Good Day! Summer 2018 [V2I2]

A quarterly publication of the National Grange

Good DAY! Vol. 2, Issue 2 l Spring 2018

™

ELEVATING RURAL INTERESTS Grangers talk policy priorities on Capitol Hill, in Halls

A Defining Moment Junior Passport Introduced

The first Grange in the world celebrates 150th birthday, moment movement was born

New program offers depth, variety of lessons for youngest members

Put Fun on Calendar in 2019 Part family vacation, part celebration, Grange Revival planned for next summer

ONLY THE BEST FOR GRANGE MEMBERS

Quality, affordable, Medicare programs, Retirement planning tools, Lifetime income plans, more!

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Starting now we’re ready to serve Grange members and their families with personalized services and top-quality insurance and financial services products. Headquartered in Austin, TX and Kansas City, MO, we have regional and district offices across the U.S. And we’re one of the fastest- growing insurance sales organizations. Our specialties include: • Medicare Programs, including top-selling Medicare Supplements • Helping clients receive guaranteed Income for a Lifetime • Putting in place protection for your hard-earned assets (such as your home) Here’s something great — every plan is customized for you and you never pay a penny for our consultations!

Approved by State Granges The State Granges we are working with have endorsed our program. That means so much to us, and we hope that you, as a Granger, will take a look at what we have to offer! After all, the program was designed specifically for you.

Effective immediately, we’re proud to be associated the following State Granges: Connecticut, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Nebraska, Indiana and Iowa.

Other Granges are coming on-line fast. We hope to be providing services in every Grange State by the end of 2018. Urge your state leadership to contact us today to see how we can help you!

We believe this is going to be a long-standing relationship that will benefit Grangers every step of the way.

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Good DAY!

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NATIONAL NEWS & VIEWS

Recently elected Executive Committee member reflects on opportunity New engineer joins headquarters staff

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Grange Month celebrated in various ways across U.S.

Master’s Conference offered insight for new, returning leaders Grange Revival announced for 2019

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Junior fundraiser shirt on sale now Pen Pal Update Passport program rollout

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JUNIOR GRANGE PROFILE: Ambassador Riley Reynods

Master’s Recipe: Pea Soup

Members receiving recognition for years of service

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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Legislative Briefs Farm Bill concerns diverse

GRANGE YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

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FOOD NEWS & RECIPES Peas are spring’s favorite legumes

Granges celebrating milestone anniversaries

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Tribute to 3 members who have gone to great Grange in the sky

Grange cruise offered fun, fraternal activity

“That’s the Grange Way” campaign helps put into words our identity

MEMBER RECOGNITION

Networking is a necessary life skill

CLASSIFIEDS

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Wedding and graduation announcements, unique fundraising items from around the nationand more featured here

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STATE & LOCAL GRANGE NEWS Fredonia Grange celebrated 150th Birthday in style Mid-Atlantic Grange Leaders Conference provided variety of information for all ages

PERSPECTIVE: Elevating the Rural Voice Membres of all ages take advantage of advocacy programs to speak in D.C. on issues of importance

HOBBIES Travel Guide: Finding links to our Founder in his town, Carrabelle DIY: String Art

LAST WORD Young member sees benefit from Hall provided for use by new Grange

Good Day!™ magazine wants to be a part of your business or Grange’s success. Ad space is available in upcoming issues at low rates for designed ads and classified ads related to Grange events, fundraisers, etc. Email National Grange Communications and Development Director Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios at communications@nationalgrange.org or call (202) 628-3507 ext. 102 or (301) 943-1090 for our ad rate sheet.

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Staff

MEET THE Publisher Betsy E. Huber National Grange Master (President) betsy@nationalgrange.org Editor Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director communications@nationalgrange.org

Subscriptions Assistant Stephanie Wilkins National Grange IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Subscription Manager Loretta Washington National Grange Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org

Copy Editor Stephanie Tiller National Grange Convention/Operations Director stiller@nationalgrange.org

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Burton Eller National Grange Legislative Director beller@nationalgrange.org Stewart Hughes National Grange Controller shughes@nationalgrange.org

Christine Hamp National Lecturer lecturer@nationalgrange.org

Charlene Shupp Espenshade National Grange Youth Leadership Development Director youth@nationalgrange.org

Pete Pompper National Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org

Samantha Wilkins National Junior Grange Development Director junior@nationalgrange.org

NATIONAL GRANGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mujo Mrkonjic Building Engineer

OUR

F. Philip Prelli, CT, Overseer philip.prelli@snet.net Leroy Watson, NH, Chairman

Officers

William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward

leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org

John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward

Lynette Schaeffer, IL, Secretary

Brenda Rousselle, VT, National Lady Assistant Steward

schaeffr@att.net

Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain

Duane Scott, WI

Dwight Baldwin, IO, National Treasurer

duanerscott@yahoo.com

Judy Sherrod, TN, National Secretary

Stephen Coye, NY

Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper

steve@nygrange.org

Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres Susan Noah, OR, National Pomona

ASSEMBLY OF DEMETER

Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora

Bruce Croucher, NY | Roger Bostwick, KS | James Owens, ME

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

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www.nationalgrange.org

Features 29 First Grange in the world celebrates milestone

FRATERNAL GETAWAY

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FREDONIA: 150 & COUNTING

Time at sea, in sun and sand helps bond Grangers

71 Adorn your home with handmade works of art

DIY: STRING ART

WHO WE ARE

®

The National Grange was founded as

areas of agriculture – including those who

a fraternal organization for farm families

just like to eat – and our local Granges

in 1867 – opening its doors to men and

provide millions of dollars and hours of

women equally from the start.

service to their neighbors annually.

From rural free delivery of mail to the

Each Grange operates as a grassroots

direct election of U.S. Senators by the

unit, taking on projects most appropriate

people, Grangers have influenced so many

for their communities and advocating

aspects of American life and culture.

based on their members’ beliefs.

Today we continue to advocate for rural Americans and those interested in all

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

www.nationalgrange.org

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

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→

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Mercantile 2018

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Calling all crafters

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Stitch · Paint · Quilt · Knit · Sew · Chisel · Stamp · Weave · Draw · Craft · Blow

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Grange Foundation

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The Grange Foundation Mercantile is seeking donations of high-quality handcrafted items (quilted items, embroidered items, hand-sewn aprons, doll clothes, handmade jewelry, baskets, etc.).

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Donations may be hand-delivered to the 152nd Annual National Grange Convention or sent to the Grange Foundation.

If delivering to the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, in Stowe, Vermont, donations must be received by Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

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Donations sent must be received by no later than November 1 at the National Grange Headquarters. Packages should be addressed GRANGE FOUNDATION, Attn: Mercantile, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006.

Once received, the items will be prepared for sale at the Mercantile and all profits will go to the Grange Foundation, a charitable 501(c)(3) organization.

All donations will receive a thank you letter from the Foundation.

→

Questions or inquiries?

Contact National Grange Lecturer Christine Hamp at

lecturer@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (509) 953-3533.

The

Grange

Foundation

Crochet · Spin · Bind · Sculpt · Forge · EmbroideR · Tat

FROM THE

Executive COMMITTEE

By Lynette Schaeffer Oh wow, oh wow!

This past National Grange Session was a very important one for me. I was elected to the National Grange Executive Committee, it is the ultimate honor for me. And on top of that to be Secretary of the committee.

I have been a Granger all of my life – I was going to Grange meetings before I was born with my parents, Lavern and Lucille Lang. They are still members of Floraville Community Grange and have been for about 66 years.

My husband and I met through St. Clair County Grange Youth functions. We have been married for 43 years by the time you read this. Don and I belong to Shiloh Valley Grange. All four of Don’s grandparents were Grangers and joined the same meeting at Shiloh Valley Grange.

Don and I have two children, and five grandchildren, all Grangers.

I was elected as Master of Illinois State Grange in 2013.

Before that, I served as Illinois State Grange Young Marrieds co-chair with Don (1984), Young Couple (1984), Junior Director (1992–95), Pomona (1997-99), Secretary (1999–2011), and Historian (2012-13).

Don was also Illinois State Prince in 1973.

As you can see, I have served in a variety of Grange offices/and state positions, and have loved every one of them.

I am proud of the fact that many of ‘my Juniors’ now hold or have held State Offices already.

I am proud of my Illinois State Master heritage.

Previous Masters have served the National Grange in various ways. Oliver Wilson served as Priest Annalist, Lecturer, Master (1911-19), and Priest Archon.

Eugene A Eckert served on Executive Committee from 1922 -1946 (15 years as Secretary – like me and seven as Chair).

Dorsey Kirk served on Executive Committee

1949-51, and Overseer. Russell Stauffer served as Treasurer, and Overseer. A. R. “Al” Henninger served on Executive Committee 1995–2001. Henrietta Keller was Secretary from 2003–09. And now me on the Executive Committee. It seems that Illinois has served the National Grange on the Executive Committee for almost 50 years!

I have worked for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 1985. Now I support users, computers, networks, mobile devices and telephones for the Service Center Agencies, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development.

Don and I live on his family farm, raising cattle, corn, soybeans and alfalfa.

Our son, Justin, and his family live on the farmstead and raise pigs, chickens, ducks, and turkeys on the farm. So you can tell that there is always something to do on the farm.

Our daughter, Jolene and her family are always willing to help. Don works off the farm as well for St. Clair Service.

This past session was also great for me to be part of the Legacy Family, Schaeffer.

Executive Committee work this quarter Now onto what the Executive Committee has dealt with since the

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

beginning of the year.

The National Grange Building chiller failed just before I joined the committee but we have been dealing with finding the money to pay for the expenses until we see how much the insurance will pay. Also because of the age and condition of the three boilers, one of them was replaced as well.

Several State Granges have made loans to the National Grange for these upgrades, as we also need to keep up with payments for lawyers and normal expenses. The biggest challenge for me has been keeping track of the court cases and after four months I believe that I have it figured out.

Reports from our Directors work hard for the Grange. Many programs are planned and need us all to participate in those events. I am excited for the celebration of the 130 years of Junior Grange. Illinois has had three National Junior Directors. Actions are being taken to assist South Carolina with reorganizing the state Grange. Hopefully many of you have been able to join the monthly membership Zoom meetings. I would like to remind all states to keep current the Youth protection policies.

As per delegate resolution, we have discussed updates to E-membership that will have a second reading at 2018 convention.

We have also started conversation on the ‘paperless’ National Session that was also a resolution.

We have selected Wichita, Kansas as the site of the 2021 National Grange Session.

We have authorized a new Grange benefit in Clouse insurance for those states without insurance coverage already.

California State Grange has been able to get their headquarters and bank accounts back through the actions of the receiver. We believe that this is good news for the National Grange in the rest of the pending court cases.

Hopefully this gives you a small look into the life of this National Grange Executive committee member.

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New

Headquarters

engineer now on board After nearly three decades of service

such as displays at the Library of Congress,

to the Grange, Building Engineer Sandor

construction of the National Harbor and

Szima retired at the end of 2017.

the Museum of Crime and Punishment.

In January, the National Grange

He later went to ADO Home Services

welcomed Mujo Mrkonjic to the staff as

where he continued learning more about

the new Headquarters Engineer.

construction and maintenance, having his

Mrkonjic,

originally

from

Kotorsko,

hands in each facet of building a home

Bosnia, was trained in various trades, starting

from ground up - electrical, carpentry,

with his high school certificate as a railroad

plumbing and more.

Mrkonjic lives in Leesburg, Virginia, with his wife, Alma, and their daughter,

technician, which he used in the field for

Starting just after the first of the

about 10 years until he emigrated after the

year, Mrkonjic said he looks forward to

war in Bosnia to the United States in 1997.

continuing to get involved more with

“We wish all the best to Szima in his

building systems and get to know more

retirement and hope you’ll join with us

about the Grange and our tenants.

in giving a great Grange welcome to

When he and his family got to the U.S., Mrkonjic began work as a carpenter,

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forward to the opportunity.

moving through various positions at

He said the biggest challenge will be

that employer over the course of seven

stepping into the shoes of an engineer

years before beginning with Tradesmen

who has worked in the headquarters for

International, where he worked on projects

more than a quarter century, but is looking

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Mirela and son, Mahir.

Mrkonjic,” National Grange President Betsy Huber said.

He can be reached by email at engineer@nationalgrange.org.

MASTER’S CORNER Betsy E. Huber

Legislative activity has been an important focus of the Grange since its founding.

Today, 150 years later, we remain one of the few truly grassroots organizations represented in the Nation’s Capitol, still advocating for rural issues and agriculture.

The issues we lobby for are determined by resolutions that begin in the Community Grange, are adopted at the Pomona and State Granges, and are forwarded to the National Grange convention each November. Delegates from each State Grange work in committees, make recommendations, and the body votes to decide the Grange policies.

Over the years we have accumulated policy on hundreds of topics, so when legislation is proposed we probably already have policy to tell us which way you the membership want us to go.

The Grange has always been nonpartisan, but that does not mean we are not interested in government and politics.

Many local Granges hold candidates nights to give their communities the opportunity to meet local officials and express their opinions face to face. This can be a great service your Grange could provide to your citizens and give your Grange the opportunity to open its doors to the community so they can see what you do. Sponsor a meeting for local officials or candidates to talk about their platforms and

meet and greet. Make sure you include all parties and candidates, of course. Or sponsor a meeting to discuss a community problem, such as the opiate epidemic, the crisis dairy farmers are facing, a new invasive pest like the spotted lanternfly, or chronic wasting disease in deer. There is no lack of topics that could benefit from community discussion!

This simple activity can demonstrate that your Grange is relevant, is an important part of your community, and is a place where all points of view are respected and welcome to be expressed.

The Grange was created to help heal our nation following the Civil War. In today’s world of extreme partisanship and lack of compromise, the Grange is needed more than ever to restore respect for others and civil discourse in our communities, states, and nation. Grangers can disagree on issues and have energetic discussions, and then sit down for refreshments together and remain close friends. That is the beauty of our organization.

In today’s society, people are certainly interested in their government, but they may feel powerless to do anything to change things. Grange members, by joining together as one voice, can influence government officials far more than individuals can.

Local issues like a dangerous road or intersection, bridge repair, better school lunches, deer in urban areas, etc., are great

topics for public meetings at your Grange hall or meeting place that can bring many local residents together with passion for action. Harness that passion into the Grange model of civil discourse, and sign those interested people into Grange membership.

If broadband access is a problem in your community, hold a public meeting and pass a petition for better internet service.

If successful you will have many happy residents and students thanking the Grange for its help.

Choose an issue and take some action!

You’ll be surprised at the many benefits it brings to your Grange and community.

Master/President, National Grange

GOOD DAY!™ PROCESSING FEE COMING IN JUNE Starting June 1, all new subscriptions and renewals will be subject to a $2 processing fee. The fee will allow us to recoup costs of credit card processing and time used by staff to set orders. Consider getting your new or renewed subscriptions in before June 1, 2018. Also, we request anyone able use the online subscription form at tiny.cc/ GoodDayMag to complete your order. You may choose to pay by credit card online or by sending a check.

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Esto Perpetua Ensure the

Grange future in 4 easy steps

Contribute to the National Grange Building Fund or Other Worthy Projects

With necessary repairs like the chiller unit, the National Grange is in need of your help. You can make a difference by donating directly to the National Grange. Donations to Grange Foundation help in many ways to strengthen our organization and ensure it truly lives on forever.

STEP 1. SELECT FUNDS OR PROGRAM(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT.

Please indicate the amount you wish to donate to each fund or project. Choose as many as you wish to support and indicate the percentage or amount of your total donation you wish to go to each fund or project selected. If you do not indicate amounts, an equal distribution of your donation will be made to each. Unspecified donations will be credited to the Grange Foundation Endowment/General Fund.

NATIONAL GRANGE

STEP 2. CALCULATE YOUR TOTAL DONATION. 100% of all proceeds go to the programs you wish to support.

A nonprofit, agricultural fraternity designated as a 501(c)(5) by the IRS.

I am making a $_________ donation to National Grange.

$______ National Headquarters Building Fund

I am making a $_________ donation to Grange Foundation.

$______ Internship Program $______ Legal Protection Fund GRANGE FOUNDATION

A nonprofit organization, focused on the betterment of rural America and agriculture based on education and leadership development, designated as a 501(c) (3) by the IRS. Donations to the Grange Foundation may be tax deductible. Consult your financial advisor.

$______ Endowment/General Fund

STEP 3. PROVIDE YOUR PAYMENT DETAILS. Check one. _____ I have enclosed checks made payable to National Grange and/or Grange Foundation. _____ I wish for my donation to be made via credit card.

(Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted) Name on card ___________________________________

$______ Junior Grange Fund $______ Grange Youth Fund $______ Community & Leadership Development Fund

Card Number ____________________________________ Expiration Date ________/_________ CVC __________

$______ American Arts and Culture Fund $______ Kelley Farm Fund

Signature _______________________________________

$______ Communication Fellows Program $______ Grange Radio Project

You may also go online to www.nationalgrange.org/give or call Amanda Brozana Rios (202) 628-3507 ext. 102 to make your contribution today.

STEP 4. SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM to the National Grange at 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006 and relax, knowing you have honored our past and helped to secure our future.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

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www.nationalgrange.org

From the desk of the AMANDA LEIGH BROZANA RIOS Have you ever told someone younger or new to our Order one of your favorite Grange experiences only to have them ask some variation of the question: “What ever happened to that event/ opportunity?”

That’s a question I’ve found myself asking often to those who share stories of a Grange of the (sometimes not too distant) past that looks very different from what I’ve experienced in my seven years with the organization.

Maybe that’s why recently, when a similar conversation came about with a group of national leaders who also happen to have generations of lineage of membership, I couldn’t help but ask another question: “So how will we – newer members who never experienced these amazing opportunities and built these rich and powerful memories – ever truly connect the way you did? What will bind us to each other and the Grange?”

Fast forward a few months and from that discussion has been born an opportunity to engender fidelity in our fraternity.

Pull out your calendars and turn to 2019 –yes, that’s 2019 – and plan to be part of the Grange Revival from July 23-28 in Ozark, Arkansas at Mulberry Mountain Lodging and Events.

The six-day event will include things for all ages and abilities. From arts and crafts you loved as a kid going to camp for the Junior-aged individuals to vespers and a chapel service Sunday to close the event; hiking and kayaking; campfires and crafts for our more senior members, you’re sure to find activities you want to take part in – or skip in lieu of some sun, naps and good old relaxation with other Grangers. The week is designed to be taken at your pace – be as active and attend as many optional activities as you

want or just kick back and “Grange with your feet up.”

Why Mulberry Mountain in Arkansas where we currently have no Granges?

The geographical center of the Grange universe (if you exclude the few Granges in Alaska) is nearby Kansas City, Missouri, about four hours straight north of Ozark.

Mulberry Mountain has nearly everything you could desire in a location for a Grange event such as this – onsite tent, car and RV camping areas with water and electric hook ups and limited cabins; four fishing ponds on site as well as a half-mile private river access with a beach; waterfalls, hiking trails, campfire rings, an amphitheater, grills galore and more. It allows the organizers of this event to plan many options – and attendees to chose many things to take part in onsite without spending extra money.

And, it’s budget friendly for every age and every size family or group. Final pricing for accommodations will be on the event website -grangerevival.com – by mid-May and we will begin taking reservations on June 1. We also have an active Facebook page named Grange Revival. Check it out.

Because there are a limited number of cabins, we hope you will understand that these will initially be reserved for those interested in attending who are physically unable to camp in a tent, car or RV. As of this date, we have two preferred vendors – one for handmade fishing lures and one for military surplus items that may be useful for camping - who will offer discounts to Grange members. We expect more to come and encourage you to sign up for our announcements about the event at our website or by emailing info@grangerevival.com.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Editor Now, it’s your turn.

This event can only be successful – and meet its original goal of building a sense of fraternity among newer or younger members and bond them to our great organization if it is well-attended and filled with fun.

