Good Day! Winter 2019/2020 [V3I4]

Good DAY!

A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 3, Issue 4 l Winter 2019-20

THE TIE THAT BINDS From local milestone celebrations to National meetings, friendship is a key part of the Grange experience Photo by Anson Dietrich, Virginville Grange #1832 (PA)

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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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SHOP

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

FINANCE

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

TRAVEL

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With discounts 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, Life Line, and the Medical Air Services Association, the oldest prepaid emergency transportation and screening organization, are sure to give you peace of mind about your health.

PHARMACY

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

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

INSURANCE

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

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

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

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

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NATIONAL NEWS & VIEWS

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SPECIAL COVERAGE: 153rd Annual Convention

MASTER’S MESSAGE: Grange Connections define what it is to be a member EDITORIAL: Misunderstood rural communities need Grange as voice in 2020 LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Member seeks others to start Grange motorcycle club

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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

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BOARD: With major hurdles behind us, time to look toward future with great hope

A look at the new policies established by delegates at 153rd Convention

Grange makes most of introduction to 70,000 people at National FFA convention

OP-ED: Congress must consider vital need for rural airports when debating infrastructure

2019 Firefighter, Law Enforcement Officer and Teacher of the Year; Cape of Honor winner announced

FCC lauded for $9B proposed expansion for rural broadband, precision ag

Winners of Grange in Action, Distinguished Grange, Honor Granges and Legacy families recognized

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MEMBER NEWS, SUBMISISONS & RECOGNITION

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VIEW: Service before honor chosen when member got call for help A look at the 14 new, revitalized Granges and what they can teach about organization in 2020 Charter, new members welcomed; milestones celebrated; past leaders memorialized Delaware member recognized for rural road safety initiative while Oregon Grange posts signs to encourage safe driving ESSAY: Let new members “drive”

OP-ED: Lifeline phone service still necessary for low-income users

PERSPECTIVE: Reducing Food Waste

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Farm Aid booth successful in educating, interesting concert-goers in Grange RESOURCES: Game, posters, worksheets, recipes and more are all part of tools you can use in Grange, at public display Demonstration shows how to help farmers by using cow’s milk to make soap Recipe provided can be fun way to make soap as gift, to learn new skill

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JUNIOR GRANGE

ESSAY: New ducks needed in Grange parody Granger, female WWII Navy officer honored with Patriot’s Program certificate

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Challenging 5-star Passport focuses on reducing food waste

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GRANGE YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

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COLLABORATION: Youth, Juniors invited to new event focusing on advocacy, provides inside look at Washington, D.C. New program announced, will take place of achievement awards ADULTING 101: Initial stages of planning for retirement should be taken while young

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HOBBIES

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2020 quilt block contest offers sewers two pattern options

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FOOD & RECIPES

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Venison adds new protein option, especially in winter months Master’s Recipe: Smothered Venison Cubes

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LAST WORD

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Woman makes first quilt to honor her mother’s military service

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Fundraising items, membership assistant announcements

Good Day! Magazine is a quarterly publication of the National Grange. located at 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006.

ISSN: 2688-6030. | All comments and questions can be directed to communications@nationalgrange.org

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

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Staff

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.

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Officers William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward

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

John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward

Executive Committee Secretary master@orgrange.org Leroy Watson, NH, Executive Committee Member leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org Lynette Schaeffer, IL,

Executive Committee Member schaeffr@att.net Stephen Coye, NY,

Executive Committee Member & Grange Foundation Board Chair steve@nygrange.org Chris Hamp, WA,

National Lecturer lecturer@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

Samantha Wilkins Operations Manager & National Junior Grange Director samantha@nationalgrange.org

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

Susan Noah, OR,

Betsy E. Huber, Publisher National Grange Master (President) & President, Grange Foundation betsy@nationalgrange.org

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

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

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Karen Overstreet, TX, National Lady Assistant Steward

Burton Eller Legislative Director beller@nationalgrange.org Joe Stefenoni Membership & Leadership Development Director membership@nationalgrange.org Mandy Bostwick Youth Development Director youth@nationalgrange.org

Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain

Pete Pompper Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org

Sherry Harriman, ME, National Treasurer Judy Sherrod, TN, National Secretary Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper

David Baker Trademark Manager trademark@nationalgrange.org

Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres

Mujo Mrkonjic Building Engineer

Kay Stiles, MD, National Pomona Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora

REMINDER: As of November 2019, the National Grange has discontinued its tollfree number. Please direct all calls to our office at (202) 628-3507.

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Features PEACE AT LAST

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KINDNESS COUNTS

Fallen hero who was aboard the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor, was finally laid to rest in Fall of 2019

Nevada Junior Grangers take time to be kind with inspiration from book

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FOUNDING CONNECTIONS

Attendees to the 153rd Annual National Convention toured the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm, enjoyed feeling of homecoming

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 2020 Issue Due Date Hits Mailboxes Spring

February 1

April 1

Fall

August 1

September 1

Summer Winter

May 1

November 1

June 1

January 1, 2021

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.

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Renew or subscribe today!

You can renew or subscribe at nationalgrange.org/goodday and pay by credit/debit card or set up auto-renewal!

OR you can return to National Grange, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006, ATTN: Good Day! this clipping or paper with the following information, as well as a $16 check per subscription/renewal made payable to National Grange at Name

Good DAY!

Vol. 1, Issue 2 l Spring 2017

SUMMER CAMP

Take a trip down memory lane with us as we hear about favorite summer camp memories from Grangers

GIFT IDEAS FOR DAD

THROUGH THE EYES OF A YOUTH AMBASSADOR

With Father’s Day right around the corner, check out some perfect and easy gift ideas

VOICES OF RURAL AMERICA HEARD ON HILL

Meet Asa Houchin, one of the National Grange’s Youth Ambassadors

Members from across the country participated in the annual Fly-In to advocate on Grange issues in April GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE

____________________________________________________________

A quarterly publication of the National Grange

Good DAY!

Vol. 1, Issue 1 l Winter 2017

FAMI LY TRADI TI ONS APRIL IS GRANGE MONTH!

COOK RANCH PHOTO ESSAY

Ask your community to reflect on what it would be like without DO·ers

Phone

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Address ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ Email

A quarterly publication of the National Grange

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FUTURE OF THE GRANGE Browse our Junior and Youth sections to see what young Grangers are up to

Go on an adventure around this Idaho cattle farm and small town way of life

GENERTIONS APART, TOGETHER National Grange Young Patron Mandy Bostwick is no stranger to Order’s spotlight

GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE

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Do you dream of being a published author or artisit?

This is your chance!

This is your magazine.

Submissions may be made by any Grange member in good standing, especially including Junior and Youth members.

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

All work must be in good taste and appropriate for our audience.

The National Grange reserves the right to reject any submissions.

While you can provided a submission on any topic, we also have some ideas for your inspiration for upcoming issues based on our expected content. For ideas, feel free to email communications@ nationalgrange.org.

Guidelines & The Fine Print Entries can be any of the following types: 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

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perform and should not require elaborate set); D-I-Y (do-it-yourself) project with supply list, step-by-step instructions and photos of each step; or open category (examples include but are not limited to a coloring book page related to Grange or agriculture; comic strip or box; recipes, etc.).

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

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

Submissions may be made via email to communications@ nationalgrange.org.

Several entries will be published in each issue of Good Day!™ magazine and others may be included in a future online edition or webpage related to the magazine.

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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 6

Renew/Subscribe

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Esto Perpetua: Appeal Letter

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Grange Revival 2021 Information and Individual Event Registration Form

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$20 for ‘20 Promise Donation Form

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2020 Quilt Block Contest Entry Form

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PSA: You can reduce Food Waste

Copy & Hand Out/Post 2 73-93

Grange Member Benefits RESOURCES: Food Waste game, handouts, worksheet, recipes, composting guide, sign

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Cow’s milk soap making instruction

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Junior Grange Passport: Discovery Network #12 - Reducing Food Waste

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Venison Recipes

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National Grange internship opportunities

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Grange Store @ Monroe Classic Sales

Back

2020 Grange Legislative Experience - First in the Nation Primary Fly-In

Cover Photo

A three-ring Friendship Circle was the perfect way to conclude a member recognition evening during a “Blue and Gold Night” held at Virginville Grange #1832, Pennsylvania, in mid-November.

Junior Grangers circled the altar, then Virginville Officers formed the second ring and all Grange members present completed the final circle.

Junior Grangers also provided the opening ceremony for the evening and a photo booth was on site.

Virginville Grange is holding special events leading up to its 100th anniversary, which will be in April 2020.

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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 new roof, 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 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.

$______ 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

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.

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MASTER’S CORNER Betsy E. Huber

It was wonderful to see so many of you at the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention in Bloomington, MN. It was a great session and much good work was accomplished. Also we wrapped up our theme for the past year of Heroes in our Hometowns by recognizing some Grange Heroes, honoring veterans with Quilts of Valor, choosing new Grange Youth and Junior Royalty for the next year, and celebrating the community service work accomplished.

More information in this issue.

The Heroes theme references our community service work, and our Granges have again excelled in assisting their communities in so many different ways.

Congratulations to all Granges that participate in the Words for Thirds Dictionary Project—we passed the one million mark this year for dictionaries presented by Granges!

The heroic theme also references our legislative efforts to make the country better, and Legislative Director Burton Eller has been running in circles to keep the Grange visible in so many issue arenas in D.C. as well as state capitols.

We are heroic in our youth and Junior programs that train our children to be good citizens and leaders. Junior Director Samantha Wilkins and Youth Director Mandy Bostwick and their teams have worked hard this year to visit all the regional leadership conferences and deliver worthwhile workshops. They’ve also made changes in their programs to deliver valuable experiences and training that are useful to our young people.

National Lecturer Chris Hamp works hard to honor the heroes who are veterans or service members through the Quilts of Valor program. It’s great to see many State Granges and even Community and Pomona Granges participating in this wonderful program by honoring their own veteran heroes. Another way to gain publicity for your Grange and spread the news about the great work we do in our communities.

I’m sure you all know many Grangers who exemplify heroic traits every day-- courage, passion, integrity, honesty, confidence, patience, selflessness and caring. I really appreciate everything each one of you does to advance the Grange in your community, your state, and the nation. Thank you!

The theme Heroes in our Hometowns has surely helped to increase our pride in Grange. The year and the theme may be ending, but the pride should continue to build as we continue to be DO·ers.

Our theme for 2020 is Cultivating Connections. There’s a lot included and inferred in these two words. First, cultivating makes me think of farming, that excited feeling of HOPE each spring when we turn over the brown soil and plant seeds; some growing into good things to eat, some into beautiful flowers to enrich our lives, some into crops to feed our animals. In the Grange we cultivate all these things, but we also cultivate our Juniors and youth to grow into responsible adults who nourish the world with their knowledge, abilities, and commitment.

We continue to cultivate our adult members by offering new opportunities to learn leadership, new skills, and new friends.

Then the second word, Connections.

The Grange is and has always been about connections—to each other within the Grange as family. Connecting to our communities around our halls, by hosting or assisting with community events, making our halls available to other groups, giving assistance to worthy causes in our areas and beyond. Connecting with government officials, from local to county to state to federal; expressing our opinions, promoting Grange policy, offering our assistance with agricultural or other issues, and thanking them for their service. Connecting with military members and veterans in our communities and honoring them with Quilts of Valor or Patriots Program certificates.

Connecting Baby Boomers with Generations X, Y and Z in this age of

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disconnect so we can understand each other and appreciate our differences.

Connecting these generations with our members who know how to preserve foods, do crafts, sew and knit and crochet, so these skills can be passed on. Connecting members and nonmembers with our rich history of contributions to rural America, and connecting our history to our future by involving citizens in today’s issues that need to be addressed to improve lives.

Connecting rural with urban, agriculture with consumers, to increase the understanding of modern farming methods and where our food comes from; how farmers care deeply for their land and animals. Connecting people with the land, either directly through gardening classes or indirectly through the internet, developing appreciation for those who do care for and preserve the land. In this way we can show the public that farmers are the original conservationists, that they care for their animals and the soil now as they have forever.

I could go on and on with ways the Grange connects, and I’m sure you can suggest many other ideas. I hope you will use this theme throughout 2020 to present the Grange, possibly in a new light, to residents in your communities so they can see the myriad of things we do and realize how they can be a part of us and contribute their own talents to our efforts.

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From the desk of the AMANDA LEIGH BROZANA RIOS If you’ve lived somewhere with a visible homeless population that includes panhandlers, you may have walked passed a person seeking change and thought about the long-term sustainability of that lifestyle.

You may think, the more aid you give, the more likely the person may be to remain a panhandler, never seeking a better station in life.

Or, you may be frustrated: you’ve worked hard for the money you have, but they expect it to be given freely without having worked for it.

This can be translated to the way some people in urban communities feel about rural Americans.

They look at the aid given for rural projects and special loans or programs offered to rural communities.

They see (on average) a low-performing, less educated, reluctant to adapt or change population waiting on the next move by the government to drop into their cups hard-earned tax dollars.

They see reports that say no matter the amount of government intervention, rural communities continue their economic decline.

Some make a judgment: the population decline in rural communities means those who wish to work and prosper have fled to more populated areas; those remaining must be backwards, resistant to progress, lazy or “bad.”

Such seems to be the case with the Jackson Kernion, a Ph.D. student and lecturer in the philosophy department at UC Berkeley, who made headlines in fall 2019 with a series of tweets in which he said “It should be uncomfortable to live in rural America,” and “they, as a group, are bad people who have made bad life decisions.”

If ever there was an opening salvo in a

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full-blown rhetorical war between rural and urban America…

But that exchange should not just make angry the one in five of us who are rural Americans. It should wake us up and make us consider why and how rural people and our communities are seen this way, just as the opening of this piece did with our assumptions about panhandlers.

It should also make us hyper aware of why and how the Grange is relevant and crucial at times like this, where welleducating people, in change of educating others, have so little understanding of what rural brings to the American table – literally and figuratively.

Clearly, Kernion hasn’t thought through the reality of a world where no one lives in rural communities. Such a world would come with an entirely changed food system that we aren’t close to equipped to handle.

Imagine for a second Kernion in his apartment in Berkeley waking to his neighbor’s rooster (I’m sure the complaints would start early on those mornings). He’d roll over and tweet, “anyone with a cow in their backyard have some milk I could buy for this morning’s cereal?” only to realize that without rural Americans, the country’s wheat industry has fallen to ruins and there is a shortage on the high-priced, imported cereal because of several health alerts on the products coming from foreign manufacturing plants who have much more lax safety regulations than American manufacturers used to have.

The change wouldn’t stop with the greater time spent planning for meals.

Further change would come when many sectors reliant on a system where workers live nearby enough to remote locations filled with natural resources or isolated enough for certain industrial and environmentally hazardous sites have to completely change course in their business

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strategy. Shortages and price surges would become the everyday.

Those tax dollars infused in rural America may start to look a little more like investments in America as a whole the more you think about it.

But that still doesn’t discard the fact that many of the current strategies to get rural America back on its feet have failed.

The problem, of course, is that many of the investments and proposed solutions that “get heard” in ivory towers and government circles too often come from ivory towers and government circles and not from rural communities themselves.

This is where the Grange can become a leading champion.

Our structure is such that ideas can be offered by members or shared between vastly different types of rural communities Grange to Grange.

As these are presented in our meetings, they can be discussed and debated, and the final outcome reported back. Proposals that one Grange believes can work can move through the resolution process and should it pass at the national level, resources could be committed to finding a partner research group to provide the critical details political elites would be looking for in order to turn a proposal into a series of legislative actions.

Such can be seen with the efforts to tout the importance of rural broadband expansion – an issue we have taken on with all the urgency of those equitable infrastructure platforms of the past like rural free mail delivery, rural electrification and rural phone service. We know that with access, rural Americans will become more competitive in business, receive better healthcare, become better educated, connect with broader ideas and generally raise ourselves and our communities up.

