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Good DAY!

A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 3, Issue 1 l Spring 2019

Heroism built

into DNA of Grange Service, lecturersâ€™ programs, and more all improve lives and communities

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ONLY THE BEST FOR GRANGE MEMBERS

Quality, affordable, Medicare programs, Retirement planning tools, Lifetime income plans, more! We’re American Senior Benefits (ASB) a nationwide insurance and financial services marketing company specializing in serving Social Security-eligible Americans. 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. Get more information, free, without any obligation.

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Good DAY! 9

NATIONAL NEWS & VIEWS

National President touts Grange’s legislative focus for personal growth, organization’s relevance Capes help connect Grange Month concept quickly for those unfamiliar with Order State Masters get a lot accomplished at annual conference; new mission unveiled Familiar face added to D.C. office staff Grange Radio goes off the air as of April 1 Legacy member from New Jersey comes to Grange HQ as intern

MEMBERSHIP NEWS, TOOLS & RECOGNITION

Granges celebrating milestone anniversaries Mentorship a major component in happiness for new members Pennsylvania State Grange President takes tumble; scare prompts safety focus TOOL: Grange Hall Safety Checklist

GRANGE FOUNDATION

Planned Giving campaign launched; brochure provided Quilt raffle tickets for sale; proceeds benefit Foundation’s outreach

STATE & LOCAL GRANGE NEWS

™

GRANGE YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

Connecticut Grange hosts National FFA President for dinner

Director puts on hold one program, hopes to see many submissions to another

After inspection, Washington Grange calls on community to assist with upgrades

Great Plains Regional conference attendees may enjoy additional sites when traveling

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

Legislation to allow imported drugs could have patients playing Russian roulette with health Farm Bill grew out of New Deal; has lots more than farm interests as part of package

PERSPECTIVE: Heroics in Everyday Acts

Granges display heroism in a multitude of ways. From Virginia to Washington, Kansas to California, read how members are making a difference.

JUNIOR GRANGE

IRA may be right option for young workers

HOBBIES

2019 quilt block contest information clarified

FOOD NEWS & RECIPES

Spinach provides great health benefits, excellent option for home gardener Master’s Recipe: Creamed Spinach

L W

LAST WORD

Opioid expert talks about ways everyone can be part of solution to crisis

CLASSIFIEDS

JUNIOR SUBMISSION: Heroism can be found all over and within

Fundraising items, member kudos and more

PASSPORT: Exploring Minnesota

Victor Grange offers 4 oz. chocolates in four flavors in shape of seven-sided emblem

Good Day! Magazine is a quarterly publication of the National Grange. located at 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006. All comments and questions can be directed to communications@nationalgrange.org

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

www.nationalgrange.org

WHAT’S THE GRANGE? The National Grange was founded as a fraternal organization for farm families in 1867 – opening its doors to men and women equally from the start. From rural free delivery of mail to the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, Grangers have influenced so many aspects of American life and culture. Today we continue to advocate for rural Americans and those interested in all areas of agriculture – including those who just like to eat – and our local Granges provide millions of dollars and hours of service to their neighbors annually. Each Grange operates as a grassroots unit, taking on projects most appropriate for their communities and advocating based on their members’ beliefs.

Officers William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward

F. Philip Prelli, CT, Overseer philip.prelli@snet.net

John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward

Leroy Watson, NH, Executive Committee Chair

Brenda Rousselle, VT, National Lady Assistant Steward

Lynette Schaeffer, IL,

Executive Committee Secretary schaeffr@att.net Susan Noah, OR,

Executive Committee Member master@orgrange.org Stephen Coye, NY,

Executive Committee Member steve@nygrange.org Chris Hamp, WA,

National Lecturer lecturer@nationalgrange.org

Betsy E. Huber, Publisher National Grange Master (President) & President, Grange Foundation betsy@nationalgrange.org Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios, Editor Communications & Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate communications@nationalgrange.org Loretta Washington, Subscription Manager Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org

Joe Stefenoni Membership & Leadership Development Director membership@nationalgrange.org

Betsy E. Huber, PA, President betsy@nationalgrange.org

leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org

Staff

Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Assistant IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain Dwight Baldwin, IO, National Treasurer Judy Sherrod, TN, National Secretary

Burton Eller Legislative Director beller@nationalgrange.org Mandy Bostwick Youth Development Director youth@nationalgrange.org Samantha Wilkins Operations Coordinator & Junior Grange Development Director junior@nationalgrange.org Pete Pompper Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org

Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres Kay Stiles, MD, National Pomona Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

4 ®

www.nationalgrange.org

Stewart Hughes Controller shughes@nationalgrange.org Spencer Sanders Trademark Manager trademark@nationalgrange.org Mujo Mrkonjic Building Engineer

Features LIVING RIGHT

SAFETY FIRST

Junior Ambassador takes seriously his position as family, organizational role model