Do you have ideas for the event?

Want to help one of our committees that is forming? Know someone who may be interested in being a preferred vendor for those attending? Interested in performing at a talent show or know a musical group that may want to perform for attendees? Let us know. Email info@ grangerevival.com or send a letter to Grange Revival, c/o National Grange, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006.

Even more importantly: remember the good old days where a few of you would pile into a car and drive to a regional event or summer camp? Relive it. Find a younger member who would appreciate the opportunity to attend and make the Revival a reason to road trip and talk about the Grange of the past, present and future.

Want to help promote the event?

Feel free to copy the Save the Date on the next page or let us know who to reach out to. There are a very limited number of postcards made that we can address and send to members who are not online.

But don’t just think about Grangers.

This event is open to all members and friends, meaning you can bring that neighbor or cousin you’ve been trying to get to join Grange for years and cannot seem to convince it’s not “all work and no play.”

Now, make sure to mark those calendars. I can’t wait to see you all there and make amazing memories that will last a lifetime!

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lessons

Master’s Conference offers for first time and returning leaders

By Debbie Gegare When I became President of the Wisconsin State Grange last fall, many emotions came over me all at once. Feelings of happiness, excitement, dread and fear all wrapped into one. If you have been in a major leadership position, you know what I am talking about. Sure, I had watched others in that role and had been hanging out with my own State President from time to time, but now that I was driving the bus, things got real very quickly. I made my way through National Convention unscathed, but once home, the real tasks were to begin. One of the best pieces of advice I received from a long sitting State President, was to attend the President’s Conference in March, especially since I was a new State President. It would give me a chance to learn some things about my role, get some new ideas to take back to my State and be able to bond with other Presidents from across the Nation.

Sunnyside Grange in Clackamas, Oregon was the host of the 2018 President’s Conference. I have never been to Oregon before which made it even more exciting. My flight was uneventful, which tends to not be the norm for National Grange gatherings. It seems that someone is always getting stuck somewhere with delayed or cancelled flights, and half the adventure is just making it to the event.

We began on Friday with dinner at the Grange hall and a great opening by National President, Betsy Huber. She shared a piece with us titled “Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned from a Jigsaw Puzzle” by Jacquie Sewell. If you have never read it before, you should look it up, especially if you are a jigsaw puzzler. We finished the evening with an activity lead by our National Lecturer, Chris Hamp and then it was off to the hotel for the night.

Saturday morning started off bright and early with breakfast at the Grange hall, as we had a full day ahead of us. In the Grange, one thing that has connected members from across the nation, has been quilting. We enjoy the National Grange Lecturer’s quilt block contest, which this year is the heart block. We partner with programs like the Quilts of Valor Foundation. This program allows Grange members to create quilts and present them to veterans in their communities or in our organization. It’s a great opportunity to teach the art of quilting to novices and young people while completing a very meaningful community service. And then, there is the American Handicraft Raffle that will benefit the Grange Foundation, a charitable 501(c) (3) organization. The top prize is a queen size Garden Path quilt, that was made from blocks submitted to the 2017 Lecturer’s contest. The quilt is beautiful

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Submitted Photo Wisconsin State Grange President Debbie Gegare, right, and New Hampshire State Grange President Chris Heath, got to know one another during the Master’s Conference at Sunnyside Grange in early March. Heath learned that Gegare’s Grange doesn’t have a set of implements and has made it a mission to find her a set, a perfect example, Gegare said, of why these type of events are important for leader networking and learning. and if you need to purchase a raffle ticket, let me know. I had visions of grandeur when I got my stack of tickets from Chris to take home. If you need more information about these National Lecturer programs, ask your State Lecturer or State President or check out the National Grange website. We also learned from Chris about the Grange Foundation Mercantile that will be held at the 152nd Annual National Grange convention in Stowe, Vermont, in November. They are seeking donations of high-

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

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Photo by Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Nearly 30 National Officers and State Masters met at Sunnyside Grange, Oregon, in March for the annual Master’s Conference. quality handcrafted items that will be prepared for sale at the Mercantile and all profits will go to the Grange Foundation. These programs gave me some great ideas to get the Grangers in my state involved. I have some quilters in my subordinate Grange which will be a great way to connect with them doing something they know and love and suggest they even bring a quilter friend along. Recruitment tool.

One of the most beneficial sessions to me was the program Susan Noah, Oregon State President, gave about their GrangeUp ‘17 and Grange Connections programs. The goal of these programs is to have a net gain in members, to have more active and engaged members and to celebrate our 150th Anniversary.

The papers she gave me are scribbled with my notes about how I can steal - wait, borrow - and adapt these programs to my own state. Thank you, Susan, and Oregon! She provided good tips and reminders about how to connect with members, connect with Granges, and connect with communities. I wasted no time putting this information to good use and shared some of it at my own State Wide Learning and Leadership Day a few weeks ago.

And while my own program is not quite as sophisticated as that in Oregon, it gave me a road map of something to strive for. We had a great session on volunteer management and I took away some great tips on volunteer recruitment strategies. After dinner, we had the chance to meet Riley Reynolds, National Junior Ambassador, from Oregon. He is a great representative of the Junior Grange. I didn’t know then, but I got to spend more time with Riley and his mom, Tina, at the National Grange Fly-In. Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios switched gears and presented a membership workshop on Grange Health. She split the attendees into six teams and provided

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them with six sample Grange Health Surveys – the documents provided to all Granges as part of the Grange Month packet.

She asked us to read the responses and determine, as a group, what Granges they would commit resources to first and what those resources would be, a kind of triage activity that spurred a lot of discussion. What was most interesting was to see how leaders who have different resources – more money, more members, a stronger Pomona system, more time themselves – approached the activity.

After our Sunday worship service lead by National Chaplain Barbara Borderieux, we had some good discussion about how healthy is your State Grange? We were given a questionnaire to help set goals and were encouraged to fill it out. This gave me some important things to think about as far as my State is concerned. I’m using it as a checklist of sorts because it looks at all aspects of what we should be doing in our State. From membership, to active youth and Junior Granges as well as State Grange media coverage and ensuring your quarterly reports, JOP and Roster have been sent in to the National office. These are definitely things I needed to learn and be aware that they are happening in my State.

The information and experience I received at my first President’s conference was exactly what I needed to gain some confidence and put that fear to rest. I’m very grateful for the friendships I made and the energy I brought back home with me.

Now to make some things happen in my state! Don’t forget, if you need a quilt raffle ticket, I’ve got plenty I would love to sell you.

And my flight home, you guessed it, twelve hours in the Portland Airport, they must have known I was flying Grange.

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Members focus on meaning of

‘Grange Way’ in April

By Karie Blasingame

“In 2011 we almost closed our Grange one year shy of our 100th anniversary,” Jill L’Heureux, Master of East Freetown Grange #307, Massachusetts, said. “It was with a little luck and hard work that we are still active and growing....but that is a different story.”

L’Heureux attributes Grange Month and the tradition many Granges have of holding an open house for the annual April event as part of their current momentum.

She said in 2014 the Grange decided to have a Grange Month event at their Grange Hall on Washburn Road and invited local farmers and speakers to attend by offering the farmers a table for no cost to introduce their business to the public.

“We did this for the first three years, inviting the public to meet their local farmers. We averaged about five farms and had from 40 to 50 people attend with the numbers of visitors going up slightly every year,” L’Heureux said.

After nearly closing their Grange, engagement with the community and a conscious choice to find a mission – to be an organization that supported locally owned, small businesses, musicians, and farmers – has made a huge difference.

This mission has helped them expand their annual event, too.

“During this year’s planning, one of our 50 year-plus members suggested that we open the day up to ‘Made in Freetown’ crafters as well as local farmers.”

L’Heureux said six “Made in Freetown” crafters, three farms, two musical performers, and four different speakers

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Photo credit: East Freetown Grange #307 Facebook Page Local vendors, farmers, students and speakers were part of the Open House held during Grange Month at the East Freetown Grange #307. participated – including a resident who spoke about local Nantucket Baskets, two Girl Scouts presenting information about their Gold Award projects related to saving pollinators and a student from the local elementary school who talked about their school garden project, which the Grange has partnered with the school district to create.

They also had a “make and take” seedling starter kit for children, a bake sale, plant sale, and raffle for the Grange.

The attendance more than doubled,

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and L’Heuruex said she heard comments like “This was wonderful! You should do this once a month,” and, “We will definitely come back if you hold this again.”

“We had people interested in coming to a farmer’s market if we started one and have two people interested in membership. All in all, it was a wonderful event that got the community of Freetown excited and the members of East Freetown Grange energized.”

This success story is just one small

look at how Granges celebrate the organization each April, one that can be found in newspapers and community services books, but increasingly is also being told through social media.

“This instant gratification allows us to be proud of what other members have accomplished and encourage our local Granges to do the same,” said National Community Service Director Pete Pompper, who has been reposting many of the events on the National Grange Community Service Facebook page which serves as a kind of clearinghosue of ideas, events and kudos. “It’s also free bragging rights!”

Of course the biggest celebration during Grange Month this year was the 150th birthday celebration of Fredonia Grange #1, in New York. Full coverage of the event is on page 29.

Some Granges held tried and true events, hosting open houses and presenting awards, such as Kuna Grange #59, Idaho.

Similarly, Enterprise Grange #173, in Richmond, Maine, hosted the Enterprise Grange Awards Day, giving out community citizen awards to the Village Lodge ‘Handy Brigade’ and a local woman, Trudy Foss, who is highly active in the Dresden community.

“These events are even more effective when we follow them up with pictures and post on our Facebook pages showing how relevant Grange is in our communities,” National Grange Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios said.

From coast-to-coast, Granges often incorporated food as part of their events to invite the community in and tell the story of the organization.

Yakima County Granges in Washington held a meet-and-greet ice cream social, allowing the public to meet members from several different Granges and see what they are all about.

Many Granges hosted dinners during Grange Month and used social media – having a two-fold benefit of distributing

their information to a wider audience at no cost.

Dartmouth Grange #162, Massachusetts, held a Jonny Cakes family-style meal. Vincentown Grange #67, New Jersey, hosted a ham supper at their Hall. In Pennsylvania, Mifflin Grange #1725 held a Chicken BBQ and bake sale and added to the event with a yard sale.

As with most of the Grange Month food functions, the dinner Sierra Valley Grange #446, in Vinton, California, held brought money to the organization for use in its outreach. The Grange sold advertising on the placemats used at the dinner and put their own community calendar of events on the sheets to increase awareness of all the Grange does in the area. The image of these placemats was posted to Facebook, adding value to the advertisers and making it a more coveted ad space because it got the message that the business supported community endeavors to a wider audience.

They also showed their interest in providing the community with entertaining events, elevating the quality

of life in Vinton, by providing free dance lessons in the hall after the meal if entrants paid for dinner or dancing.

Not all events revolved around food, however.

Prairie Grange #1832, in Belvidere, Illinois, hosted their 43rd annual Consignment Auction at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Money raised will help with their outreach all year long, organizers said.

Not all Grange Month events saw proceeds go back to the Grange for general projects. For example, Valley Grange #1360, in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, held a Longaberger basket and Thirty-one bingo to benefit a local family.

County Line Grange #1751 from Belvidere, Illinois ended their Scholarship meat raffle at their April meeting raising enough money to donate multiple scholarships to local teens.

“Tying in a specific cause often gets more people in the door than saying that you’re doing general fundraising for projects the community may or may not see throughout the rest of the year. If you

Photo credit: Sierra Valley Grange #446 Facebook Page Community members who attended the Sierra Valley Grange #446 dinner and

dance during Grange month were reminded via a placement at the meal of all the events the Grange holds and of the businesses that support community programming.

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Photo credit: Elma Grange #26 Facebook Page A photo from the 2017 Elma Grange #26, Washington, Clothing and Formal Dress exchange helped promote the 10th Annual event held at their hall this April as part of their Grange Month activities. have a well-known project or program, or you’re very visible in your community, general fundraisers may work, but most people in today’s instant gratification society want to say ‘My money did this.’” Brozana Rios said. “If you’re going to have any general fundraiser, consider putting together an impact sheet that people can pick up that tells them what your Grange did with money raised at other events in the very recent past. Think

Photo credit: Altona Grange #127 Facebook Page Altona Grange #127, Colorado, used Facebook’s event feature to promote their candidate forum that became a standing-room-only event in April.

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of it like an annual report that helps build goodwill between your Grange and your donors.”

Brozana Rios said these sheets can also allow people to put into perspective what it would be like to be a Grange member – what they would be directly contributing to, organizing and how they could help make decisions about how community-raised funds are used.

Some Granges used the Month to get their hands dirty as well.

Redland Grange #796, Oregon, was visually improving their community during the month, taking time to clean up along roadways.

Other Granges didn’t so much get dirty as get down to the business of “do·ing,” as National Grange President Betsy Huber calls it.

Elma Grange #26, Washington, hosted their 10th Clothing and Formal Dress Exchange. For each clothing item or formal dress people brought to the event, they received a raffle ticket used as “cash” to shop from what others brought.

“What a great idea right around prom season and a great way to get your Grange recognized,” Huber said.

Huber commended the Granges who broke the mold and thought outside the box for their programming and outreach, like Wicwas Lake Grange #292 from Meredith, New Hampshire, who held a Rock and Roll Oldies Show.

“Original ideas are important to Granges across our nation, sharing those ideas encourages other Granges to think of new ways to promote their own Grange inside their community,” Huber said.

However, getting “back to our roots” as part of Grange programming can be just as exciting and important, Huber said, mentioning agriculture and legislative activity as two areas where Granges can focus their programming and outreach.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Freeport Harraseeket Grange #9, Maine, must have heard that endorsement.

The Grange invited David Buchanan of Portersfield Cider in Pownal, to speak in April as part of a series of Ag Talks focused on the local agricultural scene.

Pollinators – the focus of the Junior Awareness program this year – were a hot topic.

Ravena Grange #1457, New York, hosted an informational beekeeping seminar. Keystone Grange #2, Pennsylvania, held a hummingbird gardening workshop open to the public.

Crescent Grange, in Broomfield, Colorado, held a potluck and clean up for their community garden members as well as an Earth Day celebration and the welcoming of spring, at which attendees received information about bees and listened to music from a local group, the Mark Beamer Classical Trio. There was also an Iwa Dojo Martial Arts Demonstration and a garden store at the event, which the Grange was able to have sponsored

by Thrivent Financial.

“By sharing and posting these ideas to social media or advertising through social media and traditional means, these events will raise awareness of agriculture and the challenges it faces,” Brozana Rios said.

Another important part of the Grange – our advocacy – was in focus at some Grange Month events.

Altona Grange #127, in Longmont, Colorado, held a standing-room-only Meet the Candidates night in their Grange Hall. Anderson Valley Grange #669 from Philo, California, hosted a Q&A forum for the 5th District supervisor during their Meet

the Candidates night. The also had an organic pancake breakfast with a non-gluten version available during Grange Month.

Some Granges treat Grange month as a regular month in their Grange calendar encouraging many different events in their halls and communities. They advertise each event as a way to constantly keep their Grange name at the top of social media feeds for people in their community.

Such was the case with Saco Grange #53 of Maine, which held a monthly acoustic jam session, hosted an essential oil introduction class, organized a bean dinner and held a glass painting workshop. They also found time during Grange Month to donate 60 quilts to Project Linus.

Movie night is a monthly occurrence at Goodwill Grange Hall in Troutdale, Viriginia, but their outreach during April included a Spring Art Workshop exploring watercolor techniques, something they were able to cross-advertise during movie nights and at the watercolor event, then mentioned their monthly gathering.

There were also special programs available at Granges who had learned of resources in their backyard that were available in April. Grangers in Vermont were awarded with 2 separate free showings of a documentary on Vermont’s agricultural heritage which gets a starring role in Rooted: Cultivating Community in the Vermont Grange. The film explores how this national farmers’ organization has advocated for rural communities since 1867.“All of these events on the local level are so important to remind people that we’re alive and well and do wonderful things for our communities to help connect, serve and engage,” Huber said.

Daily ‘Grange Way’ posts help define identity On the National Grange social media

channels, there was a great push through social media to help define the Grange identity using the Grange Month theme:

and sold to benefit the communications

pages or by printing and handing out to

See the ad on page 20.

or hanging in their Grange Hall. There

intern program. Pre-orders are available.

The National Grange Youth page was

“That’s the Grange Way.”

also active each day, featuring a different

photos daily with accompanying quotes

states talking about their experience in

The National Facebook page posted

taken

from

members

about

their

definition of “the Grange Way;” from speeches about the Grange; as well as

youth member from most of the Grange Grange or answering questions asked by current Youth Team members.

The Junior Page also had a few posts

our foundational documents such as the

throughout the month celebrating the

Purposes.

of the Junior Grange.

Subordinate Manual and Declaration of The most liked and shared of these

are being put into a 2019 wall calendar

Grange way and the 130th Birthday Year “We hope people on social media

take and share these through their social

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

other members or potential members is a lot that can be said with a photo and a few words that will resonate with someone and start a conversation

about the Grange,” National Grange Communications

and

Development

Director Amanda Brozana Rios said.

“These are our essential values and what we understand innately as parts

of ‘being a Granger,’ and we are proud to let these simple snapshots speak

volumes about us and serve as effective identity pieces.”

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That’s the

Grange

way

2019 Wall Calendar A Fundraiser of the Grange Foundation for the communications Intern program

ÂŽ

Pre-order yours for $20 (plus shippinG) tiny.cc/GrangeCalendar19

Cruisin’ with the family

Grange members take to the seas in February

By Jessie Cope In mid-February, 19 Grangers from around the country came

National Grange staff, as well as National Officers and State

together for some fun in the sun and rest and relaxation aboard

and local Grange leaders. In attendance were Grangers from

the cruise ship Carnival Breeze.

Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland,

Although Grange cruises were fairly common years ago, they

Texas and D.C., who invoked the fraternal spirit and enjoyed

haven’t been seen in some time, so as a nod to a different era of

time with fellow Brothers and Sisters as only Grange members

Grange activities National Lecturer Christine Hamp pursued the

could.

idea that had been forwarded by a few state leaders and others.

In fact, a new best friendship was born between Washington

Working with Grange member Lori Schneider, a travel agent

State Grange member Kathleen Knott and New York State

for the North Spokane AAA Washington office, Hamp chose a

Grange member Denise Kelsey, both of whom have committed

cruise and secured a special rate to offer to Grange members.

to major weight loss and in so doing, begun a more active

The lucky members who seized the opportunity set sail

lifestlye in the past year. The ladies who had never before met

from Galveston, Texas, on February 11. The seven-night cruise’s

were pleasantly surprised to learn of their similarities and found

ports of call included Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and

time to enjoy several activities together during the excursion

Mahogany Bay (Roatan), Honduras.

including horseback riding and a challenge course.

The group included current and former members of the

Both said they never thought they would do such activities,

About 20 Grange

members

enjoyed a week together on a

Carnival Cruise

in mid-February.

Submitted Photo

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but were happy to have a fellow Granger to be by their side during the fun.

Each day on the cruise brought new adventures as individuals and groups followed their own schedules but came together for dinner each evening in the dining room.

Days at sea found our Grange cruisers relaxing by the pool, reading while lounging in a deck chair, visiting the spa for some pampering, enjoying sports, shows in the theater, comedy club acts and plenty of eating and sleeping. In ports, those who went ashore visited Mayan ruins, took tours of the natural splendors, took in the local cuisines and shopped.

Joan Smith, President of Potomac Grange #1, Washington, D.C., and Grange Foundation board member said one of the highlights of the adventure was the onboard spa.

“It was so quiet on the Serenity Spa deck and the soft sway of the ship nearly put me to sleep during my massage. I fully accomplished my mission of rest and relaxation,” Smith said.

Several other members of the group enjoyed massages and other treatments, health and wellness workshops and time in the whirlpool as well.

