Good Day! Spring 2019 [V3I1]

Good DAY!

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

Heroism built

into DNA of Grange Service, lecturers’ programs, and more all improve lives and communities

™

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.

JUST CONTACT ME AT: Christopher L. Cleland, CFP® CELL: (860) 729-0804 or OFFICE: (860) 676-0260 ext.. 240 American Senior Benefits, 10 Waterside Drive, Suite 104, Farmington, CT 06032

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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

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS, TOOLS & RECOGNITION

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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

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GRANGE FOUNDATION

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

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STATE & LOCAL GRANGE NEWS

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GRANGE YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

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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

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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

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Granges display heroism in a multitude of ways.

From Virginia to Washington, Kansas to California, read how members are making a difference.

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JUNIOR GRANGE

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IRA may be right option for young workers

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HOBBIES

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2019 quilt block contest information clarified

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FOOD NEWS & RECIPES

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

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LAST WORD

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

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CLASSIFIEDS

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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

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

From rural free delivery of mail to the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, 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

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

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

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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

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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

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SHOPPING & SHIPPING

We have partnered with Lenovo, Office Depot/Office Max, UPS and The Azigo Cash-Back 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 to offer a payment processing program tailored to your business or Grange needs. American Senior Benefits also offers financial advising services for members of every age.

TRAVEL & LEISURE

With discounts on a variety of tickets and entertainment options from TicketsatWork and deals from Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Hertz, Dollar Car, and Thrifty 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 and Life Line, are sure to give you peace of mind about your health. We also have discounts on hearing aids and screening services and more.

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 Clouse Insurance Agency, United of Omaha Life Insurance Company and MetLife Home and Auto Insurance, and Nationwide Pet Insurance to give our members discounts on insurance rates and deals. American Senior Benefits also offers a variety of services related to insurance needs.

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

designed for We plan our layout so that many of our pages can be pulled out and either completed and returned or copied and given to members or friends.

Help us share the news of our Order and encourage people to get their own subscription to Good Day!

distribution

Complete & Return 8 23-24 74

Copy & Hand Out/Post

Esto Perpetua: Appeal Letter Grange Revival Individual Event Registration & Lodging Reservation Form Quilt Block Contest Entry Form

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TOOL: Grange Heroes Event Poster

Grange Member Benefits

One-Page Heroes Theme Use Guide

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Small Mission Statement Graphic

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Grange Revival: Save the Date

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Lifeline Access Advocacy Issue Brief

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PSA: Resources for Caregivers

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Keep Me Posted Advocacy issue Brief

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Updated Quilt Block Contest Infosheet

Patron’s Planned Giving Guide

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2019 Foundation Mercantile Promo Flyer

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Spinach Recipes

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Grange Store @ Monroe Classic Sales

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27-28 30

Rural Broadband Advocacy Issue Brief

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TOOL: Grange hall Safety Checklist

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Rebate Rule Advocacy Issue Brief

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Back

WRITE FOR Good DAY!™ This is your magazine. Your voice is welcome. From questions encouraged for the FEEDback section to guest columns, we are always looking for ways to include our members’ work.

All submissions must be your own original writing or photography and must be made via email to communications@ nationalgrange.org or by mail to National Grange ATTN: Good Day!, 1616 H St.

NW, Washington, DC 20006.

There is no guarantee of publication and all content should represent good moral values and Grange ideals. No pornographic or explicit language or photos will be accepted. There is no age restriction on any creative submission, and we always welcome short stories (fiction or nonfiction), poetry, short skit scripts and photo essays.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

www.nationalgrange.org

Junior Grange Passport + Worksheet Our States #13, Minnesota

CAUTION: Grange happiness Poster

We are also on the lookout for writers to help produce high-quality journalistic articles covering Grange news and topics of interest to our readers. Some contract work is available. Submit a letter of interest along with writing samples to the editor.

Not a writer but know something that should be included in Good Day! magazine?

Submit tips by email or mail as well.

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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 $______ Deaf Awareness/Outreach Fund

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

8 ÂŽ

www.nationalgrange.org

MASTER’S CORNER Betsy E. Huber

One of the most important parts of

farming practices that they weren’t

Grange is our legislative advocacy. I’ve

accustomed to when they moved into an

always been interested in this facet of

agricultural area.

our organization.

The State Grange and other farm

My Pomona Grange has a legislative

organizations

worked

tirelessly

for

banquet each year that is well attended by

several years to draft and push through

members, guests, and Legislators desiring

the Agriculture, Communities, and Rural

to learn from each other—Grangers and

Environment (ACRE) Act. This law sets up

guests want to hear what the Legislators

an appeal process through the Attorney

are doing, and Legislators want to hear

General’s (AG) office so that farmers

what the attendees’ opinions are and what

don’t need to go directly to court to

they support.

defend their right to farm.

These Grange banquets

and interactions with my Representative

A handful of cases still ended up in

led to a 10-year employment in his office

court, but the vast majority were settled

as Legislative Aide.

through negotiations between the AG

approved by our Grange members, and we do all with strong ethical and moral standards of behavior.

Many years ago (in the early 1980s)

and the townships. Since the ACRE law

the National Grange Women’s Activities

was passed, the number of problem

advocating for the things you believe in,

Department sponsored a program called

ordinances has greatly diminished and

and if you feel you need help in learning

“Golden Quill” that asked members to

so the number of cases referred to the

how to do that, why not plan to attend

write letters to government officials on

AG’s office is now minimal. Those who

our National Grange Fly-in April 28

an issue they were concerned about.

crafted this act, and the Legislators who

through May 1?

I

wrote

a

letter—I

can’t

even

remember what the topic was—but I won

adopted it, were true heroes to the farmers of Pennsylvania at that time.

If you want to be more active in

National Grange staff and speakers who are well-versed in the issues will

the award! A small effort, just writing

Our theme for 2019 is Grange—

one simple letter, earned me recognition

Heroes in our Hometowns. Heroes come

help you know how to talk with your

at the National Grange level. This may

in many forms and rescue us in many

Congressional representatives.

have been the beginning of my lobbying

different ways.

and Junior Grangers are especially

career!

When

I believe Grangers who fight for issues I

was

State

Master

in

Pennsylvania, farmers throughout the

they care about, that will help others and benefit society, are also heroes.

provide

you

with

information

and Youth

welcome!

If you’ve never taken part in a similar activity, you’ll find others who have

state faced real problems because they

In today’s vindictive political climate,

attended the Fly-In in the past willing

were constantly being challenged by

it’s not easy to stand up for your beliefs.

to mentor you and great training from

their municipalities when they wished to

You may be attacked in the press, in

our Legislative Director on how to be an

change or expand their operations. The

social media, even among your own

effective advocate.

farmers were forced to spend thousands

friends and neighbors.

of dollars to defend themselves from unconstitutional

zoning

It takes courage to speak out for

Learn and

more

register

about online

the today.

event Visit

ordinances

your principles. Grangers do this all the

nationalgrange.org/legislative-fly-2019/

pushed through by new residents who

time. We advocate for our beliefs; we

now. We look forward to seeing many of

objected to noise, smells, and normal

lobby for issues; we promote the policies

you there.

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FEEDback

?:

“When you take in a new member, how long should you wait before asking them to take an office or leadership position?”

When a new member joins your Grange there is a fine line to walk between not involving them at all and swamping them with too much work right away. You need to talk with the individual member and gauge how much involvement they want and how much they can handle without feeling overwhelmed or burdened. You do want to give them some responsibility so they feel a part of your Grange, but don’t take the opportunity for all the current members to give up their duties.

?:

“Is National Grange ever going to make a video of the degrees or the installation ceremony? It would be really helpful for Granges who can’t get enough people together for a degree team or are located away from many other Granges and find it hard to travel to degree days or have an installation team visit them.”

In 2007 a resolution was adopted by the National Grange delegates appointing a committee to study if the first four degrees could be produced on DVD for use by local Granges as a “supplemental learning tool to enhance and assist in the performance of the lessons taught through our ritual, rather than a replacement of the traditional degrees.” Apparently this committee did not report back in 2008 as instructed, and the project was not included in the budget for 2009. Since the 2007 resolution’s action was not completed, I recommend another resolution be submitted this year for delegate action.

?

?:

“Our State Grange doesn’t use the annual password, but we need it to get onto the National website. What is the procedure to get the word and give it to our members?”

Your State Master receives the password every year at the close of the National Grange Session. It is then up to your State Grange to distribute it to the membership. If your state chooses not to use the annual word, you can contact your State Master anytime to verify your membership and receive the password. Once you use the annual password to get on the Member section of the website, you can create your own user name and password to continue access.

?:

“I’ve seen the Grange logo with a ™ and an ®.

Which is correct? Does it really matter which we are using?”

The correct logo has the ® (registered R) symbol, meaning that we have officially registered the mark and do defend it, while a TM only suggests that we are calling on common-law rights. For our seven-sided Grange emblem, the ® is correct.

Recently, we have added the ™ to the Junior and Youth logos as well as several other logos such as the Super G for Grange Month and the Grange Values logo for our PSAs. It’s important to use the correct logo to indicate to those who see it that our trademark is something we value and defend. Proper use gets us all “on brand, on the same page” and can be one of our best defenses in the face of infringers.

All of the correct logos can be found at tiny.cc/GrangeLogos as PNG and EPS files. Other file types can be sent upon request.

One of the fundamental goals of National President Betsy Huber is to be transparent and responsive to members across the nation.

In conjunction with that effort, we invite you to submit questions and get answers on Grange concerns or observations. We believe including the answers here can be helpful not just for the readers who asked, but for everyone connected to the Order.

We hope you, too, wil send your queries for inclusion. You can email them to communications@ nationalgrange.org or send them to 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006 ATTN: Good Day!

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

From the desk of the AMANDA LEIGH BROZANA RIOS Let’s play a game.

I’ll say a word. You say the first word or thing you think of. Ready?

Umbrella. (You probably thought ‘rain.’)

Ladle. (You probably thought ‘soup.’)

Leash. (You probably thought ‘dog.’)

If the suggested word you “probably thought of” wasn’t first, it’s probably in your top three, right?

Let’s try one more.

Cape. (You probably thought of ‘hero’ or ‘superhero’ or maybe a specific superhero came to mind.)

Why is this?

Simply, the first word is associated in your mind with the second.

Sometimes these are associated because the two words are used together (ladle is often referred to as a soup ladle) but most frequently it’s because they visually or experientially go together.

If you see someone carrying an umbrella, you assume that it is raining or there is rain in the forecast because, well, you’ve likely not had the experience where most people around you carry an umbrella on sunny or snowy days.

As for capes, we know we almost never see these “out in the wild.” They are most often featured on the backs of heroes in movies or comics. Or they could make an appearance on a child imitating one of these “caped crusaders” for Halloween.

In any case, the reference is the same wear a cape, advertise that you are a hero.

This brings us to the 2019 Grange Month theme - which as you may have noticed over the past few years extends far beyond the traditional April bounds.

In fact, since 2017, we’ve encouraged Granges to take the theme and run with it all year long, and even continue to use it in conjunction with the next year’s efforts.

Then we started with the “DO·ers” - a campaign to acknowledge that Grangers and others in social organizations like the

Grange, are often the ones who make things happen in our communities and for others to enrich the lives of our neighbors.

You helped us identify what it meant to be a DO·er in our hometown, and we learned that this inherent initiative to better the world around was just “The Grange Way.” So last year we celebrated that spirit of DO·ing and all of the things that make the Grange a truly special thing to be part of.

This year, we combine those two ideas - what we DO and how intrinsically we are called to DO it - and call it what it really is: heroism.

Our theme encourages Granges to look at the mundane, the ordinary, the “way we’ve always done it” actions in a different way, from a different lens. And it tells our members to be proud of their efforts - that they may consider big or small - because they make a difference.

As part of the challenge, we’ve provided a cape - because as proved by our opening exercise, we know that when one thinks of or sees a person wearing a cape, they are cued to think of that person as being or playing a hero.

And we also know, from research, that people process images 60,000 times faster than words. So yes, you can hang a sign that says “Grangers are heroes” and hope to have someone ask you to explain, or you can put on a cape and prepare to take questions as you hand out dictionaries or serve chicken dinners at your fundraiser.

“Uh, so, are you supposed to be some kind of hero?”

“Yes. Our Grange raised money throughout the year to give these kids dictionaries. I know they’re kind of oldfashioned, but a lot of the kids in our area go home to slow-speed or no internet, and even if they can get high-speed internet to stay competitive with their peers, some can’t afford devices or plans to get connected. So we’re leveling the playing

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Editor field and we’re encouraging literacy and learning, and that’s pretty heroic, don’t you think?”

If you allow someone to see you their neighbor, their friend, that ordinary, everyday person they’ve passed in the grocery store aisle before - as a real-life hero, they may come to wonder if they have a place among this super group. Or they may just toss in an extra $10 the next time they see your fundraising booth at an event.

Whatever the individual results from these interactions, they can only be positive for the Grange as a whole - and isn’t that the goal for Grange Month and beyond?

So be silly. Be approachable. Get your picture taken. Celebrate your service in all its various forms because that’s “The Grange Way.” To be DO·ers. And that’s definitely worthy of being called a hero.

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HELP PROMOTE THEME BY SHARING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Each day during Grange Month, and several other days throughout the year, we will post to the National Grange Facebook page images that can be shared. These will be designed to promote the Grange as a whole and you can make them your own by clicking “SHARE” and then adding a message at the top about your local Grange. The more images are shared, the stronger identity we build.

Please make sure to follow the use-guide which can be downloaded at tiny.cc/SuperG-use (there is a one-page guide on page 62 of this issue of Good Day!™)

Don’t forget to use #grangeheroes on your relevant posts

Grange Radio goes offline; most original shows will continue as podcasts Grange Radio, a project that has been part of the communications portfolio of the National Grange, has been shelved.

The online station that broadcast 24 hours a day, everyday, was brought out of hibernation in 2016 and previously ran for about a year starting in 2013.

“The station never attracted many listeners at one time,” National Grange Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios said. “Our biggest spikes, however, came during our original programming including talkradio shows and music-oriented shows such as the weekly Bob Charbonneau Show.”

In early 2019, as a way to attract more listeners to the station and to meet the needs of our membership, two new department shows were launched Juniors Pack Your Passports and Inside the Inner Gate - and played at various

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scheduled times throughout the month.

“These were well-received in concept, but the listeners were just not there. We spiked at 12 listeners for a program, but that is just not enough to sustain the station and justify the cost, all-be-it small,” Brozana Rios said.

The station went silent on April 1.

However, the two shows, plus the monthly President’s Message are expected to continue in the form of podcasts.

“This allows those people interested in listening to do it on their time,” Brozana Rios said.

She said, however, there is still some concern with the quality of the podcasts.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

“Unfortunately with a small staff, and no one trained in audio editing, these won’t sound like you’ve turned on NPR and you’re listening to professionals,” Brozana Rios said. “But they’ll still be filled with meaningful content from our directors and contributors and still be a great addition to our portfolio of communication products for new members, seasoned members and people who are considering entering our membership or just want to learn more about the Grange.”

You can find the podcasts by going to nationalgrange.org and looking for the podcast button on the homepage.

Expect at least one new episode of each show per month. If you have an idea for an episode or a show, or an interest in it taking part in the process, please contact Brozana Rios at communications@ nationalgrange.org.

State Masters gather for weekend of work During annual meeting, National mission statement gets overhaul

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director It may have started out that way, but the 2019 National Grange Master’s Conference in Wichita, Kansas, wasn’t all fun and games. In fact, there was a lot packed into the 3-day weekend event, including multiple speakers, introductions to issues of concern for the Grange and the task of evaluating the mission statement for the National Grange - at the time an unwieldy 128 words - and come to a consensus on a new statement for the organization.

The event was co-sponsored by Kansas and Oklahoma State Granges.

“We understand the importance of

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios

working together in a setting that allows us the time we don’t often have at National session, and so it was a pleasure to sponsor this event,“ said Kansas State Grange President Roger Bostwick.

While there were many State Grange Presidents and National Officers like Bostwick who have attended the confer-

National Grange Chaplain and Florida State Grange President Barbara

Borderieux, left, along with Washington State Grange President Tom Gwin

and Texas State Grange President Karen Overstreet, right, laugh while linking arms as part of an icebreaker game in Wichita, Kansas, at the annual Master’s Conference in mid-February.

platforms to setting measurable goals for

“In order for this mission statement

membership initiatives, I left with some

endeavor to be successful, I assigned

great new ideas and inspiration. And

pre-conference homework,” Hamp said.

elected National Pomona at the 152nd

yet, we also did important organizational

“By getting started ahead of time, every-

Annual Convention - were part of the dis-

work by coming together to craft a new

one had the opportunity, whether they

cussion.

mission statement that meets our current

were able to travel to Wichita or not, to par-

ence in the past in their capacity of leadership, several new Masters, installed in 2018, and a new officer - Kay Stiles,

State

needs. It was time well spent that will

ticipate and have their thoughts and words

Grange President elected to his position

have ripple effects throughout the year.”

heard. It was a challenging and interesting

last year, said he was looking forward to

The mission statement workshops

step to take the homework submissions

reuniting with other leaders that he had

were imagined by National Grange Pres-

and to work the concepts and words into a

only a little time to spend with at con-

ident Betsy Huber, who enlisted National

‘draft’ mission statement, which would be

vention.

Lecturer Chris Hamp to facilitate.

our starting point on Friday night.