Master’s fall while cleaning out Hall prompts renewed push for inspecting buildings

HIDDEN HEROICS

2019 Theme celebrating superpowers of Granges, members and everyday acts of heroism unveiled

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

GOOD DAY!™ PRESS DATES 2019 Issue Due Date Hits Mailboxes Summer

May 1

June 1

Winter

Nov. 15

Dec. 15

Fall

Feb. 1

March 1

Classified ads are also welcomed at $0.50 per word up to 25 words, $1 thereafter; $2.50 per website, email, or other link regardless of word count; $5 per photo (will appear no larger than 1.5”x1”). Special requests (bold design, font increase) available for extra charge. All copy should be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the due date. National Grange assumes no responsibility for that which is advertised in Good Day!™ and reserves the right to reject ads deemed offensive or irrelevant.

Please contact Amanda Brozana Rios at communications@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (301) 943-1090 for details.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

www.nationalgrange.org

Grange 40

a fraternity training heroes for our hometowns since 1867. P

GOOD DAY!â„˘ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

PERSPECTIVE From potlucks to town halls, in every Grange, with every action, heroism is on display.

GOOD DAY!â„¢ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

2019 GRANGE theme IS more than just A ’feel good’ concept By Maggie Swartzendruber Communications Fellow

When you hear the word “hero,” you may think of caped crusaders, superheroes, like Superman or Wonder Woman. Or perhaps you think about first responders as heroes. While both of those are true, you, too are a hero. Grangers across the nation perform often small acts of heroism, helping their neighbors to fill their stomachs with low-cost or free meals; gather to learn more about an issue facing the community; encourage people to do their civic duty by registering to vote, being informed and getting out to the polls; offer an affordable place to hold major life events like anniversary dinners or weddings; provide a lifeline for children learning how to read without the luxury of high-speed internet available to many of their peers; and in so many inconceivable ways. In fact, heroism is built into the genetic make-up of the Order. Since its inception, the Grange has given women an equal opportunity in every aspect. From voting to holding an office, early members were heroes for their hometowns through this simple act. Nearly 30 years before women were legally allowed to vote, Sarah Baird of Minnesota was elected the first female State Master, becoming not only a hero for her town or state, but for the whole country. She, of course, was not the only major female leader built to stand equal with men because of her Grange training. In fact, suffrage icon Susan B. Anthony said in 1903 that she

could recognize a “Grange woman as far off as she could see her, because of her air of feeling herself as good as a man.” But often it seems Grangers play down their efforts today, thinking the days of glory are behind them. Instead, it seems that in a world as chaotic and cruel as we see today, the small acts of generosity, kindness, empowerment, understanding, and more that come in the form of Grange programs, projects and general being are more heroic than could ever be imagined. Grange members across the country are playing an active and important part in their communities. Granges are fulfilling the mission of the Order by providing a missing link in the communities in which they reside. From preserving and teaching the history of their hometown through a lecture series at Amboy Grange #2102 in Iowa, to founding a fire department almost 100 years ago like Eastside Grange #109 in Montana, you can look around and find heroes in our Halls all across the nation from our founding straight through our future. Don’t believe me? Just read on to see!

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

#1 A TEMPORARY HOME FOR YOUNG MINDS Fords Prairie Grange #33, Washington Fords Prairie Grange will be the home to roughly 60 elementary students for the last month of the 2018-19 school year, starting May 30, 2019. Fords Prairie Elementary School is temporarily moving the students in order to build a new play shed, playground, and utilities. The students who will be moving to the Grange hall are currently housed in a portable classroom. While moving to the Grange poses some challenges, such as internet access and being off school property, principal David Roberts said it is the best option due to the close proximity of the Grange to the current elementary school. Roberts has been principal and neighbors with the Grange for 15 years, and has always been impressed with the Grange leadership. Third Graders have traditionally studied Centralia history for the last month of school, which could be enhanced by studying in the Grange. Fords Prairie teachers have plans to make full use out of the hall, by using the kitchen for science classes and the stage for theater and social studies. While there are some concerns over safety, internet access, recess, offering breakfast and lunch, and moving all supplies, both parties are excited for this partnership and are working to bridge the gaps.

#2 Accelerated Reading Taylors Bridge Grange #1066, North Carolina With all the pressures on teachers and schools, sometimes itâ€™s not easy for individuality and exceptionality to be celebrated in elementary-aged children. They are often lumped together and taught at the same pace in a sink or swim manner, which is a recipe for disaster. Taylors Bridge Grange in North Carolina saw the importance of each student learning at their own pace. With the help of the North Carolina State Grange, members were able to help fund purchasing the Accelerated Reader program at a local elementary school. Accelerated Reader aims to change at least one aspect of the way young kids are taught. Using a readability formula to score books, Accelerated Reader then also produces short quizzes for each book to ensure understanding. The quizzes become almost like a game, with students always wanting to get a perfect score and pass more quizzes than their friends. Accelerated Reader encourages active reading across the board. The program is rather expensive depending on school size, which can cause a large drawback for smaller districts who may not have a lot of extra flexibility in their funding. With the Grangeâ€™s donation, the school will be able to purchase the program and use it for a minimum of a year. With only 60,000 schools using the Accelerated Reader program, the support of community members and organizations can be the key to spreading the program and supporting students at their most critical time for learning and development.