Shore excursions were a highlight for many. Cruisers Christine and Duane Hamp toured the Top 10 Best of Roatan sites in Honduras. They fed iguanas at the Freaky Iguana Farm, tasted local fare at

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Submitted Photo New York State Grange member Denise Kelsey, left, and Washington State

Grange member Kathleen Knott, right, spent some time horseback riding as part of their cruise experience.

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the Roatan Chocolate Factory and shared music, dancing and food on the beach with members of the local Garifuna tribe.

Visits to Mayan ruins were popular shore excursions for the group in both Mexico and Belize.

National Grange Executive Committee Member Stephen Coye said he “loved learning about the history of the area.”

“The Mayans were a very advanced and fascinating people,” Coye said. “I don’t think I would have explored this part of the world if I wasn’t on the Grange cruise.”

One experience everyone participated in was adventurous and plentiful eating.

Most of the members of the group attended dinner together each evening, swapping seats and learning more about members they had not met before.

They also loved the entertainment and hospitality of the servers.

“It was so much fun to come to dinner and laugh together, then get up and dance with the staff when they took a moment out of their service to entertain us,” first-time cruiser Amanda Brozana Rios, National Grange Communications and Development Director, said.

The culinary options on the ship were diverse and included a sushi restaurant, an Italian eatery, a Mexican cantina, Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint and BBQ restaurants, and of course the main dining room which featured local dishes in each port of call as well as delicacies you might only try once like escargot, frog legs and ox tongue.

Grange cruiser Steven Patrick, of Maryland, sampled the ox tongue.

“It was amazing,” Patrick said. “I think I found a new favorite food. Just by the name I wasn’t sure I wanted to try it but I’m so glad I did.”

Betsy Huber - who is so often on the run as National Grange President - took advantage of the getaway and joined the group on the Grange Cruise for some much-needed relaxation.

She was also joined by several members of her family.

“It was a great time, and I was happy not to get seasick!” Huber said. “It was nice to relax and spend time with other members and my family.”

She encouraged all members to join the adventure on the next cruise, slated for 2020. More details will come soon.

Submitted Photo Grace Wadsworth, left, Pennyslvania State Grange Youth Ambassador, and her

mother, Ellen Wadsworth, Pennsylvnaia

State Youth Director, get up close and personal with capuchin monkeys at the Mayan Key Private Island Resort.

Submitted Photo National Grange President Betsy Huber, left, Duane Hamp and National Lecturer Chris Hamp and National Communications and Development Director Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios, right, pause for a photo opportuniuty in Belize.

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Grange Membership

BENEFITS Below is an overview of some of the benefits that are available to Grange members across the country.

A full, detailed list can be viewed on the National Grange’s website: www.nationalgrange.org/benefits

$

SHOP

We have partnered with Office Depot/Office Max and The Azigo CashBack Shopping Mall. When you shop at these locations or use these services, you are giving back to the National Grange and receiving special deals in the process.

FINANCE

The National Grange has partnered with TSYS Merchant Solutions, which has been serving merchants for more than 30 years and offers a payment processing program tailored to your business needs. If you have a small business, this advantage could help you.

TRAVEL

R/

X

With discounts from Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Hertz, Avis, and Budget rental car services, as well as other hotel and rental car businesses, these exclusive Grange benefits are sure to help you when planning your next vacation.

HEALTH

Our partnerships with Comfort Keepers, one of the top companies in the eldercare industry, Life Line, and the Medical Air Services Association, the oldest prepaid emergency transportation and screening organization, are sure to give you peace of mind about your health.

PHARMACY

We have multiple partnerships to help Grange members obtain discount pharmacy cards. CVS Caremark offers the RxSavings Plus Card. The U.S. Pharmacy Card is a free discount prescription card available to Grangers.

Last offer excludes members in NC. Also a partnership with National Affinity Services allows access to the public subsidized government marketplace.

INSURANCE

We have partnerships with United of Omaha Life Insurance Company and MetLife Home and Auto Insurance to give our members discounts on insurance rates and deals. We are proud to announce a new benefit partner, Clouse Insurance Agency.

State-based and property-based restrictions apply. Contact agency directly.

Excludes Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and North Carolina.

... and many more plus new ones added regularly. Check our website for all active benefits. www.nationalgrange.org/benefits

Honoring

L egacy

THE BUILDERS OF OUR

GRANGE ANNIVERSARIES 150 YEAR GRANGES

100 YEAR GRANGES

•

• • •

Fredonia Grange #1, NY

Ada Grange #570, OH Elmdale Grange #2162, OH Miami Grange #2158, OH

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES

If your Grange is celebrating 100, 125 or 150 years of service to your community, please contact Loretta Washington at the National Grange six weeks in advance of your celebration to receive a plaque and letter for $10, including shipping. The names of Granges celebrating 150 years will also be engraved on a perpetual plaque hung at the National Grange Headquarters.

85 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Carlton Platt Jr., Chesire Grange #23 Massachusetts • Ruth F. Cyr, Boxborough Grange #131

MEMORIAL NOTICE

80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

John Hagen, 70, Past Colorado State Grange Master (2005-11), passed away peacefully on January 30, 2018.

John, who was born November 19, 1946, had lived in Beulah, CO, before his passing He was a lifetime member of the Grange, serving in his third year as a member of the Colorado State Grange Executive Committee. He was also a member of the Beulah Trivia Club.

John is survived by his loving wife, Trudy; sister, Marge; niece, Stacy (Roy),

JOHN HAGEN

Connecticut •

George Turner, Ekonk Community Grange #89

New Hampshire •

Franklin Beck, Hampton Falls Grange #171

•

Christine Felch, Hampton Falls Grange #171

•

Kathlyn Quig, Concord Grange #322

•

Walter Peck, Hampton Fall #171

New York •

Virginia C. Swift, Veteran Grange #1108

North Carolina •

Kenneth Corriher, Corriher Grange #627

•

Philip Sloop, Corriher Grange #627

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Marion R. Emmons, Ekonk Community Grange #89 • Ruth P. Rosebrooks, Ekonk Community Grange #89 Massachusetts • Claire Williams, Stockbridge Grange #295 New Jersey • Ruth B. Hoser, Warren Grange #110 Ohio • Catherine Shenefield, Star Grange #778 • Rex Shenefield, Star Grange #778 Oregon • Clifford Harris, Boulevard Grange #389

M

nephew, James.

Cards and condolences may be sent to Trudy Hagen, 8917 Grand Ave., Beulah, CO 81023.

Pennsylvania • Wilma Buckley, Hookstown Grange #1980 • Herman Hunter, Hayfield Grange #800 • Gladys Kieffer, Virginville Grange #1832 • Carl Miller, Virginville Grange #1832 • Esther Stitzel, Virginville Grange #1832 Washington • Lester G. Frymire, Sunnyside Grange #129 • Barbara Hagedorn, Fargher Lake Grange #853 • Gloria P. Wagner, North River Grange #946

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MEMBER RECOGNITION

50 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP California • Delores Dibble, Central Union #559 • Merril Guest, Prunedale #388 • Bobbie Harrington, San Bernardo #503 • Dwane Harrington, San Bernardo #503 • Ann Larson, Central Union #559 • Leroy Larson, Central Union #559 • Johnny Squire, Central Union #559 • Sue Taylor, Central Union #559 • Edwina Woolard, Central Union #559 Connecticut • Henry D. Rotman, Cheshire #23 • Nancy L. Rotman, Cheshire #23 Delaware • Ruth Brown, Henlopen #20 Idaho • Virginia Kircher, Nampa Valley #131 Illinois • Caryn Gorman, Perryville #1805 Iowa • Vickie Anderson, Bloomington #2057 • Ruth Ann Phillips, Bloomington #2057 Maine • Janie Brown, White Rock #380 • Patty DeRoy, White Rock #380 • Jocelia Hartwell, White Rock #380 • Stephen Grant, Mount Etna #147 Massachusetts • John Hannum, Whately #414 • Harold Simmons, Dunstable # 31 • Larry Wrisley, Whately #414 Michigan • Lillian Mondrella, Fern #803 Montana • Roger Jones, Smith Valley #130 New Hampshire • Ann Ferriera, Hampton Falls #171

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• • •

Francis Ferriera, Hampton Falls #171 David Murray, Concord #322 Mary Tyler, Winthrop #315

New Jersey • Joan Bellini, Stewartsville #121 • Clifford W. Oberly , Stewartsville #121 New York • Georgia Brothers, Kendrew #891 • Donald Woodcock, Kendrew #891 • Gail Woodside, Kendrew #891 • Ronald Zollar, Kendrew #891

• • • • • • • • • • • •

North Carolina • Douglas Corriher, Corriher #627 • Bobbie Dellinger, Corriher #627 • Hilda Goodnight, Corriher #627 • Lee Goodnight, Corriher #627 • Paul Sawyer, Gilman #1

• •

Ohio • Judith Misinec, East Plymouth #1548 • Larry Sanor, Willow Grove #1688

• • •

Oregon • Lee Heilman, Abernathy #346 Pennsylvania • Phyllis Adams, Forkston #1153 • Virginia Miner, Forkston #1153 • Dianne Geschwindt, Virginville #1832 • Mary Hoppes, Virginville #1832 • Frank Miner, Forkston #1153 • Joan Moyer, Virginville #1832 • Harvey Oxenreider, Bernville #1887 • Laila Sunday, Virginville #1832 • Keith Treichler, Virginville #1832 Washington • Janice K. Anderson, Washington #82 • Kirk E. Bair, Columbia Valley #938 • Charles Barnes, Minnehaha #164 • Letitia J. Brown, Skagit Valley #620 • Jim Buckenmeyer, Rome #226 • Tom Burton, McIntosh #1001 • Donald E. Burton, McIntosh #1001

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• • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Betty Cameron, Centerville #81 Dale Cameron, Centerville #81 Shirley Carrell, Grays River #124 Billie Eiffert-Somerville, Twisp Valley #482 Joy English, North Bellinghan #201 Carol L. Evans, McIntosh #1001 Carol Flaskus, North Bellinghan #201 Paul Gregg, Centerville #81 Gordon Goodwin, Stemilt Hill #1095 Margaret Harris, Washington #82 Lee V. Hetterly, Rome #226 Lois Ann Hindmann, North Bellinghan #201 Jerry Johnson, Salmon Creek # 849 Michael Johnson, North and South Palouse #1004 Curtis Knopp, Minnehaha #164 Iva M. Krijns, Diamond Lake #506 Chloe Kuhnhausen, Salmon Creek # 849 Douglas Larson, Grays River #124 Paul Lattig, Fargher Lake #853 Bruce LePage, Columbia Valley #938 Donna MacDonald, North Bellinghan #201 Bruce Marshall, Rose Valley # 953 John McLean, St. Andrews #832 Franklin W. Medearis, North Bellinghan #201 Donna Miller, Centerville #81 Frances E. Morgan, Baw Faw #34 Arthur Pugsley, Hazel Dell #1124 Richard Randall, Centerville #81 Roger Randall, Centerville #81 Ronald Righter, Salmon Creek #849 Marvin E. Ruges, Hazel Dell #1124 Carol Scherrer, Kellogg Marsh #136 Kathleen Showalter, Minnehaha #164 Andrew Smith, North Bellinghan #201 Marilyn Tanneberg, St. Andrews #832 Shirley Van Burren, Columbia Valley #938 LeRoy Wika, Grays River #124 Glenda M. Wise, Diamond Lake #506

MEMORIAL NOTICES LARRY KING

MARJORIE M. J. TUCKER Marjorie M. J. Tucker, 91 of Peace Dale, Rhode Island, passed away on February 9, 2018. She was the wife of the late Woodrow W. Tucker. The couple had been married for 67 years.

Born in South Kingstown, RI, the daughter of Stanley E. and Helen V. (Rose) Jones, Marjorie attended South Kingstown High School and Rhode Island State College (now known as University of Rhode Island). After graduation, she worked as a dietitian at RI State Infirmary and then as a bookkeeper for her husband’s law practice and South County Real Estate Title Insurance Company for many years before retiring in 1992.

She and Woody each held leadership positions at all levels of the Grange, and enjoyed many travels across the United States to share the Grange message.

Accomplished in her own right, she was recognized as “The Woman Behind the Man” by the Rhode Island State Grange.

Always an organizer and a can-do person, she envisioned and then helped run the Perryville Grange ice cream booth for 45 years and served as Publicity Chairman for Washington County Fair for 21 years, helping build the fair’s presence and reputation.

As a member of the Board of the South Kingstown Order of the Rainbow for Girls during the years when her daughters were members, she identified and facilitated profitable fundraising activities, was the best softball cheerleader and was known as the “Kitchen Magician” for handling refreshments and collations. A longtime member of Peace Dale Congregational

Church, Marjorie in earlier years taught Sunday school. With a flair for writing, she documented the history of the county Grange and honored its local leaders with special memoriums upon their passing. For friends and family, she was quick to recognize a special accomplishment with an original poem.

She considered her greatest achievement her five children, the joys of her life.

She is survived by her son, Keith B. Tucker of Exeter, RI; four daughters, Pamela L. Sawin and her husband, Craig, of Foxborough, MA, Kimberly J. Smith and her husband, John, of Chepachet, RI, Christine D. Tucker and her husband, Brian McDonnell, of Coventry, RI, and Suzanne E. Tucker of Hope Valley, RI; and six beloved grandchildren, Jennifer Sawin Witham and her husband, Travis, Christopher Sawin and his wife, Kari, Christina and Meghan Smith, and Hannah and Sarah McDonnell.

Cards and condolences may be sent to Pamela Sawin, 9 Joanna Drive, Foxboro, MA 02035 and/or Tucker Family.

1623 Ministerial Road, Peace Dale, RI 02883.

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Larry Wayne King, 74, Past Master of the Tennessee State Grange (1984-90) was called home on February 3, 2018.

He lived in Seymour, Tennessee, with his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Beard King, who served as National Grange Lady Assistant Steward from 198591. He was a 50-year member at Volunteer Grange and filled many offices at all levels of Grange.

Larry was also a member of New Sevier Home Baptist Church.

He served six years in the Army National Guard.

After graduation from Young High School, he completed Mechanical Engineering at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant Industrial Skill and Technical Training Program in 1967. He enjoyed working as a structural engineer throughout his life. His passions included hunting, fishing,

car racing and watching his grandchildren play sports. He was known as the “go-to man” to take care of anyone’s needs.

Larry is survived by his wife and their two sons, Michael Wayne and Charles Russell “Rusty,” and his wife, Jeannie; and four grandsons, Blake, Chandler, Jaren and Rustin.

Cards and condolences may be sent to Dorothy King, 746 Whippoorwill Circle, Seymour, TN 37865.

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Protect Essential Veterans’ Phone Services The Lifeline program was created by the Reagan Administration to provide low-income Americans with access to affordable phone services.

Lifeline Today:

1.3 MILLION VETERANS RELY ON LIFELINE 12% OF LIFELINE SUBSCRIBERS ARE VETERANS Lifeline connects veterans with opportunity and lifesaving resources, including: Jobs Healthcare & Emergency Services Education Suicide Prevention Resources Proposed changes in DC will damage the ability of low-income Americans – including 1.3 million veterans – to access essential phone services. If the proposed changes are enacted: • 8.3 million Americans will lose access to their current phone services • Up to 85% of Lifeline subscribers will be unable to afford phone services • Basic phone service costs will increase while service quality plummets • Veterans in need & other qualified Americans will be barred from the program

ACT NOW TO PROTECT VETERANS’ LIFELINE TO OPPORTUNITY

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Text VETERANS to 52886 or go to GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE VETS.LIFELINEFACTS.COM ®

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pauses

World’s first Grange to celebrate own 150th birthday

By Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios “It seemed so fragile at times that I almost trembled there it would part but it proved stronger than we knew for it was a power above who gave us strength to endure and to work and today the Grange is more potent for good in many ways than perhaps the wisest and most sanguine of the seven founders and their associates could have dreamed.”

These words, written by Caroline Hall for Fredonia Grange’s 25th Anniversary Celebration in 1893 and printed in that event’s program, were read to the crowd gathered to celebrate that same Grange’s 150th Birthday on April 14.

At the banquet that closed the two-day celebration filled with dancing, demonstrations and proclamations, Grange member and scholar Carolyn Ostrander brought to life the best wishes of the organization’s honorary eighth founder to the crowd of more than 100 gathered in Fredonia and many more joining virtually through the Facebook livestream. In reading Hall’s words,

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Ostrander was able to drive home the magnitude of Fredonia’s accomplishment: to reach a century and a half of unimpeded service to their community, the state, nation and world.

“Can you realize after all these years the joy and happiness that the first real Grange gave to the hearts of those patient men who toiled so unselfishly for many months for the benefit to their fellow beings? The first Grange born was a source of much encouragement and has always been very tenderly regarded,” Hall had written.

Tenderly is one way in which Fredonia Mayor Athanasia Landis said she too regards those who toil to feed others.

She recounted memories visiting her grandfather on his farm in Greece as a child.

“He kept talking about farmers, talking about honest work, talking about people who do things with their hands and then go home and have an honest meal and honest life. Having this as a part of my background I am very, very pleased and extremely honored to be here tonight,” Landis said before

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reading a proclamation declaring April 2018 Fredonia Grange Month in the village.

Other proclamations were sent from State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, State Senator Catharine Young, U.S. Rep. Tom Reed and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

New York State Grange President Steve Coye, who also serves on the National Grange Executive Committee, took time to remind those gathered that the Grange’s structure and areas of interest have also allowed it to withstand the test of time.

“It is practically impossible to count the number of organizations that have come and gone in the past 150 years that have had significant memberships but are not here anymore,” Coye said.

Coye said the Grange has always strived to be more than just a local or personal benefit organization. The Grange’s advocacy, especially related to rural access issues helped make the organization a lasting entity.

One of today’s primary issues for advocacy of the Grange is rural broadband expansion, Coye said, which grew directly out of the advocacy for rural free delivery – an idea that was generated by a local Grange and moved to a national issue thanks to our grassroots process.

While much of the formal celebration seemed packed into Saturday evening’s banquet, the entire 150th birthday celebration actually included several events, starting with an old fashioned barn dance at the Grange Hall on Friday night as a way to fulfill the promise of Grange to elevate the lives of their community members through entertainment and interaction.

“The dance was a huge success with over 60 friends, family,

and kids in attendance. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the community event. The kids did their best to learn the dances, but were a treat to watch. Thank you to the Grange members that brought in refreshments for everyone to enjoy during intermission,” Fredonia President Mark Mackey said.

While the Grange hosts monthly contra dances, members worked for several months to clean and repair parts of the 102-year-old Hall for the milestone event.

The next afternoon, the hall was open again with displays explaining more about the history of the organization and Fredonia Grange, as well as what Fredonia Grange does today in its community.

More than 100 people visited to learn about the Grange’s history and its outreach today, including several state and local officials and National Grange officers including Coye, as well as President Betsy Huber and Assembly Officer Bruce Croucher and his wife, Sharon, who served as the National Grange Sesquicentennial Committee Chair.

“As the first Grange to hit this milestone, Fredonia Grange is to be commended for a wonderful weekend of celebration,” Sharon Croucher said.

Huber presented the Grange with a framed certificate and showed off a plaque that will hang at the National headquarters to commemorate the first 150 Granges to reach 150 continuous years of service to their communities. Fredonia Grange stood alone as the only name thus-far listed.

In the Hall, a display set up by Lois and Linda Kesby of the Chautauqua County Pomona Grange showed the stations for officers in a Grange meeting with information about the position

People dance

during the first night of the

150th birthday

celebration of

Fredonia Grange

#1 in New York in

their hall.

Photo courtesy of Alisha TravisDaugherty.

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placed on the chairs, helping those who attended learn more about the structure of the organization and demystifying the Grange for newcomers.