The Grange at all levels has supported and lobbied for a variety of tactics that would make a reality broadband deployment to every home and today we see multiple emails a week from the FCC, USDA and other administrative bodies touting the release of funds or change in regulations that will bring broadband to

the lives of more rural Americans and rural communities. The biggest news of this was the proposed $9 billion (with a B) in funding for rural broadband expansion announced by 2018 National Grange Champion of Rural America and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai on Dec. 4, 2019 (coincidence?).

Now with the train truly starting to chug down the track toward our destination of a prosperous rural America, let’s lead the discussion of what stops we want to see along the way.

Let’s create meaningful resolutions that propose the necessary investments and strategies that will work for rural communities.

Let’s have the informed, intelligent, nonpartisan debates the Grange is lauded for that will help us realize prosperity in the rural sector.

Let’s know where we must still inform and engage and make our Granges hubs for both.

If we do this on the local level, the National Grange can succeed in being the advocate rural America needs, and we will be able to prove to those who would argue otherwise that given the right resources, we are not the panhandlers of America, but the backbone of a great nation.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Want to create Grange motorcycle club prior to Revival 2021?

The announcement of the dates and location of the next Grange Revival in 2021 (see page 11 for details), followed by a conversation I had during the Salute to Agriculture luncheon here at the 153rd Annual National Grange convention has brought to the front of my mind something that has been stirring around only semi-formed in the back of it for quite some time.

The next Grange Revival will be from July 20-25, 2021 in Sturgis, South Dakota.

This means the Grange Revival will be ending a little less than two weeks before the Sturgis motorcycle rally begins that year.

I’ve learned that several Grange mem-

bers enjoy riding motorcycles and may be interested in attending Grange Revival and/or the Sturgis rally. In my own home state of Minnesota, I know a few a members from Lake Hubert Grange #735 who also ride.

For this reason, I think it may be time to form a Grange riding club.

It seems to me the formation of such a club at this time would be both timely in preparation for the next Revival and would create a new and new form of fellowship opportunity.

The Freemasons formed a Motorcycle Club more than 35 years

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ago. You can learn more about it at bit.ly/2pxswQi (link is case sensitive).

I’d like to gauge interest level, and, if there’s enough, begin a discussion regarding what the interested Grangers think what such an organization should look like – something I’ve initially dubbed the “Iron Sheaves.”

Let me know if this interests you.

Fraternally, TROY BEHNKE Membership Director, State Grange of Minnesota & 2019 Communication Fellow bwiatino@gmail.com

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Grange in better place after weathering storms The income from our building has in the past and continues

By F. Phillip Prelli

today to help support our core mission.

National Grange Overseer and Executive Committee Chairman

In the 2020 budget, adopted by the delegates to the National Grange, additional funds have been included to move

As we look forward to a new Grange year in 2020, will our vision of the future be 20/20?

We have weathered the legal battles in California over the last few years and the emergency repairs to the chiller and roof replacement at our National Grange Headquarters, both of which put a tremendous strain on our finances and have prevented us from attending to many of the core functions of our fraternity.

Yes, it will still take us time to recover from these situations, but should we just look to the past, rest on our laurels or instead use our 20/20 vision to plan for the future.

The planning was started last year with the adoption of our new Mission Statement. If you have not seen or heard it, let me share it with you now. “The Grange strengthens individuals, families and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy and agriculture awareness.”

I hope that you are all sharing this with your Grange members as well as emphasizing this statement in your outreach programs and membership efforts.

The planning continued last year as your Board of Directors had a mechanical, electrical and plumbing assessment performed on our headquarters building.

The report that was generated will serve as the basis for a long-term plan to update and maintain these mechanical areas of our 60-year-old building, rather than waiting for a problem to happen and having to handle it on an emergency basis.

The board has already begun the process of addressing some of these areas.

Another study is in the works to ensure that our building remains a desired rental unit not only for our existing tenants but also new tenants as space becomes available. This will require some upgrades and modernization to the rental spaces.

forward some of the core functions for our fraternity that were held back over the past few years. One of these areas is in our Membership/ Leadership Department.

The department is looking at new approaches to increase our membership.

Last year a concerted effort was made to reach out to FFA members, advisors and families at their annual convention.

Instead of just asking for names and addresses and forwarding them to State Granges who were asked to follow up – the previous approach which hasn’t worked well – we tried a different method. Email addresses were gathered, the e-membership was emphasized to those who stopped by our booth at the National FFA Convention and the Membership Department is going to be following up with the contacts by email throughout the year.

A special thank you to J. Allen and Shelley Cameron from Connecticut who assisted at the convention. It is helpful to have younger past FFA members at the convention to greet the participants.

I know many of the State Granges attend their states’ FFA conventions, and I encourage you to try this new approach there to see how it works. We truly believe we would make a great home to these young people aging out of FFA and looking for a place to bring their knowledge, talents and passion.

Let’s continue to plan for 2020 and the future of our organization.

If our vision isn’t always 20/20, I know we have many members to act as our optometrists to assist in moving us forward with a clear view.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Please provide us your suggestions to be shared with the National Grange Executive Committee

When sending suggestions, providing details about yourself (name, address) and Grange affiliation (name, state, number and number of years you’ve been a member) is helpful context. These are optional, but if the Executive Committee has further questions, your name, address and Grange are necessary.

CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO: National Grange, ATTN: Executive Committee, RE: Good Day!, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Grange booth connects with 70,000 FFA members Just days before the opening of the 153rd National Grange Convention, the National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Joe Stefenoni and a team of volunteers was in Indianapolis, Indiana to participate in the Expo at the National FFA Convention.

This year an estimated 70,000 FFA members, their advisors, parents, chaperones and supporters converged on Indiana’s capital city for the annual event. This was the first time in at least a decade that the National Grange participated in this event.

Stefenoni was assisted by J. Allen and Shelley Cameron from Connecticut and Martha Stefenoni, California.

As the Grange members interacted with convention FFA members from across the country, the message that resonated most was “what do you do when you hang up the blue jacket?”

“Throughout their time in FFA, members receive an immense amount of leadership and community development training,” Joe Stefenoni said. “Their time in FFA is limited and the Grange is a natural next chapter for them to add to their story of service and leadership.”

Anyone who stopped by the booth

Photos by Joe Stefenoni ABOVE: Garrett Otterson from Jacinto Grange #431 in Jacinto, CA just stopped by the Grange booth and got a “Power up with the Grange!” power bank and a USB stick. BELOW: Giveaways and information about the Grange were available at the booth. was given Grange branded items as well as information on how they can become part of our great national organization.

A special gift was also given to anyone who came by the booth and was a Grange member, family of a Grange member or Grange supporter.

Since Generation Z is much more mobile than their predecessors have been, the Grange team promoted the e-membership program heavily, which allows those who have joined as e-members to get updates about what the Grange is doing in Washington, D.C., and across the country.

E-members also receive a subscription to Good Day!™ magazine and exclusive digital content about Grange programs.

Over the three days at the Expo, the Grange collected 206 contacts covering 32 states.

“This does not take into consideration the people who stopped and took information material, a magazine or just head about the Grange,” Joe Stefenoni said.

He said that over the next year, he will be engaging all of these contacts with a communications package developed in joint effort between the Membership and Communications departments.

Contacts will also be given to the ap-

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propriate State Granges for them to reach out and show what they have to offer to this next generation of leadership.

“I am hopeful that we see returns and engagement from our participation that show us our participation is valuable for years to come,”he said.

Joe Stefenoni also said the Grange’s participation in this event would not have been possible without the generous support of a number of Granges who donated money to sponsor our promotional items.

“I would like to personally thank them all for their support of the future of our organization,” he said.

Those that donated were: California State Grange, Oregon State Grange, New Jersey State Grange, Oklahoma State Grange and Nebraska State Grange, Star Grange (PA), Carmichaels Grange (PA), Harveys-Aleppo Grange (PA), Delaware Grange (PA), Fleetwood Grange (PA), Kimberton Grange (PA), Hookstown Grange (PA), Honey Brook Twp. Grange (PA), London Grange (PA), Hayfield Grange (PA), Hamburg Grange (PA), Crawford County Pomona Grange (PA), Berks County Pomona Grange (PA), Cheater-Delaware Pomona Grange (PA), People Improving Colorado Kids (CO).

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Congratulations to the 2019 National Grange Community Service Winners Capt. Larissa Rohr

2019 National Grange Firefighter of the Year Hoquiam Fire Department, Washington Submitted by Humptulips Grange #730

®

Vicki Bocek 2019 National Grange Teacher of the Year, Durand High School, Michigan Submitted by Burns Grange #160

Officer Mark Dallas

Grange Legacy Famil Grange Legacy Family Recognition Program Commendation

2019 National Grange Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Dixon High School Resource Officer, Illinois Submitted by Troy Grove Grange #1852

Families with five or more generations of Grange members can be recognized for their commitment to the Order.

The form may be accessed and submitted online at nationalgrange.org/

Community Service Book Winners Subordinate Granges 1st Place: North River Grange #946, WA 2nd Place: Grantham Grange #968, NC 3rd Place: Kenna Grange #516, WV 4th Place: Volunteer Grange #1250, TN Honorable Mentions: Avon Grange #125, MT and Clear Lake Grange #692, MN Junior Granges 1st Place: Ekonk Junior Grange #101, CT 2nd Place: Humptulips Junior Grange #376, WA 3rd Place: Marvel Junior Grange #37, CO 4th Place: Kirkland Junior Grange #116, NY

legacy/ or sent, postmarked by Aug. 1, 2020, to National Grange, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006; ATTN: Legacy Family.

For more information, contact National Grange Sales, Benefits, Programs and Membership

Recognition

Director

Loretta Washington at lwashington@ nationalgrange.org or by phone at (202) 628-3507, ext. 109.

Families recognized in 2019 Beaver/Keith, PA Benson/Rinehart/Bishop/Manthei, OR Benzio, PA

Each Grange is encouraged to complete an annual community service book and submit it to your State Grange for competition. You are also encouraged to recognize your community’s best teacher, firefighter and law enforcement officer of the year and submit nominations of those individuals to your State Grange competition. To learn more about these programs, contact your State Grange Community Service Director. You may also contact National Grange Community Service Director Pete Pompper at communityservice@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (609) 820-6239. Also, don’t forget to report the number of community service hours your Grange performs each year to your State director and the National Grange director for inclusion in our annual report.

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Booth, CA Brimmer/Eastman/Wilser, NY Daley, CA Dyer/Rumfield/Gardner/Folden, OH Frampton/Burns/Witwer/Burk, OH Headley/Dinsmore/Kent/Keller, PA Marnati, PA Schltz/Gunckle-Hinshaw/Clopp/ Grunckle, OH Thompson, NJ

New, reorganized Granges take hold in 14 communities

By Joseph Stefenoni National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director The past year as been one of wonderful growth in our fraternity, and we are proud to share the stories of a few of the newly chartered or reorganized Granges from across the country.

It’s important to look at what these new Granges are doing, what need the are fulfilling in their communities, to understand how we may best continue our legacy and commit to serving our hometowns.

Younger generations are looking for ways to make their time and service meaningful, to enhance their resumes while improving their communities and much more. Each of these new Granges gives us a glimpse into what Grange can be in 2020 and beyond.

Shartlesville Grange #1512, PA - Reorganized February 18, 2019, 19 Charter members Shartlesville is a little town of about 500 people, nestled in Berks County along the I-78 corridor in Pennsylvania. In the center of this little town sits the Shartlesville Grange hall. The Shartlesville Grange was declining in membership and it was a struggle to keep the bills paid. It saddened the members but they talked and decided that they should close the Grange as well as sell the Grange hall. The Pennsylvania State Grange was contacted and agreed with the closure but saw some potential with keeping the Grange hall and trying to revitalize the Shartlesville Grange. New faces with new perspectives and ideas might just ignite the Grange.

Fast forward to a community meeting in Shartlesville a month later. There was some buzz created on social media and all hoped for the best outcome. We had some Shartlesville members who were still interested in being part of the Grange and support from other Granges in Berks County. It was a small group of current members at the meeting and only one couple; Dave and Berni Bashore who attended from the local community to learn more about the Grange. They understood the plight but didn’t want any major roles in the organization. Dave said he would support by attending events. Berni had a little spark in her about events and said she would be willing to talk to some friends and from there things formulated and the Shartlesville Grange was reorganized.

These new members have been actively doing events and meals in their community and are exploring ways to grow their Grange.

Jonesboro Grange #357, ME - Reorganized May 13, 2019 Jonesboro Grange is working on a handicapped ramp to make the building accessible to all and are doing improvements

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inside such as a composting restroom as they are located 25 feet from a tidal river on the north east coast of Maine. Returning the building to a community meeting & activity space once again and have selected a few community projects to get folks interested and involved.

They have a good group of children ages 6 to 13 and are working with the local cooperative extension representatives to form a 4-H group. They are also considering a Junior Grange in the future.

Membership is comprised of several multi-generational families, five firemen, two teachers, young farmers, young adults and several middle-aged folks.

Jonesboro members all grew tomatoes in buckets and shared them with the community this summer. They are ordering seeds as a group to be shared and saving seeds to share from this summer’s produce. The Grange has held a yard sale and hunters breakfast already and have planned a craft fair and community Christmas party & tree lighting with Santa bringing in gifts for community children. Jonesboro Grange is all about community in every way.

St. Pete Bay Grange #216, FL - Organized August 13, 2019, 14 Charter members St. Pete Bay Grange is located in the urban center of St. Petersburg, Florida. The group is focused on urban agriculture and is working with the city of St. Petersburg to place community gardens on abandoned city lots.

Zumbro Valley Grange #765, MN - Reorganized August 20, 2019, 13 Charter members After 71 years, Zumbro Valley Grange #765 turned in its Charter in 2016. Two members received demits and one member joined the closest Grange - a two-hour drive away. After two and a half years, the former members started to talk about reorganizing Zumbro Valley. There was a positive response, so the process of reorganizing began - inviting people to meetings to learn about the Grange and inviting those members who had been members in the past. Reorganization was in September of 2019. Five of our members now were members at the time Zumbro Valley disbanded. Three of our members now had belong to the Zumbro Valley about 40 years ago. The rest are new to the Grange.

Before we were officially reorganized, we were already working on Community Service projects. We volunteered to help host the Rededication of the Wasioja Civil War Recruitment Station, the only Station left in Minnesota. We also volunteered at the Mantorville Welcome Center. Thank you notes were written to the veterans for Veteran’s Day in three senior living centers in our area thanking them for their military service. They

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plan to support the Dictionary Project and in December we will be collecting non-perishable food for the local food shelf.

There is already talk of renting a van to travel to the National Convention in Pennsylvania next year. Zumbro Valley may be unique in that its members live in eight different communities.

Turlock Grange #29, CA - Reorganized October 6, 2019, 46 Charter members & 17 Junior members The reorganization of Turlock Grange resulted from a contact made at the California State FFA Convention Career Fair. Turlock is in the heart of California’s central valley which is one of the largest agricultural production areas in the country. A large 4-H club in Turlock was closed due to changes in the 4-H program in their county. As a Grange with lots of juniors and youth, they will continue some of the activities they had done in 4-H including gardening, plant sales, arts and crafts as well as showing livestock through the Grange Youth Fair program.

Sunflower Grange #162, CO - Reorganized October 12, 2019, 26 Charter members The Sedalia Growers wanted to learn more information about the Grange in August. The Sedalia Growers have been in existence for four years and have done a plant sale for the support of the Sedalia Museum. The group has had little need for formal organization up to now, but to become a more permanent part of the community, they investigated several options. The Grange was one option they had discussed and investigated. In October, Harry and Cindy Greer went to Sedalia and met with 19 people from the Growers group and the community to share information about the Grange and to provide the process for becoming a Grange. Most of those present signed up that day.

The reorganization application was submitted with 26 members.

