, their communities in the text. Reading graphic novels that take place in rural places is an important opportunity for rural readers to see their own experiences reflected back to them and for nonrural readers to have windows that offer a super clear view into an experience that isn’t their own.

This piece is my reminder (and maybe yours too?) to bring more rural graphic novels into my own reading life as well as the lives of the young folks in my rural 7th and 8th grade classrooms. Happy reading!

This article was originally published on “Dr. Bickmore’s YA Wednesday” - learn more at drbickmoresyawednesday.com/ Learn more about the Whippoorwill Award at whippoorwillaward.weebly.com/

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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

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

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KEEP AMERICA’S HEARTLAND CONNECTED “The CentraCom team is committed to connecting our customers across Utah to the opportunities delivered by faster and more reliable high-speed broadband.”

– BRAD WELCH, COO, CENTRACOM

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entraCom first served residents of Utah over 122 years ago, and today their continued investments in a fiber-optic network connects rural homes and businesses to reliable and affordable broadband services for education, entertainment, telehealth, and economic opportunities.

With its robust network backbone and expert team, CentraCom is on the leading edge of fiber optic technologies. Its network

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is instrumental in connecting rural areas of Utah and Nevada to a nationwide network, including every school and nearly every rural healthcare facility in their service area. Learn more at centracom.com.

Visit USTelecom.org

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HOMESTEADING FEATURE

Sowing Seeds: How Long Until Something Grows?

By Colleen Denise Ono Grange #445 (CA) Homesteader

One of the quiet joys of gardening is starting from seed — dropping a tiny speck into the soil and waiting for the first sign of life. It’s simple, grounding work. But for both new and seasoned gardeners, the waiting game can bring questions.

“Did I plant too deep?”

“Are they ever going to sprout?”

Timing, as it turns out, is everything.

Every seed has its own timeline.

Some burst through the soil in just a few days, while others take their sweet time. The key is understanding what to expect — and knowing when patience is part of the process, not a problem.

Know Your Germination Window Here’s a general look at how long it takes for popular garden seeds to sprout under ideal conditions: Lettuce: 2–7 days Tomatoes: 5–10 days Peppers: 14–21 days Carrots: 7–21 days

Cucumbers: 3–10 days Beans: 7–14 days Radishes: 3–5 days These numbers aren’t set in stone — soil temperature, moisture, and light all play a role. If the soil is too cold or dry, seeds may wait until conditions improve.

Example Timeline: Garden Start

Spring

Here’s how a typical seed-starting schedule might look for a gardener in a moderate climate (zones 5–7)1: • Late February to Early March − Start indoors: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant • Mid- to Late March − Start indoors: cucumbers, melons, squash − Sow outdoors (cool-weather crops): spinach, kale, lettuce, peas • Early to Mid-April − Sow outdoors: carrots, beets, radishes − Harden off and transplant: broccoli, cabbage, early lettuce

• Late April to May (after last frost) − Direct sow: beans, corn, sunflowers − Transplant outdoors: tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers This type of calendar helps gardeners stay organized and gives seedlings the head start they need for a productive season.

Read the Packet (Yes, Really) Seed packets are often overlooked, but they’re packed with valuable information: how deep to plant, how far apart to space, and how long germination should take.

That last detail — the germination range — is your best guide to knowing whether things are on track.

Patience Pays Off It’s tempting to poke around when you don’t see sprouts after a few days — don’t. Disturbing the soil can damage young roots or stall growth altogether. Instead, keep the soil moist (not soggy), warm, and give it time. Sometimes, seeds are just on their own schedule.

In the End, Trust the Process Gardening is part science, part art, and a whole lot of trust. When you plant a seed, you’re setting something in motion that’s bigger than you — and often out of your control. Learn what you can, expect a little unpredictability, and enjoy the wonder when those first green shoots finally push through.

Find your plant hardiness zone at

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https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

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NOTES FROM A SMALL TOWN

It’s a Problem of Faces

By Christopher Dean First Gentleman, Massachusetts State Grange

Rockport is quiet and mostly empty for about half of the calendar year. The town covers seven square miles, about half of that is in the Atlantic Ocean and therefore underwater. Year-round residents number only about seven thousand. It’s amazing how small a number that is (though it’s almost double the population when I lived here as a child), especially since the population blooms to almost eighteen thousand, what with summer people, day trippers, and overnight guests in the local inns and hotels.