“The more ways we can make the Grange accessible and understood, the more likely we are to interest people in joining or supporting our efforts,” Huber said. “Their display of a Hall set with stations and information about what each officer’s role is within a Grange meeting was a great example of an effort to educate the community about our organization and become more inviting.”

On hand to talk about the Grange with visitors was Douglas Nelson, a Fredonia member who travels from his home in Jamestown, NY. He can trace his lineage with the world’s first Grange all the way back to his great-grandfather, Sherman James Lowell, a fruit-grower who became Master at Fredonia, then for New York State Grange and later served as National Grange Master from 1919-23.

He told visitors with pride about many accomplishments of Fredonia Grange and reminded them that this year the Grange would play host to the area’s largest family-fun event – the Fredonia Farm Festival, which expanded over the past half century from a picnic to a full festival.

“The festival has been a staple of Fredonia for 50 years which is an important part of the community’s identity,” Mackey said. “Thousands of people look forward to the festival every year and enjoy interacting with their neighbors, listening to the entertainment, and of course shopping the many vendors. It’s also nice seeing all the local farmers with their fresh produce. It is truly a magical weekend every year.”

There were also displays by organizations who rent and meet in the hall regularly and the town historian showing how much Fredonia Grange has meant to the town and the national movement.

Refreshments were served in the hall basement including a cake that was cut by State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello, Huber and Mackey as part of the celebration.

Mackey has only been a member for four years, joining after he and his wife, who were promoting a local electricity and gas provider, visited for business and were blown away at their experience.

“I’m a member of the Grange because of the people. I met the people and didn’t want to stop coming,” Mackey said. “If it wasn’t for how nice and how welcoming and how out of the way everybody would go to help you out … that’s the reason I come, and for that reason I want to do everything in my power to see the Grange survive.”

“I’d like to set the framework now for the Grange to continue to flourish. I’d like to be looking down 150 years from now and see another presentation like this or something bigger and better. I do not want to see the Grange go away.”

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Photo by Tessa Taft National Grange President Betsy Huber and Fredonia Grange #1, NY, President Mark Mackey show off a plaque

that will hang in the National Grange Headquarters and lists Fredonia Grange as the first Grange to hit 150 years.

That too, is the feeling of sixth-generation Granger Tessa Taft, 2018 National Grange Youth Ambassador, who traveled from Rochester where she attends college, to the event.

“Just to see how much the Grange is going to evolve in the next 50 years, I’m excited for the future,” Taft said, as she promised to attend Fredonia’s 200-year celebration.

“That there was need of such an organization we do not question and it will last just as long as there is work for it to do,” Ostrander read from the Hall document.

As if in response, during his address, Coye said the Grange today is indeed still relevant and important as it takes on issues important to rural communities and farmer families that allow them to be competitive, prosperous and enjoy that inalienable right of happiness.

Ostrander offered some wisdom of her own to the crowd gathered at the banquet as well.

“Think about how the Grange of the future will be asking about you, your lives and the things you find important. Please encourage each other to write, video or photograph those things and to share a record of those things so the future can get encouragement from us as we do our forebearers.”

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National Grange President Betsy Huber presents officers from Westminster Police Department, MD, with “survival kits” during the Mid-Atlantic Grange Leaders Conference in March. Attendees collected donations for two service projects - one of which was to create thank you bags for the 45 active duty police officers of the city in which the conference was held, as well as the 21 spouses and 18 children-ofofficers bags.

Photo courtesy of PA

variety State Grange

Workshop, service option excites Mid-Atlantic Regional attendeees

By Jennifer Nauss The weekend of March 16-18 found Grangers from the MidAtlantic region and beyond traveling to Westminster, Maryland, for the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Grange Leaders Conference. This was the first time that the region hosted a Leaders Conference designed with workshops and activities for Grange leaders of all ages and from all levels of the Grange. Traditionally, the region has hosted separate Lecturer’s and Youth Conferences. The new format for the weekend allowed for these two groups to continue their usual activities, while also providing educational and fellowship opportunities for other Grange leaders.

The Mid-Atlantic region is one of the nation’s largest regions, encompassing the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and New Jersey. The conference was well attended by almost 100 Grange leaders from the region and beyond. Several National Officers, staff, and leaders were present, including Master Betsy Huber, Lecturer Chris Hamp,

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Steward Chip Narvel, Secretary Judy Sherrod, Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios, Youth Director Charlene Shupp Espenshade, and Junior Director Samantha Wilkins.

While the conference officially began on Friday evening, several attendees arrived early and toured Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. Betsy Huber opened the weekend with welcoming remarks, which were followed by a review of Lecturer’s programming presented by National Lecturer Chris Hamp. Attendees participated in an evening of ice-breaker games led by Chris Hamp and enjoyed a talent show.

The next day was St. Patrick’s Day and Grangers showed the “Luck of the Grange” by wearing green. Saturday was a busy day with many activities and workshops. The change of format to a Leaders Conference allowed for attendees to choose between three options for each workshop time slot. This allowed for participants to design a track that was most meaningful to their individual needs and interests. Morning sessions included workshops on the “Nuts and Bolts of Grange Leadership” by

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Betsy Huber, and “Grange 2038” led

by Chris Hamp, asking attendees to discuss how they saw the Grange in 20 years. Other morning sessions included “Grange Health and the Meaning of Membership” and “Simple Signing”, which

provided

American

Sign

an

introduction

Language

and

to the

Deaf Community, and a membership workshop entitled, “Do You Know Who I Am?” which described generational differences between members.

Two options for lunch were provided: a Lecturer’s Brainstorming Lunch held at local Braugher’s Family Restaurant and

“Lunch

and

Contests”

where

attendees were entertained by the SignA-Song and Public Speaking contests.

Both contests boasted a high level of participation, especially the Impromptu Public Speaking Contest, which required contestants to select a topic (out of two choices) and speak for one to three minutes on that topic, given only a few seconds for preparation.

After lunch, conference attendees again had the option of participating in several different tracks. Some toured a nearby farm museum and Junior Grangers

Photo courtesy of PA State Grange Robert Beamon, of Pennsylvania, left, Maurice Wiles, center, and Victor Barreto Rios, both of Maryland create “period packs” as part of the second service

project during the Mid-Atlantic Grange Leaders Conference in Westminster, MD, in mid-March. Attendees brought or provided donations to purchase more than 4,000 feminine hygiene products that were then separated into “Period

Packs” and given to the Maryland Chapter of the Homeless Period Project to

distribute to facilities who work with homeless or low-income girls or women.

Several period packs were also given to the Westminster Police Department for their encounters with women in crisis who need these products.

participated in a Pen Pal Program and activity about cards and the art of writing.

Other attendees participated

in a discussion on “Millenials and the Psychology of Service,” learning about

coordinators Karen Bullock and Jessie

delivered to the National Center for

Cope as well as generous donations from

Children and Families, an organization

all who attended the conference.

with multiple programs and facilities.

The group donated thousands of

For those interested in replicating the

tampons, pads and liners and assembled

project in their local communities, Cope

250 period packs that were received by

recommended, “the best way to serve is

Jessie Cope, president of the Maryland

to give what is needed most. In the case

Homeless

chapter.

of the homeless, food and clothing are

projects: compiling Police appreciation

Jessie reported that the week after the

the most common items donated to the

kits and creating packs for the Homeless

conference she delivered 150 period

homeless. Feminine hygiene products

Period Project.

Police and family

packs to a high volume shelter and food

are necessary for the health of needy

included

personal

pantry in Silver Spring, Maryland and they

girls and women but are not donated

hygiene items, snacks, and gift cards. The

were so appreciative that they gave her

often.

kits were presented to the Westminster

a behind the scenes tour and introduced

find out how many women they serve to

Police Department on Sunday morning.

her to all the staff who thanked her. Cope

determine if this could be an impactful

The Homeless Period Project strives to

said, “Grangers really came through for

project for your group.”

provide much-needed feminine hygiene

this project. This is the largest single

products to homeless shelters.

Both

donation my chapter has received to

completed, break-out sessions resumed.

projects were made possible by the

date.” Another 100 period packs were

Afternoon sessions included workshops

the unique characteristics of Millenials (born between 1981 and 1996), especially related to their views on service.

Following this discussion, Grangers participated in two meaningful service

appreciation

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kits

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Period

Project

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After

Connect with local shelters to

the

service

projects

were

on outreach, programming, and basic financial planning.

The final break-out session saw some attendees participating in a quilt block workshop, others learning about leadership strategies related to agriculture, and another youth contest – Grange Jeopardy. Congratulations to Philip Vonada, Derek Snyder and Andrew Kieffer, all of Pennsylvania, for advancing to the Grange Jeopardy contest at National Session.

A Drill Exhibition was presented by a team from Pennsylvania and another team of conference attendees from different states under the direction of National Steward Chip Narvel.

All attendees were reunited for an Italian dinner. The National Youth Team presented their workshop, a Grange Escape Room, which was enjoyed by participants of all ages. Both teams were successful in “escaping” and the workshop provided a unique opportunity for members across the age spectrum to work together and learn from one another.

The conference concluded on Sunday morning with a Worship Service and a call-and-response workshop entitled “That’s the Grange Way”. Awards were presented to all contest participants and winners and the service project kits were presented to representatives from the Westminster Police Department and the Homeless Period Project.

The weekend was an enjoyable one filled with opportunities for education, fellowship, and fun. Regarding the new format for the Mid-Atlantic Region, Allen Stiles, Maryland State Master, referenced a favorite line from the film, “Field of Dreams” – “Build it and they will come.” Stiles added, “Thankfully they did! The 10 inches of snow did not arrive until Tuesday. I hope everyone found [the conference] beneficial.”

“I thought it was very wise for our region to change to the multi-department format for this event,” Jennifer Beamon, an attendee from Pennsylvania, said. “I enjoyed having a larger audience for the drill performances, jeopardy, public speaking, and sign-a-song. We were able to mingle with other Grangers outside of our state and age group, while also still attending workshops that were interesting to us.”

Barton Snedaker, newly appointed Leadership Membership Director of the New York State Grange, was a first time attendee who said he cannot wait to come back.

“It was extremely well planned. After a six hour drive, one way, it was heartening to attend such a worthwhile conference,” Snedaker said. “Not only were the break-out sessions difficult to choose between, but the topics covered were all important and timely. Especially helpful were ‘The Nuts and Bolts of Grange Leadership’ with Betsy Huber as presenter. For me it could have been subtitled ‘Everything in a Nutshell,’ clearly and cogently presented.

Snedaker said that was not the only workshop that met his needs as a new leader.

“At the workshop ‘Do You Know Who I Am?,’ Ellen Wadsworth led us on an enlightening tour of the different generations and their individual approaches to membership and service – very important nuanced differences when we are recruiting new Grange members and trying to meet their needs.

Besides the breakout sessions there were many opportunities to learn and gather suggestions with other attendees from other states and Granges,” Snedaker said. “All in all, it was one of the best weekend conferences I have had the privilege and opportunity to attend in many years. The team that put it together should be highly commended for their labor. They obviously followed the Grange admonishment, ‘What ever you do, strive to do well.’ They were wildly successful.”

The Mid-Atlantic Leaders Conference kicked off the season of regional conferences, most of which occur during the summer. Regional conferences provide unique opportunities to participate with other Grange leaders of all ages from several states. They allow attendees to learn from other Grange leaders, to participate in a variety of contests and activities, and to build relationships with other Grangers from around the country. Check out the National Grange website to learn more about upcoming regional conferences and make plans to attend if you are able!

Be part of something...

more

ATTEND ANY OF THE 2018 REGIONAL CONFERENCES Eastern Leaders and Youth: March 16-18, Westminster, Maryland Midwestern Youth: June 15-17, Ceresco, Michigan Great Plains Leaders and Youth: June 22-24, Grand Island, Nebraska Northeast Youth: July 13-15, Brooks, Maine Southeastern Leaders and Youth: July, TBD, North Carolina Western Leaders and Youth: August 3-5, Washington

Get details on each conference as they become available online at tiny.cc/GrangeRegionals

Legislative

Burton Eller has been the Legislative Director at the National Grange since 2014 and previously worked at many agriculturallybased organizations, including the USDA and the Farm Service Agency

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Rural broadband deployment continues to be a major priority for the National Grange.

During the Fly-In, Grangers met with personnel at USDA who will implement new broadband expansion programs with the additional $600 million granted in the Omnibus.

The National Grange is encouraging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and state regulatory agencies to expedite the permitting process for small cell technology which can use existing rights of way and structures to transmit ultra-high speed broadband at a lesser cost.

The Grange is also asking the FCC to approve the use of three “white space” channels below 700NHZ for wireless use to cover long distances and rough terrain. Congress and the FCC have heard a lot from the Grange lately about a FCC proposal to greatly restrict the federal government’s Lifeline Program.

Lifeline provides inexpensive phone connectivity to seniors, veterans, the disabled, and those isolated in rural areas. The FCC wants to eliminate allegations of waste, fraud and abuse in the program by downsizing the number of eligible customers.

The Grange position is to certainly eliminate all waste, fraud and abuse, but the program is vitally important to rural America so the Grange is telling the FCC “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.”

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Briefs

HEALTHCARE National Grange President Betsy Huber issued a public statement recently in support of FDA’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) public request for information on lowering Medicare Part D costs. The request is aimed at driving down the out-of-pocket costs at pharmacy counters across the nation. In many cases, rebates and discounts intended for consumers are not actually getting to patients.

The National Grange along with its coalition partners was successful in convincing the Senate and House to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). IPAB was an independent board of Presidential appointees charged with making recommendations to cut Medicare expenditures. But the actions of IPAB were not subject to administrative, legislative or judicial review.

The National Grange and several state Granges have joined the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of community and advocacy leaders to address our nation’s opioid crisis. RALI will partner with policy makers and stakeholders at the community, start and federal levels.

FARM BILL Farmers, ranchers and others in agriculture have been guardedly optimistic that congress could pass a new farm bill by late spring or certainly by summer. Part of that optimism came from the fact that revisions to the dairy program and the money to fund it were approved in the earlier Omnibus spending package thus avoiding a major battle over farm bill spending.

That optimism evaporated when a major Republican-Democrat disagreement erupted over more stringent work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The House Agriculture Committee passed the farm bill out of committee on a party line vote. The farm bill now heads to the House floor, perhaps by late May, where a major party-line battle will likely erupt. The Senate Agriculture Committee is likely to take a more traditional bipartisan approach to the farm bill by summer or early fall. Then, House-Senate differences won’t be easy to iron out. At best, we might get a final farm package by early fall, but it could well be next year.

See the story on the following page.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Soybeans are tested for seed

viability at the U. S. Department

of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural

Research Service (ARS) National

Laboratory for Genetic Resources

Preservation in Ft. Collins, CO.

diverse

Photo by Neil Palmer | courtesy USDA

Grange has policy concerns for 2018 Farm Bill

By Burton Eller Farm bills grew out of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. Their purpose was two-fold. One was to provide farmers and ranchers the means to stay on the land and produce agriculture commodities under the dire climactic and economic conditions of the era. The other was food security; the nation had to be able to feed itself.

Over the years, farm bills changed. Some added production controls to certain commodities, some added subsidies to commodity prices, others took land out of production while a few embraced the free and open market approach.

Recent farm bills have authorized increased spending on conservation, the environment and food assistance.

In fact, 80 percent of the current farm bill budget is spent on food assistance.

On the commodity production side, the emphasis is now on safety net programs that kick in when farm gate prices fall to a certain level.

Farms and ranches, whether large or small, are still very much family enterprises. Over 97 percent of all farms are owned by families and family farms produce 87 percent of agriculture production. Congress traditionally takes statistics like this into consideration as they craft provisions of a new farm bill and authorize funds for implementation.

Low income individuals are able to receive fruits and vegetables as part of their Supplemental

Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Transfer

Benefits (EBT) at many farmers markets and stores.

Photo by Lance Cheung courtesy USDA

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HOW GRANGE POLICIES ARE MADE Policy resolutions begin with Grangers at their local Grange.

Those resolutions adopted locally are forwarded the county then state Granges for consideration.

Policies adopted by the states become the focus of delegate committees at the National Grange annual convention.

Policies adopted by the national delegate body become the guidelines for Grange involvement in public policy initiatives in Washington.

The National Grange stance on various farm bill provisions is driven by policies generated from grassroots Grange members.

Here are a few of our policy provisions related to this omnibus legislation: Keep Farm and Food Together The linkage between food assistance and commodity safety net programs should continue. This food assistance-farm policy alliance has been in place for over three decades to assure enough votes to pass

both controversial measures.

Conventional political wisdom in Washington says neither food assistance nor farm programs can pass as standalone bills. Legislators will have to make innovative adjustments to all programs to allow new programs to be added because of budget constraints. Continuous and dependable production of American food and fiber hangs in the balance.

Risk Management for Agriculture Crop insurance is the linchpin of modern farm policy. Crop insurance is based on fundamental market principles and is agriculture’s most effective risk management tool. Insurance premiums are a cost-share between the producer and the federal government. Farmers and ranchers must buy insurance from the private sector and are allowed to customize policies to their individual farm and financial needs. When market losses reach a certain level, insurance coverage pays an indemnity.

Conservation Farmers, ranchers and rural landowners are America’s original conservationists and they continue to be great stewards of the natural resources they manage.

Special emphasis in the 2018 farm bill should be targeted toward working lands

Photo by Benny Bruton | courtesy USDA Yellow vine disease destroyed this 80-acre watermelon field in Rush Springs, Oklahoma.

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conservation, namely the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP) and the Conservation Stewardship program (CSP). Practices such as filter strips, stream protection, cover crops, wildlife buffer, nutrient management, wetland enhancement, and grasslands preservation are good public policy. CSP and EQUIP allow landowners to improve conservation and enhance sustainability on working farm and ranch lands.

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) removes the most sensitive acres from production to conserve and improve soil, protect water quality and establish long term cover on highly erodible land.

To assure sufficient funds for other priority conservation needs, however, CRP must prohibit the better quality Class I, II, and possibly III land from eligibility and discontinue enrollment of entire farms.

Research Agriculture research has been the single most important factor that allowed generations of Americans to enjoy abundant, affordable, nutritious and safe food. Higher yields, new varieties, and more efficient methods of planting, harvesting, storing, and marketing make the United States the envy of the world. Investments in agriculture research pay huge dividends.

The farm bill should empower publicprivate partnerships to leverage federal dollars, increase research capacities and enhance infrastructure investments for food and agriculture science.

Additional Issues • Grange supports farm bill reauthorization of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network to provide grants to extension services and nonprofits that offer stress assistance to those in agriculture – related occupations.

• Grange supports a farm bill initiative that encourages entry into farming and ranching through increased access to land and capital for young, beginning and veteran farmers.

• Grange supports farm bill provisions that reduce waste, fraud and abuse

Photo by David Hall | courtesy USDA ARS technician Kathy Moulton inspects young citrus plants for citrus greening disease symptoms. in government food assistance programs while providing adequate food and nutrition to families in need.

• Grange supports enhanced market and growth opportunities for specialty crop and niche market growers.

Politics May Delay the Farm Bill Agriculture leaders on the Hill have been guardedly optimistic that both houses could pass a farm bill by late summer or early fall. Senate Ag Chairman Roberts and Ranking Minority Member Stabenow have been working on a draft farm bill together for months as have House Ag Chairman Conaway and Ranking Minority Member Peterson. Every aggie on and off the Hill was waiting for the bills to be released and mark-up sessions to begin.

Then things changed.

Politics have eclipsed policy. A version of the House farm bill was leaked to some Democratic members of the House.

They became outraged to learn there would be stricter work requirements for some 8 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Conversely, several conservative House members say the work revisions do not go far enough.

House Speaker Ryan was quoted as saying the farm bill was an initiative to turn welfare programs into workforce. Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Minority Member on the House Ag Nutrition Subcommittee, called on his Democratic colleagues to block the farm bill over the proposed work requirements.