This past spring, the Sedalia Growers raised $5,000 for the local museum with their heirloom tomato sale, and now are interested in programs that help their community, particularly those involving agriculture. They have made many connections with Master Gardeners, the CALF/Adventist Hospital gardening director, the elementary School’s Sustainability Program, and locals who’ve continued an agricultural tradition. The group also consists of artists who hope to have the Grange participate or sponsor craft/art fairs/events.

Community Grange #863, CA - Organized October 28, 2019, 22 Charter members Community Grange is in a remote location of southern California 35 miles from the southern U.S. border and 53 miles from the border with Arizona.

They started their Grange with a good number of Juniors and Youth. These young people are serving Thanksgiving dinner to a very impoverished neighborhood in their community and plan to assist folks living in that area throughout the year. They will participate in the Grange Youth Fair program raising and showing livestock at their local fairs.

Hessel Grange #750, CA - Reorganized November 5, 2019, 17 Charter members Hessel Grange is located in a rural suburb of west Sonoma County, California. This Grange has been inactive recently and a group of local farmers took up the task of reorganizing the Grange.

Of the 17 charter members, almost all of them are actively engaged in agricultural production.

After the Grange submitted the charter application, the organizer, Vince Scholten said “Our goal is for this to be a farmers Grange. A place where producers can come together and talk about the challenges they are facing and propose changes through the Grange’s grassroots legislative process.”

In addition to these, the following Granges have also been chartered or reorganized in the past year.

Manzanita Grange #459, CA - Reorganized January 8, 2019, 22 Charter members Silver Sage Grange #24, NV - Organized January 19, 2019, 36 Charter members Lone Mountain Grange #25, NV - Organized October 9, 2019, 15 Charter members Smith Valley Grange #26, NV - Organized October 10, 2019, 24 Charter members & 12 Junior members Coalinga Grange #779, CA - Reorganized November 9, 2019, 15 Charter members Elko County Grange #27, NV - Organized November 14, 2019, 23 Charter members & 12 Junior members

The National Grange has leads on potential new Granges to be chartered in the following areas: • • • • • • •

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Rogers, Arkansas Clarksville, Arkansas Eureka, Nevada Reno, Nevada Travelers Rest, South Carolina Frierson, Louisiana Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

If you know anyone in any of these towns or in the surrounding communities who may be interested in joining the Grange, please tell them more about our organization and ask them if they will take an email or call from National Grange Membership Director Joe Stefenoni to talk about the Grange and its future in that community. Contact Joe at membership@ nationalgrange.org or call or text (707) 328-0631.

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351 Granges record net gains, named Honor Granges

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Joe Stefenoni reported 351 Granges had received the title of Honor Granges in 2019.

Honor Granges are Subordinate/ Community Granges that showed a net gain in membership from July 1, 2018 to June

30, 2019. The second quarter membership numbers submitted from Subordinate/ Community Granges to State Granges and then to the National Grange are compared to the previous year’s numbers to determine the list of Honor Granges, Stefenoni said.

“These Granges should be commended for all their hard work. They each serve their communities in the way that is most relevant and effective so as to remain attractive to prospective members,” National Grange

President Betsy Huber said.

Stefenoni said the work of these Granges, however, has just begun.

“It is important to remember that bringing a new member into the Grange isn’t where the work ends,” Stefenoni said.

“New members need to be mentored in Grange history, culture and traditions so that they can become part of the fabric of our organization and will remain a member for decades to come.”

2019Honor Granges

Gain of 43 Blue Jacket Grange #353 (OK)

Gain of 17 Stony Point Grange #1694 (PA) Violet Prairie Grange #996 (WA) White Trail Grange #1143 (WA)

Columbia Grange #267 (OR) Redland Grange #796 (OR) Skyline Grange #894 (OR) Cibolo Grange #1541 (TX)

Gain of 16 Merriconeag Grange #425 (ME) Grantham Grange #968 (NC) Taylor’s Bridge Grange #1066 (NC) South Coffeyville Grange #351 (OK)

Gain of 8 Castlewood Grange #469 (CO) Cannon Grange #152 (CT) Live Oak Grange #655 (OR) Richmond Grange #6 (RI)

Gain of 31 Fern Prairie Grange #866 (WA)

Gain of 15 Elm Bend Grange #358 (OK) Eagle Grange #1 (PA)

Gain of 30 Whelan/Ewartsville Grange #114 (WA)

Gain of 14 Big Sur Grange #742 (CA)

Gain of 29 Aromas Grange #361 (CA)

Gain of 13 Altona Grange #127 (CO) Mt. Phillip Grange #545 (ME) San Juan Island Grange #966 (WA) Fruitland Grange #999 (WA)

Gain of 7 Rio Linda Grange #403 (CA) Oxford Grange #482 (CO) Potomac Grange #1 (DC) Westport Grange #181 (MA) Stillwater Grange #107 (MT) Corriher Grange #627 (NC) Union Grange #5 (NY) Yorktown Grange #862 (NY) McMinnville Grange #31 (OR) Bellview Grange #759 (OR) Tioga Grange #1223 (PA) Addy Grange #603 (WA) Okanogan Grange #1103 (WA) Vashon-Maury Grange #1105 (WA)

Gain of 38 Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange #503 (CA) Big Cabin Grange #156 (OK) Gain of 37 Hickory Grange #1285 (PA) Gain of 34 Moses Lake Grange #1151 (WA)

Gain of 27 Cabin Creek Grange #359 (OK) Fort Colville Grange #533 (WA) Gain of 25 Clear Creek Grange #84 (OK) Gain of 24 Rainbow Valley Grange #689 (CA) Gain of 23 Gardner Grange #68 (KS) Gain of 22 Salmon Creek Grange #849 (WA) Gain of 21 Santa Clara Valley Grange #838 (CA) Gain of 19 Stanford Grange #808 (NY) Gain of 18 Rincon Valley Grange #710 (CA) Copake Grange #935 (NY) Marys River Grange #685 (OR)

Gain of 12 Pikes Peak Grange #163 (CO) Golden Gate Grange #451 (CO) Blazing Star Grange #71 (NH) Rockford Grange #501 (OR) Gain of 11 Rowley Grange #204 (MA) Winthrop Grange #209 (ME) Patterson Grange #616 (NC) East Oakville Grange #902 (WA) Hazel Dell Grange #1124 (WA) Gain of 10 Turner Grange #23 (ME) Glenwood Grange #94 (WA) Terrace Heights Grange #586 (WA) Gain of 9 Fairview Grange #2177 (IN) Pleasant Valley Grange #1225 (NY)

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Gain of 6 Mt. Hamilton Grange #469 (CA) Pleasant Park Grange #156 (CO) New Market Grange #362 (MD) Milton Grange #685 (NY) Loudon Center Grange #2276 (OH) Harding Grange #122 (OR) Sixes Grange #856 (OR) Port Matilda Grange #1284 (PA) Valley Grange #1360 (PA) Liberty Grange #1780 (PA) Edgewood Grange #266 (WA) Fredonia Grange #545 (WA) Ralston Grange #943 (WA) Rose Valley Grange #953 (WA)

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Gain of 5 Central Union Grange #559 (CA) Poncha Springs Grange #417 (CO) Whigville Grange #48 (CT) Taghhannuck Grange #100 (CT) Pleasant Ridge Grange #135 (ID) Tranquility Grange #344 (ME) Mariaville Grange #441 (ME) Eastside Grange #109 (MT) Dublin Grange #1409 (OH) Macleay Grange #293 (OR) Siletz Valley Grange #558 (OR) Silver Creek/Ethel Grange #150 (WA) Calispel Grange #500 (WA) Gain of 4 Clinton Grange #862 (CA) Loma Rica Grange #802 (CA) Redwood Valley Grange #382 (CA) Whitesboro Grange #766 (CA) Granby Grange #5 (CT) Vernon Grange #52 (CT) Troy Grove Grange #1852 (IL) Floraville Grange #1918 (IL) Big Thunder Grange #1940 (IL) Hope of Hadley Grange #15 (MA) East Freetown Grange #307 (MA) Norway Grange #45 (ME) Alexander Grange #304 (ME) West Oshtemo Grange #1630 MI Rocky Mountain Grange #116 (MT) Elmdale Grange #2162 (OH) Bethel Grange #129 (OK) Pleasant View Grange #354 (OK) Clarkes Grange #261 (OR) Milwaukie Grange #268 (OR) Forest Grove Grange #282 (OR) Quincy Grange #321 (OR) Mt. Vernon Grange #659 (OR) Spencer Creek Grange #855 (OR) Plumsteadville Grange #1738 (PA) Fairview Grange #619 (WA)

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Windsor Grange #980 (WA) Lopez Island Grange #1060 (WA) Gain of 3 Alpine Grange #665 (CA) Dows Prairie Grange #505 (CA) Mad River Grange #590 (CA) Green Valley Grange #441 (CO) Killingly Grange #112 (CT) Harrison Grange #422 (ID) Moscow Grange #452 (ID) Uxbridge Grange #200 (MA) West Stockbridge Grange #246 (MA) Medford Grange #188 MD Golden Harvest Grange #33 (ME) Granite Grange #192 (ME) Aurora Grange #202 (ME) John F. Hill Grange #393 (ME) Colon Grange #215 (MI) Pittsfield-Union Grange #822 (MI) Maple Leaf Grange #940 (MI) Corvallis Grange #17 (MT) Cape Fear Grange #1296 (NC) River Hill Grange #346 (NH) Corfu Grange #142 (NY) Mt Pleasant Grange #349 (NY) Five Corners Grange #1000 (NY) Painter Creek Grange #1923 (OH) Goodwill Grange #13 (OK) Winona Grange #271 (OR) Eagle Creek Grange #297 (OR) Molalla Grange #310 (OR) Fruitdale Grange #379 (OR) Boulevard Grange #389 (OR) Riversdale Grange #731 (OR) Silverton Grange #748 (OR) White Clover Grange #784 (OR) Ash Butte Grange #802 (OR) Bloomingdale Grange #536 (PA) Warriors Mark Grange #974 (PA) Harmony Grange #1201 (PA) Portsmouth Grange #29 (RI) David Crockett Grange #1431 (TX) North Branch Grange #483 (VT) Washington Grange #82 (WA) Bee Hive Grange #385 (WA) East Hill Grange #786 (WA) Rexville Grange #815 (WA) Five Mile Prairie Grange #905 (WA) South Camano Grange #930 (WA) South Greenville Grange #225 (WI) Gain of 2 Anderson Valley Grange #669 (CA) Bear Creek Grange #530 (CA) Corralitos Grange #487 (CA) Coyote Grange #412 (CA) Ojai Valley Grange #659 (CA) Sierra Valley Grange #466 (CA) Crescent Grange #136 (CO)

Animas Valley Grange #194 (CO) Redlands Mesa Grange #487 (CO) Beacon Grange #118 (CT) Riverton Grange #169 (CT) Simsbury Grange #197 (CT) Guilford Hope Grange #6 (IL) Hopewell Grange #1747 (IL) County Line Grange #1751 (IL) Portland Grange #2190 (IN) Lake Village Grange #2386 (IN) Guiding Star Grange #1 (MA) Boxborough Grange #131 (MA) Easton Grange #196 (MA) Anawan Oakton Grange #221 (MA) Community of Feeding Hills Grange #382 (MA) River View Grange #348 (MD) Farmington Grange #12 (ME) Saco Grange #53 (ME) Old Town Riverside Grange #273 (ME) White Rock Grange #380 (ME) St. George Grange #421 (ME) Pleasant River Grange #492 (ME) Paugus Grange #540 (ME) Adams Grange #286 (MI) Thompson Falls Grange #123 (MT) Watatic Grange #36 (NH) Mt Pistareen Grange #145 (NH) Star Grange #9 (NY) Freedom Plains Grange #857 (NY) Birdsall Grange #1117 (NY) Smithville Valley Grange #1397 (NY) Stone Church Grange #1561 (NY) Clear Creek Valley Grange #1843 (OH) Collinsville Grange #2264 (OH) Lawrence Valley Grange #2503 (OH) OU Grange #355 (OK) Willamette Grange #52 (OR) Springwater Grange #263 (OR) Fairview Grange #273 (OR) Parkdale Grange #500 (OR) Coburg West Point Grange #535 (OR) Sandlake Grange #546 (OR) Vale Grange #696 (OR) Lake Creek Grange #697 (OR) Central Point Grange #698 (OR) Bandon Grange #702 (OR) Bridge Grange #730 (OR) Roxy Ann Grange #792 (OR) Santiam Valley Grange #828 (OR) Girard Grange #788 (PA) Lincoln Grange #914 (PA) Central Grange #1650 (PA) North Jackson Grange #1740 (PA) Red Lion Grange #1781 (PA) Bernville Grange #1887 (PA) Frankfort Springs Grange #1989 (PA) Walker Grange #2007 (PA) Hope Valley Grange #7 (RI)

Congratulations to the California Indiana 18

Kansas Montana

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Dupont Grange #1264 (TN) Brownington Grange #279 (VT) Pleasant Hill Grange #101 (WA) Hope Grange #155 (WA) Adna Grange #417 (WA) Williams Valley Grange #452 (WA) Mansford Grange #710 (WA) Black Lake Grange #861 (WA) Collins Grange #893 (WA) North Willapa Harbor Grange #947 (WA) The Valley Grange #1048 (WA) Stillaguamish Grange #1058 (WA) Gain of 1 Laytonville Grange #726 (CA) Palermo Grange #493 (CA) Empire Grange #148 (CO) Wheat Ridge Grange #155 (CO) Colona Grange #259 (CO) Stafford Grange #1 (CT) Norfield Grange #146 (CT) Hemlock Grange #182 (CT) Reliance Grange #58 (DE) Pencader Grange #60 (DE) Bellgrove Grange #369 (ID) Beaver Valley Grange #1791 (IL) Bluff Grange #1826 (IL) Lake Grange #2192 (IN) Otter Creek Grange #1493 (KS) Groton Grange #7 (MA) Acushnet Grange #285 (MA) Beverly Grange #306 (MA) South Middleboro Grange #337 (MA) North Jay Grange #10 (ME) Victor Grange #49 (ME) Evening Star Grange #183 (ME) Castine Grange #250 (ME) Bauneg Beg Grange #382 (ME) Hudson Grange #457 (ME) Ocean View Grange #463 (ME) Waterford Grange #479 (ME) Porter Grange #569 (ME) Mill Stream Grange #574 (ME) Wayside Grange #590 (ME) West Bath Seaside Grange #592 (ME) Burns Grange #160 (MI) Trinity Grange #794 (NC) Stratford Grange #238 (NH) Ripley Grange #65 (NY) Lincoln Grange #122 (NY) Mayfield Grange #683 (NY) Pleasant Valley Grange #838 (NY) Kendrew Grange #891 (NY) Oxford Grange #894 (NY) Inavale Grange #1248 (NY) Worcester Grange #1274 (NY) Greenwood Grange #1061 (OH) Nimishillen Grange #1627 (OH) Williamsport Grange #1815 (OH) Richland Grange #1899 (OH)

Limerick Grange #1917 (OH) Eaton Grange #1964 (OH) Huntsburg Grange #2541 (OH) Racine Grange #2606 (OH) Lexington Grange #2672 (OH) Jugs Corner Grange #2680 (OH) Noxie-Wann Grange #362 (OK) Multnomah Grange #71 (OR) Boring-Damascus Grange #260 (OR) Vernonia Grange #305 (OR) Netel Grange #410 (OR) Pacific Grange #413 (OR) Pleasant Grove Grange #475 (OR) Jasper Grange #532 (OR) Triangle Grange #533 (OR) Eagle Point Grange #664 (OR) Rickreall Grange #671 (OR) Rockwall Grange #679 (OR) Aloha Grange #773 (OR) Phoenix Grange #779 (OR) Olney Grange #793 (OR) Kellogg Grange #811 (OR) North End Grange #820 (OR) Fort Union Grange #953 (OR) Sanatoga Grange #25 (PA) Shavers Creek Grange #353 (PA) Dawson Grange #419 (PA) Oliver Grange #1069 (PA) Fairdale Grange #1157 (PA) Chester Valley Grange #1496 (PA) Mifflin Grange #1725 (PA) Allegheny Grange #1843 (PA) Pleasant Hill Grange #1861 (PA) Sewickley Grange #1897 (PA) Hookstown Grange #1980 (PA) Madison Grange #2064 (PA) Elizabethtown Grange #2076 (PA) Penn State Grange #2105 (PA) Ashaway Grange #50 (RI) Kreutzberg Grange #1655 (TX) Blue Mountain Grange #263 (VT) Lakeview Grange #359 (VT) Moss Glen Grange #554 (VT) Centerville Grange #81 (WA) Brighton Park Grange #163 (WA) Haynie Grange #169 (WA) South Bay Grange #250 (WA) Meridian Grange #265 (WA) Long Beach Grange #667 (WA) Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737 (WA) Bryant Grange #791 (WA) Chumstick Grange #819 (WA) Deer Lagoon Grange #846 (WA) Silverdale Grange #879 (WA) Riverside Valley Grange #1047 (WA) Logan Hill Grange #1086 (WA) Tri-Way Grange #1093 (WA)

State Granges with net gains Oklahoma Rhode Island

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Virginia Wisconsin

99 receive Grange in Action recognition in first year of program During the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention, 90 Subordinate, four Pomona Granges, three Junior Granges and two State Granges received recognition under the new Grange in Action program, launched in 2019.