We’ve lived here for ten years now, we go to the Episcopal church down the street, I walk along the rocks once a week, I belong to a drum circle in town, and I go to a writing club in Gloucester - the city next door and the only other community on the island. We’re known in town, I buy coffee at the coffee shop on Main Street most days, we shop in the same convenience store as everyone else at the same supermarket in Gloucester. We go to movies at the small, independent cinema around the corner and buy paint at the local hardware store. So, we’re known, maybe not well known, like certain members of the select board or the harbormaster or the fire chief, but known all the same.

We go places and run into people all the time. I walk down the coffee shop and can wave at Nancy (who owned a gift shop on Dock Square), or Judy (a long-time friend of my mother’s), or Postman Bill doing his rounds (he used to be our postman but got himself transferred to the seacoast route because he likes seeing the ocean). All are ready to stop and chat for a bit, maybe a minute or two, but it’s nice to talk to acquaintances here and there, it helps you to feel like you belong and that you have ties.

The town has its rituals and events where we run into people. We go to the farmer’s market once it starts up, which is late, as the New England locally-produced food season comes after most of the rest of the country, and we see there lots of familiar faces. But here’s the thing: tourists don’t go to the farmer’s market during the late spring or summer except, maybe, to have their photos taken there surrounded by real-live small-town coziness. If they go at all it’s because they want to take pictures there and show

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them to friends and say, look, isn’t this adorable, don’t you just love it, so cute.

As a result of the warm season population boom, when I walk around most of the town, I recognize almost noone. There are so many unfamiliar faces that it’s sort of disorienting. Locals keep to their own yards and don’t go to the districts where the tourists go. The summer people have arrived to spend weeks at their summer homes away from the city and to live the fantasy of someone who’s here all year, a thing that they imagine must be full of cozy evenings with the “right sort” of people, antiquing, and shopping at locally sourced grocers. People visit here, and elsewhere in New England, fall in love with the place’s quaintness and hoover up property to short-time-rent out to others, houses are quickly taken off the market, and prices have surged to breathtaking levels, pricing everyone but the very rich out of the entire market from here to the border of Canada.

The tourist district is made up of the area stretching from Dock Square to Front Beach, much of it is concentrated in a part of town called “The Neck,” which is full of cute shoppes and million-dollar shacks for summer rentals. The entire northern end of town (Pigeon Cove) is filled with summer homes now. What used to be a neighborhood of small kitchen gardens and homes for the workers at the now-closed tool foundry is now completely taken over by summer people and the locals have sold out as they’re no longer able to afford to buy there or to pay the taxes.

The southern end of town has always been an exclusive district, once the sheep fields started disappearing in favor of expensive real estate. The narrow, winding streets are lined with huge summer houses and expensively maintained lawns of very rich people. All summer, the houses throughout town are filled with inhabitants and the streets are filled with unfamiliar faces when I’m there. I barely recognize anyone.

Sometimes the summer people try to make it look like they live here year-round and if you ask them where they live they say, for example, “Oh, we live on Marmion Way”, in a careless tone that’s supposed to mean, gosh it’s no big deal but you envy us, don’t you? Actually, locals always think, Marmion Way? No-one lives there year-round; this is a summer person I’m talking to and they think I’m from away. So, when we ask the clincher, “Do you live there

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all year?” They back down, their eyes drop, “Um, no, just

way places have familiar faces in them, the hardware store,

during the summer.” They know they’ve tried to pull one

the pharmacy, but never any of the tourist shops in the

over on us and failed.

district. The shopping/tourist district closes down partially

A house in my mother’s neighborhood was recently

after Columbus Day and completely after Christmas until

undergoing renovation. I’d only seen groups of unfamiliar

the week before Memorial Day when parking becomes

people, never the same ones, coming out of it since at

impossible and it’s best just to walk everywhere. The local

least the 1980s and I saw a man and a woman walking with their dog, in the backyard, and asked them if they lived here.

churches see a near-doubling of their attendees every summer, the beaches, parks, and hiking trails are packed all the time.