GOOD DAY!â„˘ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Spinach

stands tall on list of

superfoods

By Amanda Brozana Rios

now grown mostly in the U.S. and China.

National Grange Communications & Development Director

producing state, and the crop ranks 41st

Did you know, spinach can be grown

among all commodities grown in the

in containers, indoors or out, allowing

State. Along with Arizona, New Jersey

you to greatly extend and even make

and Texas, these four states produce

year-round your growing season for this

about 98 percent of the fresh market

good green? However, you may not have

spinach in the nation.

enough of the leafy vegetable to get you

With all the focus on heroes and superhuman abilities, it’s only natural that our food in focus for this issue is the leafy spinach green, famous for making the fictitious Popeye the Sailor turn from pushover into muscle-bulging champ. Spinach may not actually give you superhuman strength, but it is certainly full of the great vitamins and minerals needed to put yourself on a healthy course. First, let’s look at the crop information related to this quick-maturing vegetable that was originally grown in Persia but is

California is the largest spinach

intensive investment, there are options for every type of gardener.

Most recent statistics from 2016 show

through your week if you stick strictly to

the average American consumes about

growing it on your windowsills or indoor

1.5 pounds of spinach per year, down

patios, so be prepared to supplement

from nearly 2 pounds in 2006.

with fresh or frozen spinach from your

There are three main types of spinach

local grocer or farmer’s market.

grown in the U.S. - smooth leaf, savoy

If you do end up supplementing your

and red-veined - with several varieties of

own stash with purchased spinach, look

each.

for thin stems and darker leaves that

For those less likely to invest in

smell fresh and seem crisp. Don’t buy

large-scale spinach farming, a very labor

bags or bunches with yellow spots or

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

slimy leaves. Many purchased bunches will include lots of sand or sandy soil, so it is important that you rinse your spinach well. You can easily do this by submerging the whole bunch in a large bowl filled with water and moving the leaves gently around. Dirt and sand will fall to the bottom. You can remove the leaves with your hands, dump the water and repeat until you get no more dirt at the bottom of your water bowl. When growing your own spinach, it’s important that you do not over-water spinach crops as they are susceptible to more diseases when they are waterlogged. There are also several pests this vegetable is prone to including cutworms and wireworms, slugs, snails, aphids, leaf miners and flea beetles. One big benefit is that gardeners in much of the country can get two “seasons” out of this plant, meaning they can plant in early spring and again in summer for both an early and late harvest. The plant takes between 21 and 50 days to mature for harvest. As for the health benefits of spinach, there are many.

It’s a low-calorie food with just 23 calories per 3.5 ounces, high in soluble fiber (2.2 grams per 3.5 ounces), which is good for digestion, and low in carbs with only 1 carb per cup of uncooked spinach. Just one spinach leaf contains about half the day’s recommended vitamin K, an essential vitamin for blood clotting. If you’ve been pregnant, your doctor may have recommended you eat spinach because of its iron and folic acid content. Finally, it also is high in vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium. Several plant compounds found in spinach have been linked to better eye health (lutein and zeaxanthin), better heart health and lower blood pressure (nitrates), decreased risk of cancer or chronic disease (kaempferol and antioxidants), and greater immunity to ward off inflammation and infection (quercetin). Those prone to kidney stones should, however, watch their intake of foods like spinach with high calcium, as it could lead to the formation of future stones.

GREAT READ FOR

JUNIOR GRANGERS “Sylvia’s Spinach” written by Katherine Pryor; illustrated by Anna Raff Recommended for kids ages 4-8 (pre-K to 3rd grade) 32 pages. Published by Readers to Eaters, 2014. $8.42 paperback on smile. amazon.com (set your account to support Grange Foundation) A picky eater, a teacher who’s connecting ag to her classroom and a little love and curiosity are all part of this fun kids book, named one of the “Top 15 Books for Future Foodies” by Food Tank

Master Recipe A favorite recipe shared by Betsy E. Huber

Creamed Spinach 1 package frozen chopped spinach

1 Tablespoon minced onion 2 Tablespoons butter 2 Tablespoons flour

½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon garlic salt 1 cup milk

Cook spinach according to package directions, drain well. In another saucepan, melt butter, cook onion until soft. Stir in flour and seasonings until smooth. Add milk, bring to gentle boil and cook for one minute until thick. Stir in spinach. Serves 4.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org