The program is designed to encourage all Granges to be active in their communities and complete events or projects, no matter how small, National Grange Sales, Benefits, Programs and Membership Recognition Director Loretta Washington said.

The following Granges were recognized with a certificate on Wednesday, Nov. 6: Colorado • Marvel Grange #479 • Mt. Allison #308 • Florissant Grange #420 Delaware • Central Grange #61 Idaho • Kuna Grange #59 • Edgemere Grange #355 • Upper Big Wood River Grange #192 • Pleasant Ridge Grange #135 • Mica Flats Grange #436 Illinois • Hopewell Grange #1747 Indiana • Indian Trail Grange #2361 Massachusetts • Holden Grange #78 Maryland • Wacohu Grange #415 Michigan • Studley Grange #1174 NEW JERSEY (a State Grange in Action) • Bards Grange #225 • Cologne Grange #191 • Montague Grange #140 • Moravian Grange #187 • Ringoes Grange #12 • Stanton Grange #148 • Stewartsville Grange #121 • Warren Pomona Grange #10 New York • Clifton Springs Grange #1042 Ohio • Collinsville Grange #2264 Oregon • Ada Grange #570

• Spencer Creek Grange #855 • Walterville Grange #416 Pennsylvania • Goshen Grange #121 • Keystone Grange #2 • Virginville Grange #1832 Rhode Island • Exeter Grange #12 Virginia • Beach Community Grange # 958 • Goodwill Grange #959 • Terrapin Neck Grange #932 WASHINGTON (a State Grange in Action) • Addy Grange #603 • Adna Grange #417 • Barberton Grange #581 • Baw Faw Grange #34 • Bee Hive Grange #385 • Burbank Grange #630 • Camas Valley Grange #842 • Camp Morehead Junior Grange #401 • Cedar Grange #534 • Dry Creek Grange #646 • East Hill Grange #786 • East Hill Junior Grange #236 • East Oakville Grange #902 • Elma Grange #26 • Elk Plain Grange #782 • Fargher Lake Grange #853 • Fern Prairie Grange #866 • Fertile Valley Grange #1094 • Fruitland Grange #999 • Green Bluff Grange #300 • Grays Harbor Pacific Pomona Grange #28 • Happy Valley Grange #322 • Humptulips Grange #730 • Humptulips Junior Grange #376 • Inland Grange #780 • Kettle River Grange #1120 • King County Pomona Grange #13 • Long Beach Grange #667 • Lopez Island Grange #1060 • Mansford Grange #710 • Meridian Grange #265 • Moran Prairie Grange #161 • Moses Lake Grange #1151 • Mossyrock Grange #355 • North River Grange #946 • North Willapa Harbor Grange #974 • Oakview Grange #311 • Okanogan Grange #1103 • Orcas Island Grange #964 • Pleasant Hill Grange #101 • Ralston Grange #943

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• Riverside Valley Grange #1047 • Rose Valley Grange #953 • Sallal Grange #955 • Sammamish Valley Grange #286 • San Juan Island Grange #966 • Sequim Prairie Grange #1108 • Silver Lake Grange #105 • Skamokawa Grange #425 • Skookumchuck Grange #584 • South Union Grange #860 • Stevenson Grange #121 • Stillaguamish Grange #1058 • Stranger Creek Grange #374 • Swauk Teanaway Grange #984 • Terrace Heights Grange #586 • Thurston County Pomona Grange #8 • Tieton Grange #875 • Twisp Valley Grange #482 • Valley Grange #1048 • Whelan Ewartsville Grange #114 • White Trail Grange #1143 Washington, D.C. • Potomac Grange #1 Granges who wish to be recognized at the 2020 National Convention as a Grange In Action should submit a single letter size (8.5” x 11”) page with the Grange name, number and state at the top of the front page. It must include pictures and captions of at least three various events/ activities that the Grange either sponsored or assisted with from September 1, 2019 to September 1, 2020. Anything over one page will be disqualified.

On a separate page, please include the name, address, phone and/or email address of the person who submitted the report so you may be notified of your recognition.

Reports should be mailed, postmarked no later than September 25, 2020, to National Grange, ATTN: Loretta Washington, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006 or submitted electronically as a PDF by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time to lwashington@nationalgrange.org. If emailing, please use the subject line: Grange in Action Report.

Granges that qualify for the 2020 Distinguished Grange award are not eligible for this recognition.

State Granges may be named a State Grange in Action if at least six of their Granges are recognized under this program.

Some entries will be on display at the 2020 National Convention, Washington said.

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Before announcing the winner of the department’s annual community service award, National Grange Youth and Young Adult Leadership Director Mandy Bostwick and National Grange Community Service Director Pete Pompper unveiled the new name of the award to honor the late Wib Justi and his wife, June, who most recently lived in the Great Lakes Region where the 2019 National Convention was being held.

Ryan Orton, of New York, said he was so proud to have received the award and it was made more special by the nod to the Justis. Wib served as the first National Grange Youth director and his wife was ever by his side, assisting with projects and growing the program.

“Ryan does a variety of incredible service projects inside and outside of Grange and is a perfect recipient of this award,” Bostwick said.

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Congratulations to Brianna Gervais, Ekonk Junior Grange #101, CT, to receive the first ever Junior Grange Cape of Honor Award for completing more than 220 hours of community service in 2019.

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2019

Maryland State Grange Oregon State Grange Pennsylvania State Grange Washington State Grange

2020 Distinguished Grange Award Program Details Subordinate & State Applications The 2020 Distinguished Grange packet has been released and is available online or through your State Master or any National Officer.

Requirements and optional activities to garner points are similar to those presented in the 2020 program. They may be accessed and submitted online at nationalgrange.org/distinguished/ or sent, postmarked by Aug. 1, 2020, to National Grange, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006; ATTN: Distinguished Grange. For more information, contact National Grange Sales, Benefits, Programs and Membership Recognition Director Loretta Washington at lwashington@ nationalgrange.org or by phone at (202) 628-3507, ext. 109.

Distinguished Grange Youth Program The 2020 Distinguished Grange Youth packet is available as part of the 2020 Youth Handbook. Requirements and optional activities to garner points are similar to those presented in the 2019 program. Applications are due no later than September 1 to the National Grange Youth Director Mandy Bostwick at 11690 Ferguson Road Ozawkie, KS 66070 or by filling out the form located at tiny. cc/2020DGYouth and submitting by no later than September 1.

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2019

Alamo Grange #1446, TX Sterling Grange #53, CT Oakview Grange #311, WA Creswell Grange #496, OR Prairie Grange #1832, IL Bethlehem Grange #137, NY Stelvideo Grange #295, OH Marys River Grange #685, OR Central Union Grange #559, CA Goldendale Grange #49, WA Linganore Grange #410, MD Cape Fear Grange #1296, NC Dorena Grange #835, OR Stony Point Grange #1694, PA Westbrook Grange #1016, NC Chetco Grange #765, OR St. John’s Grange #729, NC Springwater Grange #263, OR Hookstown Grange #1980, PA Upton Grange #125, MA Timber Run #1898, OH Turkey Hill Grange #1375, IL Harveys-Aleppo Grange #1444, PA Valley Grange #1360, PA Gratiot Grange #1898, MI Dunstable Grange #31, MA Grantham Grange #968, NC Ekonk Community Grange #89, CT Burns Grange #160, MI Five Mile Prairie #905, WA Redland Grange #796, OR Stanford Grange #808, NY ISHED G RA GU IN

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2019 Cape of Honor Award

Congratulations to the 2019 Distinguished Granges

DI ST

Youth community service award renamed for major Grange figures

GRANGEYOUTH

YOUTH PROGRAM

New York State Grange

North Carolina State Grange

READER’S REPORT

One Grange decides recognition nice, service best

By Richard Lefever Goldendale Grange #49, WA Goldendale Grange #49, WA was selected as one of the 30 Granges from across the county to be recognized as a Distinguished Grange at the 153rd National Grange Convention.

We considered that recognition to be an honor to all the Grange members and the hard work they performed throughout the year.

I arranged airplane, hotel and registration arrangements early to make sure we would be able attend but Mother Nature decided to Intervene. My son Daniel, also a Grange member, is Director of Operations, at Bishop Services Inc. (BSI), a company that provides support equipment at major disasters and fires throughout the United States. I am retired after 30 years at the same company, but I maintain my Commercial Driver’s License for emergencies.

On Saturday morning October 26, just one week before the National Grange Convention, our equipment was dispatched to the horrific Kincade Wildfire in Sonoma County, California.

In keeping with the long Grange tradition of helping others - the decision was made to skip the Grange Convention in order to help some of the 180,000-people evacuated and displaced by the fire.

This story is a chronology of Bishop Services (BSI) recent trip to the Kincade Wildfire Fire in the Napa Valley Wine Country of Northern California.

As you read it, you’ll realize that change is a constant.

I have learned through years of being associated with a disaster support company that you always maintain a smile no matter what happens and remember that “Everything you do is subject to change.”

Calls for equipment to support the

Submitted Photo When BSI driver and shower operator Carleen Ryon-Kemp completed setup of the unit at Lake County Fairgrounds and turned it over to the Red Cross, she discovered the Red Cross manager of that evacuation facility, Ron McDonald, pictured above, was her next door neighbor back home in Centerville, Washington. raging wildfires in California started trickling into the BSI dispatch office way before dawn on the morning of Saturday October 26.

Within minutes the trickle had grown into a steady stream that soon overwhelmed our lonely dispatcher.

Immediately, we found ourselves facing a desperate need for additional truck drivers in order to transport the vital equipment to the fire incident on schedule.

To complicate this already desperate need, we needed drivers with valid tanker and doubles endorsements. Those are a rare commodity on a normal day and especially difficult on a pleasant Saturday morning, a day filled with professional sports events and hunting season still open.

After a few phone calls, 12 CDL drivers complete with proper endorsements miraculously materialized.

These sympathetic drivers were willing to instantly drop their weekend plans, pack a bag and

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immediately jump into a truck for the long drive south.

We weren’t sure yet whether we were headed to the Napa Valley fires or traveling on to Southern California. We had no idea how long we’d be gone or any idea if we’d have cell phone communication because of PG&E’s power outages.

By the noon hour, the first convoy of semi-trucks, vacuum trucks and dieselpowered pick-ups pulling trailers had been assembled and fueled and motoring south towards California.

Passing through the Dunsmuir, CA, Port of Entry, we received official notification that we had been assigned to the ferocious Kincade Fire, in Napa Valley Wine Country.

This was Sonoma County’s second major fire in only three years.

In 2017, Bishop Services supported a 3000-man PG&E power restoration base camp in Santa Rosa.

Approaching Corning, CA, dispatch directed us to hold up for the night at an

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area truck stop. The dispatcher explained the Kincade Wildfire had just burned through our pre-designated staging area and parking in the area would be next to impossible. A replacement site wouldn’t be determined until next morning.

Late the following afternoon, we commenced setup procedures at evacuation camps from our newly assigned staging area in Vallejo, CA. For those familiar with driving in California, consider the task of navigating the streets and highways of California, in semi-trucks without the aid of any electricity or streetlights.

Our equipment was distributed to various evacuation support sites along a 100-mile path, from the City of Napa in the South to Lakeport in the North. Sonoma County OES officials and the City of Windsor Fire Department had requested a mobile shower unit and additional sinks to support a continually growing list of fire fighters assembling at a City of Windsor Fire Station.

Windsor is a very upscale neighborhood about 65 miles north of San Francisco along the 101 Freeway. Additional fire personnel – 50 or 60 – were already inhabiting the small neighborhood fire station designed for a maximum crew of 12. Many of the visiting fire personnel had been working overtime and hadn’t experienced a warm shower since the fire started three days earlier.

The City of Windsor was kept secure during the evacuation ordered by armed guards posted at all entrances into the city.

As we attempted our initial entry into Windsor, with our semitrucks parked and blocking one lane of the freeway we were met by a friendly young deputy who took his security job very seriously. He refused us entry even though we had emergency mobile shower unit posted on each semi-trailer and the leading tractor trailer had a front placard that read “emergency response vehicle.” His reasoning was: if the area is evacuated, nobody needs a shower in Windsor.

Fearing a serious confrontation was rapidly brewing with this young deputy we opted to move up the freeway to the next security check point.

A seasoned CHP officer met us, without any discussion he quickly assembled a CHP escort team and with lights flashing led us to the appropriate fire station.

The fire had burned within two blocks of that station and still moving aggressively. The station was making plans to evacuate.

With a change of plans finalized, our friendly CHP officer escorted us to Windsor Fire Station #3 where we were able to setup.

Although probably childish on my part, I couldn’t help but smile and wave as we passed by the original deputy who refused us entry. In that deputy’s defense, we later learned that California Governor Gavin Newson and other state officials were in the area assessing damage and delivering food packets to the displaced at a near-by evacuation center. Added security measures had been requested for the Governor and his staff. Additionally, several individuals, intent on looting the city had slipped into the evacuation area with the media rush following the governor

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and his officials. As it is with every disaster, looting is a constant problem.

One of my most amusing moments happened in a mall parking lot on our trip to Windsor.

Power was off to all buildings and not a single streetlight worked for blocks around. A young couple drove up to a car charging station and attempted to charge their electric car. They were completely oblivious to what was happening around them.

Several cuss words ensued, roughly cussing the car that didn’t work. Somebody needs to fix this, now! “We need our electric car!” Watching them was better than television.

Joy Cunningham was a native of Goldendale, today she lives in Windsor, CA. She was among the first residents in the city who had to evacuate. Joy was familiar with the evacuation routine, only two years ago she faced severe fire damage only a few blocks from her home. Joy, also my cousin, sent me this text on her return home after the evacuation order was lifted.

“Our home is a mile from Fire Station 1. Our neighborhood was where firefighters took up a defensive stand and successfully fought off the fire. We are so thankful to the heroics of the firefighters. I really thought our house was a goner. Instead, basically no damage.”

Bishop’s other support units were scattered throughout the Napa Valley operating at veteran centers and Red Cross evacuation sites.

The massive Kincade Fire eventually burned into history becoming Sonoma County’s largest recorded fire scorching 76,825 acres (121 square miles) or an area twice the size of San Francisco. It also became one of the largest evacuation orders ever issued in California, leaving 180,000 residents homeless and powerless. As the historic, 80 MPH hurricane force winds driving the colossal fire died down, 5,245 fire personnel quickly contained the monster. Nearly 300 structures were lost, but fortunately no lives were lost.