The woman said “yes” in a cheerful way.

I glanced over at their license plate, which said Connecticut, so I asked, “Do you live there all year?”

She responded nervously, “Well, no, we live in Connecticut,” And quickly added “but we only loan our house out to family and close friends during the summer.”

I wasn’t fooled. Investors think that loaning the house out to family will somehow absolve them of killing the community to line their own pockets. I just smiled and walked away.

Her husband said to her quietly, “He didn’t believe

The reality of living here is that the only restaurant in town that’s year-round drops from service every night in the summer to service only three nights in the winter. The French housewares store is only open on weekends in the winter, so it’s a good idea to buy your fancy soaps early.

All of the galleries are closed in the winter, not that I ever go into them mind you. There’s a clothing store that stays open all year, selling very expensive items two or three days a week, but in the summer the crowds show up to buy high-end summer shirts and walking shoes that will impress people as long as you don’t get them dirty by

you.”

The main thing about all this is that when I go out of the house, I see people that I don’t know; unfamiliar faces are everywhere. For a good six months only, the out-of-the-

actually walking in them. The point is that everyone will know what you paid just by looking.

Which really isn’t how the rest of us live here year-round.

An artist’s rending of Rockport, the author’s hometown - and a tourist’s retreat.

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Blueberries: from Humble Roots to Superfood Fame

By Ann Olson Bercher President, Minnesota State Grange Certified Culinary Specialist There aren’t many blue foods out there. There are blue frozen treats, such as popsicles and freezies, that are, for some reason, flavored with raspberry. There are blue M&M’s that some people still struggle with, as the company removed the tan ones. (And does the blue one even show up in commercials anymore?) There are some blue beverages such as Bombay Gin, and blue Kool-Aid (I think). I can think of only one truly blue food, and that is the honorable and regal blueberry.

My father was a blueberry fanatic, preferring blueberry pie, blueberry muffins, and blueberry sauce on ice cream almost more than chocolate. (He was a huge chocolate aficionado and hid his chocolate stash in his closet. But that’s another story…)

There is a lovely story written by Robert McCloskey, Blueberries for Sal, published in 1948, about a mother and daughter who go blueberry picking in Maine. A mother bear and her cub are also blueberry picking on the same hill, and over the course of the story, Sal loses sight of her mom, the bear cub loses sight of hers, and the two children end up following the other’s mother. The tale ends well, with the bears reuniting and filling their

Cover of Blueberries for Sal. Copyright The Viking Press. Fair use via WikiMedia.

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bellies with blueberries in preparation for a long winter, and the humans collect enough berries to can them together in the comfort of their home. The illustrations are completed in blue ink, which just makes the whole reading experience that much more charming.

Being from Minnesota, there are many locations where blueberries are grown and harvested from the wild as well as from farms and Pick-Your-Own locations throughout the state. Farmer’s Markets, food co-ops, and grocery stores offer them almost year-round, although they are best between June and August. I also enjoyed picking blueberries from a field in Maine when I attended a wedding of a family friend a few years ago that happened to be located in a blueberry field. Talk about great reception appetizers!

Globally, blueberries are grown on every continent except Antarctica. You would think there would be arguments regarding which blueberries are best, but I have a hunch that all blueberries are delightful and worthy of “the GOAT” tag no matter where they are grown.

The indigenous people of North America were the first to cultivate and consume blueberries. They were valued and consumed by the tribes in the Northeastern United States and Canada, serving as a staple food source.

Blueberries kept longer in storage than other berries and could be dried and stored for winter use. Blueberries were eaten fresh in season, used in a variety of basic stews, and alongside other foods. Blueberries were also prized for their medicinal properties. All parts of the plant, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, were used in various preparations. Native Americans passed on their knowledge about the edible use of blueberries and growth habits to European immigrants, which has directly impacted the development of modern blueberry varieties.

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The first cultivated crop of blueberries occurred in 1912 due to the collaboration of Elizabeth White, the inquisitive daughter of a cranberry farmer and a USDA botanist.