The Republicans then pushed the farm bill through the

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House Agriculture Committee on a party-line 26-20 vote over the objections of committee Democrats. This will set up an acrimonious and bitter partisan debate when the farm bill reaches the House floor. Meanwhile, Senate Agriculture Committee members still believe they can craft and pass a bipartisan farm bill in the next few months.

Then here’s the rest of the story.

The current farm bill can be extended and a new farm bill might be kicked down the road like a can. Democrats now believe they have a decent chance to regain control of the House in November.

If that happens, House Democrats would be able to craft a new farm bill more to their liking in 2019. Based on bills Democrats are sponsoring, their farm bill version might increase SNAP benefits, reduce crop insurance cost-share, realign conservation programs and increase support for smaller scale farms.

But passing a farm bill may not be any easier for Democrats next year than it’s proving to be for Republicans this year. Even if Democrats regain control of the House, it may only be by a few votes. Because a significant block of Republicans want to scale back both nutrition assistance and farm programs, forging a compromise in 2019 may be even harder than now.

Democrats might opt to allow Congress to pass a compromise farm bill in a lame duck session after elections. This would prevent a possible no-win situation for Democrats in 2019 should they indeed be in control of the House.

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PERSPECTIVE

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Tradition of Advocacy Continues at Annual Fly-In GRANGE: Do No Harm to Ag, Mr. President

Junior Voices included in Outreach

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INSIGHT: My Little Voice Matters?

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Youth Team makes Early Impression on Nation’s Leaders

Grangers

storm the Hill

Photo courtesy of the office of the Architect of the Capitol

advocacy

Tradition of continues at 2018 Fly-In National Grange building starting with speakers discussing

By Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios

rural broadband and spectrum distribution for the purpose of

Annually, Grangers descend upon the Nation’s Capitol, determined to learn more about priority issues for the organization and taking to the Hill to discuss these issues with legislators and their staff members.

Most attendees, from 14 states, arrived Sunday, April 15, and had a meet-and-greet at the event hotel that evening.

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“This is always a great event that reminds our members how policies grew from a grassroots process and allows legislators to hear directly from those grassroots about what’s important and what’s going on back home,” National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller said.

Jon Conradi of the coalition Connect Americans Now (CAN)

Early Monday morning, briefings got underway at the

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speeding the spread of broadband to remote communities.

provided details about the idea to use spectrum – different radio

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Conradi said there is very little

Photo by Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Attendees of the 2018 Grange

opposition to the plan to take three

get in a photo with Ray Starling,

consecutive – for broadband expansion

for Agriculture, Trade and Food

that the move would likely not even

Fly-In take a break after lunch to

channels – which don’t need to be

Special Advisor to the White House

in rural or underserved areas, noting

Assistance.

be noticed and would not negatively impact the majority of TV or radio users anywhere in the country.

frequencies currently set aside as channels

Other

technology

to

expand

for different use like television and radio

broadband access, called small cell or

– as a method to extend broadband

5G technology, was on tap next during

from infrastructure like poles to homes

a presentation by Susan Diegelman,

and areas unable to access high-speed

Vice President of Public Affairs for AT&T,

internet through fiber connections.

one of the event sponsors. Small cells

Eller said CAN is one of the most

technology is currently being tested

recent coalitions the Grange has joined

throughout several states in especially

but because of our long history in the

hard-to-access areas due to mountainous

area of rural access, we are a major voice

terrain or distance from other access

on the subject.

points, Diegelman said.

“The National Grange encourages

Next,

participants

heard

about

ABOUT THE FLY-IN The major objective of the National Grange Fly-In is to carry local, state and national Grange policy positions into meetings on the Hill with their Senators, Representatives, and staff liaisons.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 34 Grangers from 14 states had 30 meetings to discuss the Farm Bill, broadband, Lifeline communications, the ag workforce crisis, rural health care, the opioid epidemic, commodity prices and many more issues with their legislators from back home.

for Government Affairs for TracFone, a sponsor of the event, told the group that while often the program is painted

of

challenges to Lifeline, a program that

Broadband deployment to connect rural

allows low income individuals cellular

as one used only by urban and minority

and small communities with high speed

phone service for free or a reduced

individuals, the neighbors of Grangers in

technology,” according to Eller.

cost. Mark Rubin, Senior Executive

rural areas are nearly as likely to be part

the

development

of

all

forms

Oklahoma State

Grange Lecturer

and Legislative Director Terry

Stoelzing, left, along with his wife Tamara

“TJ”, meet with

Rep. Markwayne Mullin, right, during the

National Grange Fly-In.

Submitted Photo

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Photo by Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Fly-In attendees from Pennsylvania meet with Rep. Scott Perry to speak about priority issues on Tuesday, April 17. From left, Vince Phillips, Legislative Consultant for Pennsylvania State Grange; Rep. Perry; and Pennsylvania State Grange President Wayne Campbell.

of the program’s 12 million participants with 45 percent of users

prescription drug researchers and manufacturers and also

coming from rural areas. That disproportionate use by rural

served as a sponsor of the event, has been significantly

residents would then greatly negatively effect rural individuals

concerned with several interest areas important to Grange

if a current proposal by the FCC to limit access to the program

members including changes that have taken place regarding

would go into place.

Medicare Part D payment formulas and the opioid crisis.

Last that morning was a discussion about insurance,

During lunch, participants heard from Ray Starling, who

healthcare and concerns about Medicare Part D changes by

serves as Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture,

Marissa Watkins, PhRMA Senior Director for Advocacy and

Trade, and Food Assistance at the White House. Starling

Strategic Alliances. PhRMA, an organization that represents

discussed issues he and the President have been working on to

Photo by Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Representatives from USDA presented

information about programs and

opportunities to

Grangers during the Fly-In.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

ensure a bolstered and sustained economic growth for American agriculture. He took questions from members and provided an inside view of White House priorities.

During the session, Zaid Kurdieh, who along with his wife, Haifa, owns Norwich Meadows Farm in upstate New York talked with Starling about what he sees as problems with the current visa application process to bring in temporary workers.

Kurdieh showed the group his more than 400-page application he has to file to bring in workers for his vegetable farm. He said theirs is the only farm in the United States that applies and brings in workers on an H2-A visa program from Egypt – something he has chosen to do after having hired workers from many other countries in the past like Mexico and from Central America but who for various reasons did not work out well for their farm.

“At things like the Fly-In, we can get together and come up with solutions that make the Grange better and the lives of Grangers better.”

Starling said there are a lot of small changes on the horizon that will make big differences for farmers like the Kurdiehs.

the Grange building for dinner and a discussion about challenges

Attendees were treated to briefings at USDA in the historic

to farmers, led by Zaid Kurdieh. Later the discussion transitioned

Williamsburg Conference Room near Secretary Perdue’s office.

into topics about raising the profile of the Grange on issues, Grange

Blake Rollins from Secretary’s office, Shawn Arner, Rural Utilities

growth, importance of adhering to our meeting structure and more.

Service, and Alton Komura, Rural Housing Service, presented an

On the Hill, members spoke about these issues as Grange

overview of the Secretary’s priorities, initiatives to expand rural

priorities as well concerns of importance to their local community

broadband infrastructure by USDA, and funding partnerships

Granges or State Granges that are not in the scope of the

available at USDA to assist rural communities.

National Grange policy book, something encouraged in the

While Junior Grange members who were in attendance then

grassroots organization.

were interviewed by RFD-TV, other attendees split off to do Hill

“I think it was a really positive discussion that shows just how

visits or spend some time touring the city before heading back to

passionate our members are about our organization and their

Grange members

Alma Graham, left,

who serves as Rhode Island State Grange

Legislative Director,

and her husband, Bruce, far right,

along with Gordon

Gibson, second to right, meets with

their Congressman,

Rep. Joe Courtney

during the National Grange Fly-In.

Submitted Photo

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view of the importance of the Grange in today’s society,” National Grange President Betsy Huber said.

Attendees were also invited to visit the Verizon Innovation Center where they learned about connected technologies increasingly found in farm and other machinery.

The experience allowed both advocacy and fellowship to play central roles, something TJ Stoelzing, a member from Oklahoma said was important, and works hand in hand.

“I think it’s always important to get together with all of our fellow Grange Brothers and Sisters to keep in touch and catch up with life and their concerns,” Stoelzing, who attended with her husband, Terry, the State Lecturer and Legislative Director, said. “At things like the Fly-In, we can get together and come up with solutions that make the Grange better and the lives of Grangers better.”

Rhode Island State Grange Legislative Director Alma Graham and her husband, Bruce, have attended the event many times in the past.

“It gives us the opportunity to meet with other state members and discuss issues that are pertinent to their areas,” Photo by Samantha Wilkins Junior Granger Daniel Wilkins, Texas, had a quick moment

to speak to Ray Starling, Special Advisor to the White House for Agriculture, Trade and Food Assistance.

she said of the Fly-In. “A subject such as the expansion for rural broadband is not a big issue in my state but I realize how important it is in other mid-western states. Then by visiting with the National Representatives and Senators, it places a face on who we are.”

Grange asks Administration to ‘Do No Harm to Ag’ Over the past several weeks, the National Grange like the rest of the American agriculture and rural communities have been intently following the potential trade war with China. Since going to press with this issue of the magazine, there may have been developments that we could not have foreseen, but it’s important that we share the message we sent as the trade war rhetoric started.

On April 4, National Grange President Betsy E. Huber sent this message to the White House: “Mr. President, do no harm to agriculture.

“Our looming trade war with China is serious and will be devastating to America’s farmers and ranchers.

Commodity prices at the farm gate are already at levels far below profitability. If current trade posturing does escalate to a full-fledged trade war with China, our country will slip from an agriculture recession today into an agriculture depression tomorrow. China has shown it is more than

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willing to target America’s food producers with retaliatory tariffs on our ag exports.

“China appears ready to target America’s most valuable food and agriculture exports with serious retaliatory tariffs.

Soybeans, pork, apples, cherries, wine, grapes, oranges and pistachios appear to be at the top of China’s retaliatory list.

Chinese tariffs will close markets, dam up market channels, and cause commodity prices to fall even more. For example, if a 10 percent tariff were to be placed on soybeans, U.S. soybean exports would fall by a third, according to the U.S. Soybean Export Council. A 30 percent tariff would drop U.S. soybean exports to China by 71 percent.

“Other countries around the world are anxiously waiting to pick up America’s food and agriculture export markets from a U.S.-China trade war. These lost markets would be very difficult to regain later. We again ask the Administration to do no harm to agriculture.”

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Junior

voices

included in outreach

By Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios

their oldest child could see some of the monuments and

It’s not often that one of the most influential people in the room is under 5 feet tall. And in a place like Washington, D.C., is under the voting age.

But that may have just been the case when 12-yearold Daniel Wilkins of San Antonio, Texas, went to work for issues of importance to him – including how to get his Xbox connected to the internet.

“I know I need to do homework, too, but if I have internet at home, I get to play with my friends on cool games,” Daniel said as his mom, Samantha Wilkins, shook her head.

Samantha Wilkins said currently the school district her three sons attend – with her fourth entering next year – doesn’t allow teachers to require homework through 8th grade because most students lack internet access to complete the work. In high school, students are encouraged to take advantage of the evening open campus hours or use internet at the local community college in order to complete their assignments, for personal enrichment and to apply for colleges.

“Can you imagine how far behind these kids can be when they have to make a conscious effort and find transportation to places like the school or college just to look up something as simple like ‘what is’ whatever term they just heard on the nightly news? It’s not like “Farm Bill” or ‘who is so-and-so’ is in the dictionary. Kids who can just jump online and go to Google with their smartphones or tablets have a whole world of knowledge my kids and those without broadband won’t.”

“And a connected Xbox,” Daniel reminded his mother.

Broadband internet was not the only topic Daniel and his peers who attended the event discussed with legislators and their staff members as well as policy makers and influencers such as the Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture Ray Starling and USDA officials.

Other Juniors from around the nation were also in attendance including Kedric Brown from Wisconsin, Ava Grenier-Riley from Rhode Island and National Junior Grange Ambassador Riley Reynolds from Oregon.

This was the second year Daniel took part in the event – though the first time was a bit less intentional.

Samantha, who serves as the National Junior Grange Director, came to the 2017 Fly-In as part of her work responsibilities but brought her husband and son along so

from her business trips.

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other landmarks his mother would talk about after returning During the trip, Daniel was able to meet with Senator Tom Cruz and that sparked the idea to introduce a Junior Grange component of the annual event, which is intended to have members come to hear briefings about issues that have come up through the 150-year-old organization’s grassroots process, and then take discussions about those and other issues of importance to them personally to the Hill.

“He did well. He talked about what he cared about and what his reality is. It’s different, of course, than someone with a job and bills and a family, but it’s still important. Thanks

Photo by Samantha Wilkins Daniel Wilkins, Texas, National Junior Grange Ambassador

Riley Reynolds, Oregon, and Kedric Bruce, Wisconsin, pause before the White House during the National Grange Fly-In in April.

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Photo by Samantha Wilkins Junior members

enjoyed time in a

simulation combine

with Wi-Fi enabled equipment during their visit to the

Verizon Innovation Center in D.C. as

part of the National Grange Fly-In.

to the Junior Grange, he knows he has a voice and he can advocate for himself,” Samantha said.

This year, he was fully a part of the process, including attending briefings at the National Grange headquarters building and other events throughout the three-day-long gathering.

From the all-important rural broadband expansion, speakers offered insights on topics like the use of spectrum for the purpose of speeding the spread of broadband to remote communities and small cell technology to help that build out as well. This, of course had the connected generation of Juniors interested with Riley Reynolds of Oregon asking a speaker about the physics of spectrum – a question he had not quite expected from the group.

However, the Juniors were along for the ride in the event,

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hearing about issues that may seem of little importance to the 14 and under crowd, including challenges to Lifeline – a program that allows low income individuals cellular phone service for free or a reduced cost – and a discussion about insurance, healthcare and concerns about Medicare Part D changes.

“While that may not seem important to him right now,” Samantha Wilkins said, “he is going to better understand what his grandparents worry about or what older folks in his community face as their reality. This is why coming to this event, not just taking a trip to D.C. and stopping by a legislative office, was super important for me to give my son and other kids as an opportunity.”

In the afternoon, the Junior Grange members were interviewed by RFD-TV.

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Dinner, too, was a time for learning when New York organic produce farmer Zaid Kurdieh and his wife, Haifa, led a discussion about the challenges of farming, especially in relation to labor.

“They got to hear the struggles a farmer has and meet people from outside their culture. All of these things are super important for our kids in order to be prepared to be good citizens,” Samantha Wilkins said.

On Tuesday, the Juniors visited the Verizon Innovation Center where they learned about connected technologies found in farm and other machinery. They were able to sit in a combine frame and put on goggles that allowed them to virtually farm, something that delighted the video-game obsessed participants.

Later they split off, attending meetings on the Hill with Senators, Congressmembers and their staff liaisons for their home districts and states.

Wisconsin Junior Grange member Kedric Bruce said he was excited to learn a lot about technology.

“They showed us drones and other devices that police and firefighters use to find people in a fire,” Bruce said.

But for him, that was not the most exciting part.

“The combine was the best!” Bruce said. “When I grow up I want to be a farmer. I really liked meeting friends from other states. I liked riding the Metro and seeing all of the monuments. I pretty much liked everything. I would like to

live close to there someday” When asked how he could be a farmer and live in D.C., he said he would live close to there, so he can farm and go back there and tell people about farming.

Parents of the Junior Fly-In attendees were in agreement that this is an opportunity they couldn’t pass up for their children. Having young children learn about issues that directly affect their communities and learning how their voice can impact the decisions that are made among the legislative representatives was worth every penny.

“It was a great experience to explore new thing together.

Schools take trips there all the time, but I got to see the reaction on my child’s face when we came up out of the metro and he saw the Washington Monument for the first time. The things he learned, he would have never got that in the classroom,” Wisconsin State President Debbie Gegare, Bruce’s mother, said. “I think it is important, even at his age, to learn about issues happening not only in our community but also the nation. Hopefully more kids will participate next year.”

“The addition of these kids was a real treat. They are smart and don’t mind telling you how they feel and they do it so articulately. We really do have a bright future for the Grange and rural areas with these kids coming up and learning leadership and advocacy skills along the way,” National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller said.

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My

INSIGHT little voice makes a difference?

By Ava Grenier-Riley President, Moosup Valley Jr. Grange #27 Foster, Rhode Island

This April, Junior Grangers were invited to attend the National Grange Legislative Fly-In. I wasn’t sure what it was or what I was going to do. What I did know was that I was going to miss three days of school, and my school was OK with that, so I knew, I would be learning. As I reflect on my trip, I remember all the wonderful opportunities I was presented with, the people I met, and the memories I made. My experience was truly a great one.

Day One My mom and I packed up the car, bright and early on Sunday morning. We were going to drive from home in Rhode Island to our Nation’s Capitol, 7 hours away. The car ride down was long and filled with traffic and bathroom breaks. By the time my mom and I arrived, we were tired and yet excited to see what this experience could offer us. We rushed our bags into our room and prepared ourselves to meet the other Grangers from around the country participating in the Fly-In. As we stepped into the reception room at the hotel, we could feel the atmosphere change to a warm and welcoming one.

We were instantly greeted and recognized by fellow Grangers, and introduced to many more I had never met. There were other Juniors there, too! From Texas, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

With ideas and opinions swirling around, I began to realize the significance of this opportunity. We were here to advocate for the issues important to us and our home Granges. I’m just a high school freshman, can my voice really make a difference?

Day Two We woke up bright and early and got ready for an exciting day.

Today was a day of learning. My mom and I drove into Washington DC from the hotel in Virginia. It was a cloudy day, with a chill in the air. We drove past all the monuments, with my neck craning out the window and my phone snapping photos. We strolled the city streets with our coffee, admiring the sights. The old buildings were so beautiful with so many interesting architectural details. Then, we turned a corner and there was the National Grange building. I knew we found the right place by the gigantic Grange symbol built into the front of the building.

Inside were people we had met the day before and more. We

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Submitted Photo Junior Grange member Ava Grenier-Riley, Rhode Island, met with Senator Jack Reed and other officials during the 2018 National Grange Fly-In in April. took our seats, and looked through the information in front of us.

And that wasn’t even the bulk of it. Speaker after Speaker came to the Hall throughout the day. First we heard about the Farm Bill, then about important healthcare issues, a speaker talked about the “Obama-Phone”, a representative from AT&T spoke to us about 5G and high speed internet for rural America.

There was a very interesting technology presentation about broadband over TV waves to connect 20 million Americans in rural America to the internet. This would connect kids, like me, students across the country, who don’t have access to the internet at home now, because there is no service around their home communities.

My school is heavily dependent on technology, we use Google Classroom for homework, write and submit essays online, and use online supplements for our everyday learning, so it shocked me when I learned that there were kids who had to live without this.

It was then that it occured to me that we weren’t just here to

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learn, we were here to understand, and to feel. We were here to be advocates.

These issues were important to me because now I realized the significance.

It was my job to be the one to bring these issues up with my legislators, and it was my job to bring about change.

I also learned about agriculture from Ray Starling, a Special Assistant to the President.

This was an amazing opportunity. I was able to have a one-on-one conversation with him about a school project I was working on. When I got home, Mr. Starling had his collegue, a healthcare policy advisor at the White House, reach out to me for my project.

I was able to have a phone call with my classmates and the White House at school to discuss equitable and accessible healthcare.

This only happened because of the connection I made at the Fly-In. Awesome!

Day Three Another great day was ahead. Today was the day that I was going to visit the Senate, the first of my two interviews planned for this trip. I was very excited, because I had never met with my Senator before, and this seemed like an amazing opportunity, and a connection that could be very beneficial in the future. My mom and I spent the morning talking with the National Legislative Director Burton Eller, in his office on the 11th floor of the Grange Building. It had a terrific view of the White House! He told us about his time in DC and what his experience has been. It was interesting to learn about what life is like in DC on an everyday basis, and to be part of both the Grange government and the National government.