John

Crippen,

Minnesota

“In a smaller and more casual set-

“Our mission statement had not been

“Before we got started Friday night I

ting, we were able to get practical tools

revised for many years so it was time to

heard the whole spectrum of comments

to do our work and learn from each oth-

review it to see if it was still applicable

regarding the draft - everything from I

er in more direct ways,” Crippen said.

and appropriate. I also felt it was too

hate it, to I love it - this process was go-

“From learning how to improve our skills

long, too difficult to remember,” Huber

ing to be fun!” Hamp said. “The most

to promote the Grange on social media

said.

challenging part as the facilitator was to

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

13

get everyone on the same page as to what the mission statement needed to be: clear, simple language, no jargon; to be concise, no fluff, 5 to 14 words, or 20 max; and to be useful. It needs to inform, focus and guide.”

The final statement came out to 16 words and was placed on the website and shared on the National social media pages, from which it was re-shared more than 100 times in just the first few days.

“I feel we have truly defined our mission and what our great organization stands for not only in the past but today and in the future,” National Overseer Phil Prelli said.

“I was very pleased with the State Masters’ diligent and thoughtful work, reviewing every word and considering every phrase over several hours to come up with a brief statement that honors our history, reflects our present, and looks to the future,” Huber said. “We hope all Community Granges and Grangers will be proud of the new mission statement and use it on their printed materials, websites, and in conversations about Grange.”

Also during the weekend, the nearly 50 leaders learned about the opioid crisis from Dr. Erin Yelland of Kansas State University.

Yelland offered details about the number of opioid prescriptions dramatically rising since the early 1990s and the spread of addiction and deaths caused by opioid overdoses.

“This is a crisis in every part of the country,” Yelland said during her presentation.

She noted that her family in Kansas has personally seen the devastating impact of addiction after the overdose death of her cousin who began her path of addiction from a legal

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios Attendees were asked by Junior Director Samantha Wilkins

to use Play-Doh to build a 3-D representation of their best Grange memories or experiences during the conference. pain management prescription of an opioid.

Yelland told those gathered about several solutions that every individual and groups like Granges can be part of to help stem the tide of the more than 115 deaths a day because of opioid overdose.

She noted that individuals can ask their doctors to follow the CDC’s opioid prescribing guidelines to reduce excessive access to these addictive drugs. She also encouraged Granges to continue to partner with organizations to raise awareness of drug disposal kits and make them available.

Yelland’s piece about what every person can do to help stem this epidemic can be found at our Last Word in this issue of Good Day!™ starting on page 79.

They also learned what several State Granges have done in partnership with RALI - the Prescription Abuse Leadership Initiative - including Maryland, New Hampshire and Illinois.

The National Membership, Youth, Junior and Communications Directors also provided presentations to the group as did Grange Advocacy Chairman Phil Prelli and Grange Foun-

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios West Virginia First Lady Earlene Foster jogs back to her team during a team-building activity at the conference.

14

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dation Chairwoman Joan Smith, who sent home with each attendee several copies of the Foundation’s newly released planned giving brochure. You can read more about it on page 26 of this issue.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

An 11” x 17”

poster of the new

mission statement

will be available

soon through the

Grange Supply

Store. Watch for

it at grangestore.

org or contact

National Grange Sales, Benefits, Programs and Membership

Recognition

Director Loretta

Washington at

(202) 628-3507

ext. 109 or sales@

nationalgrange.

org to order yours

today.

Familiar face now on board in D.C. office

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director If you call the National headquarters, you may hear a familiar voice on the line.

National Junior Director Samantha Wilkins will soon work out of the D.C. office, assisting with several tasks related to operations, building management and tenant relations, and other duties as assigned.

Wilkins, whose title is Operations Coordinator, is filling parts of the role previously held by Stephanie Tiller, who resigned in February.

National Grange president Betsy Huber said, “I’m delighted that Samantha is willing to take on this new responsibility in her Grange life. We’re fortunate to have a knowledgeable, lifelong Granger bring her skills and passion to assist with

our day-to-day operations.”

Wilkins will remain the Junior Director as well.

“Of course we don’t want to lose

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

her as Junior Director,” Huber said. “I’m confident Samantha, who has been doing a wonderful job with the Junior Department, will continue to dedicate her time there, and her move to the D.C. office may help integrate some of the Junior operations with the rest of Grange work to make a more coordinated overall program.”

Wilkins said she is excited for the opportunity to serve the membership of an organization she has been a part of since her Junior years.

“This is a really big opportunity, not just for me to help this organization that I love, but also for my family as we’re going to be able to experience life in another part of the country and broaden our horizons,” Wilkins said of the move that will take her, her husband, Glenn, and their four sons, halfway across the country from Texas to the greater D.C. metro region.

15

Legacy member comes to Grange HQ for internship Abigail Sharp, a legacy Grange member, has brightened the office at 1616 H St. NW this year after starting as an intern for Legislative Director Burton Eller.

Abigail grew up on a farm in Lower Alloways Creek, New Jersey, where she is a member of Fenwick Grange #20. Her family has been active in the Grange for at least five generations, and her journey began when she joined the Junior Grange at age 5.

The work is different from much of what she has done with the Grange in the recent past, including assisting with the state’s Junior Grange Camp and volunteering with Fenwick Grange #20 to prepare and lead craft tables at Salem County’s annual Giant Pumpkin Carve to raise money for Mealson-Wheels of Salem County.

“Grange has been a part of my family for many years, and I believe it’s important understand your history,” Sharp said. “For me, it is Grange. I have always been involved with the community service aspect of Grange, but it’s so much more. I am excited to learn about the policies that Grange is supporting on the Hill and the impact that it will have on the future of rural America.”

Outside of the Grange, Sharp was also very involved with 4-H from kindergarten

through high school. During high school, she was able to represent New Jersey at National 4-H Congress, Citizenship Washington Focus and National 4-H Conference. As a representative for the Grange and 4-H, she served as the 2015 Salem County Fair Queen, where she participated in events, such as New Jersey’s annual State Agriculture Dinner.

Currently, Sharp is a junior at the George Washington University, just a couple blocks away from the National Grange office. She is majoring in Systems Engineering and minoring in Business Administration.

“We’re fortunate to have Abigail at the National Grange this semester. She is a life-long Granger studying systems engineering,” Eller said. “She hit the ground running, using her background and expertise to launch several new projects at the national headquarters.”

At GW, she is involved with International Council on Systems Engineering, Campus Outreach and Theta Tau, a co-ed professional engineering fraternity. She enjoys walking along the Georgetown waterfront, watching performances at the Kennedy Center and attempting to jog through the monuments.

A fun fact is that Sharp’s grandmother

Submitted Photo New Jersey Grange member and George

Washington

University

student Abigail Sharp is interning with the legislative department at National Grange this semester.

Georgianna Carll was the Junior Grange Leader for National Grange Community Service Director Pete Pompper.

Anyone can enjoy documentary on VT Granges Rooted: Cultivating Community in the Vermont Grange goes inside the Grange to explore how it has worked to strengthen and preserve rural communities since 1867.

The documentary, which is about 50 minutes long, explores the social, economic, political, and agricultural effects the National Grange has had on Vermont’s rural communities for the past 150 years. The film weaves archival images and oral histories with footage of modern-day Grange events to paint a comprehensive picture of the organization and the New Englanders it supports.

Get your copy today. Order by email at info@grangefoundation.org or by phone with Amanda at (301) 943-1090.

A limited number are available for $10 each, payable to the Grange Foundation.

16

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

The

Grange

Foundation

Honoring

L egacy

THE BUILDERS OF OUR

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES 85 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP New York • Anna Gordon, Beaver Falls Grange #554

50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Colorado • Bruce Bainbridge, Pikes Peak Grange #163 • Charles Bainbridge, Pikes Peak Grange #163 • Patricia Fuerstenberger, Pikes Peak Grange #163 • Betty Wheeler, Pikes Peak Grange #163

Pennsylvania • Ruth Griffin, Scotch Valley Grange #510

80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP New York • Helen L. Burt, Cuba Grange #799 • Lucille Sauter, Beaver Falls Grange #554 Oregon • Taylor High, Midland Grange #781

Connecticut • Betty Jane Harrington, Hemlock Grange #182 • Dennis Jasmine, Riverton Grange #169 • Daniel LeGeyt, Riverton Grange #169 • Muriel LeGeyt, Riverton Grange #169 • Timothy LeGeyt, Riverton Grange #169 Delaware • Joan Conard, Capital Grange #18 • Margaret Robinson, Temple Grange #66 • Harvey Thomas, Capital Grange #18 • William Thompson, Capital Grange #18

Washington • Claire Rise, Molson Grange #1069

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Maine • Harold Beisaw, North Jay Grange #10 • Gerald Foss, Danville Junction Grange #65 • Barbara Griffin, North Scarboro Grange #495 • Barbara Hutchinson, North Jay Grange #10 • Wilson Shores, Benton Grange # 458 New Jersey • Lauria Mitchell, Hinsdale Grange #19 New York • Barbara Denhoff, Dryden Grange #1112 • Herman Lyman, Jr., Rose Grange #1051 Ohio • Betty Bair, Cove Spring Grange #2414 • Edna Greenawalt, Smith Grange #1141 Rhode Island • Shirley Tucker, Richmond Grange #6 • Virginia Warrender, Exeter Grange #12 Washington • William F. Cottrell, Skagit Valley Grange #620 • Shirley Davis, Johnson Grange #118 • Barbara Hamp, Green Bluff Grange #300 • Madlynn Kinzer, Johnson Grange #118 • Arlene Pickering, Molson Grange #1069 • Nadine Troglia, Matlock Grange #357 • Everett Turner, Molson Grange #1069

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Florida • Jack Andrews, Manatee Grange #179 Idaho • Vicki Bates, Pleasant Ridge Grange #135 Maine • Phyllis Hoyt, Maple Grove #148 • Jon Moody, Willow Grange #366 • Marjorie Turner, Willow Grange #366 Michigan • Tom Grutsch, Barnard Grange #689 • Philip Swainston, Carlisle Grange #812 New Hampshire • Wilber Heath, Centennial Grange #185 New York • Noel Clawson, Lodi Grange #213 • Ronald Cole, Kirkland Grange #684 • Elnora Creswell, Interlaken Grange #160 • M. James Creswell, Interlaken Grange #160 • William Gearing, East Chatham Grange #1066 • Dennis Hall, Kirkland Grange #684 • Shirley Handschuh, Kirkland Grange #684 • Jacquelyn Partridge, Wheeler Grange #1416 • Phillip Sourwine, Kirkland Grange #684 • Philip Stannard, Interlaken Grange #160 • Dale Thompson, North Cameron Grange #355

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

17

MEMBER RECOGNITION

50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP, CONT’D

Ohio • Sherry Cognion, Blue Ridge Grange #1448 • Sandy Hartley, Oxford Grange #2211 • Russell Kidd, Little Muskingum Grange #2621 • Frederick Seward, Oxford Grange #2211 • Lynn Turkington, Bath Grange #1331 • Gary Weaver, Oxford Grange #2211 • Donald Winkle, Oxford Grange #2211 Oregon • Louise Holst, Midland Grange #781 • Carol Morehead, Walterville Grange #416 • Susan Noah, Mohawk-McKenzie Grange #747 Pennsylvania • Alden Beck Jr., Harmony Grange #1201 • Shirley A. Boldin, Logan Grange #109 • Thomas E. Boldin, Logan Grange #109 • Denise Clark, Hayfield Grange #800 • Michael Crosby, Odin Grange #1254 • Glenn Epting, Fleetwood Grange #1839 • Eloise Jean Fisher, Fleetwood Grange #1839 • Shirley Fry, Harmony Grange #1201 • Joseph Harkleroad, Harmony Grange #1201 • Richard Hartman, Harmony Grange #1201 • Beverly June Hughes, Harmony Grange #1201 • Orvis Leamer, Harmony Grange #1201 • Kathryn Mackes, Harmony Grange #1201 • Helen Mulhollen, Harmony Grange #1201 • Wayne Oakley, Union Grange #152 • Edgar Runkle, Logan Grange #109 • Nancy Toomer, Harmony Grange #1201 • Ruth Williams, Union Grange #152 • Roland Yochum, Hayfield Grange #800 • Helen Young, Harmony Grange #1201 • Jean Young, Harmony Grange #1201 Rhode Island • E. Margaret Fish, Exeter Grange #12 • Carolyn Soares, Exeter Grange #12 • Frances Towle, Portsmouth Grange #29 Vermont • Marsha Nelson, Blue Mountain Grange #263 • Gene Perkins, Blue Mountain Grange #263 • Nancy Perkins, Blue Mountain Grange #263 Washington • Clifford L. Adams, St. Andrews Grange #832 • Ruth Allen, Molson Grange #1069 • Mike Atwood, Central Grange #831 • Larry E. Babb, East Cheney Grange #885 • Terry Beckler, Cedar Grange #534 • Mervin R. Boyes, Tualco Grange #284

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alice Buffan, South Fork Grange #220 Steven Butler, Vashon-Maury Grange #1105 Donald D. Clearbrook, Cedar Valley Grange #306 William Craven, Vashon-Maury Grange #1105 Mary E. Davis, East Cheney Grange #885 Joe Devish, Waller Road Grange #1111 Mary Ellen Field, Molson Grange #1069 Micky George, Mt. Valley Grange #79 James A. Gibbs, Okanogan Grange #1003 Jack Glaubert, Vashon-Maury Grange #1105 Pearl Gower, Fertile Valley Grange #1094 Julian C. Haas, Addy Grange #603 Sandra Hackbarth, McMillin Grange #848 David Harding, Twanoh Grange #1118 Bernard Hardtke, McMillin Grange #848 Terry D. Hahn, Salmon Creek Grange #849 Walt Hardtke, McMillin Grange #848 Larry Hood, Johnson Grange #118 Scott Kilmer, Vashon-Maury Grange #1105 Dale Klein, McMillin Grange #848 Lawrence Knapp, Green Bluff Grange #300 Gerald Larson, Vashon-Maury Grange #1105 Craig Lundberg, South Fork Grange #220 Ronald D. Madden, Washougla Grange #69 Elaine J. Moon, Okanogan Grange #1003 Elsie Parker, Twanoh Grange #1118 Jean L. Patterson, Central Grange #831 Howard Richards, Molson Grange #1069 Elizabeth Richmond, Olalla Grange #1125 Jessie Allen Rise, Molson Grange #1069 Jean Robertson, Twanoh Grange #1118 Davis Rosenberg, Addy Grange #603 Emil W. Rosenberg, Addy Grange #603 Leslie Schneiter, Addy Grange #603 John Shaw, Molson Grange #1069 George S. Shileika, Salmon Creek Grange #849 Gordon L. Smith, Central Grange #831 Roberta Smith, Central Grange #831 Janet Spacek, Central Grange #831 Donald Stivers, Okanogan Grange #1003 Michael Taylor, Vashon-Maury Grange #1105 Alice Eileen Thaves, Twanoh Grange #1118 Loyd A. Walker, lll, Olalla Grange #1125 William L. Weiss, Spring Hill Grange #909 Howard L. Wellenbrock, Glenwood Grange #94 Sandra Wells, Humptulips Grange #730 Sharon Whiting, Skagit Valley Grange #620 Paula Woodhouse, Vashon-Maury Grange #1105 Zenas E. Zeine, Cedar Valley Grange #306

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

MEMORIAL NOTICES LUCILLE MARY GROVES Past Delegate Lucille Mary Groves, 80, Past National Delegate 2001-11, of Goshen, Indiana, died on Dec. 14, at Goshen Health Hospital.

She was born on November 19, 1938 in Kendallville, to Samuel Sr. and Clara (Bauman) Bushong. On October 24, 1964, in Syracuse, she married Gordon Groves.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon, and two daughters, Meribethe Lawton of Goshen, Carijo (Erik) West of Denver, CO; son, Randall Groves of Goshen; step-grandson, Freddie Lawton; step-great-grandsons, Matthew and Colton Lawton; sister, Linda (Stan) Nicolai of Syracuse; brother, Sam Bushong, Jr. of Warsaw.

Lucille was a member of First United Methodist Church in Middlebury where she had served as church secretary. She was a 65-year member of Grange and served as the state Women’s Activity chairman.

She was a homemaker, a building aide for 23 years at Heritage Middle School and the score board operator for more than 20 years at Northridge High School. Lucille was also a 4-H leader for 33 years and served as past president of the Elkhart County Extension Homemakers.

Cards and condolences may be sent to Gordon Groves, 16105 County Road 22, Goshen, IN 46528.

HELEN C. SHOEMAKER

HAROLD BERGERON Past Master, Vermont State Grange Harold Henry Bergeron, 104, of Essex Junction, Vermont, passed away March 2.

Born January 18, 1915 in Colchester, VT, to Joseph and Ethel (Houghton) Bergeron, he was the 17th State Master of the Vermont State Grange.

He and his wife, Mary Amelia Valyou, had a daughter, Ann (Lawrence) Yandow, who has been a devoted caretaker.

He was a decorated WWII Army veteran, earning the French Foreign Legion Medal of Honor among other honors.

He is also survived by his grandson, Chris (Nicole) Yandow, two great-grandsons, Bradley and Camden Yandow, his “adopted daughter” Linda Wilds, and her family; also several nieces and nephews.

Past National Youth Director & Delegate Helen C. Shoemaker, 90, of Louisville, Ohio, passed away Feb. 6.

She was born in Canal Fulton, Ohio, on Aug. 24, 1928 to the late Roy and Rose (Landefeld) Lindsay.