White was interested in trying to cultivate blueberries. Local growers, including her father, lacked understanding of the growth habits and needs of blueberries and were not supportive. In 1911, White discovered a book written by USDA botanist Frank Coville. He had made history as a field botanist on the first multidisciplinary expedition to Death Valley in California. He became the chief botanist for the USDA, publishing more than 170 scientific papers and books in his lifetime.

One of those books, Experiments in Blueberry Culture, was the book White found. In the book, Colville documented his research and the work of others in the early 1900s that focused on the cultivation of the Vaccinium species, blueberries!

The groundbreaking discovery was that blueberries require very acidic soil for successful cultivation. White contacted Frank Coville and offered acreage on the family farm in New

Jersey for research and development that laid the groundwork for our modern blueberry varieties.

The five main types of blueberry bushes that grow in the United States are the lowbush, northern highbush, southern highbush, rabbiteye, and half-high. The northern highbush is the most common, and both highbush varieties tend to be the most disease-resistant plants. There are also quite a lot of variations and hybrids within the specific berries that each bush produces.

The berries can range in size from small to jumbo and in taste from sweet to tart. Should you choose to try growing blueberries at home, check in with your local grower or University Extension service for more information and advice.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, research identified blueberries as a “superfood,” increasing production in the United States from 1 million pounds of fruit per year to over 500 million pounds in recent years. What makes them so super?

Blueberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods in the world. Antioxidants are necessary for life and are believed to aid in the prevention of heart disease and even some cancers. The blue color of the berry comes from its

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polyphenols, which provide most of its antioxidant properties. They are high in dietary fiber. And one cup of blueberries provides 25% of your daily recommendation of vitamin C. Perhaps the only drawback about blueberries is that once they are harvested, they don’t continue to ripen. However, they are easily canned, dried, or frozen. These forms are also available at most supermarkets.

Keep fresh blueberries refrigerated, unwashed, until you are ready to use them. If kept in a rigid container covered with clear wrap, they should keep for up to two weeks. To freeze blueberries, do not wash them! Spread them on a baking sheet in the freezer and bag them up once they have frozen. Wash them when they have thawed.

Thinking about the story of Blueberries for Sal, I wonder if her mom ever used blueberries for things other than jam. The Native Americans certainly did, and I have included recipes here for ways to use these luscious fruits that you may not have thought of before. So, sit down with a bowl of fresh blueberries and peruse the recipes on the following pages, or read Blueberries for Sal.

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White Balsamic

Blueberry, Corn, & Feta Salad

8 medium ears sweet corn 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives, plus more for garnish 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Baked

serves 4

1. Carefully peel back corn husks to within 1 inch of bottoms; remove silk.

Rewrap corn in husks; secure with kitchen string. Place in a stockpot; cover with cold water. Soak 20 minutes; drain.

2. Grill corn, covered, over medium heat about 20 minutes or until tender, turning often. Cut string and peel back husks. Cool slightly. Cut corn from cobs; transfer to a large bowl.

3. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, chives, salt and pepper. Pour over corn; toss to coat. Gently fold in blueberries and feta. Garnish with additional chives as desired.

Blueberry & Brie Cups

makes 15

1 box (15 count) mini phyllo shells (in the freezer section) 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed (very important)

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped 2 tablespoons maple syrup

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange shells on a baking sheet.

2. Cut brie into ½ inch pieces.

3. Place cheese into shells, pressing gently to fill the shell, but not break it (the rind will be too hard to press into the shells without breaking).

4. In a bowl, mix together the blueberries, thyme, and maple syrup.

5. Top each cheese-filled shell with a small spoonful of the berry mixture. Be careful not to overfill the shells.

6. Bake for 15-18 minutes until berries start to soften and Brie is melted.

7. Remove from oven and serve with remaining blueberry mixture on the side.

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President’s Recipe

Blueberry

Focaccia

1 pkg (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast 1 ¼ cups warm water (110 – 115 degrees) 1 tablespoon honey 3 cups all-purpose flour

serves 8

shared by President Christine Hamp

Bewitching

¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided ¾ teaspoons kosher salt 1 cup blueberries 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon olive oil

Blueberry Pancakes This has been a favorite pancake recipe in our house since the mid-1970s when my brother Mike brought the recipe home from grade school.