Then, I got to experience city life completely, by taking the Metro back and forth from Capitol Hill. We arrived at the Senator’s office, armed with questions and a voice recorder. Our meeting was with the legislative assistant to the Senator, so our chances of actually meeting with him were slim. But, as we walked through the doors to the office, the Senator walked out of his office to shake my hand. Our meeting was with the Senator, his assistant, his healthcare staffer, and a photographer, and was unbelievably successful. I was able to ask him about healthcare, and my mom was

Photo by Ava Grenier-Riley Ava’s quick eye caught what appears to be a tribute to Ceres and Pomona at the USDA building outside the Secretary of Agriculture’s office during her visit as part of the National Grange Fly-In in April. able to ask him about agriculture. After a thirty minute meeting, he sent me to speak more with his healthcare policy aide, and she made some great points and gave me a lot of useful information. After the successful meeting, my mom and I had lunch at an adorable, small restaurant, where I had the most amazing food and wonderful service.

Then, we went back to the National Grange building and mingled some more and got some down time from our busy day. We had dinner with friends of ours in Georgetown, who were also visiting. This allowed us to experience the true wonders of the city, and its most interesting parts. We visited Georgetown Cupcake, a cupcake-ery with its own TV show. They were delicious.

Day Four The sun shone through the curtains in the morning. Our first sunny day! This was a sign of a great day. This was our last day, and I was going to visit Congress and meet with my National Representative. I was extremely excited. I had met him before, but this was different. He had been to school functions and such, but this time I was with him on Capitol Hill. The meeting started with the Congressman’s legislative aide for

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Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure; but halfway through the Congressman came out of his office and introduced himself and answered a couple of my questions.

He had a packed schedule, so it was great that he was able to make time for us. The legislative aide also spoke with us about what it means to be an advocate in our community, and the challenges of working with other lawmakers and balancing what people want, what businesses and interest groups want, and what we have money for.

It amazed me how even though I was just a high school freshman, my voice could inflict change in not only my city, not only my state, but even my country.

To all Junior Grangers out there, your voice can impact so much. We all have issues that we care alot about, like for me, I care about animals and equality for all people, no matter the class, the gender, or the race. Don’t be afraid to speak up around your community. The National Legislative Fly-In is a great opportunity to do so. This experience is a great one for kids all around the country, and it taught me how to be an advocate. A real one. Making change happen. Using my voice.

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Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios Youth team members meet with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue during the National Ag Day proclamation ceremony at the USDA headquarters on March 20. From left, Sec. Purdue; National Grange Outstanding Young Patron Jennifer Nauss, PA; National Grange Youth Ambassadors Jacob Gwin, WA, and Tessa Taft, NY.

Youth get early

By Charlene Shupp Espenshade The National Grange Youth Team – consisting of the two National Grange Youth Ambassadors and National Outstanding Young Patron – visited legislators and participated in several events to mark 2018 National Ag Day in Washington D.C. on March 20.

Jenn Nauss, Outstanding Young Patron of Pennsylvania; Jacob Gwin, male Youth Ambassador of Washington and Tessa Taft, female Youth Ambassador of New York, traveled to the event, first stopping by the Mid Atlantic Grange Leaders Conference held in Westminster, Maryland, the weekend prior, and used time in between events for training and planning for the year ahead.

The three then attended several events throughout the day in the Nation’s Capital, starting the day off with a bang as part of the

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opportunity

proclamation of National Ag Day by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.

The event, held at the Whitten Patio in the USDA headquarters, included many legislators, leaders of agriculture organizations and peers of the team including FFA leaders and others.

“I truly believe the greatest contribution that farmers have made throughout the long and storied history of this nation has been to the character of the nation,” Pence said to the crowd before presenting the National Ag Day proclamation signed by President Donald Trump.

After the event, the Youth team took to the Hill, discussing several key issues for the National Grange including passing the Farm Bill, immigration reform and rural broadband with their legislators.

Nauss, a teacher, highlighted the need to remember rural school districts as well as their urban and suburban

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counterparts as the debates continue around education issues in her visits with Pennsylvania Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey’s staff.

Taft – who, along with her brother, has for years has worked part time on a dairy farm – took time to discuss the growing dairy crisis when speaking with the staff of New York Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman John Katko.

“I found that many of the staff members were attentive and interested in my viewpoints,” Taft said.

Gwin was unafraid to discuss an issue of importance to him and his community that he knew was in opposition to the view of Washington State Senator Patty Murray.

He spoke with her staff about a bill Murray has supported – known as the “Wild Olympic Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act” that would place more than 125,000 acres into an already large national forest and effectively remove several thousands of harvestable timber acres from production.

Gwin spoke about a town next to where he grew up whose population relies heavily on the timber industry for jobs, saying about 70 percent of the population would lose jobs if the bill became law.

Gwin said the exercise was very valuable.

“We did not agree on the solutions, but

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios U.S. Vice President Mike Pence kicked off the National Ag Day Event with a proclamation from President Donald Trump, then took a moment to speak with National Grange Youth team members after the ceremony at the USDA headquarters on March 20. From left, National Grange Outstanding Young Patron Jennifer Nauss, PA, speaks to Pence while National Grange Youth Ambassadors Tessa Taft, NY, and Jacob Gwin, WA, stand by. they treated me with respect as I shared

her see that there will be implications and

my thoughts,” Gwin said. “I didn’t think it

there have to be supports put in place for

would change her mind, but maybe make

the people who this will hurt.”

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The maroon or green sew-on patches are 3”x4” while the gold heat-sealing patches are 2.5”x3”

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National Junior Grange Ambassador

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Riley Reynolds

By Suzy Ramm and Samantha Wilkins National Junior Grange Ambassador Riley Reynolds, of Forest Grove, Oregon, is the first 1+ member to represent Juniors on the national level, but he hopes not to be the last.

For the teen who has spent nearly four years homeschooling, he and his parents, Frank and Tina Reynolds, see the great value of the Grange for socialization and gaining invaluable knowledge.

With or without the overcrowding in his school district that led his parents to make the decision for his fifth grade year to try homeschooling – something that was so successful he continues today, having already finished his eighth grade curriculum and starting high school classes independently before he is expected to return to a public school campus in fall – Riley’s destiny was always to be a Grange member.

The lineage began with his maternal great-grandfather who was an active Granger that encouraged his mom to join in 1989 because of a scholarship offered through the local Grange.

She quickly realized the benefits of being a member and became heavily involved in the Oregon State Youth as well as National Youth. One of her shining memories was participating as the Secretary for the National Youth Officer Team in the ‘90s.

So it was only natural to her that her son would be part of the Grange from early on to enrich his life.

Riley was raised in the Grange practically from day one.

Attending his first state session at just a little over a month old, the 14-year-old said the Grange has helped pave a life for him that has instilled great values and countless leadership opportunities.

When Riley officially joined the Junior Grange at 5, Tina hoped that he would have the opportunities to serve the Grange and share similar experiences to her. Tina says that in her eyes he has gained much more than she could have hoped

engagement. His parents have used some of the Junior Grange program to bolster the curriculum. He is also involved in other activities to enhance his curriculum. Throughout the past few years Riley has spent countless hours on the stage and has developed a passion for the theatre. He participates with STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy and has helped raise funds for the group’s trip to New York this summer.

Tina believes that Riley’s yearly entry into the State Junior Grange talent show and the confidence gained through being

for and he continues to grow within the organization.

For Riley, whose 1+ membership is connected to Santiam

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Valley Grange #828, Grange is not just an evening or weekend

a Junior Granger has helped him in his acting. He has landed

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roles such as Professor Bidwell in the Lady Pirate of Captain Bree, Colin in the Secret Garden, and Silvius in As You Like It. Along with theatre he also enjoys other activities such as baking, Dr. Who, and tennis. He even joined a competitive swim team this year.

The success and acceleration of his schoolwork has allowed him both time to incorporate Grange further into his life and the ability to find ways the Grange can be part of his learning path.

Riley has attended leadership conferences and national sessions whenever possible. Working within his community, participating with Santiam Valley Grange has provided him various opportunities around his home area and competing in state and national contests like public speaking.

However, his activities and outreach as part of the Grange have greatly expanded since he received his Junior

Photo by Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios National

Grange

President

Betsy

Huber and Junior Grange Ambassador Riley

Reynolds

talk

before

his

presentation at the 2018 Master’s Conference in Oregon.

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Ambassador sash in November at the 151st Annual National Grange Convention in Spokane, Washington.

In preparation for his role and visits that would come thereafter to Granges and Grange events, he attended a local 4-H beekeepers meeting in January to learn more about bees and pollinators – the focus of the Junior Grange’s Awareness Award in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

In March he didn’t have to travel far to speak to the leaders of the Grange – State Masters and National Officers were meeting in Clackamas County, Oregon, for the annual Master’s Conference. He told them about new developments to the Junior Grange and encouraged them to be supportive of the Junior program – both traditionally chartered Juniors Granges and their members, as well as, the 1+ program.

About two weeks later, he flew East to attend the Mid Atlantic Grange Leaders Conference in Westminster, Maryland, where he was able to take part in workshops and team building activities, visit Gettysburg and interact with Juniors and Youth from a different region.

Just before he was to set out on another East Coast adventure spending nearly a week in Washington, D.C., primarily to participate in the Annual National Grange Fly-In but also to see some of the nation’s great art, architecture, memorials and more, he crashed his bike and fractured his growth plate and some tiny bones in his knee.

When he arrived in D.C., he had a new challenge when keeping up with his fellow Juniors in attendance at the event as he maneuvered around in a wheelchair with his leg in a cast, elevated to accelerate healing.

His experience in D.C. was not hindered, in fact, it encouraged him to continue his advocacy work back home in Oregon. Riley said he plans to reach out to his local legislature about issues of

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importance to the Grange such as rural broadband.

He also said the Fly-In for a Junior or Youth also provides a unique opportunity from that of older members – to understand what happens in D.C. and consider if a job in the government is something of interest.

As Ambassador, Riley has also done quite a bit of traveling in-state, being welcomed into many Oregon Granges to speak about himself, his Grange work and learn about what Granges are doing to help their communities all around his state.

He has been part of major celebrations as well, including the state’s Birthday Gala, in Salem, to celebrate the National Grange’s 150th Anniversary.

In February, he attended a Sunnyside Grange meeting and helped at Lacomb Grange’s Swiss Steak dinner in addition to attending his own local Grange.

Riley is hoping to visit other Granges around Oregon, Washington and elsewhere in the country. Throughout the year, he is also committed to attend and present workshops for Junior and Adult members at several of the Regional conferences. He will speak about the 2018 Awareness Award and ideas to bridge the gap between transitioning from the Junior program into Subordinate Grange and its Youth programming.

Riley said he looks forward to his adventures and the growth that he hopes to gain from his experience as an Ambassador, as well as the opportunity to become a Junior Mentor in future years as the program changes and provides more educational opportunities for his peers.

“By growing up in the Grange I learned skills that I would have not otherwise learned, such as public speaking, marching, and how to run a Grange meeting. As Ambassador,” Riley said, “I am looking forward to my travels this year where I can meet other Grangers from all over the U.S.”

Submitted Photo An Oregon

beekeeper speaks to

National

Junior Grange Ambassador

Riley Reynolds

as he was out

representing the

Junior Grange in January 2018.

WRITE FOR Good DAY!™ DETAILS ON JUNIOR SUBMISSIONS

The work must be your own original writing. You may get your parent, guardian or another mentor or adult’s assistance to write 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.

With the introduction of Good Day!™ magazine, we want to encourage all of our young writers out there! Each quarter we will have a new topic for our Juniors to write about!

Submissions may be made via email to juniors@nationalgrange.org. The winner will have their submission published in the next issue of Good Day!™ magazine.

Also, there is no age restriction on any creative submission category, so Juniors interested in photography, creative expression through poetry and prose and skit-writing may submit to communications@nationalgrange.org before any deadline of upcoming editions. Most issues will not have a required or requested theme for open-category submissions.

RULES FOR WRITING CONTEST •

Contest is open only to Junior Grange members in good standing.

•

Each entry must be a minimum 500 words with a maximum for 1500 words, typed and double-spaced.

•

Each entry must be labeled with name, mailing address, phone number and email (if applicable) and birthday of Junior member and the state, name and number of the Junior Grange OR Subordinate Grange with which the Junior 1+ member is affiliated

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Junior

Passport program unveiled

By Samantha Wilkins

complete tasks competently, accurately and safely.

Throughout the life of the Junior Grange program it has had its changes and developed along with the wants and needs of its members. As time moves forward we make room and adjustments for the new and take out some of the old, while still holding on to the lessons and traditions of the Grange and Junior Grange. This time around is no exception.

Your comments and suggestions have been heard and now it is time for the newest and most exciting change of the Junior Grange Program.

Debuting this summer will be the new Junior Grange Passport. This program will be taking the place of the traditional Merit Badge program and moving the Junior Grange into a new stage.

Juniors will work through a series of steps to earn a stamp in their new passport just like they did with the merit badges,

Each Junior member will be able to carry with them a small 8.5” x 5.5” three-ring binder

that

displays

accomplishments. these

available

their

Do you have a suggestion for a new Passport topic? Email junior@ nationalgrange.org

Having at

their

fingertips can then provide them countless opportunities to showcase their abilities and work to further their educational goals. The possibilities of being accepted into National Honor Societies and awarded scholarships become greater as well. Education is important for the social development and economic growth not only of our organization but for our nation as well. Education, such as the kind that will be taught through the Passport Program will be extremely fundamental in laying the foundation for the future of our Junior Grangers.

only this time with a few more steps. Each stamp earned will

With this new Passport program, we will have the ability to

come with a little bit more knowledge gained not only about

add to our passports more frequently, allowing the creativity and

the subject at hand but also about the Grange. Every piece of

minds of our Juniors to constantly expand. We will always be open

material you will need as a leader will be available to download

for suggestions on new stamps that could possibly be earned.

Each stamp that can be earned in the passport will be

directly from the web.

This will not only be an easier way for our Leaders to provide

broken down in several ways. If you take a look on the next

materials to their Juniors, it will also be much friendlier to their

pages at the sample page and its associated worksheet in this

budget.

issue of Good Day!™, you will see that each stamp will have a

“Even though I have not been a Junior Leader for long,

5-star rating for difficulty. This will provide opportunities for all

I am super excited about the new program,” Virginia State

our Juniors no matter their age, strengths or abilities. A list of

Junior Grange Director Stephanie Wolters said. “It will be

all materials needed to complete the stamp will be included in

more engaging, educational, and offer up a whole new world

the Passport page, as well as the goals and objectives that we

of opportunities for the Junior Grange, Bring it on!”

have for each stamp.

It is important to us that we provide a program that allows

Every stamp, regardless of the category it is listed under

our youngest members a unique experience while providing a

will have several steps, research, hands on activities, and

wealth of knowledge and opportunity. This is exactly what this

a connection to a career. Some will even have additional

new Passport program will be doing.

worksheets that can be completed to earn the stamp in the

This will be an exciting and innovative way for our Juniors to learn more about their world, their country, their state, their

Junior Passport.

We are excited about this next step in the Junior Program and hope that you are as well.

community, and their Grange.

It is our goal to educate our Juniors and mold them into

We look forward to the opportunities it provides and the

good citizens of this world. It is important that we provide

wealth of information that your Juniors will soon have at the

this education because they will be taught skills that will be

tips of their fingers.

utilized throughout their entire lives. They will learn to navigate

thanks to this change within the Junior Grange programming

the world through reading, writing, communicating, and being

and we hope that you will jump on board with us as we explore

provided countless leadership opportunities. They will learn to

the options that the world has to offer.

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The possibilities will now be endless

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Discovery Network #13 | Endangered Species

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

NOTES ON STEPS/STAMP WORK

Junior Leader Signature __________________________

date approved my stamp on __________________________.

___________________________ Grange #_______)

DISC O

NET W

ENDANGERED Species

Discovery Network #13

ENDANGERED SPECIES

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion, Junior Grangers will be able to • define the term “endangered species” • identify at least one endangered mammal, plant/tree and anthropod • explain ways in which people are working to help these species • list career paths related to this work • discuss the Grange’s interest in conservation and stewardship and how that can relate to issues/challenges like endangered species • recite a passage from a Grange manual

LEARNING OBJECTIVES The purpose of this passport is to educate Junior Grangers about their world and acknowledge human responsibility in conservation and stewardship.

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

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

AUDIENCE

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

RY VE K

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

of _____________________ Junior Grange #______,

name My Junior Leader, ______________________________,

date I completed this passport on _____________________.

STAMP CERTIFICATION

OR

Step 1 Define endangered species: ________________________ ____________________________________________________ Step 2 Complete Junior Grange Endangered Species worksheet

Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 3 Research a plant or tree on the endangered species list

Plant/tree: __________________________________ Step 4 Research an anthropod on the endangered species list Antropod: ___________________________________

Step 5 Research a mammal on the endangered species list

Mammal: ___________________________________ Step 4 Create a brochure about one of the endangered species you researched with information you found including what is being done or what people can do to help the species and pass it out to your Junior Grange

Date Completed: __________________________

___Plant/tree ___Anthropod ___Mammal

Discovery Network #13 | Endangered Species

Step 6 Create a poster board display about a different endangered species you researched with information you found and what people can do about it, and have it displayed at your local Grange or any other public area or use it as a school project

Date Completed: __________________________

___Plant/tree ___Anthropod ___Mammal 2

Step 7 Give an oral presentation on the final endangered species you researched to your Junior or Subordinate Grange or in school or another public setting

Date Completed: __________________________

___Plant/tree ___Anthropod ___Mammal

Step 8 Visit a zoo, aquarium, national park or other location to see endangered or unique animals; take pictures of different species while visiting and submit your favorite/best into a local, State or National photography contest

Step 9 Send a Thank You card to a wildlife ranger at: Ranger c/o World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, DC 20037. (Make sure to mention you’re a Junior Granger!)

Date Completed: __________________________

Name of Career: _________________________

Step 10 Research a wildlife protection career and present information about it (oral or written) to your Junior Grange or another group of young people Date Completed: ________________________

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Text & page: ______________________________

Step 11 Identify and recite one passage from a Junior Grange or Subordinate Grange manual that has to do with conservation, stewardship or husbandry that you think has application to this passport

Date Completed: _________________________

Discovery Network #13 | Endangered Species

W K

DISC O

NET

OR

Junior Grange Endangered Species Worksheet

RY VE

Associated with Discovery Network Passport #13

While there have been several amendments to the original law, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that stands today was originally signed into law in what year? _______________

Name the three levels of “threatened” species.

______________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

There are two federal agencies that are considered “leads” in regards to endangered species. What are they? ________________________________________________ and __________________________________________________

List seven reasons why species become endangered: ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Identify one animal or plant that is now extinct. _________________________________________________

About how many endangered species are currently listed in your state? _____________________

What is the definition of a critical habitat? _______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are the maximum criminal penalties for violating the ESA? $_________________ in fines and _________________ in prison

RESOURCE: Use the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered Species Search Map to learn about species that are listed in your state/area: www.fws.gov/endangered/species/index.html

Junior Pen Pal Program

By Samantha Wilkins About 160 Juniors from across the country are now making connections. Through the Junior Grange Pen Pal program, introduced in the 2018 Junior Grange Program Guide, relationships far and wide are being built. As often as possible the department is making new partner pairings and is continually having new Juniors sign up.

“When the letter came in the mail,” Walter and Danielle Hartley said this their daughter, Nettie, “she was so excited. She jumped up and started working on her letter to her new Junior Grange friend in Virginia. The perfect pick-me-up to her week!!

Great timing!!”

It is great to see the Juniors making these connections and building these relationships - and I speak from personal experience.