Helen was a member of Paradise United Church of Christ, Nimishillen Grange #1627 and Stark County Pomona Grange. She served as County Youth Director, State Youth Director and National Grange Youth and Young Adult Director with her husband Bernie.

She was First

Lady of the Ohio State Grange and National delegate from 1992-2000.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 56 years, John Bernard Shoemaker; two brothers, Hank and Cliff Lindsay. She is survived by her son, Mark Shoemaker; sister, Delores Schweitzer; brother, Roland (Linda) Lindsay and numerous nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be sent to Mark Shoemaker, 529 Nickle Plate Ave. NE, Louisville OH 44641.

DR. GILBERT A. FARMER Past Delegate Dr. Gilbert A. Farmer, member of Bayneville Grange #1810, passed away Feb. 28, at the Lakepoint Long Term Care Facility in Augusta, Kansas.

Gilbert was a 69-year member of the Grange, 70-year member of the Masonic Lodge, educator, veteran, loving husband, father and grandfather.

Activities on the State Grange level included but were not limited to Executive Committee member (197477), Information/Public Relations Director (1984-96), caretaker of the KS Grange Camp and Headquarters on Lake Perry (1986-92), First Man of the KS State Grange (married to first female State President, Lola Mae Farmer) (1992-95).

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DON JOHNSON Past Master, Idaho State Grange Donald W. Johnson passed away in Meridian, Idaho on March 2.

Don, former State Master of the Idaho State Grange, was born on March 4, 1937 in Nampa, Idaho and grew up on the family dairy farm in Kuna.

He was an active member of the FFA in high school and graduated in 1955, then went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in 1959 from the University of Idaho in Agricultural and Life Science.

Don served in the Idaho Air Guard from 1959-65 as an Air Policeman until he was medically discharged.

Don married the love of his life, Mary, on June 24, 1960. That same year, they built their home on the family farm next to his parents. Don and Mary worked side by side with a dairy business for 40 years.

Don was an active member of the Kuna Grange for more than 50 years, along with Mary who is also a past State Master of Idaho, and the couple were active members of the Kuna United Methodist Church since 1960. He also served as a trustee on the school board from 1979-82, as a fire commissioner for 14 years, and as a member of the Kuna Library board of trustees.

In addition to Mary, he is survived by three sons: Chuck (Sarah); Norm (Jamie); and Greg (Kelli), eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

19

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 Text VETERANS to 52886 or go to VETS.LIFELINEFACTS.COM

Mentoring is necessary part of Grange membership work

By Joe Stefenoni National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director In December I had the pleasure of visiting Valley Grange #1360 in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania.

At their meeting they obligated new members (something that is always enjoyable to witness), and after the obligation ceremony was complete, the Master/President of Valley Grange gave each of the new members a mentor. The mentor’s responsibility is to be the go-to person in the Grange for the mentee. This could be anything from explaining the meaning of the staves to being a friendly, familiar face at the next Grange meeting.

Mentoring of new members is a practice that more of our Community Granges should be implementing to ensure that we create a solid foundation on which to build the next generation of the Grange.

Mentoring is also an important part of successfully recruiting and retaining generations X & Y. Younger generations (especially Millennials - those now age 22 to 37) are driven by achieving and gaining personal happiness.

One of the aspects younger generations evaluate an organization or association by is its culture.

An organization’s culture is like its personality and encompasses the values, beliefs and experiences that create an organization’s behavior.

Culture is important to the success of your Grange because younger generations refuse to engage in anything that is negative or draining of their time and energy, and they will also refuse to engage in a culture that is not open to them.

By giving new members, no matter how young or old, a Grange mentor as soon as they join, you create a positive culture whereby new members feel welcome.

They also have a resource to guide them along the path of all things Grange.

Many times when we have new members join the Grange, they aren’t mentored or nurtured which results in two outcomes.

The first is that the new members don’t feel welcome and are unlikely to renew their membership in your Grange.

The second is that they begin to question aspects of our traditions and cultural fabric. Often times this happens because there was no one they felt comfortable with talking to about traditions they didn’t understand or language that was unfamiliar.

In this case they try to change something that they may otherwise embrace.

If a new member is mentored by experienced Grangers then if they bring up concerns or questions to the Grange about something that is part of our culture it comes from a broader foundation of knowledge since someone has taken time to explain the roots of the tradition.

Since the degrees of the Subordinate Grange aren’t being conferred as often, it is incumbent on members who have witnessed that part of our ritualistic tradition to pass along the lessons and teachings to new members.

Contained in various parts of our ritualistic traditions are instructions to mentor.

In the Installation of Officers the Master/ President is told to mentor the other officers of the Grange in order for them to perform their duties to the highest level.

The Lecturer/Program Director is instructed to “especially urge and encourage the young and diffident to become writers, readers, and speakers in Grange meetings…”.

The Steward’s responsibility is to both “… learn the qualifications of new laborers, then assign them their proper places, and set them at work” and “to see that each one is suitably rewarded for his labor.”

In each Grange there is an opportunity to give officers and other members with invaluable years of experience under their

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

belt the opportunity to create a positive welcoming culture for new members.

When my parents applied to join the Grange in the early 1980s, they were visited by the Investigating Committee. While the name sounds sinister at face value, it was a committee of the Grange that visited applicants to learn more about them, their career, interests and talents before they became a member of the Grange.

This is not uncommon throughout the history of the Grange, but that interaction occurred before someone joined the Community Grange.

So what are we doing to nurture new members after they join our ranks?

Our organization has a rich cultural fabric that is our history, traditions and ritual.

Over our 152 years of service, much of that cultural fabric has been passed on through an oral tradition, from member to member; and in the recent years those oral traditions are deteriorating.

Grange mentors can be a conduit for that oral tradition, passing them onto new members and ingraining appreciation for our ritual and history.

Your Grange should have a serious discussion about the culture of your Grange.

What are you doing to make new members feel welcome?

What are you doing to pass along the traditions of the organization and teach new members about our rich cultural fabric?

A mentoring program doesn’t have to be overly structured or complicated.

The most important aspect to a good mentoring program is having members who are willing to share their time and knowledge with the new members who are the next generation of Grange leaders.

21

Grange

R ev iv a l Complete & return ASAP to: Christine Hamp, 16418 N Birdie Road, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026.

Call or text (509) 953-3533 to reserve cabins or full hook-up campsites in advance.

GRANGE REVIVAL 2019

REGISTRATION

_______ I am attending on my own, not as part of an established group _______ I am attending as part of an established group For group registrations: Please indicate the NAME of the responsible PARTY ORGANIZER who we should contact regarding event details and payment. _________________________________________________ You do not need to have all members of your party register at the same time or arrive/attend the event on all of the same days, but please be sure they know the name of their PARTY ORGANIZER to put on their registration forms so we can place families/groups together on site.

Bring your friends. You need not be a Grange member to attend.

REGISTRATION FEE PER PERSON (by age) Pre-Junior (0-4 yrs old): $20 Junior (5-13 yrs old): $35 Youth (14-35 yrs old): $60 Subordinate (36+ yrs old): $70 Golden Sheaf members: $60 Some activities at Grange Revival may be require certain safety gear/equipment rental or supply purchase for a small fee. A full schedule will be provided in early 2019 with fee information and additional options may be posted prior to or at the time of the event. If you have ideas for activities or questions, please email grangerevival@gmail.com.

LODGING FLAT RATES (one-time fee PER PARTY) Lodging reservation deposit is non-refundable.

Dry tent or car site $10 Dry RV w/ access to dump site $25 Hook-up RV, tent or car site*

$60 Cabins - Variable; see Lodging Registration *A max of 8 people are allowed per hookup site. No max for dry sites. ** Non-refundable 50% deposit due upon registration to hold spot for any hook-up camping sites and 25% non-refundable deposit for any cabins; first-come, first-served basis. Spots not paid in full by February 1, 2019 will be released to waitlist.

EVENT REGISTRATION Your Name _________________________________________________________________ Expected Shirt Size __________ Registration type: ______ Pre-Junior ______ Junior ______ Youth _______ Subordinate ______ Golden Sheaf Address _________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________ Email ____________________________________________________________ How do you plan to get to Grange Revival? _____ Driving _____ Seeking Carpool _____ Flying _____ Other/Unsure What days do you plan to attend Grange Revival?

____ July 23 (arrive after 8 a.m.) ____ July 24 ____ July 25 ____ July 26 ____ July 27 ____ July 28 (leave by noon)

LODGING RESERVATION _____ Dry camping, no dump/hookups ($10 one time)

______ tent ______ car _____ RV

_____ Hook-up camping ($60 one time)

______ tent ______ car _____ RV

_____ Cabin Rental (one time rental fee, varies, see chart)

(Cabin name: __________________________________)

_____ Off-Property By signing below, I understand and agree to the following:

I will not damage event property and will report any defects with venue property to the owners/employees of Mulberry Mountain as soon as possible. I will attain necessary licenses and use recommended safety equipment while on property. I will assist in keeping the grounds clean and listen to all instructions related to campfires, cooking, swimming, recreational water use, etc. Campfires may only be created in approved facility fire rings. If I bring any weapon, including a firearm, large knife or other object, it will be secured by lock in my vehicle or other place where access by attendees is restricted. I will not smoke indoors in any part of the facility and I will not bring or consume any illegal drugs. I will not engage in or enable any minor to engage in underage drinking.

I will not be inebriated when tending to a fire, participating in water activities or any other activity that may put myself or others at harm.

If I am the responsible party for a minor child, I will ensure the child has appropriate chaperones if outside of my immediate care. I may be asked to leave the event with no refund if I violate any of these policies or act inappropriately for a Grange event. If I provide a form of payment that is declined or returned, I will be charged an additional $40 insufficient funds fee that must be satisfied before the end of the close of the event or within 5 days after the event ends. I understand I will sign a full conduct and rules policy prior to or at the event and that this is an introductory piece to that full agreement. _________________________________________________________ Signature (of attendee, or if attendee is under 18, of parent/guardian)

CABIN FLAT RATES (one-time fee for full event rental) You may choose to split the cost for this rental with attendees who stay in the cabin with you as you see fit.

You may work with another attendee or set of attendees to take the cabin rental for part of the week. Once the cabin is booked, you may choose how many and who to allow to sleep/use your cabin. We will not be responsible to assist you with finding cabin-mates or filling the cabin on days you may not be able to use it. B=bedroom; LR=Living room Dower House

B1: 1 King + 1 Full; B2: Twin

Annie’s Cabin

$1,350

Bedroom 1: 2 Full; Living Room: Full Sleeper Sofa

River Cabin

$1,500

B1: 1 Queen + 1 Full; B2: 1 Full

Lakeside Cottage

$1,000

B1: 1 Queen; LR: Sleeper Sofa

Star II Cabin

$1,750

B1: 1 Queen; B2: 1 Full; B3: 1 Full; LR: Sleeper Sofa

Star I Cabin

$1,125

B1: 1 Queen; B2: 2 Twins; laundry.

Outlook Cabin

$750

B1: 1 Queen

Barn Loft

$1,250

$2,000

B1: 1 Queen; B2: 1 Queen + 1 Full; LR: Sleeper Sofa

_____________________ Date

PAYMENT (Group registrations and/or lodging reservations may be made in one payment for all/some attendees in the party. Please attach/enclose registration forms of all those who are covered by your payment.)

Registration(s) Indicate number of each.

Subtotal $________________

_____ Pre-Junior (x$20) _____ Junior (x$35) _____ Youth (x$60) _____ Subordinate (x$70) _____ Golden Sheaf (x$60)

Lodging

_____ Pay in Full _____ Deposit only at this time (25% of cabin rate; 50% of hook-up rate; 100% dry rate)

Subtotal $________________

TOTAL PAYMENT TODAY: $________________ All hook-up sites and cabins must be paid in full by February 1, 2019. ____ Pay by enclosing check/money order made out to Grange Revival ____ Please Bill me via PayPal. Send invoice to email (if different from above:) ____________________________________ ____ Please charge my credit card $_____________ (total registration fee+lodging deposit/fee)

Card # _______________________________________________________ Exp. Date ____________ CVC ____________

COMPLETE AND RETURN ASAP TO: Christine Hamp, 16418 N Birdie Road, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026.

Call or text (509) 953-3533 to reserve cabins or full hook-up campsites in advance.

THE CONSUMER’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE

PAPER OR DIGITAL? IT’S YOUR CHOICE. 90% of people believe they should have the right to choose how they receive communications.

83%

of consumers believe they should not be charged more for choosing to receive a paper bill or statement.

27%

of American adults do not have internet access at home (33.5 million households).

34%

of those over 65 do not use the internet.

WHO WE ARE Keep Me Posted North America is a coalition of consumer groups, charities and businesses that advocate for the right of every consumer in North America to choose, free of charge, how they receive important information – on paper or electronically – from their service providers.

JOIN US We invite consumer groups, charities and businesses that value paper-based communications and consumer choice to join our coalition.

For more information, go to:

keepmepostedna.org Sign up for our newsletter: keepmepostedna.org/sign-up

info@keepmepostedna.org 855-896-7433

Foundation launches planned giving initiative

By Amanda Brozana Rios

gathered at the recent Master’s Conference in Kansas that it is

Grange Foundation Associate

well-passed time the charitable nonprofit should have such a program in place.

Earlier this year, the Grange Foundation launched a

“You get these type of solicitations all the time from

planned giving initiative as a way to bolster funds within the

colleges you went to or community libraries you’ve been a

501(c)3 entity and help solidify the future for Grangers and

member of, but we’ve never done it in a clear and direct way,”

their communities.

Smith said.

The Grange Foundation was started in 1964, spearheaded

She sees a great deal of potential for the Foundation to do

by National Grange President Hershel Newsom and the

more good for our members and their communities if given an

National Grange Executive Committee.

adequate amount of capital to work with.

A decade before, the IRS established the tax codes as

“We can do so much to help our members get training they

we know them today. At that time, the National Grange was

need to be elevated to that ‘best manhood and womanhood’

designated a 501(c)5 because of its fraternal element. Over

and to do more for our communities, but we have to have

the years, Newsom and others saw a benefit to establishing

the funds there and coming in regularly in order to make such

an affiliated 501(c)3 Grange Foundation that would allow

investments,” Smith said. “But if we don’t invest in our future

interested individuals to donate to Grange programs

and in Grange programs and projects that mean a great deal

and projects of importance and see a tax benefit for their

to their communities, then what is the Foundation for?”

contribution.

Smith said she hopes members who credit the Grange with

Since its creation, the Foundation has helped to support numerous

projects

including

youth

days

at

National

Convention and leadership opportunities for Grange Youth,

great experiences, skill development and lifelong friendships through programs that they were able to be part of will take those good feelings and put a price tag on them.

Junior Grange programming and opportunities for Junior

“How much would you have paid for classes that would

members, deaf awareness and scholarships, to name a few.

have taught you what the Grange gave you for pennies on

However, 55 years after its founding, the Grange Foundation

the dollar?” Smith said. “It’s time we put a true value on these

has just about $300,000 in assets, a very small amount in the

things and make our plans accordingly. It’s important we give

eyes of Joan Smith, who was elected Foundation Board Chair

back. Think of giving just a few thousand dollars, or a small

at the November meeting of the body.

percent of your estate. Your kids won’t miss it but the Grange

Smith told State Grange leaders and National officers

will tremendously benefit from your investment.”

2019 Quilt raffle

tickets for sale. Get yours now!

Tickets are $5. Proceeds benefit Grange Foundation.

Winner will be drawn at the Evening of Excellence, Nov. 8, 2019 in Bloomington, MN. You need not be present to win.

Check with your State Grange President or contact Chris Hamp at lecturer@nationalgrange.org or (509) 953-3533 to find a raffle ticket seller near you or to purchase a ticket.

26

F

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

www.nationalgrange.org

Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent provided

or large gift decisions. Contributions to Grange

legal or tax advisors when making any planned giving

legal advice. It is important that you consult your

Foundation website or other documents is not tax or

Information contained here or on the Grange

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

ADANOV PILIHP

“For years I was fortunate enough to enjoy opportunities thanks to those who donated to the Foundation. Today, I’m proud to join them and support members of the future to develop to their highest potential.”

Reduce the tax burden on your loved ones and receive estate tax savings Support the future of the Grange and help us fulfill our mission for generations to come Honor those who have helped build the Grange and positively impacted your life

?TFIG DENNALP A EKAM YHW

F

by law. Grange Foundation EIN is 52-6063293

27

well done, good and faithful servant

Washington, DC 20006

1616 H St. NW, 11th Floor

202.628.3507 ext. 107

info@grangefoundation.org

grangefoundation.org

CONTACT

Inform your loved ones of your plans

charitable decisions

estate documents regarding your

you and how to include details in your

adviser to determine the best gift for

Contact your attorney or financial

how to structure your specific gifts

provide sample language or details on

discuss your gift options. We can

Contact the Grange Foundation to

NEXT STEPS

grow the future.

and your legacy

Let your passion,

Patron's Guide to Planned Giving

NAME GRANGE F OUNDATION AS A BENEF ICI ARY

used to support areas of greatest need today or in the future.

designate your gift to a fund or program or make an unrestricted donation that can then be

can have on our Grange and the communities in which we reside. You can decide: choose to

While the Foundation has stood the test of time, its resources are minimal, limiting the impact it

SRETSIS & SREHTORB RUO ROF ERUTUF EHT ERUSNE NAC UOY SYAW

A BOUT TH E FOUN D A TI ON The Grange Foundation is the 501(c)3 charitable organization affiliated with the National Grange. Established in 1964, the Foundation has a general fund as well as dedicated funds that support programs for Grange members and their communities and to further the mission of the Grange.