As a final thought, Sonoma County is the home of several old Grange Halls, Bennett Valley is considered the oldest continuous use Grange Hall in the county. It was our hope that the fires would not jeopardize any of these old Grange buildings.

Our equipment has left Napa Valley, replaced by a crew of over 6,000 electrical workers pouring into the valley from all over the country to help restore power to fire devastated residents.

As I’m headed home most of our equipment is now staged at our federal DDP in Silver Springs, NV, awaiting possible dispatch to another Southern California Wildfire. A replacement crew is staying with the equipment while most of the original crew, including myself, are headed home.

While attending National Session would have been a great honor, it was our duty and honor to attend to those in need, and so we did. We hope all that were able to attend had a wonderful experience and that we will see you in a future year as we join those receiving their awards.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

GUEST ESSAY

Allowing new drivers may just be fuel this car needs

By Matthew Johnson Past President, Massachusetts State Grange The following essay took first place in the 2019 Massachusetts State Grange Lecturer’s Department Essay Contest. The contest topic was “backseat driver.”

The car had seen better days.

The dents and the rust showed years of wear and disrepair.

Everyone always sat in the same seats.

The driver climbed into the car, turned the key, and the engine sputtered to life.

The driver checked the gauges and lights, noticing, per usual, that the gas tank was almost empty. The check engine light had been on for years, but nothing was being done to fix it. With a little coaxing, the car slipped into gear and started down the road.

The passengers sat in the backseat and chatted about this and that. No one really paid attention to where the car was going.

It was the same route they took every time.

The ruts in the road showed no deviation from the current path and were so deep that the undercarriage of the car was scraping the ground. There were obstacles in the road, but they had been driven around and avoided so many times that the driver and passengers paid them no mind.

There were signs on the way reading; “OPPORTUNITY,” “MEMBERS,” and ‘PROGRESS,” but these were ignored as there were obstacles that prevented the car from easily reaching them. The car arrived at its destination, and when everything was complete, everyone took their regular seats again and the car took its regular path back home.

There was a time when the car was new and shiny. The engine purred like a kitten and the riders were plentiful. The gas tank was always full, and the car took many different roads to its destination. The car was a flurry of conversation, ideas, and laughter. The riders in the backseat offered up suggestions to the driver and there was enthusiasm to take new roads and forge out on new adventures.

Then it happened.

What had started as an easy ride, packed with excitement, opportunities, membership, community involvement, and activity, stalled when the car came across a small obstacle in the road. The car slowed, and the driver looked at the obstacle.

As the driver stopped, they smiled, rolled up their sleeves and prepared to move the obstacle to reach the sign reading “OPPORTUNITY.” A voice was heard coming from the backseat. “Where are you going? We don’t need to move that obstacle. We can move on to something easier.”

The driver looked at the small obstacle and started to voice their opinion, but the voices in the backseat spoke louder and complained longer, so the driver gave up, drove around the obstacle, and missed an opportunity that could have been reached with only a little hard work.

The backseat drivers, with few words, had become the influencers of the direction the car would take.

After a while, the driver became frustrated with the lack of progress and let someone else drive.

The car would pull into a gas station and the driver would ask how much gas to put in the tank. The driver and the new passengers wanted to fill the tank to the top, but the voices in the backseat were content with putting the same amount in every time.

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As the years passed, the amount decreased as costs and value increased. New passengers arrived that tried to speak up from the backseat, knowing that opportunity and membership was just on the other side of the obstacle. The driver ignored the excited new voices from the backseat as they tried to convince some of the seasoned passengers and the driver that they were willing to help clear the way.

As time passed, those passengers grew quiet or stopped showing up for the same ride.

The car that was once new and shiny faded with neglect. It started to rust, the engine struggled to run, the interior wore out, and the ruts in the road deepened with contentment, apathy, and reliance on tradition.

The driver had been driving the same route for many years. Passengers from the backseat had offered to take the wheel and drive, excited to take the car on a different path and try a different route. The driver was convinced that as they had been driving for so long that they were the only one that knew how to drive, understood the exact rules of the road, and knew which obstacles to avoid.

The seasoned riders would agree with the driver and the new passenger would either find another ride or stop voicing ideas.

The backseat drivers have had influence and control over the car for too long. It’s time to pull the car into the garage, throw on some new tires, start to clean up the exterior and interior, and hand the keys over to a new driver. One that is willing to push through obstacles, find a new road, and drive the car to opportunities, success, and progress. If not, the car will continue to dig deeper ruts in the road, the tank will run lower and lower, and the engine will stop running.

The voices from the backseat are not always the voices of contentment, resignation, or those with their own agendas.

Sometimes those voices are the voices of progress, excitement, and adventure and it would never hurt to give them the keys and let them drive for a while. It may just be the extra fuel that the car needs.

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GUEST ESSAY

Sharing Grange with neighbors no quacking matter

By David Donley Illinois State Grange Legislative Director The Duck Grange No. 10,001, Barnyard, USA, is well known in its community. It is known for all the great community service projects it has done in the past.

At a recent meeting, President Duby Duck said, “Most of us here are Old Ducks.

We need some new Ducks.”

All the Brother and Sister Ducks in attendance immediately quacked in agreement. No Duck Granger attendee offered any suggestions on how to attract new ducks.

When Duby asked for ‘Suggestions for the Good of the Order’ no Duck quacked a word.

Brother Duby, finally said, “All you Brother and Sister Ducks think about getting new members between now and the next meeting and let us know your ideas.”

At the next meeting, Membership Chair, Darling Duck, said she had no report.

Sister Darling then asked if anyone had any suggestions as Brother Duby had asked at the close of the last meeting.

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Silence and despair immediately filled Duck Hall.

Finally, Brother Duby said, “I had a dream last night. In that dream I saw that all of us Ducks had stopped waddling. We all had wings. The time we saved by flying, we were asking our friends to become members of Duck Grange. All us Old Ducks had to bring out more chairs for all the new Ducks for our meetings.”

All Brother and Sister Ducks applauded with great enthusiasm. They all quacked.

“Wow, we do have wings!”

Then, they quacked even louder while flapping their wings with ideas on how to

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use their forgotten wings.

Brother Duby was able to make out one of their remarks in spite of the booming quacking.

“YES, we can fly home. Tomorrow we will fly to gather food much quicker than our old waddling. The time we save will permit us to visit our neighbors and give them the opportunity to join Duck Grange.

We certainly will get help for us Old Ducks.”

Excitement filled Duck Grange Hall – all quacked loudly and in unison “Welcome New Ducks!, Welcome New Ducks!”

At the close of the meetings all the Ducks waddled home forgetting to what they had just been so excited about. The next day they ‘waddled’ around as they had done since birth.

Might our Grange be like Duck Grange?

Do we ‘waddle,’ forgetting our excitement about serving our community by enlarging our membership?

Do we forget to offer our families and all non-members the opportunity to join OUR Grange?

Are we all Old Ducks – doing what Old Ducks have done since birth?

Do we hope someone will get us some New Ducks?

Honoring

L egacy

THE BUILDERS OF OUR

GRANGE ANNIVERSARIES 100 YEAR GRANGES • Pleasant Valley Grange #1453, NY • Ravena Grange #1457, NY • Walton Grange #1454, NY

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES 85 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Ohio • Vera Johnson, Harrison Grange #378

80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Freemont Dickerman, Jr., Cheshire Grange #23 • Harriet Metzler, Cheshire Grange #23 • Doris W. Monaco, Glastonbury Grange #26

Ohio • Virginia Bandy, Mile Branch Grange #993 • Willis Boitnott, Monroe Grange #2570 • Glenna Rasor, Monroe Grange #2570 • Violet Schoeni, Mile Branch Grange #993

Maryland • Herbert Pletcher, Medford Grange #188

Pennsylvania • Lois Miller, Big Knob Grange #2008

New York • Deloris Bebout, Robertsville Grange #1784 • Frances Miller, Hiawatha Grange #1480 • Myra Phelps, East Pembroke Grange #1157 • Kay Snyder, Robertsville Grange #1784 • Harold Sweitzer, Robertsville Grange #1784 • Pauline Van Etten, Ravena Grange #1457 • Delyghte Woodruff, Hiawatha Grange #1480

New Hampshire • Richard Currier, Harmony Grange #99

If your Grange is celebrating 100, 125 or 150 years of service to your community, please contact Loretta Washington at lwashington@nationalgrange. org or by phone at (202) 628-3507 Ext. 109 at least six weeks in advance of your celebration to receive a plaque and letter for $10, including shipping. The names of Granges celebrating 150 years will also be engraved on a perpetual plaque hung at the National Grange Headquarters.

Shipping and handling (s/h) charges for Golden Sheaf and 75 Year membership awards increased to match all other Grange Supply Store s/h charges.

Golden Sheaf certificates and 75-Year Diamond Certificates are $10 each plus shipping & handling based on order total. Order total up to $10: $4 s/h; $10.01-$19.99: $5 s/h; $20-$49.99: $7 s/h; $50$74.99: $9 s/h; $75-$99.99 : $10 s/h; $100-$124.99: $12 s/h; $125-$249.99: $15 s/h; $250+: $20 s/h.

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Ohio • Everette Holcomb, Star Grange #778 • Maynard Mead, Jefferson Grange #131 • David Myers, Smith Grange #1141 Pennsylvania • E. Saunders Dixon, Goshen Grange #121 • Hilda Pflug, Big Knob Grange #2008 • Donald Shaffer, Big Knob Grange #2008 Vermont • Viola Myers, Toconic Grange #491 Washington • Margaret Sheman, Cedar Valley Grange #306 • Thelma K. Weiland, Fertile Valley Grange #1094 • Kenneth Wymer, Elk Plain Grange #782

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

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MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION

50 Years OF CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

Connecticut • Barbara Prindle, Taghhannuck Grange #100 Maryland • James Royer, Thurmont Grange #409

New Jersey • Florence Allshouse, Stewartsville Grange #121 • Roesemary Greene, Ringoes Grange #12 • Sue Moore, Elmer Grange #29 New York • Fred Haven, Albright Grange #440 • Charlotte Holdrege, Albright Grange #440 • Melodee Ireland, Butternut Valley Grange #1533 • Lois James, Albright Grange #440 • Nancy Payne, Ravena Grange #1457 • Joan Phelps, East Pembroke Grange #1157 • Susan Telfer, Ravena Grange #1457 • Doris J. Thayer, Colonel Harper Grange #1508 • Stephen Woolley, Villenova Grange #604 Ohio • Richard Beck, Robertsville Grange #1784 • Frank Colwell, Star Grange #778 • Allen Deckerd, Mile Branch Grange #933 • Chuck Harman, Harrison Grange #378 • Gary Harman, Harrison Grange #378 • Eileen Kusar, Jefferson Grange #131 • Vicki Larson, Robertsville Grange #1784 • Jeff Lotze, Robertsville Grange #1784 • Kenneth O’Brock, Smith Grange #1141

NEW BENEFIT The National Grange is proud to partner

with eHealth to help provide the right Medicare plan for you! Plan types such as Medicare

Advantage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Prescription Drug Plans are available all in

one convenient location. Enroll in the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) each Fall, or as you age into qualification.

eHealth is committed to finding National

Grange members the right health insurance plan to fit your specific needs. Visit us today or call (833) 922-0978 to access free quotes or to explore options with a licensed agent!

Go to https://bit.ly/346aUtL (link is case sen-

sitive) to learn more.

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Oregon • Leonee Akers, Milwaukie Grange #268 • Boyd Bishop, Tigard Grange #148 • Anita Miles, Warner Grange #117 • Joan Mize, Warner Grange #117 • Arlen Ringo , Clarkes Grange #261 • Joan Wettlaufer, Clarkes Grange #261

Pennsylvania • Barbara Blank, Big Knob Grange #2008 • Evon T. Boldin, Logan Grange #109 • Douglas A. Bonsall, Perry Valley Grange #1804 • Daniel Brenner, Big Knob Grange #2008 • Sue Ann Byers, Perry Valley Grange #1804 • William Calhoun, Dayton Grange #1819 • Gaylon Clinton, Jr., Odin Grange #1254 • Randy Douglas, Big Knob Grange #2008 • Sheila A. Dreibelbis, Fleetwood Grange #1839 • Janet Fishovitz, Big Knob Grange #2008 • David A. Freyberger, Fleetwood Grange #1839 • Roberta Herrington, Big Knob Grange #2008 • Sandra Orwing, Fleetwood Grange #1839 • Ellen M. Rimmey, Logan Grange #109 • Ada M. Skiles, Big Knob Grange #2008 • Warren K. Tothero, Jr., Fleetwood Grange #1839 • David Yeck, Big Knob Grange #2008 • Linda L. Zahn, Big Knob Grange #2008 Washington • Mark J. Benson, Ten Mile Grange #399 • Barney Buckley, Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 • Glen R. Clifford, Columbia Valley Grange #938 • William Dailey, Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 • Judy Estep, Stranger Creek Grange #374 • Hope Hazen, Mountain Valley Grange #79 • Larry Heaton, Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 • James L. Hollatz, Matlock Grange #357 • Terrence Holz, East Hill Grange #786 • Joyce James, Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 • Hollis Jamison, Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 • Linda Knowles, Sunnyside Grange #129 • Steve LePage, Columbia Valley Grange #938 • Robert Lewis, Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 • James Marsh, Minnehaha Grange #164 • Raymond McCaw, East Hill Grange #786 • Linda Randall, Centerville Grange #81 • Michael Rawlings, East Hill Grange #786 • Ray Rouse, Spring Hill Grange #909 • Kathleen Showalter, Minnehaha Grange #164 • Ray Story, Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 • John Stratton, Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 • Bobby Tyus, Spring Hill Grange #909 • Joan Tyus, Spring Hill Grange #909 • Cindy Van Hulleller Road Grange #1111

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

WELCOME TO THE GRANGE FAMILY, NEW MEMBERS Cannon Creek Grange #2366 Ohio • Roger Malone Community Grange #863 California • John George • Carol George • Mark Ast • Kelly Fortenberry • Judy Fortenberry • Linda Hamby • Joel Hamby • Wendy Del Real • Adrian Del Real • Joseph Vargas • Jose Zazueta • Rey Zazueta • Lalayna Espinoza • Miguel Espinoza • Ashlee Bell • Christopher Acala • Anaya Jacob Ramirez • Emmanuel Villa • Venus Perea • Elissa Anaya • Jesus Anaya • Nazariah Nunez Elko County Grange #27 Nevada • Ruby Buzzetti • Tammy Buzzetti • Mike Sarman • Melinda Sarman • Leanna Sarman • Wade Sarman • Trent Sarman • Laura Tinnin • Layla Tinnin • Zayd Tinnin • Patrick Tinnin • Elisa Benzley • Savannah Benzley • Miranda Presten • Dale Presten • Randi Presten • Allie Presten • Caden Presten • Taylor Presten • Bryn Presten • Brianna Bright • Joseph Bright • Evelyn Bright • Joseph Jr. Bright

• • • • • • • • • • •

Veronica Green Brad Green Bepper Green Baylee Green Bryee Green Brandin Smith Russelle Smith Kathlyn Smith Kayden Smith Haley Hoffman Dawn Hoffman

• • • • •

Farmingdale Grange #157 New Jersey • Jules S. Keil • Lexie A. Keil • Abigale S. Smith • Tyler J. Smith Fernwood Grange #770 Oregon • Spencer Jones • Sarah Ruiz • Ian Gerstel • Hubert Mardock • Michael Speer • Leonard Braithwaite • Gary Conklin • Donna Fouche • Donna Cooke • Ronald LaFountain • D.J. Jones • Richard Wright • Susam Wright • Wayne Frost • Sherrie Frost Gardner Grange #68 Kansas • Lorna Ficken Hessel Grange #750 California • Vince Scholten • Lynn Scholten • Analise Scholten • Jeffery Park • Zelig Howard Kronberg • Craig Litwin • Cameron Hattan • Shannon Hattan • Matt Shotwell • David Drips • Bobby Hughes • Lindsey Goldenberg