When my children received their first letter, they jumped for joy, then asked a million questions about their pen pal. Admittedly, it has taken some coaxing to get the three Junior-aged boys to sit down and write their pen pals back, but their enthusiasm is great There have been a few Juniors that have missed the connection with their pen pals, but work is being done to encouraged their partners to start writing. There has even been a Facebook group created to connect parents of the young pen pals and provide them creative ideas on how to write their pen pal, answer questions, or share stories. Some parents have used

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this as a learning opportunity for their Junior, they’ve taken extra steps to learn about the state and towns that their partner is from and even made a meal that was native to their state or cultures in their communities.

The purpose in the development of the Pen Pal Program is to help engage those feelings of yesteryear and rebuild the importance of creating and receiving a handwritten letter. The benefits that the Juniors will receive from this program are countless. Yes, there are relationships being built. Yes, they are working on handwriting/penmanship skills. Yes, they are learning how to properly address an envelope and while doing these things they are also developing their senses, stimulating their brains, developing conversation, integrating visual, cognitive, and motor skills for all ages of Juniors. The significance of the Pen Pal Program will even go beyond those skill sets as they create conversations with their peers.

Along with the physical and mental attributes that the Pen Pal Program will bring, they will redefine the importance of our Postal System. It really wasn’t that long ago that the Grange was fighting for the right to free rural delivery, so why not support the very thing our organization worked so hard for? Let’s recreate and reinforce this tradition.

Here is a challenge: Each Granger that knows a Junior should share the news of the Pen Pal Program. Let us teach our Juniors to learn about and cherish the arrival of a letter by mail.

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“ROCKIN’ THE GRANGE” JUNIOR GRANGE T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER! SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF THE GRANGE

Colorfully cool, this groovy tie-dyed 5.4-oz. 100% cotton t-shirt wiht “Rockin’ the Grange” design printed on the back is a sure fire way to stand out from the crowd.

Please allow for slight color variation of the tie dyed design as all shirts will be exact.

Youth Sizes: Small-XL - $12 each.

Adults Sizes: Small-X - $20 each. 2XL - $22, 3XL - $23, 4XL - $24 To order, call 800.868.2330, email sales@monroeclassic.com or visit promoplace.com/grange OR USE THE BULK ORDER FORM ON THE NEXT PAGE!

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You’ve got to

Network to get work

By Grace Boatright Director of Engagement, Unfold There’s a saying in the world of business: you’ve gotta network to get work. For many folks, this expression is spot on and networking is a frequent must if you’re going to further your career or even just maintain the status quo.

However, for some ‘networking’ is a four-letter word and something they dread more than filing taxes.

To those people I say, ‘I hear you and I’m here to help.’ Walking into a room full of strangers and striking up a conversation with someone isn’t always easy and isn’t something that everyone, especially introverts, are going to enjoy.

Nonetheless, with a little guidance and practice, anyone can become a master networker and ditch those instant feelings of dread the next time you receive a “Please Join Us” email invitation at work.

Nine Tips for Networking Success 1. Prep ahead of time. Not everyone is good on the spot; some need a little time to prep and there’s nothing wrong with that. Do your homework and come up with some questions and icebreakers ahead of time. If you happen to receive a guest list in advance then run people’s names through LinkedIn and strategize accordingly.

2. No more being fashionably late. This is where I have to drop the old mom line: ‘do as I say and not as I do.’ Nobody is more guilty of this than me but the fact is that being fashionably late, while still fashionable, isn’t very productive. In fact, it’s counter-productive. Half way

Photo by Garrhet Sampson on Unsplash into a networking function, groups have usually formed and people are deeper into their conversations – making it harder for you to break into one. Fight the overwhelming urge to be late and instead arrive on time or even early.

3. Set goals but be realistic. One of the reasons many people hate networking is because they don’t feel it’s always worth the effort. You might leave some functions having not met a single relevant contact. This is where setting a goal can help. Decide ahead of time that you’re going to meet at least two new people. Two or three is far more realistic than ten and will help you stay focused going into a function, as you now have a clear objective instead of just roaming around the room aimlessly.

4. You’re not there to eat or drink – so don’t. You’ve seen it; I’ve seen it;

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we’ve all seen it. Somebody, usually a younger, intern-level individual, shows up at a professional networking function ready to party. Unfortunately, networking functions aren’t usually meant to be parties. Sure, there’s food and alcohol but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to partake.

Eating usually takes away from being able to talk and drinking alcohol can impair your judgment and cause you to speak too freely or out of turn. Stick to water or soda at the actual function and save the booze and munchies for afterwards.

5. Chill out and relax a little. I know this seems contradictory to my last piece of advice but I mean it – try to relax and be yourself. Just because it’s a business function doesn’t mean you always have to be talking about business. Chances are this is an afterhours function and folks are ready to become people again. Come prepared

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to talk business but don’t be afraid to take the discussion into a fun and lighthearted direction like sports, kids, etc. People might be professionals but they’re still people too and connecting with folks on a human level is a sure way to turn a stranger into a friend.

6. There’s no shame in asking for help. Asking someone to make an introduction is perfectly acceptable – if not wise. You’re often attending these events at the invitation of someone else in attendance and so there’s no harm in asking that person to introduce you to some new people. In fact, it instantly puts you in a different light with the person to whom you’re being introduced because someone else is essentially vouching that you’re cool and worth his or her time.

7. You’ve gotta listen AND talk.

It’s no secret that most folks are

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usually better at one or the other.

Figure out which one you already excel at and then practice the other.

Talented networkers are those who can make others feel comfortable and acknowledged. Listen to what they’re saying, look at them when they’re talking, repeat their name at some point, and try to keep the subject on something you both know about. In the alternative, if someone seems shy and isn’t very chatty then pick up the conversational ball and run with it. Ask their name, what they do, if they’re familiar with the host, etc.

8. Don’t forget your business cards! The true beginning of most business relationships occurs with the exchanging of the business cards. Your business card is a representation of you and is most definitely part of your first impression in a business setting.

It’s a cheap, easy and professional way

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to get connected with someone and is the most basic marketing tool one can utilize - so stop forgetting them!

9. Follow up. One of the biggest networking faux pas doesn’t even occur at the networking function. It occurs much later when you have a good exchange with someone and then fail to follow up. Depending on the nature of the conversation, either send an email or a LinkedIn connection request. If this individual seems like someone you might actually do business with in the near future, then definitely send an email. If your interaction was likely just a pleasant exchange, then send a LinkedIn connection request. I keep a prewritten email template for follow-ups in my draft folder to make it easier and then tailor it to the specific contact.

Try to follow up within 48 hours but no longer than one week.

on the road

Links to the

Founder

By Christine Hamp National Lecturer

Road trip?

Road trip!

Those of you who know me know I love road trips.

My husband Duane and I have walked, hiked, biked and kayaked. We have zip-lined, snorkeled, scuba-dived and skydived (just me). We have ridden on or in 2-wheel motorcycles, 3-wheel Spyders, 4-wheel vehicles, 6-wheel RVs, planes, trains, ferries, cruise ships, pleasure boats and fishing boats.

We have made it to all 50 states. We hope to make it to all of them again as there is still so much to see and do!

Regardless of who we are with, what we are hoping to do/ see, where we are going, when we go, why we are going or how we get there, I have a list – usually neatly arranged in a binder – of quirky, local, unique things to find and see and do.

These make traveling fun, informative and often teach history and local customs. Many times they just make us smile and laugh. These stops give us memories of trips that otherwise might not be memorable and provide us with photos different from everyone else.

This is a perfect introduction to something I hope will continue as a reoccurring column here about making the most of the time you got – and smelling the oddest roses when out and about for your getaways.

Humbly, I am proud to begin with a trip that allowed us to check off our final three states – Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana – on our U.S. list and that took us to a destination for a Grange geek like me.

In early February, prior to setting sail for a Caribbean adventure with several of our Grange Brothers and Sisters, we road tripped from Atlanta to Galveston – setting Carrabelle,

H

Florida, as the mecca locale for this particular journey.

I had also identified several stops that fall in the quirky and unique categories – including giant chickens in an El Camino in Alabama. Really!

Carrabelle was the first major stop after a short swing by the wall Hank Aaron’s 715th homerun sailed over only a few miles from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Situated on the Florida panhandle right along the Gulf of Mexico, Carrabelle has the distinction of being founded by none other than Oliver Hudson Kelley and named for his beloved niece, and honorary eighth founder of the Grange, Caroline “Carrie” Arabelle Hall. Hall herself served as the town’s first postmaster.

Like many other towns, this one has a past dotted with many interesting facts, not the least of which was that it became internationally known as a lumber town and in smaller circles for bootlegging as it shipped copious amounts of turpentine distilled from pine sap.

A look at the town’s development was published in the Pensacola Daily News on Feb. 14, 1890 - just a week over 128 years from the time we traversed the charming southern town Kelley had founded. In it, we learned Kelley “was selected for his pluck, energy, and superior business qualities, having received a world-wide reputation as the originator and secretary of the National Grange, which was organized in Minnesota.”

The article goes on to say, “The history of Carrabelle contains no airy tales, and is made up only from simple facts.

The twelve years’ labor of one man, so to speak, who isolated himself from the world of commerce and social surroundings for no other purpose than bettering the condition of his fellow-

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Photos by Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios ABOVE: We were welcomed to Carrabelle on a beautiful sunny day in February and knew right where to go to learn more about Oliver Hudson Kelley’s involvement with the town: the historical museum.

BELOW: The Carrabelle Inn was not, in fact, Father Kelley’s home, but is one of the oldest structures in the town and operates as a bed and breakfast on a plat once owned by a Kelley family member.

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man; for developing the resources of a beautiful country between the gulf and Tallahassee; for opening to and showing the world the unlimited wealth of the waters of the bay; the billions and billions of feet of timber to be taken almost for the asking; and that are standing as nature placed them in the original forests on the many rivers tributary to the bay; and for publishing the truth – that Carrabelle is the nearest gulf port to New York and Cincinnati, and is admirably located for serving the purposes of a direct trade with the South and Central American states.”

While the newspaper history provided background, it was time to find evidence of Father Kelley, and the local Carrabelle historical museum seemed a good place to start. In it we came across a quote by our shared founder, but nothing more, a pity that may have dissuaded others but just served as fuel to fire our quest.

We left the museum and headed to find another piece of the puzzle.

We knew that Kelley served for many years as the town’s first mayor and

had anecdotal evidence that the Carrabelle Inn, which still stands as a bed and breakfast today, had in fact been Kelley’s residence.

We arrived at the Carrabelle Inn and were able to speak with the Inn’s owner/operator. As he discussed the house’s history, it became apparent that the Inn could not have been Kelley’s residence. Carrabelle had been completely devastated by an 1899 hurricane, meaning wherever Kelley had called home was part of the ruins, lost to time.

Oh well, not wanting to stop with our myth-busting find, we set out to find the original plat map of the town and headed for the Franklin County Courthouse in Apalachicola. While we did not find Father Kelley’s name directly listed on any documents, we did find the original plat map that included the Kelley surname as having held the original stake in the sections of what are now the modern town. However, there were lots of Kelleys with a stake in the town.

The 1890 article tells us “The owners of the property upon which Carrabelle is situated, including about 20,000 acres of land, beautifully laid out in town lots, are Benj. L. Curtis, Caroline A. Hall, Julia W. Kelley, Fannie L. Kelley, Grace H. Kelley and Garsphelia Kelley.”

While we didn’t come by anything so grandiose pointing directly to Kelley or our link as Grangers to yet another thing he built, the continued prosperity of the humble little town of Carrabelle may be honor enough.

It was a great day on the Florida panhandle, but soon enough it was time to hit the road again and put into the camera roll some other great and wacky finds. Maybe someday you will take the journey.

Besides Carrabelle, we’ve included information on a few other nearby sites you may enjoy!

Photo by Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios National Grange Lecturer Christine Hamp looks through a plat book for Carrabelle at the Frederick County Courthouse in early February 2018. A large

residential area with hundreds of smaller parcels is called the Kelley Plat. The

southern side is bordered by a railroad right of way labeled “not in use,” and the St. George Sound.

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Go...

if you

EL CAMINO CHICKENS Irvington, AL These two chickens and the El Camino can be found at a gas station a couple miles east of town

GIANT ROLLER SKATE Pensacola, FL The wheels on this giant roller skate actually roll, the laces are made of fire hose and it participates in local parades

GIANT PEANUT SILO MURAL Colquitt, GA The largest mural in the U.S., painted on working peanut silos, pays tribute to the agriculture of Georgia

BOTTLE HOUSE AND

BOTTLE LIGHTHOUSE Carrabelle, FL

ATHLETES MADE OF JUNK

Built by a guy who just woke up one day and said he wanted to build a bottle house

Daphne, AL Athlete sculptures, each depicting a different sport and expressing the dramatic positions of human flexibility, are permanently displayed on the grounds of the United States Sports Academy

TABASCO FACTORY Avery Island, LA Giant bottles of tabasco sauce in the McIlhenny Company factory located on the same site that it was invented in 1868

HANK AARON’S HOME RUN WALL Atlanta, GA The section of outfield fence from old Atlanta Fulton County Stadium that the home run hit by Hank Aaron flew over to break Babe Ruth’s career home run record now stands in a parking lot

NASA SCENIC BYWAY TO SPACE John C. Stennis Space Center Buffer Zone, MS The only one of its kind in the country

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DIY:

String Art

By Ellen Wadsworth Pennsylvania State Grange Youth Director

Materials

String art is a really simple DIY project for almost any age and the end result is a trendy piece of decor to hang on your wall, set on your desk or gift!

There are many choices for string art patterns online, but many of our youth created their own patterns. Some chose favorite logos or animals or even the Grange logo to use. If possible have two copies of your pattern, one for under the nails and one to refer to.

1

2

Choose a pattern and gather

• A piece of wood planking approximately 8” x 10” • A pattern of your choice (preferably two copies) • A box of 1” linoleum nails • An assortment of embroidery thread in your choice of colors • A hammer • A needle-nosed pliers • A scissors

Tape your pattern to the

all of your materials.

piece of wood.

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3 Hammer nails through the pattern into the wood, following around the border and around any detail in the pattern. Nails should be about ¼ - ½ inches apart. The needle-nosed pliers will come in handy to hold on to those nails while hammering.

4 This is the easiest point to remove the paper pattern from the wood, before starting with the string.

Note

5 To start stringing, tie a knot around one of the nails and then proceed to outline the project by wrapping the string once around each nail. After outlining then start stringing across the pattern, either randomly or methodically. When finished with that color, tie a knot around one of the nails and begin with another color if needed. Don’t pull the string too tight or the nails will begin to lean in. Trim the ends with scissors and tuck into the pattern.

There are many ways you can personalize your project: Try adding black felt or even a recycled t-shirt over the piece of wood for a different background look.

Use driftwood or reclaimed barn wood for a more natural look. Experiment with yarn or different weights of thread and different colors or all one color.

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Peas please

ReciBy Elizabeth Hiner

Legumes are plants that bear fruit in the form of pods enclosing the fleshy seeds we know as beans. Peas are one of the few members of the legume family that are commonly sold and cooked as fresh vegetables. Sweet, delicious green peas, known as garden peas, snow peas or snap peas, are one of the ancient cultivated vegetables grown for their delicious, nutritious green seeds.

Peas are thought to have originated in the sub-Himalayan plains of northwest India, but are obscured in history. They have been found in excavations around the world, in Switzerland dating back to the Bronze Age and in the tombs at Thebes in Egypt. Peas were popular in ancient Greece and Rome. The pea is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world. The word for “peas” is a derivation of the Latin word ‘pisum’ and the Anglo-Saxon words ‘pise’ or ‘pease’ from nursery rhyme verse: pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold.

Peas were originally grown and used for their dry seeds; for centuries the population thought ‘green’ peas were poisonous.

Fresh peas are not mentioned in history until after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, and by the end of the sixteenth century peas were being perfected in England, Germany and Belgium. In the New World, Captain Gosnold planted peas on Cuttyhunk Island, according to the Mayflower Colony logbook. He produced a respectable harvest. Captain John Smith even wrote about the abundant crop of peas that the Jamestown colonists enjoyed in 1614. To this day peas are a favorite vegetable.

Today, this versatile legume is one of the major commercial crops grown all over the world

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Types of Peas There are three varieties of peas; the Garden peas that have an inedible pod, Snow Peas that have a flat sweet edible pod and Snap Peas that can be eaten in or out of the pod.

Garden Peas Garden Peas are the traditional variety of peas. As the pod is inedible, peas must be removed from pods before eating. There are several varieties of this type of pea, which tend to be moderatelysweet to sweet. The plants range in height from 20 inches to four feet and their growing time ranges from 60 to 75 days.

Spring is a very prolific producer with many pods per plant averaging six to seven peas each.

Survivor is an almost leafless plant with very stringy vines clinging closely together. Each pod will average eight peas.

Thomas Laxton has very plump peas and pods reaching an average of four inches long with up to nine large peas.

Wando is one of the most popular as it tolerates warm and cold weather. Its dark green pod produces an average of seven to eight medium sized peas. These plants and the peas are good for freezing or drying.

Garden Sweet is an extra sweet pea. This pea is one of the best tasting of the garden pea variety. Each pod averages nine to ten peas.

Mr. Big is a prize-winning variety and has large dark green pods that average nine to ten extra-large peas. These plants reach four feet tall.

Early Perfection features crescent-shaped pods that average eight to nine tender peas that are medium-sized and sweet.

This variety is drought resistant and is a prolific producer.

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Maestro is a prolific producer of dark green pods with each pod averaging ten to eleven medium-sized peas. The Maestro is a good choice for a fall crop.

Lincoln has good heat tolerance, a good choice for warmer climates. Each pod averages seven to eight large tender peas.

This pea freezes well.

Little Marvel features plants that have pods containing seven to eight medium-sized peas.

Misty Shell has pods averaging three inches long on short plants reaching only about twenty inches tall. These plants are disease resistant. This plant is considered high yield with each pod producing seven to eight peas.

Snow Peas Otherwise known as sugar peas, snow peas feature flat pods that are sweet and edible.

The peas are very tiny and can be eaten in the pods cooked or raw. They are traditional in stirfry recipes. The plants range in height from 18 inches to five feet tall and produce in 60 to 75 days.

The flavor ranges from sweet to moderately sweet.

Snowbird is a short plant at 18 inches and a prolific producer.

Gray Sugar is also a short plant at 18 inches and is a traditional snow pea with tender pods.

Sugar Daddy is a variety of peas features vines that reach two feet tall and have good disease resistance. Pods are sweet and tender.

Oregon Sugar Pods is a prolific producer, disease resistant, and are very sweet and tender.

Mammoth Melting Sugar is an heirloom variety, which bears huge pods averaging five to five and a half inches long. The pods are thick and hold up very well to longer cooking methods and have a sweet flavor.

Oregon Sugar Pod #2 is a prolific producer with good disease resistance, and produces usually two pods per group.

They are very sweet and tender.

Avalanche is a snow pea variety that produces huge dark green pods reaching 6� long that are sweet and tender. This plant is disease resistant and a prolific producer.

Snap Peas Snap Peas are a variety of peas that have an edible pod and tend to be very sweet and can be eaten raw or cooked.

The pods are generally plump and rounded and are ready to harvest in 55 to 65 days from plants that range in height from two to six feet tall.

Sugar Bon is a very sweet pod and pea and is disease resistant.

Sugar Snap a prize-winning variety features a very sweet, classic snap pea and is a prolific producer.

Super Snappy available only from the Burpee Seed

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Company has very large pods. The peas are extra sweet and crisp, with each pod averaging nine peas. These plants have some disease resistance.

Super Sugar Snap VP is a pea variety sweeter than the original sugar snap variety. It is a prolific producer and very disease resistant.

Sugar Ann peas are very sweet and crisp and the plants are disease resistant. The pods average seven peas each.