MAKE A C HARI TABLE BEQUEST

There are several types of bequests that will allow you to provide for your loved ones before donating to the Foundation.

You can provide for a nonprofit like Grange Foundation by designating it as a beneficiary to your life insurance or IRA. You can choose the percentage amount you wish to leave for a single or multiple beneficiaries or as a secondary beneficiary to receive a distribution only if your primary beneficiary passes before you

www.nationalgrange.org

Our dedicated funds include: Youth Leadership Fund Junior Grange Development Fund American Arts and Culture Fund Community and Leadership Development Fund Deaf Awareness Fund Kelley Farm Preservation Fund General Endowment Like the Grange, Grange Foundation respects the interests of members and the different needs of communities. As such, you can choose a gift that helps continue a legacy you’ve begun, allowing your story to continue for years to come.

Fixed Dollar - One of the most popular kinds of bequests, you can determine a fixed amount you wish to leave to the Foundation Percentage - Also popular, many people determine a percentage of the remainder of their estate that they wish to be given to a charitable nonprofit Residuary - A type of bequest that provides for the Foundation the remaining proceeds from an estate after all other bequests and debts have been cleared Contingent - Allows for a bequest to be made only if other designated events take place, such as the prior death of all other beneficiaries or if a particular program remain in place

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

You can also make a charitable gift to the Foundation at any time. Visit our website or contact a Foundation Associate to explore your options.

DON'T WAI T. GI VE TODAY

Many insurance companies will also allow you to add a policy rider that will not increase your premium or decrease the value of your beneficiaries' distributions, but provide for the charity of your choice 1% to 2% of your policy value

F

28

Submitted Photo Connecticut State FFA

Officers and

National FFA

President Luke

O’Leary spent

an evening with

Connecticut and Rhode Island

State Grange leaders on

Sunday, Feb. 17 at Ekonk Community Grange.

Connecticut Grange hosts National FFA President

By Sue Gray Ekonk Community Grange #89, CT National FFA President Luke O’Leary got a taste of Grange hospitality on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Ekonk Community Grange #89, in Connecticut.

O’Leary, from San Luis Obispo County, California, along with several of his Connecticut State FFA officer peers were invited to an informal dinner with several State Grange leaders at the Grange hall by former State Grange President and current State FFA Foundation President Jody Cameron.

Ekonk Community Grange President Link Cooper served as Master of Ceremonies for the event that boasted an attendance of about 70, all gathered because of their keen interest in the connection between FFA and Grange. The attendees feasted on a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, cooked by Ekonk members, and desserts provided by Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm.

Ekonk Grange has a long history with the FFA, from dual membership in the organizations for young people, an annual dinner, to donations for the local FFA scholarship fund, which started when the vo-ag program was established locally at Killingly High School in 1965.

Along with the entire Connecticut FFA officer corps, Rhode Island State FFA Treasurer Todd Poulus, was in attendance as well. Poulus is a Grange member, serving on the Executive Committee of Richmond Grange in Rhode Island.

The group, including Connecticut State Grange Overseer Noel Miller and Steve Logan, Past President of the Rhode Island State Grange, was welcomed by Russell Gray, who serves as First Selectman of the town of Sterling.

In his remarks, Gray drew a comparison between Sterling and O’Leary’s hometown in California – which differ greatly in size and population – and the two men, Gray, at age 74 and O’Leary, at 20. He asked what the two could possibly have in common.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

The answer was simple: a passion for FFA. Gray said his three children and oldest three grandsons were all active the FFA, which he credited with cultivating leadership skills in the young men and women, as well as the ability to speak comfortably to a crowd, the opportunity to travel and so much more.

Gray said these same opportunities are available to young people in the Grange, which is yet another tie that binds these two organizations together.

During the event, O’Leary addressed the attendees, thanking them for the hospitality and noting the friendships he has made during his East Coast trip.

O’Leary, who is currently a sophomore at Texas A&M, majoring in government relations for the ag industry, said he looks forward to learning more about the Grange and potentially joining in the future.

29

After inspection, Grange gets to work on building upgrades

By Ed Scott Lummi Island Grange #925, WA Communications In 2017, the Lummi Island Grange #925 received a requested safety inspection from the Whatcom County Fire Marshall, which pointed out several safety issues which needed to be addressed for the continued safe use of the Grange hall by community members.

Several of the minor findings were able to be resolved by our Grange Maintenance Team, however, major egress issues were identified, which reduced our legal occupancy of our main hall to only 49 people. This had a major effect on the community’s ability to use the hall as a meeting place, as it had for nearly 80 years.

A building improvement committee was formed at a Grange meeting, and plans were started for finding a way to address the egress issues.

A local island architect volunteered to inspect the as-built conditions, and produce drawings and blueprints for necessary structural modification to the building.

A local building contractor volunteered his time and efforts to work with a team of other volunteers, to complete the required construction work.

Individual members of the community, and island organizations, donated over $6,000, for the necessary building materials.

Whatcom County Public Works issued a building permit for the construction to begin and by October, 2018, all construction was completed, including the installation of a new set of french doors on the west side of the main hall, which lead out to a large deck.

Installation of the doors required modifying the building roof with a gable to allow full height doors where the roof had been too low to permit.

A new front landing and stairs were

Submitted Photo Lummi Island Grange #925, in Whatcom County, Washington, addressed issues raised in a safety inspection by the local fire marshall, allowing them to continue to serve the community. Many of the upgrades were done by volunteer labor from their community neighbors. constructed to permit rapid exit from the

building, and he then assigned an A-2

existing doors on the east side of the hall.

building code, and raised the occupancy

In Public

November, works

Whatcom

conducted

County

the

permitted to 99 people.

final

Once again, the Lummi Island Grange

building inspection, and approved all

is able to serve the community’s needs

modifications.

for public events, thanks to the many

The Whatcom County Fire Marshall was invited to come and re-inspect the

G

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

generous neighbors who share our small island.

31

Close call leads to creation of Hall safety checklist

By Chris Hamp National Grange Lecturer “It was only a matter of time before something like this would happen at a Hall. Thank God there was no worse outcome.”

That seemed to be the sentiment that rippled through the Grange community as word spread in mid-February that Pennsylvania State Grange Master Wayne Campbell had been hurt in an accident at a Grange Hall.

Campbell and a few other Grange members from the area were inside the former Bottle Run Grange Hall in Williamsport.

They had gone in to salvage a few items including a countertop commercial mixer when the floor in the kitchen gave way and Campbell fell about 5 feet into a crawl space beneath.

In the process, the mixer and a hot water heater both fell on top of Campbell, who lost consciousness, and the members began the process of getting the equipment off of him and calling 9-1-1.

As Cliff Bailey, a registered nurse who was with the crew, Campbell came to and stayed in place for several minutes until emergency responders stabilized him and extracted him from the hole.

“I was lucky in more than one aspect,” Campbell said. “It’s just another case where if this had been handled when they closed like it should have been, I wouldn’t have been there.”

Avoid any obvious safety dangers.

To be fair, the Hall had been closed for several years and in a condition that’s a far cry from many vibrant Halls around the nation.

It seems that we all know of Halls that are falling into disrepair.

Years of use by members and communities have taken their toll and upkeep has been put on the back burner.

In light of the recent life safety close-call experienced in Pennsylvania, the accompanying Grange Hall Safety Checklist is meant to be a good starting point to ensuring our Halls are safe and will continue to provide years and years of service to our communities.

Not everything on the checklist will pertain to every Grange Hall, but the intent is to stimulate a fairly thorough thought process in regard to both the current and long-term health of your hall.

While having the expertise to assess structural stability may not be a skill found inside most of our memberships, we can all go through this Grange Hall Safety Checklist to identify and prioritize items that need to be addressed.

For those of us who have our own Halls it never hurts to be reminded of the importance to keep these community assets wellmaintained and safe. Many of the items listed on the checklist, if left unattended, can lead to long-term, costly problems.

This checklist is intended to be removed from this magazine or copied and used as a tool for your Grange.

Photo courtesy of the Williamstown Sun-Gazette While cleaning out a closed Grange Hall in February, Pennsylvania State Grange President Wayne Campbell fell 5 feet into a crawl space below a kitchen and was hit by a commercial mixer and a water heater that fell on top of him when the floor gave way.

At your next meeting, encourage your Building Committee to use this as resource to walk through your Hall now and again or an annual basis to make sure that your Hall remains in tip-top condition. If you don’t have a Building Committee, your Steward is a good place to start - after all, the charge in their installation calls on them to “keep safely and in proper order the property of the Grange.” He or she can perform a walk-through with the checklist alone or with the assistants, or with other members who have a specific expertise or an interest in the Hall’s condition.

Additionally, it is recommended that every Grange establish a relationship with their local Fire Department and invite a representative to walk through the Grange Hall with you and assist with identifying issues of concern and then prioritizing the identified issues.

Also essential is to make sure that your Grange Hall has an address recognized by your 9-1-1 system and that you have insurance on your Grange Hall property.

This is all good advice according to Campbell, who said, “Don’t ignore the obvious things... when you see something, take care of it.”

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

32 ®

www.nationalgrange.org

GRANGE HALL SAFETY CHECKLIST This tool has been developed, based on International Fire Code and other standards, to help Granges with halls ensure the safe working condition of their buildings and to keep regular record of in-house inspections. You are encouraged to use this tool at least once per year to assess the condition of your Hall and create a maintenance priority plan and long-range plan for your facility.

NAME OF GRANGE ______________________________________________ DATE OF INSPECTION _____________________ NAME(S) OF INSPECTOR(S) __________________________________________________________________________________ GRANGE PHYSICAL ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Rule to Reform Rebates Is a Bold Step to Help Seniors The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a rule to help ensure biopharmaceutical manufacturer discounts are used to reduce patients’ out of pocket costs1 – a bold step toward a better system for America’s seniors. It could also increase the value of insurance coverage, promote consistent and appropriate use of medicines, improve health outcomes, ensure patients are not penalized for being sick, decrease government spending on low-income subsidy payments and drive toward a more competitive marketplace for prescription drugs.

KE Y T A K E A WA YS COSTSHARING SAVINGS

AVG PREMIUM INCREASE

Patients with conditions like diabetes or RA could save $800 or more per year.

VALUE OF MEDICARE PART D COVERAGE INCREASES

Cost-sharing would go down so the value of coverage would go up for everyone and could lead to better health for patients and savings for Medicare.

MORE COMPETITION

SLOWER PRICE GROWTH

Bold step toward HHS’ goals of fostering competition and slowing drug price growth.

Proposed rule aims to correct misaligned incentives that allow PBMs and insurers to benefit from large rebates.

Overall, patient cost-sharing savings are projected to outweigh premium increases.

Insurers would no longer be able to overcharge sick patients when the insurer is getting a hidden discount. Today, many cost-sharing amounts are tied to the list price of medicines, even if insurers are charged far less. The proposal would begin to put an end to this practice by insurers, which results in sick patients subsidizing insurers and healthy patients and instead helps make sure Part D works how insurance is supposed to work. For example, a patient taking a $300 medicine with 25% coinsurance pays $75 even if their plan is paying less.

Patients could save hundreds each year. Certain classes of medicines – diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and others – are known to carry significant rebates but historically those rebates have not been passed onto patients to help with their out-of-pocket costs.2 Patient cost-sharing savings would outweigh the small ($3-$6) increase in average monthly premiums that HHS predicts for beneficiaries who do not qualify for the low-income subsidy – on average, a dime a day. Actuaries estimate that a beneficiary taking a $400 brand medicine with a 30% manufacturer rebate could save $120 in the deductible and then $30 monthly on coinsurance.3

The value of Part D coverage would increase for everyone.

When beneficiaries’ cost sharing goes down, the value of their insurance goes up. The proposed rule is

Michael

71 years old Lives in Memphis, TN Part D Enrollee Plan Takes one medicine: Coinsurance List Price: $300 Price discount to plan/PBM: $180 (60%) Net Cost to Plan: $120

25%

Without Proposed Rule

With Proposed Rule

Plan Pays

Plan Pays

Michael Pays

Michael Pays

$45 $75

Without Proposed Rule With Proposed Rule

reach the catastrophic phase. This will drive savings even for beneficiaries who take only generic medicines.

When patients are better able to afford needed medicines, evidence shows health outcomes can improve and

2021

Proposed reforms would strengthen incentives for competition and aim to slow the growth of list prices.

The proposed rule would shift incentives to favor lower cost medicines and drive more competition.

Government agencies, actuaries and economists have reported that today’s rebate system creates misaligned incentives that contribute to growth in list prices by allowing PBMs and insurers to benefit from large rebates.

The CMS Office of the Actuary (OACT) estimates that sponsors of private health insurance, including state and

$30

Average Part D Plan Deductible

projected to shrink the Part D deductible and to dramatically lower the amount of patient spending required to

Medicare saves money.

$90

2029

$460 $405 $725 $580

-12%

-20%

Source: OACT Estimates, 2019

federal governments, could save $18 billion over 10 years from decreases in list price.

REFERENCES 1. HHS OIG, “Fraud and Abuse; Removal of Safe Harbor Protection for Rebates Involving Prescription Pharmaceuticals and Creation of New Safe Harbor Protection for Certain Point-of-Sale Reductions in Price on Prescription Pharmaceuticals and Certain Pharmacy Benefit Manager Service Fees,”84 Fed. Reg. 2340 (Feb. 6, 2019) 2. SSR Health. “US Brand Rx net price tool - 3Q18,” 2018. Accessed February 2019 3. Klaisner J, Holcomb K, Filipek T. “Impact of Potential Changes to the Treatment of Manufacturer Rebates.” Milliman, January 2019. Available at: https://aspe.hhs.gov/system/files/pdf/260591/MillimanReportImpactPartDRebateReform.pdf

Don’t play Russian roulette with your health

Grange takes stand against legislation that would allow prescription imports • The penalties for selling counterfeit drugs are frequently

By J. Burton Eller National Grange Legislative Director

far less severe than penalties for selling illegal drugs

Our rural and small town neighbors tend to be older, less affluent and located farther from drug stores than their urban and suburban friends. They depend upon accessible, affordable, effective and safe prescription drugs. Cheaper prescription drugs delivered by mail from Canada seem like the perfect solution, right? No, not really. Really?

The World Health Organization estimates that 10% of the drugs worldwide are counterfeit. That means these drugs may not be effective; even worse, they may not be safe. Supporters of imported drugs say there is no risk if these medicines come from a “safe” country such as Canada or select countries in the European Union. Not so fast. Canadian authorities say they are not responsible for the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs exported from Canada to the United States. That’s because Canadian law does not prohibit the transshipment of drugs from multiple developing and third world countries through Canada into the United States directly to patients who think their prescription was formulated in Canada.

There are many reasons why counterfeit drugs have become so prevalent: • Lots of money can be made in the counterfeit business

masquerade their source and location

• Technology has made sales much easier for criminals to

L

• Lax regulations in other parts of the world do not require documentation like we have in the United States The National Grange is leading a coalition effort to alert Congress, the Administration and state legislatures of the risks involved in their rush to approve prescription drug importation as the way to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients. The Grange also works with the Partnership for Safe Medicines whose mission is to assure patient safety.

The Partnership

documents the dangers of counterfeit drugs such as the counterfeit fentanyl epidemic which caused deaths in 22 states and emotionally devastated family members who lost loved ones to counterfeit drugs.

We should focus on real solutions that actually put patients first and address their affordability challenges without compromising their safety to get the life-saving prescription medicines they need. Let’s concentrate on: • Ensuring rebates and savings are passed on to patients • Finding and addressing the real reasons for high out-ofpocket costs • Providing information about patient assistance programs

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

37

Farm Bills: Not so new and not all about farming

By J. Burton Eller National Grange Legislative Director Farm bills trace their origin back to the Great Depression. In the beginning, farm bills only addressed aid directly to farms and farmers. Since then, non-farm aid sections were added such as rural development, farm credit, international trade, conservation, agricultural research, crop insurance, marketing, forestry, horticulture and food and nutrition provisions such as the food stamp program (known now as SNAP) which became an official part of farm bills during the 1970’s. Food stamp outlays have grown over the years since then and now comprise nearly four-fifths of the total farm bill spending.

During the early 20th century crop prices rose as World War I disrupted European agriculture and drove up demand for American crops. American farmers responded by stepping up production with the help of new machines like the combine.

After the war, European demand dropped and crop prices plummeted. This caused farmers to struggle even as the rest of the U.S. economy prospered. Congress repeatedly passed legislation between 1924 and 1928 to regulate crop prices but President Coolidge repeatedly vetoed farm relief.

Things got even worse for farmers when the stock market crashed and the Great Depression hit in 1929 followed by the Dust Bowl days of the early 1930’s. By 1932, farm prices were less than a third of what they had been in 1920. As part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal, the first farm bill, the Agriculture Adjustment Act (AAA), was passed in 1933 to raise commodity prices by paying farmers to limit production. It also enabled the federal government to buy excess grain from farmers to be sold later if bad weather or disasters reduced future farm production. The AAA also included a nutrition program, seen as a precursor to food stamps. In an effort to help Americans cope with lasting effects of the Great Depression, the first food stamp program

38

was initiated in 1939 but was separate from the farm bill. The Dust Bowl had persisted for eight long years, driving as many as 3.5 million people to abandon their farms and move to other parts of the country. A few years later, under the booming World War II economy, the food stamp program was deemed no longer necessary and it ended in 1943.

President Kennedy championed a food stamp pilot program in the early 1960’s.