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Jamie Ballachino Brandon Sloane Matthew Gress Elizabeth Gress Iratxe Albizua

Lone Mountain Grange #25 Nevada • Heidi Lusby-Angvick • Josh Lusby-Angvick • AshLyn Lusby-Angvick • Tony Hertz • Kirsten Hertz • Ceara Bridges • Jason Bridges • Jillian Bridges • Dorris Bridges • KayCee Parades • Eddie Parades • Avery Parades • Ian Parades • Jana Laird • Bill Laird

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Madeline Hamman Matthew Hamman Rebecca Hamman Sarah Hamman Shelley Hamman Brenden Johnson Miranda Johnson Monte Johnson Samantha Johnson Vicki Johnson Dallas Stevens Danielle Stevens Randy Stevens Reese Stevens Corina Waterbury Eric Waterbury Samantha Waterbury

Marvel Grange #479 Colorado • Sandy Valencia

Lunnenberg Grange #169 Massachusetts • Judith Halligan • Maureen Dupis • Shawn Halligan • Connie Allison • James White • Jorge Marzuca • Matthew Allison • David Passios • Susanna Ferrell • Donna Jacobson • Arthur Jacobson • Daron Massey • Jonathan Dupuis • Karin Menard • Chris Menard • Lauren Menard • Harold Allison

Shartlesville Grange #1512 Pennsylvania • Jayne Kauffman • Rachel Fisher • Berni Bashore • David Bashore • Randy Kramer • Beth Machoner • Deanna Schrader • Cynthia Herbein • Shirley Berger • Carl Berger • Stan Shauger • Christine Dawkins • John Messner • Linda Alspach • LaVerne Balthaser • Wilson Balthaser • Troy Fisher • Jeffery Kauffman • Heather Sites

Manzanita Grange #459 California • Alyra Andes • Autumn Andes • Josh Andes • Rya Andes • Rick Bogdanoff • Teena Bogdanoff • Blanca Campos • Carlos Campos • Sophia Campos

Silver Sage Grange #24 Nevada • Sherrie Bays • Dune Bays • Christopher Hale • Michelle Miller • Randal Miller • Courtney Wolverton • Dusty Wolverton • Sally Branch • Tahnee Marley

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

Riley Masier Greg Mason Brandy Mason Courtney Mason Casey Orr Jacklyn Orr John Ringer Kirstie Ringer Kathleen Frazier Kari Ann Miller Mike Miller Amber Everson Steve Everson Matthew Everson Jill Chatfield Kevin Chatfield Roy Rockstool Dede Rockstool Toby Rockstool Buster Rockstool Thomas “Jonah” Salvino Kassandra Salvino Stephen Williams Williams Ronald Elam Lacy Elam Cameron Keele Britney Keele

Smith Valley Grange #26 Nevada • Elaine Albright • Bridget Banta • Steve Banta • Audrina Banta • Steven Banta • Kristina Thran • Sarah Thran • Dylan Thran • Tawnya Masse • Kevin Masse • Kashlynn Masse • Leianna Daley • Maleia Daley • Andy Eissinger • Melissa Marshek • Joseph Marshek • Mason Marshek • James Marshek • Aaron Marshek • Edie Hatch

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Celina Zane Luke Evans Elizabeth Evans Sam Evans Amelia Evans Maggie Evans Sharon Dublanc Gail Dublanc Katelynn Dublanc Wyatt Dublanc Brian Goffinet Noelle Goffinet Aurora Goffinet Hunter Goffinet Ally Sceirine Dante Sceirine Cathy Balda Cole Balda

• • • • • • • • • •

Rex Osborn Anne Remy David Smith Judy Smith J Frances Anderson Ed Worthley Hugh Maclennan Christine Hooks Marianne Edward Roberta (Bobbi) Matthews • Cherie Stephens • Roxanne Burns • Jeffery Buske

St. Pete Bay Grange #216 Florida • Shawandra Bell • Gwendolyn Reese • Veatrice Farrell • Diaz Farrell • Daniel Turner • Sheila Griffin • Marval Eady • Tarletta Williams • Gerasimos Morfesis • Jeffery Shorter • Karl Nurse • Al Graham • Bill Bilodeau • Winnie Foster Sunflower Grange #162 Colorado • Mildred Stewart • Cherry Ellis • Richard Ellis • Fred LaPerriere • Kay LaPerriere • Georgena Robbins • Linda Straw • Katy Oja • Susan Bell • Renee Sweet • Christof Kheim • Meghan Watts • Kathleen Chognard

Taghhannuck Grange #100 Connecticut • Bill Palmer • Diane Palmer • Maria Horn • Mary Ellen McGorty • Dour Pelletier • Robin Ziegler Turlock Grange #29 California • Michael Imbrogno • Maddie Imbrogno • Stacy Rozance • Mark Vieira • Christine Vieira • Joe Vieira • Gabriella Munce • Monia Macias • Daniel Herrera • Aileed Orozco • Donimick Orozco • Kathleen Gonzalez • Jim Peralta • Anea Peralta • Shawna Johnson • Shawn Johnson • Sandra Estrada • Edgar Estrada • Sophia Estrada • Flora Uriarte • Faviola Uriarte • Magali Uriarte • Galilea Uriarte • Ben Scroggins • Isel Scroggins

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

Annalillie Scroggins Amariah Scroggins Terrie Cabrales Eddie Cabrales Joel Murphy Kylene Murphy Tejoa Murphy Silas Murphy Isaac Murphy Lindsay Shalscizian Savannah Taylor Julia Rojas Brook Baltazar Dominic Hernandez Avae Barajas Juanita Villegas Erica Figueroa Brandon Rodriguez Margaret Rodriguez Aolani Rodriguez Alex Rodriguez Jesus Murillo Shelia Murillo Dominic Murillo Hordeah Murillo Joseph Jr. DiGrazia JoLynn DiGrazia Xavier Mason Xavion Mason Candace Sakuda Mona Hernandez Julia Hernandez Leon Segars Chester Segars Jesse Morales

Zumbro Valley Grange #765 Minnesota • Patricia Cutting • Erin Cutting • Paul Larsen • David Larsen • Marilyn Campbell • Jerry Haas • Rosemary Campbell • Arne Engstrom • Kent Cutting • Tara Nestrud • Jody Durow • John Crippen • Donna Champion

Has your Grange recently welcomed a new member? Make sure they are recognized!

Anyone may submit the names of new members so they can be recognized in Good Day! magazine using the online form found at tiny.cc/NewGranger (case sensitive) or by calling Joe Stefenoni at (707) 328-0631.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

MEMORIAL NOTICES MILTON SPENCER Past Master, Rhode Island State Grange Milton I. Spencer, Jr., 84, Past Rhode Island State Grange Master, died October 4, 2019.

Born in Coventry, RI, he was the son of the late Milton and Marion (Phillips) Spencer.

He was the beloved husband and soulmate of Ruth C. (Thomas) Spencer.

From 1953-61, Milt served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Following his service, he was employed as a Supervisor at American Standard for 33 years. He also worked at Woodpecker Hill Nursing Home.

At the age of 13, Milt began volunteering at the Western Coventry Fire Department, eventually working his way up

the ranks to Chief.

A

lifelong

Granger,

Milt was a member of the subordinate Exeter Grange and

Washington

County

Pomona Grange and held many offices. His involvement in the Grange led him to be

one of the founders of the Washington County Fair more than 50 years ago.

A good and faithful servant, Milt was a parishioner at Summit Baptist Church throughout his lifetime, and served as a Deacon in more recent years.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his son, Lawrence M. Spencer, also a Past Master of Rhode Island State Grange, and his wife, Celeste, of Coventry, RI; and daughters, Linda Spencer of West Warwick, RI, and Lori Spencer of Greene, RI; two step-children, Sen. Gordon Rogers (Heidi) of Foster, RI and Susan Martineau (Mike) of Cranston, RI; nine

grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Mowry I. Spencer of Rehoboth, MD; a daughterin-law.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce E. (Andrews) Spencer; two sisters: Marcia Payne and Mavis Spencer; and one stepgrandchild: Robert Rogers, Jr. Cards and condolences can be sent to: Ruth Spencer 61 Cucumber Hill Road Foster, RI 02825 Larry and Celeste Spencer 26 Black Walnut Dr. Coventry, RI 02816-7906

CALVIN COOLIDGE CHASE JR. Past Master, Massachusetts State Grange Calvin Coolidge Chase Jr, 76, of Dunstable, Massachusetts, died on December 4, 2019.

Born June 21, 1943 he was the son of the late Calvin Coolidge Chase Sr., and Irene (LaPorte) Chase of Londonderry, NH. Calvin proudly served in the United States Navy, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, the Seabees from 1966 to 1970. During this time, he was stationed in Vietnam and Port Hueneme, CA, where he was a member of the Seabee Precision Drill Team.

Calvin was a respected

mechanical engineer that graduated from UMass Lowell in 1978.

He worked for IMPCO (Beloit and GL&V) in Nashua for 40 years where he applied for and was awarded three patents.

Calvin was an active member of his community, having served on the Conservation Commission as well as an election warden in Dunstable, MA. He was also the Scout Master for Troop 28 for a number of years.

He was also proud to be a Grange member for over 50 years, where he served as the

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Massachusetts State Grange Master for 6 years.

In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, fly-fishing, building bird houses and most of all, running errands for Tully Farms. Calvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone and will be missed by all.

Calvin is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Linda (Tully) Chase, Past National Grange Ceres, along with their three sons, Alan and Kimberly, Bill and Vicki, Tim and Andrea all of Dunstable, five grandchildren, Harrison,

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Tristan, Grace, Calvin and Owen and many loving nieces, nephews and relatives.

Cards and condolences may be sent to: Linda Chase 491 Hollis St. Dunstable, MA 01827-1501

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HAROLD LOYD WEST Past First Gentleman, Kansas State Grange Harold Loyd West, 90, of Mound City, Kansas, passed away on September 9, 2019.

Born in Farlinville, Kansas, on October 24, 1928, to Howard L. and Beulah M. (Holt) West, Harold was a rancher, farmer and songwriter all his life.

On June 6, 1954 Harold married the love of his life, Patsy “Patty” Louise Mundell, who served as Master of the Kansas State Grange from 2002-06. They lived on a farm near Farlinville and farmed on Big Sugar Creek.

In 1955, Harold joined Richland Grange #1995 as

a charter member. He held many local and state offices and was serving as Treasurer for the State Grange.

Harold was known as the peanut brittle or candy man for his love of making peanut brittle with the Grange.

In 1962, Harold helped organize the Linn County Polled Hereford Association.

That same year, he and Patty were National Grange Young Couple of the Year.

Harold was also very community- and civic-minded.

He served as secretary and treasurer for the Farlinville Telephone Office for years and

on many boards throughout the county including the Linn County Co-op Board, the Rural Electric Board, and the Linn County Extension Board.

The couple traveled to all 50 states, and enjoyed venturing outside the U.S. as well.

In 1983, they joined an agriculture group and traveled to Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland, and England.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Beryl West; two sisters, Alma Cosens, and Beatrice Foster.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years; their son, Randy, and daughter-in-law Kristi West;

ERNESTINE KEISER

HELEN ROUTIER

Past National Delegate, Virginia State Grange

Past National Flora

Ernestine “Ernie” L. Keiser, Chesterfield, Va., Past National Delegate and aunt of State Master James Taylor, died August 20, 2019.

Ernie was a 60year member of Beach Community Grange and served as Secretary for the Virginia State Grange for many years.

Ernie earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in taxation and was a CPA. She is survived by her sister, Sarah Clarke

(Robert); nephews, James E., Robert A. (Catherine) and Christopher A. Taylor; and close friend, Helen M. Fortner. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest R. and Ruby Keiser; sister, Goldie K. Taylor; nieces, Susan E. Taylor and Robin R. Burgess.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Beach Community Grange Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2934 Chesterfield, VA 23838 or to the National Grange Foundation ATTN: Youth Leadership Fund, 1616 H St. NW, Suite 1100, Washington, D.C. 20006.

Cards and condolences may be sent to: James Taylor 12600 Bundle Road Chesterfield, VA. 23838

MEMORIAL NOTICE POLICY The information about the passing of Past Delegates and Officers of the National Grange, as well as substantial National figures is provided by the National Chaplain upon receipt of the information from informed members in State Granges. If you know of a memorial that should be included, please email communications@nationalgrange.org and the information will be forwarded to the National Chaplain. You may also call (202) 628-3507 ext. 113 and provide the information to Samantha who will forward it to the National Chaplain.

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and their daughter, Darla, and son-in-law, Thomas Drain; four grandchildren; two greatgranddaughters; a sister, Mary Sue Gentrey of Maurepas, LA; several nieces and nephews.

Cards and condolences may be sent to: Patty West 11540 County Road 1095 Mound City, KS 66056-9329

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Helen Routier, 83, Past National Flora, died October 20, 2019.

She lived her entire life in Grinnell, Iowa, and was a 56year member of Sonora Grange #2176.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles R o u t i e r, w h o served as Master of Iowa State Grange from 1983-93; six children, Terry (Jill) Routier, Nancy (Dennis) Moore, Rodney (Charli) Gray, Linda (Ken) Hartgers, Rhonda (John) Moyes, and Jody (Nicole) Routier; 19 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

Cards and condolences may be sent to: Charles Routier & Family 613 Marvin Ave Grinnell, IA 50112

WAVES “Code Girl” officer, vet, still keeping secrets Now 98, Koczela recognized for service with Grange’s Patriot’s Program

By Amanda Brozana Rios

National Grange Communications & Development Director Ruth Black was born just after WWI to a dairy family with a small farm in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. Her farmer father, John Milton Black, was known as the “Bard of Williamsburg” as he often wrote poetry for public occasions.

The country life, the sense of work, the pinch of the Great Depression were all part of her formative years that made her resilient and made her value education.

Following a classmate and friend, she went to North Adams State Teacher’s College, today known as Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, to earn her degree.

There she met Leonard “Paul” Koczela , a fellow student, who she dated during their time at the college.

A year into her teaching career, she decided to tag after someone again. This time it was her college sweetheart, Paul.

While most women waited at home to hear of their loved ones’ fate during the war effort, Ruth arrived in Northampton, Massachusetts, to begin her own service to our nation, entering the Navy WAVES – Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service.

In Northampton, she attended officer training school at Smith College and upon graduation, was given the rank of Ensign and sent to her first and only duty station at the Naval Communications Annex in Washington, D.C. Her work with the female cryptographer unit was classified.

Nearly 70 years after her service with the “Code Girls” ended, Ruth still keeps the secrets of her unit, sometimes forgetting and sometimes choosing not to acknowledge that the efforts of intelligence units of WWII has been declassified.

Instead she often chooses to heed orders given after the end of the war that came in the form of a letter sent in 1946 from the War Department to those involved in Code Girl work and other classified projects reminding them that they took an oath and “must never disclose this to anyone in your lifetime.”

While speaking of her service, she focuses on her role of leading “the girls” – marching them to and from their barracks to their work stations, to the chow hall and various other settings – but never goes too far to describe the unit’s mission or methods.

She acknowledges she “could do the codes if I had to,” but a twinkle in her eyes betrays her and you know there may be more she still does not tell.

She reflects on the many fond memories of her time with the Navy, including one she shared with the Women in Military

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Submitted Photo Ruth Black Koczela, who has held membership often at a distance at Williamsburg Grange #225, Massachusetts, where her family has been involved for generations, proudly remembers her time with the US Navy, first as a WAVES officer overseeing the work of the “Code Girls.”