Ingredients: 2 cups flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon soda 1 teaspoon baking powder

1. Pour ½ cup of water and honey into a large bowl, add yeast to dissolve. (5 minutes) 2. Add flour, ¼ cup oil, salt, and remaining ¾ cups warm water. Mix until smooth (batter will be wet.)

Cover bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

3. Brush a 13x9-inch baking dish or a 12-inch diameter cast iron pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour batter into pan and gently spread dough with oiled hands. Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let rise until doubled, 30-40 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

5. Rinse and dry blueberries. Place blueberries on top of dough and press gently into the dough. Sprinkle with minced rosemary. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

6. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until golden brown.

1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons oil 1 egg 2 cups buttermilk ½ cup hot water Blueberries

Directions: 1. Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl beat egg and add oil, buttermilk and hot water and stir.

Gently mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

Stir in blueberries, as many as you wish.

2. As you stir in the blueberries (this is the magic part) say three times:

Gobble dee gook With a wooden spoon, The laugh of a toad At the height of the moon!

3. Pour batter, separated (roughly 1/3 cup) on a hot, oiled or buttered griddle.

4. Cook until you see little bubbles on top and the edges starting to firm up. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the pancakes are skyhigh fluffy and cooked through.

5. Top with butter, syrup, and more blueberries.

Do not flatten these pancakes, says Chris - the buttermilk makes the pancakes light and fluffy!

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Sloppy Joe Sliders

Blueberry

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound ground turkey ½ teaspoon salt 1 carrot, diced

1 stalk celery, diced 1 small onion, diced 1 tablespoon chili powder ¼ cup tomato paste 1 tablespoon maple syrup

1. In a blender, combine blueberries and broth, blend until smooth.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add turkey and cook until beginning to brown, 8-10 minutes.

3. Add carrot, celery, onion, and chili powder. Cook 3-5 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

4. Stir in blueberry mixture, maple syrup, and mustard.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook at a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until liquid is thick and vegetables are tender.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste as desired.

6. Serve on toasted slider buns topped with cheese.

Make your own...

Blueberry Pie Filling

3 ½ cups fresh blueberries ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon lemon juice

1. In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, water and lemon juice. Stir to combine.

2. Cook over medium-low heat 10 – 15 minutes until it begins to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.

Store in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freeze in freezer bags for up to 6 months.

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serves 6

1 tablespoon stone-ground Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste, optional 12 slider buns, split and toasted Sliced cheddar cheese or crumbles of blue cheese for serving

Pickled Blueberries with Chicken & Wild Rice

Bowl

1 cup water 1 cup white wine vinegar 1 cup sugar ½ teaspoon kosher salt 2 ½ cups blueberries 3 cups shredded curly kale, stems removed (or other greens of choice) 3 tablespoons of lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon zest ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cups cooked wild rice

1-pound cooked chicken breast, diced 2 cups English or Persian (seedless) cucumber, diced 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled ¼ cup walnut pieces (or other nut if desired) 2 ½ cups pickled blueberries, cooled 4 tablespoons reserved pickling juice liquid 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil

serves 4

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, wine vinegar, sugar, and salt and bring to a boil. Rinse blueberries and place in a large jar or bowl.

2. Pour hot vinegar mixture over the blueberries, submerging them completely. Allow blueberries to sit for at least three hours.

3. Pickled blueberries can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. (Use in other salads or with goat cheese on crostini.)

4. In a large bowl, combine kale, lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Massage the kale with your hands for 2 – 3 minutes to soften the leaves and deepen the color of the kale.

5. In a small jar, combine 4 tablespoons of pickling liquid, lemon juice and olive oil. Cover and shake to combine, 6. To serve: divide kale between four serving plates, top with chicken, cucumber, feta, nuts, and pickled blueberries.

7. Drizzle each bowl with the dressing mixture.

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Learn more at policy.charter.com.

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*Based on December 2023 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.

THE LAST

Word

By Darlene Wolnik

Senior Project Manager, Farmers Market Coalition The farmers market movement has remained devoted to multi-faceted goals of linking rural and urban, grower to buyer, and in building community involvement through remaining casually inviting, locally relevant, expanding the offerings and those accessing them each and every decade.