Congress and President Johnson expanded the food stamp program and made it permanent law in 1964; however it remained separate from the farm bill. Then the1977 farm bill included the entire food stamp program as permanent authorization within the farm bill. Since then, food stamps and farm programs have been tied together as a legislative package. Why? Votes. Standalone legislation on either food stamps or farm programs became increasingly difficult to pass. Urban legislators did not like farm programs and rural/small town legislators were leery of food stamp proliferation. By combining farm and food into one bill, it gave Congress at both ends of the political spectrum legislation they could vote for.

Farm bills are usually five years in duration and designed to expire at the end of each given bill to give the Senate and House Agriculture Committees the impetus to re-examine the policies in light of current conditions. The Committees have also chosen to leave permanent underlying law in place (primarily the commodity provisions of the Agricultural Act of 1949) and that authority is suspended as necessary by Congress for the term of that particular farm bill under consideration.

This procedure helps create pressure to have a new farm bill in place when the old one expires. If Congress fails to act, the provisions from the Agricultural Act of 1949 kick back in. That means that the parity price of corn adjusted for inflation would be over three times its current market price. Congress normally passes short term extensions of the expiring farm bill if necessary rather than face the price tag of the 1949 Act.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Summary of the New 2018 Farm Bill Legislation Becomes Law In December, the new farm bill passed with huge bipartisan majorities in the Senate (87-13) and House (369-47). Following its passage, National Grange President Betsy Huber issued the following statement: “America’s farmers, ranchers and landowners have a reasonable, balanced, common-sense $867 billion farm bill headed to the President’s desk today. The bipartisan legislation passed overwhelmingly in the Senate by a vote of 87-13 and in the House by 369-47. The package now gives much needed multi-year certainty to commodity programs, crop insurance, conservation, farm loans, beginning farmers and ranchers, SNAP assistance, nutrition programs, foreign markets promotion and more. It also establishes a new Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine bank.

“I want to thank Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Minority member Debbie Stabenow for their bipartisan leadership to get this done. Both have proven themselves worthy to have named National Grange Champions of Rural America (Stabenow in 2017 and Roberts in 2018)”.

Commodity Programs • Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage are similar to the 2014 farm bill with several enhancements on reference prices and yield data • Loan rates are increased substantially • The new Dairy Margin Coverage Program builds on the recent Margin Protection Program passed in February by reducing premiums on the first 5 million pounds of production (about 240 cows) and raises the top margin coverage from $8 per hundredweight to $9.50 • Does not set payment limits on eligibility for commodity program payments Conservation • The Environmental Quality Incentives Program has increased funding; the Conservation Stewardship Program has reduced funding but is preserved as a standalone program

• Conservation Reserve Program enrollment is increased from 24 million acres to 27 million acres • The Regional Conservation Partnership Program is now a standalone with its own rules separate from other conservation programs from which it was previously funded Trade USDA’s four trade promotion programs were funded at $251.5 million per year.

Nutrition • Additional work requirements and tightened eligibility requirements were omitted from the final Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provision; governors will be required to approve state agency applications to USDA for waivers from the existing work requirements • The Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program is given permanent funding and is renamed the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program for the former USDA Undersecretary and Grange member from Massachusetts Credit Farm loan limits on operating and ownership loans are increased ($1.75 million on guaranteed operating and ownership loans; $600,000 on direct ownership loans; direct operating loans are raised to $400,000).

Rural Development • Provides permanent authority and rules for the $600 million rural broadband grant and loan program created by the fiscal 2018 spending bill.

• Prioritizes funding for projects to combat opioid addiction and authorizes a 33% increase in grants under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Research Funding is increased for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative

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and the Specialty Crop Research Initiative Forestry Renews the categorical exclusion that allows diseased and insect infested trees to be removed from government forests Energy Renews the authorization of but reduces the funding for bioenergy programs Horticulture • Legalizes the production of industrial hemp • Creates a new Local Agriculture Market Program • Creates a new Urban, Indoor and Other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education and Extension Initiative • Maintains funding for Specialty Crop Block Grants • Authorizes USDA to require additional documentation for shipments from abroad under the National Organic Program Crop Insurance • Hemp is made eligible for crop insurance • Discounts for beginning farmers and ranchers are extended to 10 years from the current 5 years under Whole Farm Revenue Protection • New policies will be researched by USDA to cover crops affected by hurricanes and tropical storms Miscellaneous Provisions • Creates and funds a new Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program that includes a new Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine bank • Creates a new Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach Program • Requires the President to nominate an undersecretary for rural development • Authorizes USDA to consolidate the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency into a new Farm Production and Conservation agency

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Grange 40

a fraternity training heroes for our hometowns since 1867.

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

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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

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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!

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#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 it’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 Grange’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.

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#3 Interpreter for the deaf Farmingdal e Junior Grange #55, New Jersey Tara Plakyda found her career path at Farmingdale Junior Grange #55 in Farmingdale, New Jersey at the young age of 8 years old. It all started when she learned American Sign Language alphabet for the Deaf Awareness badge.

Plakyda attended the Maryland State Camp where there was a contest to see who could sign the ASL alphabet the fastest. Her brother also attended, and he learned how to finger spell.

“My brother was also learning the basic finger spelling during the camp, so he and I would “talk” in front of our parents! I loved being able to communicate in a ‘secret language,’” Plakyda said.

When she went to the New Jersey Junior Grange Camp, she was immersed in the deaf culture due to having deaf campers and an interpreter in attendance. It was at this camp that she solidified her chosen career path.

She was enrolled in an after school program that taught sign language at 12 years old. It was the most fun extra-curricular activity she had ever been involved in. After graduation, she enrolled Union County College for their American Sign Language and Deaf Studies courses. While attending UCC, she went back to the same camp that ignited her passion and was the interpreter. She graduated from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s in Interpreting for the Deaf.

Since becoming a Professional Interpreter, she has worked in multiple fields, including Medical, Educational, Mental Health, Performing Arts, Government, Business and Legal.

Tara Plakyda works at a Rolling Stone concert

Over 20 years later in this profession, and Tara has never forgotten where she got her start and credits the Farmingdale Junior Grange for showing her where her passion lay.

#4 Game Night/Talent Show Stanford Grange #808, New York Stanford Grange #808 has been hosting game nights every month for nearly two years as a community outreach program. Not only has it gained the Grange exposure within their community, but it has also provided a safe place for youth aged kids to hang out and have fun.

Since August 2018, Stanford Grange has added 3-4 new youth aged members every month. With game nights being such a success, averaging 30-40 community members in attendance each month, the youth decided to host a talent show to introduce the Grange to other teens.

Before putting out advertisements, Katie Fallon, Stanford Grange Youth adviser, said about 20 people interested in performing at the event. Everyone involved worked hard for the event in March, when the first show will be held, and they hope to make it an annual event.

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#5 Town Hall/ Candidate Forum Ekonk Community Grange #89, Connecticut Sometimes participating in Grange events starting as just an audience member can turn your life upside down. Take Tracey Hanson as an example.

When Ekonk Community Grange started hosting Candidate Forums, Tracey was eager to be in attendance. However, it wasn’t long after that she decided to run for State Representative.

Tracey is now the First Selectman of Voluntown, which houses a portion of the Ekonk Community Grange’s parking lot, while the rest of the parking lot and Grange hall resides in Sterling, where Russell Gray is First Selectman. Having two First Selectman members at one Grange is something members are proud to boast about.

Tracey said that she credits her involvement in the Grange starting at just age 14 in Rhode Island as her gateway to politics.

In Maine, Hudson Grange #457 invites all candidates running for local offices, as well as House and Senate seats to a Town Hall meeting where attendees are able to learn a brief history about each candidate and have time to ask questions. Every Town Hall is started with the pledge and the history of the Grange.

After the meeting, Grange members serve coffee, tea, and cupcakes during a time set aside for fellowship.

Community members gather at Ekonk Community Grange for their Town Hall Meeting (Photo courtesy of John Barry and The Bulletin)

#6 Fighting Cancer Fundraiser Crow Grange #450, Oregon Cody Tripp was born and raised in Crow, Oregon, an unincorporated community in Lane County.

Tripp battled cancer throughout high school and graduated in 2013. In 2014, he had beat cancer.

In July 2018, his world was rocked again as he was told the cancer was back. Although he has insurance to help cover the cost of most of his treatments, there are more expenses than he can afford, such as travel 130 miles to the treatment center and lost wages.

With Crow being such a small community, it didn’t take long for word of Tripp’s situation to get back to members from three different Granges in Lane County. Crow, Lorane, and Creswell Granges all came together for a fundraising event held at Crow Grange.

Everyone involved worked hard to get 70 oral and silent auction items, as well as raffle items and door prizes. Local businesses contributed seventy pounds of grass fed beef and money for the sides for the dinner. Grange members prepared pies, crumbles, and cupcakes for dessert.

As the day grew closer, you could find ads for the event all over local social media, but nothing spreads news faster than word of mouth. Grangers were telling everyone about the event and the cause. On October 27th, 2018, over 120 people crammed into Crow Grange to show their support. More than $7,200 was raised to help Tripp cover his expenses.

Creswell Grange Lecturer, Patrick Dearth, coached Tripp in high school and was the chairman for the event.

Creswell Grange Lecturer Patrick Dearth presents Cody Tripp with check from benefit dinner.

“We are all deeply thankful to the many people and businesses who stepped up to help and support this event,” Dearth said of the success.

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#7 Valentines for Veterans Danvill e Junction Grange #65, Maine Canceled meetings and last minute plan changes can’t keep the members of Danville Junction Grange #65 in Maine from continuing with their tradition of sending valentines to local veterans.

Starting in 2016, when the local paper sent out a request for valentines for veterans in the hospital and local nursing homes, Danville Junction Grange was able to contribute over sixty cards to the cause.

Glenys Ryder, Community Service Chair, saw the request from Jerry DeWhitt, a local veteran, and decided that she would bring this to their meeting for members to participate in. Typically, members are reminded of the project at their last meeting in January and bring the cards the first meeting of February, However, with the first two meetings of the year canceled in January, members were running out of time to get their Valentines cards ready to deliver. Luckily, they had a community dinner on February 14 and were able to have guests sign the cards donated by a member who works at General Dollar.

Cards were collected in envelopes without addresses or names, and passed on to DeWhitt who will hand them out to Veterans at Togus Veterans Home, with hopes of making local Veterans days a little brighter.

#8 making dreams come true Swauk Teanaway Grange #984 Swauk Teanaway Grange #984 in Cle Elum, Washington, offers a picturesque setting for major life events like weddings for locals without breaking the budget.

For young people starting a new life together, often under the stress of loans and limited finances, a low-cost venue makes possible a dream day. For couples celebrating many years together or those celebrating the life of a lost loved one, Grange and the members that make these facilities available - often in communities with few other options and sometimes in addition to cheap but tasty meal options for the event - are unquestionably heroes.

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#9 Cultural immersion Five Mil e Prairie Grange #905, Washington In America, we’re used to celebrating the new year on January 1st with new resolutions to improve ourselves and our communities. But for Rebecca Jones, the new year didn’t start until February while she lived in China.

The Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year due to numerous other countries celebrating it at the same time, happens on different days every year based on the lunar cycle.

What has now become an annual tradition at Five Mile Prairie Grange started off a few years ago when members decided to have only one business meeting a month and have their other meeting being a community event. At the end of the year, members come with ideas for activities for each month and the calendar is planned. Due to having these fun meetings where the community is invited through ads in the local paper, Five Mile Prairie Grange has seen an increase in membership. Most attendees are also not Grange members.

Rebecca, and husband Mark, came to this planning meeting with the idea of having a celebration for the Chinese New Year. Everyone at the Grange was delighted to have a new and unheard of idea for their community, as Spokane doesn’t have a large Asian Population.

Mark and Rebecca are still fairly new members, but when given the chance to step up, they didn’t hesitate.

Lynn Yew Evers said she learned last year of the Grange holding the event on a Facebook post and was so surprised to see it in Spokane.

“There’s not a large Chinese or Asian community here,” Yew Evers said. “I was so surprised and delighted.”

John Willard, Master of Five Mile Prairie, said that he enjoys this event because it helps members embrace a bigger world and show people that the Grange is open and welcoming.

In 1949, a resolution was passed at the National Grange Convention that would start the USGermany Exchange. Then National Grange Director of Youth Activities Wib Justi was in charge of developing the program which was originally supposed to last six years.

This is one of the earliest examples we have of the Grange opening its doors and homes to other cultures and learning about how people in other parts of the country live.

While the Chinese New Year celebration at Five Mile Prairie is a much smaller and localized example of this, it still has a strong impact.

“A whole lot of people in the world celebrate this holiday, but we don’t really see much about it, or know much about it,” Rebecca said. “It’s important for us to understand something that is important to so many people.”

A local woman who had moved from Malaysia was invited to speak at the event, where she taught about Chinese culture and traditions, along with some Chinese phrases. She also taught about customs associated with the Chinese New Year.

Chris Hamp, National Grange Lecturer, said she was excited that even though Rebecca and Mark are still fairly new, she has enjoyed seeing them step up and take on such a large and important project.

While the US-Germany exchange was before her time in the Grange, Chris mentioned that she has seen how individual members have opened their arms when approached with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of different cultures.

As a friendly reminder to reach out, look into your communities, and see how you can provide an educational opportunity to learn and teach about another countries customs, Hamp stated, “The Grange is a bunch of folks who are open minded and who try new things, and that includes learning about new cultures and what is important to others.”

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#10 RAISING UP THOSE WITH MUSIC IN THEIR HEARTS Florissant Grange #420, Colorado Florissant Grange #420 in Colorado brings its community together, preserves traditions and raises up those with music in their heart who may otherwise shelve their talents and dampen their spirit.

Each week, the Grange hosts a jam session for members of their community who have played for years or are just beginning to take up instruments like guitars, drums and more. They also often frequent contra dances that help preserve tradition and bring people together and bond residents in a way that only having a Grange and the heroes in it can do for a community.

#11 PTSD Support Group Cibolo Grange #1541, Texas After a local veteran committed suicide following a long struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Cibolo Grange members knew they had to step up and help find a solution.

Deb Cibolo invited a local woman who was looking for a way to volunteer over the holidays to their annual Thanksgiving with the Troops event, where she learned that both of her sons suffer from PTSD. This community member introduced Cibolo to a non-profit called PTSD Foundation of America SA. This opened the door to be able to get a support group locally.

Cibolo Grange agreed to begin hosting two meetings at the hall - one was a PTSD Warrior support group, and the other was a PTSD family group. The PTSD Warriors continue to meet at the Grange hall once a week.

Members of the Grange spread the word of the group starting by placing ads in the local paper, businesses, and on social media. In the beginning, members also provided food to ensure every attendee received dinner for the meetings. Now, the support group only reaches out to the Grange if needed, as members want to give them more space and privacy.

While the exact number of veterans suffering from PTSD is unclear, chances are we all know someone who is dealing with the invisible wounds. Many veterans also do not know how to cope with this, and the groups are bringing healing and understanding.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder does not only affect veterans, but also first responders who are also invited to the meetings. Anyone who suffers from PTSD is welcome to attend in hopes of preventing another loss of life due to it.

With the support meetings going on for over two years, Cibolo Grange is proud to fill the gap in their community and provide a safe space for real people with real emotions and real problems to find a sense of peace while there. While the impact could never be put into words well enough, the difference it has made in the community speaks for itself.

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#12 Coat Donations St udl ey Grange #1174, Michigan While we may not realize the impact we have with each small act we perform, some make a lasting impression on those who benefit from it. As a child who personally received items donated by a Grange, I can attest to this.

Studley Grange #1174 in Michigan is making an impact on local school kids for the last ten years by providing winter coats. In Michigan, winters can drop well below the freezing mark, where on average 15 nights every winter drop below 10 degrees.

Winters can be hard on the roughly 485,000 children who live below the poverty line and may not get the clothing they need to stay warm.

What started as adopting a family for Christmas, like many Granges do, grew.

Studley Grange members decided they wanted to reach more people to increase their impact. They found they could donate to three local elementary schools, and the search for finding coats was on. While they are not able to provide coats for every child who needs one, they attempt to find the best deals for coats to make the largest impact each year.

Grange members say they have no plans on stopping this service, along with the dictionaries they donate every year. The greatest pay off is knowing they helped kids stay warm for the winter.

Helen Mudd, left, and Tricia Mudd Eidsmoe, right, with school secretary Amanda while delivering coats.

#13 Wreath laying Linganore Grange #410, Maryland While many focus on helping those in their communities who can still benefit from it, Linganore Grange decided to take a different route and honor veterans who had passed on.

Following the lead of Wreaths Across America Organization and Babylon Vault Company, Brenda Ripley of Linganore Grange enlisted the help of her daughter and fellow Grangers, along with many other volunteers, to honor 806 Veterans in seven different cemeteries in Carroll County, Maryland.

Ripley was scrolling through Facebook when she saw that Babylon Wreath Company was asking for volunteers for the event on December 15th. “When I saw this Facebook post, it just touched me and felt like something I wanted to do.”

Nine members of Linganore Grange were there to volunteer, and “it was cold and raining like crazy, but we didn’t care,” Ripley stated.

All Wreaths Across America Organization wreath laying events begin with a short ceremony and laying a wreath for each branch of the military, two Grange members were asked to help with this. After the short ceremony, volunteers were asked to lay the wreath and speak the fallen soldiers name out loud.

A youth member of High Desert Grange #22, NV, pauses for a moment of reflection at a grave of a veteran during their participation in a Wreaths Across America event.