Production Growing approximately three million tons of peas per year, Canada is currently the largest world producer and exporter of peas. France, China, Russia, and India are also large-scale producers of this legume.

Despite being a large-scale producer of peas, India is also the world’s largest importer of this food due to its great popularity in that country. There are small farm growers in the southern half of the United States.

Threats and pests Aphids are the major pests for peas. They are easily controlled; simply spray the plants with cold water to knock the bugs off. If heavily infestation occurs, use an insecticidal soap spray, rotenone, or pyrethrum. If you have not planted disease resistant plant varieties, get this under control as soon as they are noticed. Another way to keep the pests at bay is companion planting, such as planting Chives, Coriander or Nasturtium, which attract bugs that feed on aphids.

A powdery mildew is the most common disease to a pea crop, striking as the weather warms up. The other diseases that cause problems are pea enation mosaic virus (aphids), fusarium wilt, pea leaf roll virus and root rot. The two key ways to keep diseases at bay are disease resistant plants and crop rotation.

Conclusion Peas are quick growing annual vine which requires the trellis to support its growth. It flourishes in well-drained, sandy soil supplemented with adequate moisture and cold weather conditions. Short-stalked, green pods appear by late winter or early spring. In general, the pods should be harvested while just short of reaching maturity, at the point when their peas are green, soft, sweet and edible raw. Allowing the pods to mature further would turn the peas dry, their color to a light green to yellow. The peas would be less sweet and bitter to taste.

Green peas are one of the most nutritious leguminous vegetables rich in health promoting phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Peas can help with blood sugar regulation, heart health and protection against stomach cancer.

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Irio

African Sweet Potato with Peas & Corn

3 pounds sweet potatoes 3 Tablespoons butter or canola oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic ½ cup diced onions

corn ½ or more cup blanched peas ¼ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

Preheat the oven to

skillet, sweat onions,

400°. Clean and dry the

then add garlic, salt,

sweet potatoes, poke

paprika, and hot sauce,

holes into the sweet

let it simmer for about a

potatoes, place in the

minute.

microwave and cook for

Add

about 4 minutes.

Photo Courtesey of Immaculate Bites

¾ or more cup blanched

then

the mash

potatoes with

potato masher or put

it the oven to roast for

it through a ricer. Stir

about 20 minutes or

in the corn, peas and

until they are cooked

parsley. Adjust for salt

through.

and pepper.

Add two tablespoons

Serve warm.

of oil or butter to a

Look past the seeds to the

shoots

It’s always fun to find ways to make your food

stretch and blow away your family or guests with your creativity and great tasting food.

This is easy with peas, whose shoots are often overlooked. Pea shoots - the thin vine-like shoots and small leaves - are edible and wonderully sweet. Consider adding them directly to salad or as a garnish. They can even be used in stir-fry or for pasta dishes.

On butterfly peas, the flower can be used to help create colorful drinks like lemonade.

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a

Wrap it up and place

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Bow Tie Bacon & Spring Pea Pasta 8 ounces dried Farfalle (bow tie pasta)

Cook pasta according to

Add

onion

and

carrot

2 tablespoons olive oil

package directions, omitting

to drippings in pan; cook 5

1 cup thick-sliced (lean Bacon, chopped)

salt

and

fat.

Drain

pasta,

minutes. Add stock; bring to a

½ cup fresh garlic (peeled and minced)

reserving

1/4

cup

cooking

boil. Add peas; cook 2 minutes.

1 cup green peas (frozen, thawed)

liquid; set aside.

Remove pan from heat; stir

1/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus extra

Heat a large nonstick skillet

for sprinkling; you may substitute instead with 1/2

over medium-high heat. Add

liquid,

bacon; cook 4 minutes, stirring

pepper, and parmesan cheese.

frequently. Remove bacon with

Add pasta to pan; toss to coat.

a slotted spoon.

Serve immediately.

cup cream cheese) 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley (small, leaves only)

in reserved 1/4 cup cooking bacon,

thyme,

salt,

Master Recipe

From the kitchen of Betsy E. Huber

Fresh & Simple Pea Soup 2 cups fresh, shelled peas

½ teaspoon salt

2 Tablespoons butter

¼ teaspoon pepper

2 Tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

Cook peas until tender. Smash with a little of the cooking water in blender or food processor. Melt butter in saucepan, blend in flour, salt and pepper. Slowly add milk and heat until thickened.

Add smashed peas, re-heat, season to taste.

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Membership Matters Monthly Zoom Meetings Through Zoom teleconferencing, join National Grange President Betsy E. Huber and select staff, officers and other guests on the third Tuesday of each month in 2018 to talk about membership issues and share your successes, ask questions and focus on what it means to be a Grange and a Granger in our 150th year.

Zoom is available for your connected device or landline telephone.

Download the app at zoom.us or call in to participate.

Go to tiny.cc/1867 or call (669) 900-6833.

Use meeting ID 279 165 699 to log in.

The Future is Bright with Juniors

By Our Side

Tuesday, May 15 @ 8:30 p.m. Eastern Hosted by National Junior Grange Director Samantha Wilkins Wilkins will discuss the Junior Grange program and the

Junior 1+ program. For Granges struggling to see their own future, but wishing to encourage a new generation of

members, this is an important topic. Every Grange member can be a part of growing the Grange from the youngest of

members, so please plan to join us for this meeting, especially members from Granges who answered that they do not have

Junior members so you can learn more about the program and how to attract Juniors and young families.

Reaping the Reward of Seeds already Sown

Tuesday, June 19 @ 8:30 p.m. Eastern Hosted by National Grange President Betsy E. Huber and National Grange Sales, Programs, Benefits & Membership Recognition Director Loretta Washington Washington will talk about how Granges can start or

bolster their relationships with local 4-H, FFA, Boy Scouts,

Girl Scouts, NJHA chapters and other youth leadership

and agricultural groups. These young people are already

primed with values and concerns important to Granges and should easily see where their current service can help

Know Your Mission

Tuesday, July 17 @ 8:30 p.m. Eastern Hosted by National Grange Lecturer Christine Hamp Hamp will join us to discuss mission statements for local

Granges and how they can help focus a Grange and ignite

new fires. This is great for all Granges who have not yet adopted a mission statement or who do not have a fairly defined identity and outreach strategy.

Meeting as a Grange

Tuesday, August 21 @ 8:30 p.m. Eastern Hosted by National Grange President Betsy E. Huber and National Grange Communications & Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios Huber and Brozana Rios will talk about ways to identify

public spaces for meetings in your community and other

options that may make new members feel welcome and allow you to hold Grange meetings in a fashion more like that in

our manual. If you said you currently meet in a restaurant or a members’ home, this is a great meeting to attend.

TARGETTED CONVERSATIONS Don’t forget to fill out your Grange Health Survey (available at tiny.cc/GrangeHealth) to prepare for these conversations and know what conferences may be most important for your local Grange.

a Grange and where they could fit into a Grange in their

If you have suggestions for other Zoom conferences

organization. For those who answered they have no

Communications & Development Director Amanda

community long after they've "aged out" of their youth interaction with such groups, this is an important meeting to put on your calendar.

about membership or other issues, please contact

Brozana Rios at communications@nationalgrange.org.

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THE LAST Word

By Britteny Oliver President, Moses Lake Grange # 1151, Washington By the time you read this, Moses Lake Grange #1151, Washington, will be celebrating our first anniversary as a Grange.

But in mid-April, the Washington State Grange blessed us with the best early birthday present a new Grange could ever ask for: A GRANGE HALL! O’Sullivan Grange, once a staple in our community, had been closed for many years, and its hall sat vacant.

Yet the Grange spirit in the community persisted - it was just in a circle previously untouched by the local Grange.

This is an important entry point into the origin story of Moses Lake and a look at how the Grange can thrive anew and fill buildings with life again if given the chance.

So, let’s back up to fully understand how this active new Grange came to be.

I moved to Moses Lake in January of 2015. Fresh out of college with a Civil Engineering degree, a new job, and no connections in the area, I was excited to begin my new life chapter. I had recently been elected as the Washington State Grange Ceres, and was excited to be moving to a new part of the state.

Like any good Granger would do when moving to a new town, I looked up the local Granges in an attempt to get involved in my new community.

Having grown up in the Grange, I could not imagine living somewhere not being

involved at the local level.

As history tells us, Grange is no stranger in Grant County. In fact, Grange was once a significantly positive and influential force.

Contributing to things such as the push for the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam, the creation of the Grant County Public Utility District - which still has some of the cheapest electric power in the world - and privately funding and constructing the first building with public bathrooms on the Grant County Fairgrounds, Grange was at one time synonymous with great social good in Grant County.

Over the course of the next six months, I attempted to reach out countless times to the only two Granges in the county. Every time I called, however, I was met with cold shoulders and conveniently, I had “just missed the meeting.”

Initially I could not understand why these Granges were unwilling to take in new membership. Then I started to think about it.

These Granges have worked hard and served their communities for over 60 years.

Maybe the members just didn’t have the desire to take on active new members with different experiences and fresh ideas. I decided that whatever the case may be, it shouldn’t prevent others from joining and experiencing all that the Grange has to offer.

If only they could have seen the potential, because I knew we could have

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co-existed and worked side-by-side to help serve our community.

After a year or so of living in Moses Lake, I began to make connections in the area. I had a good group of friends and an amazing boyfriend with roots in the community. However, one thing was still missing: the Grange.

With all of the rich history of Grange in the area, we recognized the importance of continuing the Grange legacy in an area that has seen a significant decline in Grange activity and involvement over the last few decades.

I talked with several other Grangers across the State of Washington about my desire to be a part of a local Grange in my area. I was encouraged by Washington State Grange Master Tom Gwin and fellow

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Submitted Photo Washington State Grange President Tom Gwin, left, presented Moses Lake Grange’s charter to Britteny Oliver, middle and Helen Burg, charter members, at the State Session in June 2017. state Grange leaders, to just go out and charter a brand new Grange to serve my community. With the support of my friends and the state Grange leaders, we set out to do just that.

As we searched for enough members to sign charter documents, the issue of having no set meeting location was at the forefront of our minds. When you’re meeting at each other homes, it is really difficult to convince strangers to join you. And, don’t even get me started on trying to find affordable locations to host events in our community.

Moses Lake and the surrounding area have a shortage of affordable places for community events and nonprofit organizations.

Still, that didn’t stop us. On May 30, 2017, Moses Lake Grange was officially born - albeit in a state of homelessness.

Demographically, we look very different than many other Granges. The average age of our membership is early 30s, though our membership as a whole ranges from 14 to 70+. We have even gained a few new members, mostly those who grew up in the Grange, but after relocating to Moses Lake, similiarly had found no Grange where they felt welcomed or were seen fit to join.

As a young Grange with no reserved space and no money in the bank, it was really difficult to talk to other experienced Grangers about ideas for events and fundraising. Every Granger had all these great ideas that were revolving around having a hall or place to host events, that we simply did not have.

We did what we could though and that spirit of creativity and perseverance is a cornerstone of our identity.

In our first year, we participated in a variety of activities. In August we put a booth in the Grant County Fair, which had not

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seen a Grange presence in at least 15 years. In October, we entered and won our category in the City’s Create a Scarecrow Contest. In December, we had a successful family-filled Christmas party. In early March, we held a BINGO fundraiser, making close to $500.

Currently, we are planning a community BBQ potluck to be held mid-May, and we’re formulating the design for our seed display booth at the county fair this August.

All of this came while we still struggled to feel like a true Grange because we lacked a facility to truly support our own programming and our community’s needs.

So you can imagine how excited we were to find out that the Washington State Grange has provided to us the former O’Sullivan Grange Hall to to manage and use transition to becoming financially strong enough to locally maintain the property.

With access to a Grange Hall, a whole new series of opportunities have opened up for the Moses Lake Grange. We can now begin holding meetings in full form instead of around a table. We can now plan community events and fundraisers without spending time and money researching and reserving a space.

Where some might see the responsibilities with running a Grange Hall as a burden, the members of Moses Lake Grange #1151 see an exciting world of endless possibilities. Grange Halls are known as centers of community activity and that is exactly the history we are striving to continue.

You might be asking yourself, “How did they just end up with a Grange Hall?” For that answer we have to go back even further nearly a decade before I was born.

In 1956, the O’Sullivan Grange received its Grange charter.

The Grange Hall was built and paid for by local members of the O’Sullivan Grange. But, according to court documents of a case known as National Grange v. O’Sullivan Grange, that in 1983 reached the Washington State Supreme Court, “by November 13, 1979, interest and participation in O’Sullivan declined and on that date the members adopted a motion to dissolve. From December to February, the members met to organize ‘O’Sullivan Community Center’ which would take title to and maintain Grange assets, including the Grange hall.”

When the Washington State Grange learned of the transfer of the deed, they worked with the National Grange to file suit, saying that they believed the hall was more than just a building and some land, but instead a community space built to not only serve the community, but carry out the mission and goodwill of the Grange.

The court ruled that the transfer of property and assets was unlawful and ordered it be returned to the ownership of the Grange.

“In the very nature of things the membership in [a] fraternal benefit organization is ever shifting and changing... Local [Granges] come into being, not as independent organizations existing solely for the benefit of their members, but as constituents of the larger organization… organized for specific purposes, most of which can be accomplished only through subordinate bodies... They come into being to aid in the accomplishment of these purposes and then

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some of them pass away like their members before them. What is to become of their property?… The property so acquired by the local [Grange] becomes impressed with the group purpose of a fraternal benefit society…Upon demise of [the Grange] the way to keep it so impressed is certainly not by deeding it to the surviving members to enjoy according to their individual desires, but can be achieved only by giving it to the central state organization… for disposition in accordance with its rules and the general law governing it.”

The Grange remained chartered after the decision and the Hall remained their home. Then, a few months ago, after 62 years of serving their community, the few existing active members of the O’Sullivan Grange were simply ready to hang their hats and retire from the responsibilities that come with managing a Grange Hall. They voted to close and transfer their property and assets over to the Washington State Grange.

Today, the members of Moses Lake Grange #1151 are living proof as to why Grange halls need to be preserved.

When O’Sullivan Grange elected to close their doors, the Washington State

Submitted Photo Washington State Grange recently provided access to the former O’Sullivan

Grange Hall to the newly chartered Moses Lake Grange. O’Sullivan Hall has a storied history in the organization but had recently been vacated when the

O’Sullivan Grange turned in its charter after 62 years of service to the community.

Grange saw an opportunity to use a property that would have become a financial liability.

While we quickly work to develop a revenue stream to be able to care for the building and property on our own, the State Grange is allowing us a grace period to use and manage the facilities until they are confident in our financial health.

None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for our current Washington State

Grange

Leadership,

including

Gwin who saw our potential as a group

Submitted Photo Moses Lake Grange has been active in their community with events drawing people of all ages. They will be able to do even more now with a dedicated hall, President Brittney Oliver says.

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of mostly young adults; he saw that we were not just a random group of people trying to take over a property for our own benefit. He believes in the potential of our members and welcomes them into the organization. As a group, we strive to make a difference in our community, and by allowing us to use the hall, our goal has become more attainable. Instead of the State selling the Hall and land, the members of Moses Lake Grange #1151 will allow it to remain in place as a benefit of the community and place we can carry on the Grange legacy for years to come.

I hope this story can be of benefit to all of the State Granges across the country.

If there’s one message that you take away from all of this, please let it be the following: as you get Halls in your possession, or as Granges with Halls show signs of resignation and unwillingness to change, please don’t give up on those communities as a whole. Instead consider fostering and encouraging a new generation or group to grow and continue to serve their communities through the Grange. There is no reason for a hall to sit empty and rot away. I believe that every community, no matter how big or small, can reap the benefits from the teachings, activities, and legislative voice that the Grange offers.

There is no other organization on this planet like us. We need to start embracing our identity and show others exactly what it means to be a Granger.

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Grange Classifieds Congrats & Kudos New Deal Grange #447 is proud to recognize one of the nation’s newest Marines, PFC Justin Weller.

OORAH. Maryland State Grange congratulates New Deal Grange #447 President Annie Montes on her recent nuptials to Greg Reynolds on April 28 in Albuquerque, NM. Best wishes to them for a long and happy life together.

Congratulations to former National Grange Membership Director Joe Stefenoni. Joe successfully defended his Masters thesis at Oklahoma State University in April and will receive his degree this spring.

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Announcements

Fundraisers

The National Grange has leads on potential new Granges to be chartered in Travelers Rest, SC, and Hilo, Hawaii. If you know anyone there or in the surrounding communities who may be interested in joining the Grange, please contact us at membership@nationalgrange.org or call or text (301) 943-1090.

Maryland State Grange is selling Christmas ornaments as a fundraiser. Two colors available - blue and gold - each with the Grange logo.

Those interested in assisting with activities for Grange Revival are asked to email info@ grangerevival.com.

YOUR AD HERE. Contact Amanda Brozana Rios at communications@ nationalgrange.org or (301) 943-1090 (voice or text) to learn how you can put a classified ad in Good Day!™ starting at $1 per word!

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Florida State Grange is selling wooden Christmas ornaments shaped like the Grange emblem.

Cost is $3 each, plus shipping. Contact Barbara Borderieux at 941-729-8036 to purchase.

Victor Grange in Pennsylvania is selling 4 oz, candies in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and peanut butter flavor. $4 individual, $54 for a 18 piece case. Call Linda to order at 717-250-1480. Proceeds go to benefit Hall restoration.

Dairy Days

In honor of the men and women who labor every day to provide fresh, local dairy products for America’s diet and offer exceptional husbandry to the animals in their care; Who are facing a crisis in the dairy industry that not only threatens their employment and financial stability, but also the proud, multi-generation heritage often found with these farm families; Here we’ve provided a list of days set out to honor dairy already in the books (and a few other convenient days where dairy could easily be part), all excellent opportunities to tell your community the story of the dairy industry, its current pressures and how they - as consumers - can help by consuming more dairy in their diets.

And, just like mom said, milk is good for you! It gives us calcium, protein and vitamin D. Studies have also shown consumption of dairy products - specifically milk and yogurt, but also other dairy products like cheese and ice cream in moderation - can help lower blood pressure, stabilize weight or weight distribution in the body, and of course, increase bone density.

In the Fall issue of Good Day!™, we will include recipes with a good helping/focus on dairy. Submit your favorite dairy recipe to communications@nationalgrange.org along with a few photos of the dish or mail them to National Grange ATTN: Good Day!™ Recipes, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006.

JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH!

AUGUST IS FAMILY FUN MONTH!

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SUICIDE

PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH!*

4 - National Cheese Day

1 - Raspberry Cream Pie Day

7 - National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

2 - Ice Cream Sandwich Day

3 - Labor Day

18 - International Picnic Day

4 - National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

5 - Cheese Pizza Day

20 - Ice Cream Soda Day

12 -Chocolate Milk Shake Day

21 - First Day of Summer & National

Selfie Day (post your photo online

with #drinkmilk and #grange)

JULY IS NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH! 4 - Independence Day 7 - National Strawberry Sundae Day 15 - Cow Appreciation Day 17 - Peach Ice Cream Day 23 - Vanilla Ice Cream Day 29 - National Lasagna Day 30 - National Cheesecake Day

Photo by Tim Wright on Unsplash

(don’t forget the milk to dunk!)

18 - National Cheeseburger Day * U.S. farmers as a whole have a suicide rate that is twice as high as any other occupation, including vets, and five times higher than that of the general population, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

In mid-April, Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced a bill called FARMERS FIRST (that stands for Facilitating Accessible Resources for Mental health and Encouraging Rural Solutions For Immediate Response to Stressful Times) aimed at preventing farmer suicides, establishing help lines and suicide prevention training for farm advocates, an assistance network and help groups. It also would create a Farm and Ranch Stress Assessment Committee to better understand how agriculture workers’ mental health impacts rural development and provides recommendation for addressing mental health care needs within the agriculture community.