The last 50+ years show the intentionality and versatility of the modern market field and skewers the myths of any single origin idea or type of founder. From back-to-landers and main street activists to public healthy entities, farmers markets serve around 9,000 communities in the U.S., which is more sites than Walmart.

Many of the markets that operated during the COVID pandemic lockdown, noticed a rapid uptick of new shoppers which suggested awareness of farmers markets previously existed among those shoppers. The Columbia Missouri farmers market reported1 2020 sales of $2,122,000 in over just 88 market days.

Clearly, markets were well-used even with less public activity and fewer products available.

A recent national survey2 showed that more than 80% of Americans go to a market at least once a year, (although many also reported they often forget when the market is operating.)

Nearly half reported spending time with family and friends at a farmers market (47.65%), with many also learning new things about food (40.50%). Over a quarter met a new person (29.41%) or learned new things about the community (25.41%). Nearly a quarter learned about growing food (24.52%). And with 25% urban, 48% suburban, and 16% rural respondents, indicates that the market model is flexible enough to work for all types of communities.

Still, what may confuse some is why market leaders are firm in why most markets remain pop-up/open-air designs or with easily-managed and low-cost infrastructure. That last point often frustrates municipal leaders or funders. That begets a myth, one where the market is not seen as a serious mechanism for

economic activity because of their use of secondary space, or temporary structures, a refusal to go into “storefront” mode.

The truth that needs to be shared is that for grassroots initiatives expending time and money on infrastructure can solve some problems, but can also create others. So it is up to markets to find ways to show their long term intention to stick around without always resorting to brick and mortar. Of course, there are other myths that need to be addressed in food system work.

Scaling up, uniformity, efficiency are some others.

I’ll leave it to our dean of place, Wendell Berry, to take on some of those through a passage from his essay, “The Thoughts of Limits in a Prodigal Age” where he writes about capacity, scale, and form in agrarianism. He says: “It is a formidable paradox that in order to achieve the sort of limitless we have begun to call ‘sustainability’… strict limits must be observed. Enduring structures of household and family life, or the life of a community or the life of a country, cannot be formed except within limits.

We must not outdistance local knowledge and affection, or the capacities of local persons to pay attention to the details only by which we can do good to one another. Within limits, we can think of rightness of scale. When the scale is right, we can imagine completeness of form.”

That triptych of capacity, scale and form so perfectly describes both the problem and the solution. It also encapsulates why the dominant paradigm cannot “see” open air farmers markets or work in tandem with us. It also beautifully describes the localness of organizing that markets know well. Those limits are exactly how our market founders once staked out a useful place in their community and even now, are able to manage the outcomes of their projects or mission with respect to that place. https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ Columbia-Farmers-Market-COVID-Report-4.pdf 2 https://www.foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/ view/1321 1

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COVID-19 could spoil your summer.

65+ or immunocompromised?

You’re most at risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Protect yourself this summer with another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine now.

82 GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL Learn more at cveep.org/stayprotected

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

JEWELRY

Vintage Hall Dedication Plaques Designed in 1947, these wooden hand-carved plaques have felt backing. 11.5”x13”, with space to add an engraving for your Grange.

Limited number available.

Sold as-is. $25 each, including shipping.

1-inch pins!

Junior Grange pin - $5 4th Degree pin - $10

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

Sesquicentennial Challenge Coin 150th Anniversary 2.25” diameter coin, emblazoned with the “esto perpetua” logo.

Was $25, now $15 plus shipping.

People, Pride, and Progress

Member recognition pins are

by David M. Howard This history book chronicles the impact of the Grange over the first 125 years of the organization.

Was $12.00, now discounted to $6.00.

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

Prices vary.

Own a part of history

Kelley Farm Challenge Coin Celebrating the 2013 exemplification of the 1873 Degrees at the Kelley Farm.

2.25” brushed nickel coin.

On sale: $15.00 + shipping Belt Buckle Solid pewter with antique finish, fits most standard belts. Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.

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

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

Just $3.50 each

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

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

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

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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