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Grange members were so moved, they decided they would volunteer for this whenever it happens. Babylon Vault Company is planning on expanding to more cemeteries next year, and you can be sure Linganore Grange will be there.

As Ripley said of the event, “honoring these Veterans with this simple gesture was the least we could do.”

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#14 Freezer for food bank

Mary Ihli-Laan organizes the new freezer at the food bank.

Pl easant Ridge Grange #135, Idaho Living and working in a low income farm town can mean coming up with specials way to help ensure families get the basic food supplies they need. The Notus School District saw the need for food in the community and partnered with Idaho Food Bank to start a food bank at one of the schools.

After about 10 years of service, a freezer gave up and broke down.

The school district was unable to come up with the funds to purchase a new freezer. Without this vital part of the food bank, there were many food items families would lack.

State Grange President Eileen Javaux works for the school district, and when she heard about this hardship, she brought it to the attention of her Grange members. Members knew they had to step up and financially support the food bank and donate enough money to not only purchase a new freezer, but also new shelving for products to be stored.

With this seemingly small donation, Pleasant Ridge Grange is able to make a big impact by continuing to support the community they live in and make sure no child goes hungry.

#15 Securing democracy, one meal at a time North Orange Grange #86, Massachusetts Endless ads on TV, radio, and social media – it must be election season.

While most think of elections only in November, there are a number of communities holding elections at any given time – primaries, referendums, special elections and more.

However, when comes an election, there also comes a steady, committed stream of volunteers to ensure that democracy can indeed work – and those volunteers get hungry as they spend countless hours regulating polls, counting ballots, registering voters, and ensuring the entire process goes smoothly.

North Orange Grange members saw that sometimes volunteers at the election polls don’t always have food for their breaks.

Members of the Grange decided to provide lunch to volunteers, ensuring that volunteers would want to return year-after-year to make sure citizens can exercise their right to vote.

North Orange Grange creates simple brown bag lunches in several varieties that include a sandwich, chips, fruit, nuts, and homemade treats like brownies. These meals keep the volunteers fed and energized.

In 2019, they are also launching a dinner program, providing volunteers who sometimes stay late into the night with a nourishing meal as well.

It is a simple action that will have a lasting impact on their community. As everyone knows, showing a volunteer they’re appreciated is a great way to make sure they keep coming back.

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#16 KEEPING A LANGUAGE ALIVE Virginvill e Grange #1832, Pennsylvania We’ve heard of species extinction, but rarely do you hear of a language going extinct.

However that was what some scholars were saying in the early part of the 2000s about Pennsylvania Dutch – a primarily spoken language whose roots can be traced back to southwest Germany and Switzerland in the mid 18th and early 19th century. After immigrants from this area came to the U.S., English vocabulary was mixed in and the natural evolution the language would have taken in Europe was completely obliterated.

Patrick Donmoyer, director of Kutztown University’s Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center in Berks County says the language is that of a “hardworking, proud and stubborn people with an agricultural background” but today only about 400,000 still speak Pennsylvania Dutch in the United States and Canada, a large majority of which are Old Order Amish or Old Order Mennonites.

Still, the cultural heritage of the language is a source of pride for many who connect with others of a similar immigrant background. Even National Master Betsy Huber identifies as Pennsylvania Dutch – though she does not speak the language.

It’s not surprising then that the language which is still heard infrequently in Berks County – one of the most active Grange counties in the nation with more than a dozen active Subordinate Granges – would find a sort of revival in the still mostly agricultural area.

Virginville Grange – with more than 400 members – played host to a kind of celebration of the language with some hope to keep interest in it alive in 2011 when members took to the stage in their Hall for two performances of a play written in Pennsylvania Dutch.

The play was originally written in 1958 by a Virginville Grange member after a proposal to hold a bingo fundraiser.

“He was a reverend and he said he had a strong conviction against gambling,” said Virginville member Dorothy Miller of the offer by the late Rev. Merrill Q. Ressler. “So he said he’d write a three-act play that they could perform as a fundraiser.”

“The cast had so much fun. It was one of the best things we did,” Miller said of the play that has connected generations of Grange and community members with their heritage or the cultural background of their neighbors.

Miller’s husband, Paul, was one of the original cast members, who has also performed in the play in its 1985 run and 2011 run at the Hall.

The comedy focused on two families and was completely in the mystifying language.

The most recent production sold out and members added two encore performances, delighting more than 1,000 who attended throughout the four performances.

The resurrection of the 50-year old play may well be something those interested in preserving the language and culture can point to as inspiring a sort of revival of interest – including a class on the language and culture offered a few years after by the county’s Parks and Recreation Department that resulted in a waiting list to be part of the course, and books being written about a renewed interest in the language. Kutztown University, which has for years offered courses in the language, also saw an uptick in interest after the play’s run.

In years following the production, Virginville continued to host a variety of events that featured the language including performances by the singing quintet known as the Miller Brieder (Miller Brothers in English), and dinners featuring Pennsylvania Dutch food with recipes in the original language. The Grange also hosts popular hoe-downs and the caller speaks in both English and Pennsylvania Dutch during the events.

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#17 Blood Drives Keystone Grange #2, Pennsylvania Donating just one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

Each year, approximately 4.5 million Americans need a life-saving blood transfusion.

With such a high number, it’s easy to see why somebody would want to find a way to help. The good news is, it’s easy to help – and Granges around the nation have been part of the solution.

In Pennsylvania, at Keystone Grange #2, Gene Zvarick always knew hosting a blood drive would be a great way to give back to the community.

Zvarick contacted his local Red Cross, found out how simple it was to get started, and the Grange, located about 10 miles north of Revolutionary War battlefield Valley Forge, jumped in!

The Red Cross provided a great deal of help making the event a success by using their list of serial donors - people who give every chance they can. They contact the donors after a date and location is set to let them know of the opportunity. Zvarick also used social media and asked his members to spread the word by telling others to add to the donor pool.

It can be hard to host a blood drive if you don’t have the support of volunteers, however Keystone Grange members were there to help ensure everything went smoothly as well as share the word about what the Grange is.

The first blood drive was just days after the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, and people all over the country were looking for a way to help. The blood drive at Keystone Grange had already been planned for months, and they saw their highest number of donations in their inaugural hosting.

Although donor numbers have fluctuated throughout the years, the sense of community and the continuous need for blood will keep Keystone Grange hosting the drives for years to come, Zvarick said.

#18 Scholarships Connecticut State Grange The Connecticut State Grange has been providing members with scholarships for many years.

These scholarships are different than most Granges offer, as they also have a student loan fund at a low-interest rate compared to typical loans.

The Connecticut State Grange has been smart with their investments, and the growth of those investments and interest from bank accounts go to their scholarship fund. The State Grange offers a minimum amount each year, and the only requirement is the recipient has to be a Grange member. There is no age requirement.

With the average debt being $28,650 from a community college, students know just how important every scholarship is, no matter the amount. With this scholarship assistance, as well as others, members are able to graduate debt free.

Without the age requirement, the Connecticut State Grange is able to help a larger audience of members. The best way this can be described is by Jody Cameron, past State Grange President, who said, “It enables all members, not just youth, to improve ourselves professionally.”

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#19 low cost spay and neuter clinic Moses Lake Grange #1151, Washington Homeless animals outnumber homeless people 5 to 1.

The main cause of stray cats and dogs is accidental breeding, overbreeding, and carelessness. When pets become pregnant with no resources to help the new babies, many people resort to dropping animals on the streets.

Members of Moses Lake Grange saw the issue first-hand, and found a way to help – while also fulfilling their calling as responsible Patrons of Husbandry in a very modern, off-farm way.

The Grange, which has been chartered for less than two years, partnered with Grant County Animal Outreach to host their first Spay/Neuter Awareness Program (SNAP) event in January.

They were able to spay and neuter 59 free-roaming cats in Grant and Adam counties, greatly reducing the feral cat population for generations to come.

Hosting the event at the Grange Hall was no easy task. It took dozens of volunteers from setting up the hall into multiple operating tables, registering every cat, and cleaning up, it was a team effort to get it done in a day. However, the young Grange was up to the challenge and members have decided they will open their Hall regularly for SNAP clinics.

Photo Credit: Grange County Animal Outreach Facebook

#20 HELPING LAW MAKERS SPEAK “RURAL AMERICA” Washington State Grange Annually, several State Granges and the National Grange all hold legislative days where they encourage members to come to their respective seats of power and speak to elected officials on issues of importance.

In January, more than 40 Washington State Grange members did just that, gathering at the State Grange headquarters in Olympia to learn more about legislation in process or on the horizon that would be taken up and to discuss the Grange’s stance on those issues.

The members then visited with legislators and their staff, informing them of the State Grange’s position and providing background details as to how legislation would impact their communities.

State Grange President Tom Gwin called the day a great success.

“We’re able to make sure these officials are reminded of priorities and interests of those in their districts,” Gwin said.

He said the interaction of Grangers and members of the State House and Senate helps give legislators who have a more rural base real life anecdotes to use when crafting their messages to more urban and suburban representatives who may not understand “the other side.”

#GRANGEHEROES

This is indeed one of the most heroic acts of Granges across the country - not only taking a position but actively reaching out to legislators and putting into words the needs of their communities or the potential for harm. By putting faces and names on the outcomes of potential policies they enable legislators for their own districts to make more compelling cases and help others see possible effects.

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#21 Fire on the Mountain Phoenix Grange, #779, Oregon

If there’s anyone who knows how truly devastating wildfires can be, it would be Southern Oregon, who experienced over 50 days of fire during the summer of 2018. With some of the most unhealthy air quality in the country during and after the fires, residents of Jackson County were left wondering what they can do to prevent this from happening again.

Enter Carmel Valencia, Lecturer of the Phoenix Grange #779, who saw the need for a training program. Valencia states, “The causes of fires and how to reduce them are intricate and multi-layered. It is a multi-faceted problem with multi-faceted solutions which cannot be covered by sound bites and 5 minute segments offered by TV news stations.

The Phoenix Grange is here to offer a space where we can come together to learn from specialists in the fields of science, geology, and forestry.”

This is an opportunity for Grange members and the surrounding community to come together to learn and take action on a personal level. Everyone is invited to attend the one hour lecture, which is followed by 30 minutes for a Q&A session. As with most Grange events, there was a potluck following the event to give attendees a chance to talk about what had been discussed, meet their neighbors, and enjoy some good home cooking.

The first presentation will be on how to reduce fire danger, restore health of our forests and provide renewable energy to low-income households. Valencia said they are expecting over 30 attendees, including students from Southern Oregon University’s Environmental Studies and Native American Student Union.

#22 Donation only meals Marvel Grange #479, Colorado In 2017, 40 million people in the United States struggled with hunger and of those 40 million people, 12 million were children.

Granges across the country are doing what they can to help combat the hunger crisis in America. Many Granges host donation only meals throughout the year.

Marvel Grange has a waffle night around Christmas, and a Luau dinner with traditional Hawaiian food that are all donation only to support their community. Breakfasts are held every month that has a fifth Saturday. Their breakfasts have around 100 people in attendance each time. Marvel Grange has been hosting these meals for roughly 10 years.

Marvel’s juniors also get in on the activity and have multiple Senior Citizen Lunches when they have no school days. In 2018, the juniors hosted three lunches with an average of 24 seniors participating.

Not only are the members of Marvel Grange hosting these meals, but they are adding entertainment and excitement through various community members. For the annual Luau dinner held every February, they invite a Native Hawaiian woman to help cook to preserve authenticity, as well as perform Hawaiian dance. They have also had a ukulele group and a dance group perform for attendees.

These meals were started as New Years Eve dinner around 16 years ago. Each dinner since then has been themed, starting with a Medieval theme for the first year, and most recently Mary Poppins.

Marvel Grange currently has no plan to stop providing these meals to their community.

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#23 Rural Computer center opens world of opportunities Goodwill Grange #959, Virginia Located in Southwest Virginia, with the Appalachian Trail running through its backyard, Goodwill Grange is situated in a picturesque setting.

But it’s not for the beauty of the property that it’s a central gathering point for its community. Instead, it’s because it’s a computer and WiFi hub for the area.

About a decade ago, the Grange was contacted by the Wire Road Authority, which asked if members would be interested in turning a room in the Hall into a computer center, funded by the tobacco grant.

Soon, the room was filled with 10 desktop computers, printers, and wireless routers for people with laptops to use.

It didn’t stop there. The room was also remodeled to add heating and air conditioning, and added a conference room for meetings, facilitating residents’ ability to build business connections, do interviews for jobs and much more.

Grange members had an active part in the entire process.

Grange member Mildred Anderson works with Ruby Wells in the computer center.

s e o r e h e g n a s r e g o # r e h e g n a r g #

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It was like a dream - the new computer center, paid staffing, and high-speed internet available to a whole group of people who had never had access before – but just three years after it opened, funding from the tobacco grant ran out and the center was on the precipice of being shut down.

But Grangers are problem-solvers and when a need arises in their communities, they are there.

Members submitted a proposal for the Grange to take over daily operations and management of the Grant Computer Center and it was approved.

For more than four years, Grangers have been in charge of the computer center, overseeing daily operations and staff, as well as paying all bills and updating equipment as needed. The community sees the impact being made through this, as there is no broadband or DSL internet service in the area and most people with internet rely on dial up connection. As more services like signing up for Social Security and Medicare move online, the Grange realizes the need for the center is becoming greater, not less.

Currently averaging 55 people each week who use the desktop computers, the computer center is open five days a week and continues to offer free WiFi access even after hours.

Locals say if you’re looking for a young person in the evening, check the parking lot of the Grange, where they may be set up doing homework, submitting college applications or surfing social sites or Amazon.

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#24 Opening Doors for Those in Need Rainbow Grange #527, West Virginia Nearly 20 percent of the residents of Ritchie County, West Virginia, with a population of just over 10,000 people, struggle with poverty.

That’s where the members of Rainbow Grange #527 show off their heroism, and have for years. The Grange, which celebrated 60 years of service to their community in 2017, collects clothing and household items throughout the year and makes sure they’re clean and ready for use by a new family. Members then open the Hall doors twice a year and allow those in need to come take whatever they want from the donations - free of charge. Cape worthy? We think so.

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#25 GETTING CLOSER TO THE SOURCE According to two national surveys this decade, 72% of U.S. consumers said they know nothing or very little about farming or ranching, but there is a rising tide of interest in understanding where their food comes from and how it is grown. There is also a renewed interest in growing your own food and sustainability.

Granges across the country are doing their part to connect consumers with their food - from seed swaps to farmers markets to events that connect farmers with consumers in other ways. In Kansas, Gardner Grange #68 began a farmer’s market in 2017 that has grown greatly since its inception. The market, located on the Johnson County Fairgrounds, showcases locally grown foods, giving consumers direct access to the farmers producing what goes onto their plates.

For those looking for even more local fare, some Granges have begun events like seed swaps. Such is the case with Sebastabol Grange #306 in California, which hosted the Sonoma County Seed Swap in mid-February, an event that pulled in about 100 community members. The event allows community residents to bring seeds they’ve saved, leftover seeds or plants and connect with others looking for the items to start their own gardens.

The Grange also makes sure to have experts on hand that can give beginning growers information to make their foray into backyard farming more successful. The best part is that you do not need to bring seeds to participate, opening the doors to those who are just getting their start in producing their own food.

These and more can be found on the National Grange Facebook throughout Grange Month and all of 2019. Be sure to share them with others using the “share” button and send news of what your Grange heroics are to communications@ nationalgrange. org.

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CONTEST

Grange Hero Identity Campaign The National Grange Communications Department is looking for great examples of the way Granges and members are talking about their work as heroes in their community for various audiences. This contest requires Grange members or Granges to communicate both digitally via social media and in a more traditional way with members and their audience.

take part in the contest under the guidance and supervision

Entrants must use at least two social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, etc.) to promote the Grange and our identity as heroes in our communities. At least one of your posts during the contest period must show that you have used the 2019 Theme poster (see nationalgrange.org/GrangeMonth or contact National Grange Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios to get a file or copy of the poster).

National Grange post shares with comments, etc.).

Save by screenshot or other method posts throughout the campaign period and upload to a Flickr album that you will share as your contest submission. Also throughout the contest period, you are encouraged to use the tag or hashtag function to link back to the identity campaign, or other function similar depending on the social media platform.

of a Subordinate Grange or Junior leader or parent/guardian.

The contest will be judged based on accuracy and creativity of posts,uniqueness to the platforms chosen, frequency of posts, engagement by your audience and engagement by your account with other Grange posts/messaging (ex.

When entering the contest, provide the following information via email to communications@nationalgrange.org •

Name of Submitter and Individual or Group (name)

entry •

Social Media Platform username/link 1 and 2

•

Additional

Social

Media

•

Basic overview of engagement, audience metrics,

etc. of the social account (provide the detail available through the platform’s reports or write anecdotally as accurately as possible about these items) •

There are two classes for entry: Individual and Grange, which can be Subordinate, Pomona or State Granges. Juniors or Junior Granges are disqualified to enter individually but may

•

Link to Flickr album of no less than 20 per platform,

no more than 100 per platform posts Short essay (no more than 500 words) on what you

learned from this experience about what the Grange on a local level can gain from the use of social media

and all of 2019!

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usernames

(optional)

You can tag @NationalGrange or use #grangeheroes or #grange.

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Jr. Ambassador enjoying challenge of national role

By Maggie Swartzendruber

Submitted Photo

Communications Fellow OR State Grange Lady Asst. Steward William “Billy” Greer, selected in November 2018 as the 2019 Junior Grange Ambassador, isn’t like most other 12-year-olds.