Service for America Memorial, of which she is a charter member, when she met fellow Grange member and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt when she spoke at WAVES Quarters D. In 1945, the nation celebrated victory, and not long after the military began looking at the units and programs that brought women officially into service. In 1946, it ended the WAVES program, and Lieutenant Ruth Black Koczela was reclassified as active duty Navy.

After the war ended, so too did the long and somewhat unorthodox courtship which came to a close when she and Paul, who had served in the US Navy and retired as a Lt. Commander, were married on Aug. 27, 1946 – both in military uniform at the

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

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Naval Chapel on Nebraska Avenue in Washington, D.C. It was clear, Paul was proud of his country and of the strong woman he married who had played a part in its security.

In 1947, Ruth became a Navy Reservist and in 1951 received an honorable discharge, decorated with the Navy Unit Commendation, the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Ruth and Paul soon started a family with their first son, a family that has blossomed into six children, 11 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren.

They stayed in Washington, D.C., Paul continuing to work in Naval Intelligence and when the three different service intelligence forces combined to become the National Security Agency, Paul went under that umbrella and served until his retirement in the 1970s.

Part of the family’s social life each summer was Grange, something Ruth’s childhood family had been a part of on her farm.

Each summer the growing Koczela family would visit Williamsburg, MA, Ruth’s childhood home, where her

mother still lived, for a month or sometimes longer, and re-engage in farming activities.

Her brother, Lewis Black, maintained a working dairy farm there, too. The young Koczela children would learn about cows, the milking process, vegetable gardening, haying, 4-H Club activities, horseback riding, and the like, as well as the community service projects undertaken by Grange.

In 1974, Ruth and Paul sold their home in Washington and returned to New England, acquiring the farm her brother had owned, after he moved into retirement. This property adjoined Ruth’s childhood farm. They then renovated the 19th Century farm house and moved in. In 1989 she returned to what had become her second home and has lived in Northwest Washington, D.C., but still summered for about 6 months of the year at her Williamsburg farm.

She and Paul became “benefactors” of the Williamsburg Grange and the Williamsburg Library, making significant donations to cover capital improvement costs of those respective properties.

Her WAVES uniform is on display in the Grange Hall in Williamsburg. .

On the organization’s 152nd birthday, she reconnected with the Grange in person, welcoming Joan Smith, President of Potomac Grange #1, D.C., and National Grange Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios, into her home to receive and unexpected recognition – a Patriot’s Program certificate that honored her years of service.

This is not the first certificate presented to her to honor her service.

Earlier in 2019, she also received a Veterans History Project Certificate of Appreciation. The VHP was created

by Congress in 2000 and is part of the American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress.

She is also a charter member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial on the grounds of Arlington Cemetery, and her career information has been featured there.

“This is a real honor,” Ruth said of receiving the award, presented by the Grange members. “I appreciate the lifelong work of the Grange, and it is very humbling to be recognized as part of the Grange’s Patriot’s Program.”

Use free Patriot’s Program to honor veterans in your Grange, community In 2012, Potomac Grange #1, of Washington, D.C., launched a program that encouraged Granges across the country to honor veterans in their communities.

“We realized how many WWII veterans were passing away and the disconnect with younger generations who would not be able to honor their service,” said Amanda Brozana Rios, National Grange Communications and Development Director and Potomac Grange member.

She said the idea came after members discussed a news report where a WWII veteran in Washington State had been beaten to death by a group of teenagers.

“It was disgusting. Most of us who have heard veterans of any branch, of any conflict speak of their service know that they deserve our respect and gratitude, so we decided to sponsor the program for any Grange around the nation

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to use that both honors veterans and has a component to educate young people in the Grange or local schools about WWII and the Korean War through DVDs. The certificates and DVDs are available free through the Grange Store - all costs including shipping and handling are covered by Potomac Grange.

The program also include specialized certificates for veterans of the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War and the War on Terror, and a more general certificate appropriate for veterans who did not serve in a time of conflict.

To order your certificates or associated DVDs, contact Loretta Washington at sales@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (202) 628-3507 ext. 109. Please order your materials at least three weeks in advance of your program and check certificates when they arrive for any errors.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

READER’S SUBMISISON

Photo Courtesy of Arlington Media

An American story: A family’s long memorial

By Christopher Dean

Member, Beverly Grange #306 and Ponkapoag Grange #231 (MA)

x The Navy Department appreciates

minutes of the attack, by three Japanese

your great anxiety…”

torpedoes, causing the ship to burst into

The news was not a surprise. Since the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor

Some say the waiting is the hardest part.

For our family, the nearly 80-year wait to finally lay to rest my uncle, Eugene Keller Eberhardt a machinist’s mate in the U.S. Navy, who had been killed during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, had not been easy but also had brought to us many traditions, and a special kind of bond.

The story begins on December 21st, 1941, when an expected but dreaded

flames and spill oil from her bunkers into the water and setting the water afire.

almost two weeks before, there had

Those aboard her scrambled for

been no word from Eugene, the news

safety or to battle stations in scenes

reports had been uniformly bad; it was

of indescribable confusion, bordering

clear to everyone that Eugene was dead,

on panic, but within minutes a fourth

but no one had dared to say it aloud.

torpedo

hit

making

the

ship

list

The Eberhardts sent a telegram to

dangerously as sailors who could jumped

John Funk, my grandmother’s husband,

into the flaming water or climbed out on

informing him that Eugene was declared

anchoring lines to the docks and other

missing and asking him, please, not

ships.

to tell my grandmother, Annette, until

When the Oklahoma capsized, only

after Christmas. As soon as he got the

15 minutes after her first hit, there were

telegram, he told her, thinking that it

nearly 500 men trapped inside her hull.

was only right that she should know.

When the attack ended, sailors who

telegram arrived from the Navy at the

She said that when she heard the

walked along the upended hull could

Newark, New Jersey, home of Henry

news she felt hollow inside: it was

hear the banging of hundreds of men,

Eberhardt and his wife Mary. It read:

confirmed at last. She’d known, in fact,

using any tools that came to hand, trying

“Regret to inform you that your son

from the first time that she heard of the

to get help; of them about 50 could be

Eugene Keller Eberhardt, machinist’s

attack that she would never see her

rescued.

mate first class US Navy is missing

favorite brother again.

The acetylene torches of the day

following action in the performance of

Eugene had been aboard the USS

used up the air inside the enclosed hull,

his duty and in the service of his country

Oklahoma which was hit in the earliest

torches couldn’t be used; there was no

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way to get men out of the wreck.

The weakening banging continued almost until Christmas.

Ultimately,

429

men

from

the

Oklahoma could not be saved and their bodies remained in the ship until it was finally righted in the summer of 1943.

The plan had been to reuse the ship in the war against Japan, so it was carefully righted using a method that was extensively covered by American media at the time, the Oklahoma was photographed showing various stages of oil staining the deck as she was righted, running the full length of the deck, and the men who did the work were photographed on the deck against barnacles that had grown there over the previous 18 months.

What wasn’t mentioned was that the full length of the interior was filled with oil and the bones of men who had died

by the methods of the time were sent

Every year, for as long as I can

on that morning in 1941.

to their families, but the majority were

remember we have raised a glass to

unidentifiable.

honor Eugene.

Those few who were identifiable

The rest of the bones

were buried, intermingled, in a mass

small

Massachusetts

town where my grandparents retired,

Honolulu at the National Cemetery of

and where I grew up, to Chicago, to

the Pacific, the names of the dead were

California, to wherever my relatives

inscribed on stones above there they

moved, Eugene’s memory was honored.

One by one, Eugene’s siblings died –

The ship herself wasn’t ready for

first Ross in 1990, then Annette in 1999,

repair before the war ended, and in 1947

then finally George the first-born, in

she was sold to a scrapyard in California.

2014, at the age of 109 (at the time he

While being towed from Hawaii to

was the oldest man in the state of New

California, a huge storm hit and she was

Jersey and one of the oldest in America).

cut loose and allowed to sink.

Eugene Eberhardt’s surviving family,

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the

grave in the Punch Bowl crater in

rested.

Submitted Photo While Eugene was home on leave, his relatives asked him to put on his uniform so they could all have their pictures taken with him. Many of these photos survive, including this one, with Eugene and his nephew, George Jr., who is wearing cap that Eugene had given him.

From

Still,

Eugene’s

distant

relatives

continued to raise a glass to his memory.

his parents, his two brothers, his sister

None us knew him except my mother,

Annette, did what they could to keep his

Joan Roberts, who had only one memory

memory alive.

of him from when she was 4 years old

.With both of her surviving brothers

and Eugene was home on leave in the

in the Army, on Memorial Day 1942,

early fall of 1941 and for some reason

Annette and her parents raised a glass

the whole family was dancing in a circle

of wine in his memory, and when his

around the living room.

brothers returned from the war, they

She was pleased that if there was to

too raised a glass of wine in his memory

be only one memory of him, that it was

every Memorial Day, taking the practice

a happy one.

with them to the families they eventually had, keeping the tradition alive up to the present day.

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That memory danced as she received a call from the Navy in April 2015.

The woman on the other end of the

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Submitted Photo Dozens of Eugene Eberhardt’s family members gathered from around the nation at Arlington National Cemetery in September 2019 to lay him to rest after waiting nearly 80 years for his remains to be recovered and identified after he lost his life in the bombing of the USS Oklahoma on D-Day 1941. line asked my mother: did she know she

My mother was diagnosed with

16th, we all gathered at the cemetery

had a relative who had been killed at

cancer in late winter of 2018 and went

in limousines and rental cars and were

Pearl Harbor?

through terrible trials on the road

guided to the transfer point, where

Yes, she replied, she did. His name

to recovering. The treatment almost

was Eugene and my family still honors

killed her, but through it all she was

his memory in one way or another.

determined not to miss the memorial.

The woman from the Navy detailed

This was for Eugene and for her own

how, using DNA, bones could be

mother, Annette, and she was not going

identified under certain conditions and if

to give it up.

Eugene’s hearse brought his bones in a flag-draped coffin to be transferred to a horse-drawn caisson to be taken to the site of the service. Eugene was given full military honors, a Navy band, taps, a 21gun salute.

my mother was willing to give a sample

She was diagnosed as cancer-free

to the Navy, they might possibly be able

in the summer of 2019 and only a few

It was moving.

to identify his bones and return them to

weeks later she discovered that she

It was inspiring.

the family for a proper burial.

had a kidney stone and, even though

Arlington Cemetery was magnificent

she was in excruciating pain, she was

and beautiful; the day was glorious and

Mother agreed, sent the sample, and then we waited.

determined not miss the memorial.

We couldn’t know if they might

Family flew in from all over the

actually find anything at all. His bones

country to Arlington, Virginia, where a

might not have survived. The DNA might

cousin had selected a hotel where we

have been destroyed or contaminated.

could all get a special family rate.

bright, almost a cloudless sky, and warm.

Since we were all together as a family for the first time in years, it was also joyous, powerful, and moving.

I’d heard the word “closure” used

The attack itself had been horrific and

The Navy and the funeral home

chaotic; who could try to imagine what

helped out with the preparations in

before and was never sure what it

might’ve happened to him?

every way possible. They reserved wheel

actually meant; it seemed like it was just

chairs for my mother at the airport and

a meaningless term to make people feel

transported us to the hotel.

better, but in this case, yes, there was

In early 2019, my mother got a phone call from the Navy: some of Eugene’s bones had been identified. He could come home.

My brother and I got our mother to her room and she collapsed on her bed,

closure, for all of us.

Eugene’s memorial service was, in

Word spread quickly in the family

telling us that she would not miss this

that my mother had selected Arlington

for anything. At the hotel that Sunday

National Cemetery; a date had been

night my cousin had organized a cook-

set, the 16th of September; more bones

out for my whole family and it became a

were identified; relatives started calling

huge reunion for all of us. I met relatives

and writing for details. Almost everyone

I’d not seen in 40 years and relatives I’d

in fact, never really left us. And we’re

in the family wanted to be there, to be

only heard of but never met.

going to continue to raise a glass in his

part of this historic event.

The following day, Monday the

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

a year of very bad news, a bright light for us, it united us over the death of a member of our family who had not been with us for eight decades but who had,

memory on Memorial Day.

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Submitted Photo Members of Skyline Grange #894, Oregon, hold up pieces of hand-made signs the Grange posted along rural roads in their community in 2019 to encourage safe driving.

Grange posts safety signs on local rural roads SUBMITTED CONTENT Skyline Grange #894, Oregon “Rural Roads | Very Bendy | Accidents | Very Spendy” This jingle is one of 19 now posted by Skyline Grange #894, located in Multnomah County near Portland, Oregon, along their local roads.

The major thoroughfare in

the area, Cornelius Pass Road, carries 14,000 vehicles a day and has been completely closed since July 22 for

and discourage speeding, tailgating, littering, and drinking.

The

price

of

signage

made

professionally was too prohibitive, so Grange members studied the art of sign making, designed a sign-making process that hopefully wouldn’t look too amateurish, and was within the Grange’s budget.

Luckily labor was

cheap and committed to this project.

12 Grangers and three community volunteers industriously worked for seven days to produce 93 signs. With the local hills, curves and abundant

improvements, and will be until at least

vegetation,

October forcing traffic onto smaller

straight stretches of roadway for sign

local roads.

placement was a challenge.

Remembering the old

finding

undistracting,

Burma Shave roadside signs of the last

“It truly is a community service with

century and their humorous reminders

the whole community participating….

to drive safely, Skyline Grange devised

and commuters too since they have

a unique community service project.

read

the

signs,”

Skyline

Grange

The Grange asked the community

President Sen Speroff said. “Subtle,

to submit Burma-Shave type jingles

but good advertising for Grange. We

addressing traffic concerns. The jingles

had a great time doing it.”

had to be constructive, hopefully with

The Grange hopes these signs

humor, and not too dark. They received

bring a little humor and to gently

55 submissions. After a bit of tweaking

remind drivers that their roads are

and condensing, nineteen jingles were

county roads, not freeways and all

chosen. They encourage carpooling,

have to drive with caution, courtesy,

use of ashtrays, and mindful driving;

and care.

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Other jingles posted by the Grange •

repairs | Now pay twice •

One text or call | Could end it all

•

Trash abounds | Near and far | Keep yours | In your car

•

Vodka’s nice | So is beer | Neither are | Welcome here

•

Logie Trail | Steep & curvy | Don’t slide off | Just start early

•

On our road | Best go slow | Around bends | You never know

•

Stay back | Leave space | Tailgating | Not safe

•

Reach out | Join a carpool | Make a friend | Save on fuel

•

20’s the Rule | At our school | Hit the skids | Honor our kids

•

Use an ashtray | If you smoke | Woodland fires | Are no joke

•

White knuckled | Wide eyed | Slow down | Enjoy the ride

•

Physics defied | Texted & died | Missed a turn | Got an urn

•

It’s no jive | To stay alive | Just drive | Thirty-five

•

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

That shiny car | Quite a price | Add

Impatience | Caused it all | Service, coffin | And a pall

Delaware member readying to share lauded rural road safety program with Granges across nation

By Amanda Brozana Rios

National Grange Communications & Development Director June Unruh, wants everyone to have safety in mind when on rural roads.

The Delaware State Grange Lecturer launched a program in 2016 to raise awareness about slow moving farm machinery and sharing rural roads after a neighbor, past National Grange delegate Wills Passmore, lost his life while driving his tractor on a rural road due to a reckless motorcyclist.

Unruh began envisioned a program that would help educate people about safety and precautions when driving on rural roads in either passenger cars or farm equipment.

“Our state is being gobbled up with housing developments and there are few farmers left and the people moving in don’t understand how the equipment works or how slow it is so they try to pass you. It’s dangerous,” Unruh said. “It’s important for people who care about farmers and rural communities like Grangers to be out there educating these folks who may be moving near farmlands for the first time on how to safely share the roads.”

Unruh is now working with the National Grange to prepare the program for digital distribution through the National Grange in the first two months of 2020.