Since the day he turned 5, Billy, has been a Granger - a proud Junior Granger - involved in multiple aspects of the organization.

“When Billy joined Junior Grange, all we ever wanted was for him to do was grow,” his father, Daniel Greer said. We knew that there are so many different organizations but only a few will give you the opportunities that Junior Grange does.”

Billy is following a family tradition as a Granger with five generations of lineage in the organization starting with the great-great-grandparents whose farm he now lives on in Durango, Colorado, with his parents, two brothers and sister.

He has already started sharing his passion for the Grange with his friends who don’t quite understand what it is or what being the Junior Ambassador means.

He said it’s been a bit of a challenge, but fun to explain the organization, his role and what he expects to do over the course of the year.

“Junior Grange gives you the opportunity to gain more people-skills and also more opportunities to travel and increase friends from across the country.”

If you attended the 151st National Grange Convention in Spokane, Washington, you might remember Billy, and his dad, from the Evening of Excellence with their comedy act about the difference between millennials and older generations.

2019 Junior Grange Ambassador Billy Greer is continuing the family tradition in Grange and by “living right.”

Not only is Billy a comedian in the making, but he is also exploring other talents and passions through the Grange.

Billy has entered his photography in Pomona, State, and National contests.

One of his favorite things about the Grange is the opportunity to meet other Juniors from across the country. Billy says he stays in touch with other Juniors throughout the year through texting.

“Just since nationals this year I’ll bet that I have talked or texted with more than five new people,” Billy said.

“That may not seem like a lot, but for a

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seventh-grader that’s a lot of people.”

When he isn’t busy promoting and participating in Grange events, you can find Billy on the family ranch taking care of their many animals or on the lacrosse field.

Billy is an active 4-H member and enjoys showing his dairy cows and calves, steers, and lambs.

As well as animal sciences, Billy is involved with leathercraft, where he has placed Reserve Champion in his division and was able to send his piece on to the Colorado State Fair.

Billy has excelled in lacrosse and was

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Submitted Photo Billy Greer said he knows his siblings, and now other Juniors, are looking up to him. even asked to play against older players.

When his coach approached him with the opportunity, Billy responded with, “If I can handle a 1,000-pound steer, I can hold my own against a 14-year-old.”

Although his coach laughed about it, he was serious and proved it.

Billy also has big aspirations for what he wants to do when he grows up.

He says he would either like to be a veterinarian or a helicopter pilot in the military.

“In either opportunity I get the chance to help others.

That’s what’s really important to me,” Billy said. “Not to mention either one would be a huge challenge, and I like challenges.”

His interest in veterinary medicine comes from living on the ranch and being exposed to different animals. From horses to cows, dogs to pot belly pigs, and even a turtle, he has grown fond of helping all sizes of animals. Billy has a big heart when it comes to animals, and when he had the opportunity to help his neighbor deliver piglets through a difficult birth, he had the chance to see the ugly side of life and raising livestock.

“We cried with every piglet that didn’t make it out alive,” he said of the experience.

He discovered he has an interest in helicopters after taking a tour at the USS Midway in San Diego, California, where he was able to see military helicopters and airplanes up close and go inside some of them.

Billy says he has three heroes: his mom, his dad, and Jesus.

He tries to “live right,” knowing that as the oldest child his younger siblings look up to him.

During his year as the National Junior Ambassador, Billy hopes to spread awareness of the dairy industry, which also

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ties into the 2019 Junior Awareness topic and includes a mascot, Clarabelle. In addition to spreading the word on dairy, Billy also hopes to become more comfortable with speaking in front of large groups of people.

Junior Grange Director Samantha Wilkins said this program finds the best of the best and helps everyone see how bright the future of the Grange is.

“I’m so excited to have Billy join us this year as the National Junior Grange Ambassador,” Wilkins said. “He has so many bright ideas and connects so well with any Junior he meets.”

Wilkins said Greer’s attitude is also a boon for him in the role.

“Billy’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he will no doubt be an asset to the Junior Department as he spreads the news about Junior programming and uses his own experiences to inform our members about the importance of dairy,” Wilkins said. “Billy’s love and commitment for the Grange runs deep and I have no doubt that he will make a flawless transition into the Subordinate Grange and be an inspirational leader to all.”

Submitted Photo This year’s Junior Awareness Award centers on dairy, something Ambassador Billy Greer has first-hand knowledge of.

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JUNIOR SUBMISSION

Heroes don’t need bulging muscles to fit the part

By Emily Cabbage

chose to sit in a seat that was meant for

Junior Member Five Mile Prairie Grange #905, WA

never imagined that sitting down on that

someone who was white. She probably seat would literally change the world.

Anyone can be a hero.

You don’t have to have won an award, or written an inspiring book to be a hero. You don’t have to have acquired spider-powers, or drive around in a Bat Mobile.

What if you’ve only, say, done some weeding in a neighbor’s garden. “I’m not a hero,” you scoff, but in the neighbor’s eyes, you have helped them a ton, and heroes help other people, so in a way, you’re your neighbor’s hero.

Do you have a cape? No. Do you have bulging muscles? Maybe, but you don’t have to.

Who are your heroes?

Your family? Superheroes? The local fire department? Doctors? Celebrities?

Whoever it is, you have a good reason for them to be your hero, and that should be good enough for everybody.

One of my biggest heroes is Albert Einstein. And not just because everyone knows his name, or because he discovered the theory of relativity, but because of what

Some qualities of a hero—and maybe you won’t agree with all of these, or want to add some others, and that’s okay.

A good way to describe a hero’s qualities is using the Scout Law. A hero (we are substituting for ‘scout’ here) is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. They are also inspirational because usually they do happened before then. Albert Einstein was one of the most tenacious people in history,

something that has helped others.

Now, I am going to discuss the topic of

and that’s what I love about him. You’ve

superheroes; mythical men and women that

heard Thomas Edison’s famous quote— “I

go out and save the world from evil. They

have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways

typically have powers, and cool costumes.

While these people aren’t real, there are

that won’t work.”

Well, that’s the same thing Albert

people out there like them! Okay, so they

Einstein went through. He tried for years to

generally don’t have superpowers, but they

explain difficult scientific concepts. He failed

have the same qualities! So, in a way, they

sometimes, and picked up information

could be real!

Heroes help the world, no matter what

sometimes, but was patient throughout.

Another one of my heroes is Rosa Parks. During the time of segregation, she

type; fictional or real, so please look out for ways that you can be someone else’s hero!

Knowledge makes adventures even better!

The 152rd Annual National Grange

On the next pages, find the Our

Convention will be held this year in

States: Minnesota passport and in a

Bloomington, Minnesota, right outside

previous issue (as well as online at

Minneapolis. Even if you do not plan to

nationaljuniorgrange.org) you can find

attend, are your Juniors ready to learn

the Kelley Farm passport as well!

more about our host state and all that

Gather up your Junior Grange or

can be found there, or prepared for the

Junior 1+ members and let them start

Junior tour location - the Kelley Farm?

their adventure today!

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™

!

Y A D od

o G

2019 Junior submission topics

We want to encourage all of our young writers and artists out there! Each quarter we will have a new topic

for our Juniors to inspire their creation of potential content for the magazine!

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

to write or draw the piece, but we expect all those who assist to adhere to high ethical standards and allow the Junior’s work to be reflected without influence by the adult/older assistant.

Summer issue: Respecting Differences. Due April 30 | Fall issue: Delicious Dairy. Due July 15 | Winter issue: D-I-Y Gifts. Due Oct. 15 Submissions may be made via email to communications@nationalgrange.org. At least one entry per quarter will have their submission published in the related issue of Good Day!™ magazine. Honorable mentions may appear on the Junior Grange website or National Grange website.

RULES •

Contest is open only to Junior Grange Members in good standing and submission of entry is acknowledgment that publication is allowed by both Junior and parent/guardian.

•

Entries can be any of the following: photo essay (at least 3 photos on the same topic that tell a larger story) with captions for each photo identifying the people in the photo if applicable and what is happening in the scene; short story (max. 1,000 words); poem; essay/article (maximum 1,500 words and must include at least 2 relevant photographs with captions); skit (no more than 6 speaking characters; should not take more than 10 minutes to perform and should not require elaborate set); D-I-Y (do-ityourself) project with supply list, step-by-step instructions and photos of each step; or open category.

•

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.

Heroes speak up for others Find your inner hero as part of the 2019 National Grange Fly-In, open to all Grange and Junior Grange members.

April 28-May 1 in Washington, D.C. Our preferred event hotel is the Quality Inn, 1587 Spring Hill Road, Vienna, VA 22182.

Phone is (703) 448-8020.

Ask if there is a special rate for Grange members when you call to book your room.

Learn more and register at nationalgrange.org/legislative-fly-2019 You may also email questions to Junior Director Samantha Wilkins at junior@nationalgrange.org

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New way to honor achievements, 1 program on hold

By Mandy Bostwick National Grange Youth Director The National Grange Youth Department is designed to encourage youth and young adults to progress as leaders in our Granges and communities - something that is done through the acquisition of numerous Achievement Awards.

However, these awards, named after our founders, have remained nearly the same for many years, leaving Youth seeking to achieve them during the 21 years they can spend in the department (as Youth and Young Adult age is currently 14 to 35), sometimes repeating activities or projects year after year in order to qualify for more distinguished opportunities in the department.

Completing any of more than 40 levels of the combined awards, not including the yearly trivia challenge, resulted in knowledge and experience gained, recognized with a certificate.

However, most younger people have expressed a desire to get away from excessive printing, and have admitted that they often do not keep these certificates or find that they have many duplicates.

Therefore, the department will now provide those who have completed an achievement award level with a seal to be

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placed on the new Achievement Award Record Poster.

This 11�x17� poster will allow Youth to put all of their accomplishments in one space to take pride in the work that they have done. This poster will make it easier for participants to show off their work from a year-to-year basis. Posters can be requested from your State Youth Director or directly from the National director.

Youth will still be given a seal for the year and the achievement that they complete.

Year to year, seals can be replaced with new ones, or youth can request a new one each year. Several hundred achievement award records are printed and presented each year to the youth participant that have earned them.

This poster will meet the desires of Grange Youth by eliminating excessive printing and making the National Grange Youth Department more ecologicallyfriendly.

New program put on hold New for 2019 is the Grange Youth Superstar Program. According to the Youth Handbook, this is a cumulative award that will be earned over multiple years.

However, after discussion with a few State Youth Directors this program will be put on hold until there are clearer more

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defined parameters. Please contact me with any suggestions related to this program.

Focus Contest gets new push Grange Youth are encouraged each year to take an active role in their Subordinate, Pomona, and State Granges.

A great way to do that is to create a program or workshop that they can present at a Grange sponsored event or meeting.

The Grange Youth Focus Contest gives youth the opportunity to showcase their program and also have a chance to win $50.

Youth are encouraged to submit their project summary and related materials that cover one of the three topic areas: Making a Difference in Your Community, Agriculture Advocacy/Education, Citizenship/ Grassroots Advocacy. Submissions will be judged on creativity, repeatability at other Grange events and advancement/ education of the topic areas.

Grange Youth have many opportunities to showcase their hard work and present themselves as great leaders, and this contest allows us to celebrate these aspects and share with the rest of the Order the great work of our younger members.

I hope to see many submissions in 2019.

Look forward to a future Zoom meeting about this topic, co-hosted with the National Lecturer.

Exploring with the Grange TEXAS PANHANDLE

In the Texas panhandle, a few hours from Waco, home of the 2019 Great Plains Regional Conference, you may enjoy some interesting sights.

Discovering

a

region’s

secret

while taking in the ambiance of a

treasures is one of the greatest rewards

vacation destination.

of travel.

History lesson

When you embrace an adventurer’s spirit, there’s no telling just where you’ll go.

In a place like the Texas Panhandle

From an uncharted journey back

Plains, history is as much a part of the

in time to new ways to appreciate

landscape as the canyons and plains.

unconventional art, a vacation that

Frontiersmen

and

settlers

celebrates the unexpected is an ideal

encountered the Comanche nation,

way to uncover hidden travel gems.

which led to the rise of the Frontier

Though it can be tempting to schedule every moment of your trip, a better way to capture the most exceptional travel experiences is to leave ample time for exploration and see what delightful sights you can

Forts throughout the region. Later the The Panhandle region of Texas is marked in red. Waco, the site of the 2019 Great Plains Regional Conference, is marked with a star.

happen upon by chance.

A

destination

like

for

American ranching industry.

For example, Frontier Texas!, the Texas Forts Trail, Fort Concho, The Texas Plains Trail and the National Ranching Heritage Center are a few places where

the

Texas

Panhandle Plains offers a wealth of opportunities

area became home to a great part of the

excitement

and

adventure.

over the country. soil make for some tasty twists on your favorite varieties, so take time to explore and sample the local wine scene.

Great grapes

history comes to life.

Regional variances in climate and

World-class quality wine can be

Off the beaten path You may be surprised by what you can find when you venture away from more populated areas.

A growing movement of casual wine

found from coast to coast, and a winery

In state parks, you can take adventure

enthusiasts has wineries popping up all

is the perfect place to relax and unwind

into your own hands and get up close

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and personal with a destination’s rugged natural beauty.

The scenic outdoors are the perfect backdrop for you to marvel at the native wildlife, hike, ride horses or bikes, camp, geocache or take a scenic drive.

Similarly, local parks or lakes might also offer opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming.

Local legends Visiting a city with ties to an internationally acclaimed celebrity is almost like entering the screen of a selfdirected documentary.

of the Cadillac tail fin, today the 10 Artistic license

vehicles protruding from the earth are

You can see where he or she

Art can be enjoyed in many places

scarcely recognizable as automobiles.

lived and ate, and travel the same

far removed from a traditional gallery or

roads, marveling at the lifestyle and

The iconic attraction is ever-changing,

museum.

as visitors add their own interpretations

environment that shaped a bigger-thanlife persona.

You can even find artistic displays in an empty field, including one located

In Lubbock, visitors can do all that and

on Route 66 west of Amarillo: Cadillac

more at the Buddy Holly Center, which

Ranch was created in the 70s by a group

pays tribute to the uniquely interesting

of California hippies.

life of the iconic music legend.

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Originally a tribute to the evolution

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to this piece of public art.

Start your quest for hidden travel gems at TravelTexas.com.

Content provided by Family Features; source: Texas Tourism Board

IRAs may be best investment option for young workers When it comes to saving, a Roth IRA may be a Millennial’s best friend.

Unlike traditional IRAs or even workplace 401(k) plans, Roth money is tax-free in retirement.

And even as the account ideally grows fatter over the years - helped in part by a wondrous thing called compound interest - the original contributions can be withdrawn at any time, for any reason, with no taxes or penalties assessed.

That’s right, any time. For any reason.

“Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but those in their 20s or 30s are probably in a lower tax bracket now than they will be later in life when their salaries are higher,” explains Melissa Ridolfi, vice president for retirement and college leadership at Fidelity Investments. “So not only would they likely be minimizing their lifetime tax bill, but they’d also have tremendous flexibility.”

In fact, it’s the flexibility of Roth IRAs over the shorter term - and what that means for two of Millennials’ most pressing issues - that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.

Buying a home The homeownership rate among Millennials, age 25 to 34, is about 8 percent lower than that of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers at the same point in their lives, according to CNBC. And you know what being stuck renting an often exorbitantly priced apartment does for wealth accrual: bupkis. Or, as Tamara Sims, a research scientist at the Stanford Center on Longevity, more delicately told the network: “Buying a home at age 50 or 60 isn’t going to do you much good in funding a 30-year retirement.”

Now, remember what we said about original Roth contributions being taxand penalty-free?

With rare exceptions - and this is one of them - that doesn’t apply to any investment gains withdrawn before age 59. Yes, thanks to this carve-out, first-

time homebuyers (as well as those who haven’t owned a home for at least two years) may also be able to withdraw up to $10,000 of those gains and still not pay any tax or penalty as long as they’ve held the account for at least five years.

cutoff for Roth eligibility (based on

Education And why aren’t as many Millennials buying homes? One of the biggest reasons: crushing student-loan debt.

In another of those Millennial-friendly exceptions, Roth money can be tapped to pay for qualified educational expenses like college or graduate school for yourself, your spouse, or your children.

Unlike with homes, though, you’ll only beat the penalty - not the tax - on any earnings you withdraw when following the same five-year rule.

There’s evidence that Millennials are getting the message about Roths.

Fidelity, which has tools and scenarios to help pick which IRA is right for you as well as advice on specifically saving in a Roth during your 20s and 30s - says 80 percent of Millennials’ contribution dollars at the firm are going into Roths.

As for 2019, know that the income

contribution limit for both Roth and

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your modified adjusted gross income, or MAGI) has been increased over last year to $137,000 from $135,000 for single filers and $203,000 from $199,000 for joint filers. Also raised: the annual traditional IRAs (to $6,000 from $5,500, with an additional catch-up of $1,000 for those 50 and older).

“One of the great things about being a Millennial,” says Ridolfi, “is that they have time and the power of compound interest on their side.”

A huge benefit available to young Grange members is financial advising available

through

American

Senior

Benefits - a trust partner whose name does not truly encompass the full scope of capabilities and options available for members of our organization.

For

basic

planning

and

advice,

Grangers can contact Chris Cleland at (860) 676-0260 ext. 240 or by cell at (860) 729-0804 or by email at ccleland@ americanseniorbenefits.com.

A portion of this content was provided by NewsUSA.

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UPDATED: 2019 Quilt Block Contest information The National Grange Quilt Block Contest is open to everyone. There are two groups for judging: Group I – Adult (Age 14+) | Group II – Junior (Age 13 and under). The quilt block you enter in the contest for judging must be made by you.

There is no limit on the number of quilt blocks a person may submit, but choose one quilt block per person to be judged. A 2019 Quilt Block Contest Entry Form must be completed for the block to be judged.

All contest entries must be received by Christine Hamp, National Lecturer, at 16418 N. Birdie Road, Nine Mile Falls,

WA 99026 by October 31, 2019. Any entries received after the deadline will not be judged. Monetary prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in both Groups. Ribbons will be awarded to all entrants.

Even those entries arriving after the deadline will be exhibited at the 153rd National Grange convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All entries will be retained by the National Grange to be made into finished quilts and other items to be sold at a later date to raise funds for the Grange Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity.

2019 Block – Pride of Quillisascut

(based on the Disappearing Nine Patch, also called Split Nine Patch) Fabric Three fabrics, all cotton. The key to this block is that there is good contrast between all three fabrics.

Fabric A should be a medium to dark print.

Fabric B should be significantly lighter than fabric A. Fabric C should be bright! Not a pastel bright, but a strong bright!

A

B A

B

C B

Constructing the Quilt Block Cut all pieces to 4-½ inch x 4-½ inch square. Cut four fabric A. Cut four fabric B. Cut one fabric C. Use a ¼ inch seam allowance. Sew into three rows: ABA, BCB, ABA. Sew the rows together into a single block. Cut the block into four equal pieces through the middle. Rotate two blocks.

Clip and remove all threads. Press all seams. Sew the block back together. Unfinished block should measure 12 inches x 12 inches. Clip and remove all threads.

A

B A

Special recognition and thanks to the Quillisascut Quilters of Quillisascut Grange #372 in rural, northeast Washington state for taking on the challenge of selecting the block for the 2019 National Grange Quilt Block Contest by virtue of one of their members, Joan Roberson, winning the 2017 contest.

Don’t forget: This contest is open to everyone and is a great way to introduce people to the Grange. Share this information with your local fabric shop, quilt guild or with friends who quilt at any level. For more information, contact National Lecturer Chris Hamp at lecturer@nationalgrange.org or (509) 953-3533.

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→

Mercantile

→

2019

→

→

Calling all crafters

→

ETCH · Paint · Quilt · CORE · Chisel · Stamp · Weave · Draw · WHITTLE · Tooling

→

Grange Foundation

→

The Grange Foundation Mercantile is seeking donations of high-quality handcrafted items (wood carved items, knife blocks, cutting boards, hand or machine-made quilts, leatherwork, upcycled art, metalwork, painted metal or cutouts, handmade fishing flies; driftwood items, antler arts, rock art, stained glass, gemstone/sterling jewelry, felted craft, hand-spun yarn, baskets, etc.).

→

→

Donations may be hand-delivered to the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention or sent to the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm at 15788 Kelley Farm Road, Elk River, MN 55330. If delivering to the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington-Minneapolis South, donations must be received by Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Donations sent must be received by no later than October 31 and should be clearly marked ATTN: GRANGE MERCANTILE.

→

→

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

Bind · Sculpt · Forge · blow · SOLDER · carve · WELD

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

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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

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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.

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Spinach 10 oz. fresh spinach

Gnocchi 1 egg

1/3 cup flour

¼ tsp salt

¼ c. Parmesan cheese

pinch of pepper

½ c. bread crumbs Wash the spinach and place in steamer basket.

Steam until wilted. Remove and place in cheesecloth; wring out as much liquid as possible. Chop finely. Crack egg in bowl and beat. Place all other ingredients into bowl and mix thoroughly. Shape the mixture into small balls and place onto cookie sheet. Flour your hands and then roll each ball into balls smaller than a walnut. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer. Gently place a few gnocchi into the water and allow to simmer for about 2 minutes or until they rise to the top. Remove and repeat with remaining gnocchi. Dress with sauce of your choice or olive oil and grated cheese.

Sweet spinach

Smoothie

1/4 c. greek or plain yogurt

4 ice cubes

1 Tbsp honey

1 c. milk (you may also add

2 c. lightly packed raw baby spinach

1/2 c. pineapple juice if you

1/2 large apple, chunked

20 raw almonds optional

1 c. frozen pineapple chunks

1 Tbsp. flax seeds optional

1/2 banana

1 oz. vanilla protein optional

Add all items to blender. Blend until smooth, serve and enjoy.

Cracklin’ spinach

1 Tbsp chili flakes 1 Tbsp roasted sesame seeds 2 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp sugar 1 Tbsp corn starch 1 tsp minced garlic Oil for deep frying (suggested sunflower oil)

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Remove stems from spinach leaves. Wash leaves and pat dry. Take a few leaves at a time and layer on top of one another, then cut into very fine strips. When all spinach is sliced, pick up and separate pieces by hand, then mix in the corn starch. Deep fry, stirring constantly, the spinach in batches as necessary until crispy and dark green (just a minute or two on high heat), remove and put on a towel to remove excess oil. Heat sesame oil. Then add chili flakes, spinach, sugar and roasted sesame seeds and toss gently.

Serve immediately.

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bread

1 c. fresh spinach, packed 2 oz. pepper jack cheese

1 medium onion, finely diced 2 c. all purpose flour ¾ Tbsp yeast 1 Tbsp sugar ½ tsp salt

½ c. warm water

prefer a sweeter smoothie)

About 50 spinach leaves

Cheesy spinach & onion

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2 Tbsp olive oil

Remove stems from raw spinach, then add with cheese to food processor. Pulse until large crumbles form. Saute and caramelize onions. Mix all dry ingredients with stand mixer until thoroughly combined. Add onions, spinach and cheese to dry ingredients. Mix on speed 2 until thoroughly coated, then add olive oil and water very slowly and continue to mix until dough ball forms. Preheat oven to 110°. Place dough on floured surface and knead until pillowy.

Put dough into well-oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Allow to rise and double (about an hour). Remove, shape and transfer onto oiled baking sheet. Brush with remaining olive oil and allow to rise again while oven in preheating to 400°. Bake for 30 minutes.

THE LAST

Word

By Erin Yelland, Ph.D. Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist, Kansas State University In the time it has taken me to write this article for you (let’s say 3 hours), an estimated 15 people have died across America from an opioid-related drug overdose. On an average day in 2017, more than 130 people died every day and nearly 48,000 died throughout the year.

When the 2018 numbers are released, we do not expect them to be any lower.

So, what are opioids? Why are they so risky? How did we get to this point?

In this article, I will talk a bit about that and introduce you to some steps you can take to help address the opioid crisis in your community.

What are opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include powerful prescription pain relievers and the illegal drug, heroin.

Here’s a breakdown of the important things you need to know about prescription opioids and heroin.

Prescription opioids can be legally prescribed by medical professionals to treat moderate to severe pain. This pain might be caused from injury, surgery, or even illnesses such as cancer. Some commonly prescribed opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and morphine. These medications can be an important and appropriate part of treatment for many people, but opioids can also be very

dangerous and addictive – we will talk more about that later.

Prescription opioids are produced in many forms – such as tablets, capsules, liquids, patches, suppositories, and lozenges. When prescription opioids are misused, they can be taken in their original form or they may be injected intravenously, smoked, snorted, placed under the tongue, or inserted rectally.

Taking medications in ways other than how it was prescribed is commonly done to achieve a quicker, more intense high.

Now, let’s take a minute to talk about Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a legal, synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Because of its strength, it is highly desirable to those who are abusing opioids and can be taken in a variety of ways to enhance the high. Fentanyl can be injected, snorted, smoked, taken orally, or spiked onto blotter paper. Fentanyl patches can be abused by removing the gel contents and then injecting or ingesting the contents all at once.

Patches have also been frozen, cut into pieces, and placed under the tongue or in the cheek. Currently, Fentanyl is being illicitly consumed via theft, fraudulent prescriptions, and illegal distribution by patients, physicians, and pharmacists.

However, the majority of Fentanyl that is distributed in the United States was

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illegally produced in and smuggled from China. Fentanyl has also been found to be laced in illicit drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Because you cannot tell if Fentanyl has been added into these other drugs, abusers may not even realize they are being exposed to this dangerous drug.

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug derived from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seedpod of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin, like prescription opioids, causes an addictive euphoria that can lead to addiction and overdose. Unlike prescription opioids, heroin is generally considered easier to access, because it does not require a medical visit, prescription, or interaction with a pharmacist to obtain.

In addition, street heroin is considerably less expensive than many prescription opioids – costing less than a pack of 20 cigarettes in many places throughout the United States. Many people incorrectly assume that prescription opioids are safer than illegal drugs because they are medically prescribed, however, research now shows that addiction to or abuse of prescription opioids opens the door to heroin use. In fact, 80% of people who use heroin report having misused prescription opioids first.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, heroin is illegally produced

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in two forms: a white to brownish powder or sticky “black tar.”

Typically, heroin is sold as a white (more pure) to brownish (less pure) powder that is “cut” or mixed with sugars, starch, powdered milk, or quinine. This form of heroin is generally snorted or smoked.

Powdered heroin generally originates from South America, and is widely available east of the Mississippi River. “Black tar” heroin is a sticky or hard form of heroin that has been processed with impurities – hence the black color and undesirable texture.

Because it cannot be snorted or smoked, “black tar” heroin is usually dissolved, diluted, and injected into veins, muscles, or under the skin. This form of heroin primarily comes from Mexico, and is widely available west of the Mississippi River.

So, why are opioids so risky?

Opioids are incredibly addictive and anyone who takes them is at risk of developing an addiction. Opioids work by attaching to receptors in your brain and actually change your brain chemistry by releasing endorphins – your brain’s feelgood response. This change in your brain chemistry causes a high, or euphoria, that makes taking the drug feel good.

Achieving a high can happen quickly and the psychological desire to maintain that high can happen with as little as one dose. This desire to want those good feelings back once the medication has worn off is the first hallmark sign that someone may be on the path to developing an addiction.

Another concern with opioids is the tolerance that builds when you take them. Tolerance occurs when taking the same dose of a medication no longer produces the same effects.

Essentially, you need more of the medication in order to experience the same relief, pleasure, or euphoria. This tolerance causes people to want to increase their dose or take more of the drug. This can be incredibly dangerous as taking higher doses dramatically increases your risk for prolonged addiction and experiencing an overdose.

So you know a little bit about opioids and why they are so risky, but how did we get to this point?

According to the CDC, from 1999 to 2015, the amount of prescription opioids dispensed in the United States nearly quadrupled, yet there has been no verifiable change in the amount of pain that Americans report. In other words, we are flooding our country with these drugs despite the fact that we have not shown a need to do so. Much of this influx in prescription opioids can be linked back to pain being widely recognized as the “fifth vital sign” in 2001. What does this mean? Think back to the last time you or someone you know was in an emergency room. Can you recall the doctor or nurse asking a question like, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your pain right now?” This is because it was identified that pain was being “underassessed” and “undertreated”, so national efforts were put behind “making pain visible” and “assessing and managing a patient’s pain”. This largely

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led to over-prescribing of opioids to treat varying degrees of pain. Of course, large prescription drug companies saw this as the Autobahn to financial success, and many also place a degree of blame on the for-profit nature of pharmacological treatments, their company’s targeted and enhanced marketing schemes, and perks that medical providers receive. As a side note, a 2018 research letter in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal reported that each meal a medical provider received from a pharmaceutical-industry company was associated with an increasing number of written opioid prescriptions.

In other words, pharmaceutical representatives are taking medical professionals out to dinner, and in return, the medical professionals are more likely to prescribe the drug that the representative was selling. It has been strongly recommended that such practices be disallowed.

Steps you can take We know that opioids are addictive, readily available, and accessible…but what can you and I do about it? Next I’ll introduce several tips and ideas that you can implement in yourself, your family, and/or your community. But, first, I want to remind you that knowledge is power. So, if you’ve made if this far into the article – give yourself a pat on the back. Then, keep reading to learn more about how you can use your knowledge to make a difference.

There are several steps you can take to help yourself, your family, and your community combat the opioid crisis. First, let’s start with steps you can personally take if you are prescribed an opioid. A life with chronic pain is devastating, and prescription opioids can play an important role in treatment. However, it is important that you talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of prescription opioids.

• Understand what you are taking, how to take it, and why you have been prescribed the medication.

• Do not take more medication than what is prescribed.

• Do not take other people’s prescriptions.

• Do not mix opioids with alcohol, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, and other opioids.

• Be proactive in addressing pain. Experts suggest exploring various methods of alleviating pain, such as over-thecounter pain medications, exercise, or alternative therapies.

• Ask your physician if it is absolutely necessary or if there are alternative medications that can help.

If you are prescribed an opioid, it is crucial that you store it and dispose of any left over medication appropriately. Here are some tips to remember: • Treat opioid medications like you would having a firearm around a small child.

• Choose a location that cannot be reached and is out of sight from children and visitors.

• It is highly recommended to store your medication in a

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lock box or a locked medicine cabinet.

• Do not leave medication on countertops, nightstands, or other noticeable locations that can be easily accessed by others.

• Return medication to a secure location after every use.

• Be safe at work or while traveling by using locking travel medication cases.

To safely dispose of medications, you can: • Utilize a drug take-back day offered by the DEA in collaboration with your local law enforcement.

• Take them to a safe dropbox location. These safe dropboxes are sometimes located in pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, law enforcement agencies, and public health departments. They are always locked, generally kept under video surveillance, and are a safe way to dispose of your unused medications at your convenience.

• Use a medication disposal bag – such as Deterra. These disposal bags utilize a deactivation solution to dissolve and deactivate medication once it is mixed with a small amount of water. Many agencies and organizations are now giving medication disposal bags or kits away for free, but you can also purchase them (for around $4 a bag) at pharmacies, online, or at many big box stores.

• Combine them with an undesirable substance from your home – like used coffee grounds or used kitty litter – then seal them in a plastic bag and dispose of them in your household trash.

• Another tip: Always remember to destroy the label on any prescription medication bottles. You might consider taking the label off, affixing it to a scrap piece of paper, then shredding it.

You never want someone to be able to dig through your trash and be able to identify medications you might be taking or have in your home.

Want to do more?

As I previously mentioned, I strongly believe that knowledge is power. Here is how you can help spread the word about the dangers of opioids and work to educate your neighbors on this devastating crisis.

• Advocate for your own health, and encourage others to do so, as well. Ask questions. Ask for alternative treatments and therapies. Take charge of your own health!

• Help establish a safe drop-off site or work with law enforcement to host a takeback day. The less prescription drugs there are in people’s homes and communities, the better off we will all be!

• Ask your doctor and pharmacist if they are following the CDC’s Opioid Prescribing Guidelines. This set of guidelines was designed to help address this crisis and limit the number of opioid prescriptions being written and dispensed each day.

• Advocate to have Naloxone (also called Narcan) available in many places throughout your community. Naloxone is the

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opioid overdose reversal drug that can be easily administered to anyone having an overdose. The more readily available this drug is, the less overdose deaths will occur.

• Learn how to respond to an overdose. Here are the simple steps: Check to see if the person is responsive (you can do this by rubbing your knuckles into their breastbone in a hard, circular motion). If they are not, begin CPR. If you are alone and do not have a cell phone on you, perform CPR for 2 minutes before you leave the person to call 911. If you have a cell phone or there is another bystander, call 911 immediately while you begin CPR. Then, administer naloxone, if you have it.

After the naloxone has been administered, continue CPR until the person responds or further help arrives. You can give more naloxone after 4 minutes if the person has not yet responded.

• Learn CPR. Understanding how to correctly perform CPR is a skill that all of us should have.

• Ask community leaders if there is a task force or coalition devoted to addressing the opioid crisis in your community. If so, ask if you can participate. If not, ask that community leader to help develop one so that all of the necessary people (health care providers, first responders, law enforcement, educators, the public, etc.) can be at the table to talk about issues, needs, and possible solutions.

• Be understanding of new policies and practices.

Several new policies and practices are being put in place to help curb this epidemic. Doctors and dentists may refuse to prescribe opioid medications, pharmacists may be unable or more hesitant to fill them, and your insurance might not cover as much as they used to. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work, but it is clear that large steps must be taken to help address this crisis. For example, Medicare Part D has new overutilization policies for 2019. These measures limit dispensing of opioid medications for new prescriptions to seven days or less, enhance opioid care coordination efforts, implement drug management programs, and more.

Final Thoughts The misuse of opioids is a serious national crisis that is putting millions of lives at risk. If steps are not taken to curb the crisis, more lives will be lost, life expectancy will continue to decrease, and the burden of addiction will be placed upon future generations. Take a proactive role and fight against the opioid crisis by seeking help if you are addicted, becoming trained in CPR, properly storing and disposing of medications, and mobilizing your community to take action. Remember that small acts are truly acts of heroism. So, ask yourself… what steps will you take to help address the opioid crisis in your community? To learn more about the opioid crisis, you can access and read a free fact sheet from K-State Research and Extension at https://www.aging.k-state.edu/programs/opioids/ Opioids_fact%20sheet.pdf.

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Grange Fundraisers

Classifieds Two fundraiser items are available through

Congrats

the National Lecturer’s fund in the Grange Foundation. Sale help to cover costs of prizes, travel and workshops as well as other department programming. The 2018 Tender Heart Quilt Block has been made into a beautiful pin. Available for $7.50. A few challenge coins, made in the United States, are available for only $20.

Contact Chris Hamp at (509) 953-3533 or email lecturer@nationalgrange.org

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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