The program started when Unruh worked with a her State Senator Bruce Ennis to hold a stakeholder summit at the Delaware Department of Transportation office.

The room included representatives from the Delaware State Grange, Farm Bureau, Department. of Transportation, University of Delaware Extension and local farmers.

Both the Delaware State Grange and Delaware Farm Bureau committed resources to ensure the project is a success.

Unruh also wrote a grant through the Grange to receive local funds from New Castle County government to help seed the project.

With funds from both organizations in

Submitted photo courtesy of June Unruh ABOVE: A variety of brochures, signs and stickers have all been made as part of the awareness campaign to encourage rural road safety in Delaware as part of the efforts spurred by Grange member June Unruh. BELOW: Unruh has been on several radio stations across Delaware to speak about rural road safety.

addition to the grant, a rural road safety brochure with tips for motorists and farmers on how to be safe while sharing the road was created and distributed at Grange food booth at the Delaware State Fair and various other fairs and festivals.

She also went to her niece’s 4-H Club that made posters about the issue, which she took to 151st Annual National Grange convention in Washington, D.C., in 2016.

The posters attracted quite a bit of attention

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

and discussion about the topic.

She had the same 4-H Club put a display in a local parade, bringing another group in to advocate for rural road safety.

She also had portable signs made for farmers and distributed them through Grange and Farm Bureau that warned drivers of farm equipment being used in the area that may enter the roads.

Sen. Ennis also helped get metal signs that are now placed around the state to announce to drivers to be aware of farmers working in the area.

The Department of Transportation has digital signs on major highways that now carry alerts that help motorists prepare for the potential of slow-moving farm equipment on their path, especially during planting and harvest seasons.

In addition, Unruh pushed hard to get legislators in the state to understand the issue and as a result, the “slow moving vehicle sign” has been included in the newest edition of the Delaware driver’s manual for the first time.

She is also working with several others

37

to get more information in the manual about farm equipment on the road and safety precautions drivers can take when encountering such machinery.

They also created “Think Safety” decals for farm equipment and yard signs that were NATIONALLY distributed free RECOGNIZED to farmers, which SLOW-MOVING show a tractor VEHICLE SIGN and read: “Slow Moving. Drive Carefully.”

Farm Bureau and the Grange also helped to support a full public relations campaign to encourage safe sharing of the roads, and Unruh made many appearances on the radio and in front of reporters, talking about the issue.

Widely read editorials were sent to papers throughout the state with Unruh as the author, urging motorists to prepare with a little extra patience and perceptiveness as planting season approached.

She has also authored resolutions about the topic for the Grange and in 2018 the project was selected for recognition at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention.

Still, Unruh knows the work to inform drivers must continue from personal experience,

This is one reason she wants to make it more widely available with resources on how other Granges can take on the issue in their communities. The materials include an action plan, a kind of road map for advocacy and education of the community on the issue.

She has heard many farmers praise her work and credit it with having fewer dangerous moments on the road, she knows the work must continue.

She and her husband of 52 years, Tom, live five miles away from the diary farm where she grew up. They till more than 1,100 acres, mostly their own, for corn and soybeans and continue a hay operation.

At times that means one or the other are in farm equipment traveling on rural roads.

She told a reporter from the Delmarva News recently that she was driving a pilot car behind the combine Tom had on the road, moving between fields.

“I had my flashers on and the cars behind me kept trying to pass. I positioned myself in the middle of the road and they were close to my bumper. The combine was only on the road for a few miles, no more than five minutes,” she told the reporter. “I keep thinking it will work if we keep talking about it.”

Unruh said on both her and Tom’s sides of the family, farming in Delaware goes back more than 200 years, so she hopes that legacy continues – but wants to make sure the safety of her family and the rest

Photo courtesy of June Unruh Farmers in Delaware can receive free signs, thanks to the Grange, that alert motorists of farm work happening in fields and reminds them to safely share the road with slow-moving farm equipment thanks to the initiative of June Unruh. of the farming community is also a part of what she passes down.

She also takes the time to tell them and others about the things they can do to help ensure their safety – one of the simplest methods is to check that slow moving vehicle signs are posted on equipment each spring and throughout the year.

A FEW TIPS FOR SAFELY SHARING THE ROAD FOR MOTORISTS Farm equipment may sometimes enter roadways as farmers try to access fields and travel to and from their storage barns. Be especially prepared to encounter farm equipment during planting and harvest times.

Machinery may be wider than vehicles, even wider than one lane of travel and is designed to go only about 15 to 20 mph.

Most equipment is loud and it requires a lot of the farmer’s attention to travel safely on the road, which means the farmer is often looking ahead and may not see motorists in their mirrors. Don’t assume the driver sees you before passing.

Sounding your horn with a simple courtesy honk before passing is a good idea.

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FOR FARMERS Be prepared to take your equipment onto roadways by ensuring your slow moving vehicle sign is properly displayed (pointing up), clean, still reflective and not faded. A sign should be replaced every two or three years to ensure it’s in good condition.

Mark the edges of equipment with reflective tape and install lighting on older machinery so it is visible.

Pilot cars are an essential addition to your road safety, especially if going a long distance. Consider having one ahead and one behind you and mark them with a brightly colored flag hanging from a window of the car. Make sure you can be in communication with the car in front if there is a danger on the road ahead.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

READER’S SUBMISISON

Grange after-school program becomes part of effort to make world kinder place

By Lorri Freeman 2019 Communication Fellow Our local Grange in Nevada, established only just over a year ago, has already made our community a kinder place thanks to the National Day of Kindness and use of the Grange’s partnership with Oliver the Ornament.

On National Day of Kindness, Nov. 13, the children ages 5-15 of the after-school program, called HERO Club, which was created through a partnership of High Desert Grange #22 in Fallon, Nevada, and the Epworth United Methodist Church, pledged to do three specific acts of kindness following the reading of the book “Oliver the Ornament.”

The program was established in 2019. HERO Club is designed to enrich, educate, and assist its members in becoming future leaders, strengthen family values, and have a strong sense of community pride. Staff assists with homework, provides enrichment activities, and are involved in community service.

The Oliver the Ornament series is written by Todd Zimmerman, and follows a Christmas ornament who is bullied by other ornaments but remains kind despite his pain. Oliver provides insight on how important it is to talk with children about the issues of kindness.

As the Assistant Program Director, I feel that this concept is very important to their program. It supports what they are trying to accomplish.

I learned of the book series while attending the 153rd National Grange Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota, as a Communication Fellow.

I was immediately captivated by this series of books because of their positive messaging that feels needed right now.

Photo by Lorri Freeman HERO Club children, ages 5 to 15, participated in National Day of Kindness, writing kind messages to people that will then be included in library books and

spread throughout the community. The HERO Club is an after-school program created in partnership by High Desert Grange #22 and Epworth United Methodist Church, both in Fallon, Nevada.

I met with the author, and together

and loving,” “don’t give up,” and “your

they worked to establish activities that

presence is a present,” just to name a

focus on kindness and service for the

few.

HERO Club students.

These cards were delivered to the

Granges across the country have been

William N. Pennington Life Senior Center

built on the idea of family, brother- and

where they were placed in library books

sisterhood, acceptance, and kindness. I

so these words may travel throughout

am thrilled to introduce these thoughts

the community. After the activities, each

and

child received a certificate of completion

practices

into

our

community

through a book like this.

After

a

discussion

for National Day of Kindness, bringing on

bullying,

kindness, and the reading of Oliver

big smiles to their faces.

Our

Program

Director,

Gloria

the Ornament, HERO Club children

Damazio-Montero, was excited about

also wrote on blank cards. They wrote

the program as well.

words and phrases like, “smile, you’re

She said, “Kindness should be as

beautiful,” “be kind,” “you’re helpful

easy as a blink of an eye. Every day you

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

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practice kindness the world around you becomes a better place. These books help reinforce why kindness is important in our daily lives.”

The parents of HERO Club children were also excited by the activity and what their children learned.

“Because of my children participating in National Day of Kindness at HERO Club I have seen them step up to bullies and help teach their classmates how to be kind,” Jessica Perez said. “The HERO Club has been great for my family because they provide opportunities for my children that I can’t give them because of work.”

“Our girls learned that everyone

deserves kindness and love in their lives no matter who they are! We have the HERO club to thank for helping us teach them that,” Jason Spurlock said.

HERO Club’s partnership is already expanding. The Churchill County Library is signing on for the next National Day of Kindness Nov. 13, 2020.

“We look forward to working with the organization next year,” Carol Lloyd Churchill County Library Director said.

Our activities on National Day of Kindness also served as the kick-off for a fundraiser using the Oliver the Ornament series.

The HERO Club will be selling copies of Oliver the Ornament books

and related items online at Oliver’s webpage or at the Grange. Zimmerman has offered as part of the partnership with the Grange $10 from each gift set purchased to be retained by the local Grange to be kept there. A percentage of the books purchased will also be donated to various children’s charities.

Spreading kindness to others can bring joy to a child and is very uplifting.

This fundraiser offers the opportunity to develop anti-bullying initiatives and promote kindness one act at a time and allows our children to have a substantial role in developing into the kind of young adults we all hope they will be.

Kindness need not end even though Christmas season has passed

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director Even as we turn the calendar and pack away the Christmas decorations, there is one special ornament you may want to keep handy.

Oliver the Ornament, the main character in the book series of the same name, created by author Todd Zimmerman, can be used all year long in Granges to promote kindness and anti-bullying and to fundraise for projects that do the same through a special partnership established with Zimmerman and the National Junior Grange.

Oliver the Ornament is a seven-book series and related gift line that celebrates the tradition and stories of Christmas ornaments. Every ornament has a story and teaches the importance of kindness especially in the face of bullying, which has reached epidemic proportions.

National Junior Grange Director Samantha Wilkins said, who called the book and its message “timeless,” said Granges can begin planning now for a fundraiser for your Grange or Junior Grange this fall with the series in your Granges.

Zimmerman’s book has topped several charts as a best gift of the season over the past few years and First Lady Melania Trump chose to read two of the Oliver series books in 2018 and again in 2019 to patients at the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. The tradition of the First Lady reading at the hospital began with Elizabeth “Bess” Truman and has continued to this day.

“It shows the quality of the book and its message,” Wilkins said. “I think every parent and grandparent could appreciate

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Photo by Lindsay Schroeder Todd Zimmerman, author of the Oliver the Ornament series, attended the 153rd Annual National Grange

Convention to talk more about the partnership with the Grange and fundraising opportunities using the books and ornament.

the message of this series and Grangers can appreciate the ability to help fundraise for initiatives that allow your Juniors to do projects that revolve around kindness and service to others.”

Wilkins said Zimmerman has partnered with the Grange to give 75% of all the funds raised to the local Grange selling the books. This provides a great new way for local Granges to increase assets as well as to enjoy spreading the message of kindness embodied by Oliver. The funds that go to the National Grange will be used for a Grange scholarship fund that helps ambassadors travel and spread messages of kindness and anti-bullying.. In this way, Oliver will not only help the National Grange spread his positive messages, but will also help put those messages into action.

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Minnesota location for 153rd Annual Grange Convention makes for true homecoming Members attending the 153rd National Grange Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota, found a welcoming atmosphere and lots of Grange connections to be enjoyed inside the halls of the event center, with speakers who had a deep connection with the organization and its mission and around the area, most notably, with tours to the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm.

Delegates went on tour Monday morning before they were to begin work in the afternoon. The Youth and General tours were slated for Thursday and the Junior Grange toured the farm Friday morning.

On the tours, Grangers saw both the preserved historic Kelley farm, and the farm lab, which reviews modern farming practices and highlights the innovative work the modern Kelley Farm is doing today.

“We’ve been looking forward to it for years and years,” said Judith Barnes of North Carolina’s Westbrook Grange #1016,

Photo by Philip Vonada In the historic home on site at the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota, a room includes a display set up of a Grange meeting with information about the stations and officers.

Photo by Karen Cline Juniors on tour at the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm during the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention in Minnesota try to make gingerbread in an old-fashioned manner.

noting that her Grange sends a donation to support the facility each year.

Staff members at the site showed off heirloom vegetables, hogs and sheep.

They also spoke of Kelley’s innovations, noting that many of his structural designs came from reading.

Grangers on the tour participated in a sorghum pressing demonstration and gingerbread making in the historic kitchen.

Within the historic home, a subordinate Grange room was laid out, and on one of the walls of the room was hanging the charter of Oliver Kelley’s own Grange, Sunbeam Grange #2, which is still existence.

Then the tour guides flipped the script, taking members from old to new to show them what has been built from Kelley’s time to today, and what changes have come to agriculture. The tour concluded at the on-site learning kitchen where staff made molasses from the sorghum demonstration.

Mary Jordan, a member of Holden Grange #78 in Massachusetts, and working dairy farmer said the work of the Kelley Farm, which hosts about 45,000 to 50,000 children annually in very important.

“Our philosophy is changing because we’ve realized the best way to educate the consumer is to get them onto the farm,”

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www.nationalgrange.org

Jordan said.

Other local sites of interest were Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, the resting place of another Grange founder, Caroline Hall, and the historic Minnehaha Grange Hall in nearby Edina.

Getting down to business Much work was already done by the time National Officers donned their gold sashes and marched in for the official opening of convention on Tuesday afternoon, and no time was wasted getting down to business.

After some formalities transpired as part of the Seventh Degree opening, National Grange President Betsy Huber lowered the Grange to the Fourth Degree and invited all members present to join those already gathered prior to presenting her two annual addresses – the internal remarks that look at Grange activities through the year and the external address, which looks at priority areas and provides the Grange’s view on current topics.

Huber praised the work of Legislative Director Burton Eller in both of her addresses, noting that he has done much to raise the profile of the Grange in Washington and beyond, running in circles to keep up with the many issues that

Grange cares about and wishes to weigh in on.

As such, she said, “Coalitions and organizations are coming to the Grange for its insight and its support on issues and matters of public policy,” and our grassroots structure is what makes our opinion so valuable.

“The National Grange gets its power from the voice of our grassroots members,” Huber said, noting that power requires that members are connected to the issues by receiving updates and notices through email from the National Grange, or sharing email received with those in the membership who do not use the internet.

Huber outlined several areas that will be priority areas for the National Grange over the next year.

She said rural broadband expansion will continue to be near the top because it tackles so many of the Grange’s asks – equitable access to quality health care,

Junior Mentor Award Winner Audrey Bowers Vinita Grange #360, OK

Additional Honorees Rylee Furr St. John’s Grange #729, NC Christine Andrew Kickemuit Grange #24, RI

education and the ability for businesses to compete in the global marketplace to name a few.

Also at the top of the list is legislation that addresses ag labor through a comprehensive immigration bill – a priority issue that Grange hopes to see taken seriously as the current H2A visas and other programs are not working.

The Grange is giving a thumbs up to legislation to address surprise medical billing – with certain conditions – while giving a thumbs down to any move to allow unregulated prescription drugs to be imported and sold in the U.S. Finding solutions to the U.S.-China trade war and getting a USMCA trade agreement signed are all issues of great interest to the Grange as well, Huber said, because all things trade related have a heavy impact on all sectors of agriculture.

In addition, the National Grange is working for plant-based drinks and labgrown meat to be named in a manner that does not confuse them with animal produced dairy and meat products.

The opioid crisis and its impact on communities is also an area the Grange will find ways to address, one of which starts with our Youth, sending several young members to receive leadership training with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and consider options of how to form partnerships to provide resources in their hometowns.

During her internal address, Huber

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reported that all systems in the National Headquarters were now working and that several additional, necessary updates to the building are still in progress.

However, many repairs and replacements will be needed in the building over the next five to ten years at potentially huge costs, according to a building systems and engineering study commissioned by the National Grange Executive Committee.

“It may be time to take a hard look at the building, its cost and benefits, and make some hard decisions,” she said, “This is a challenge for the delegates here to consider.”

During her tenure, Huber has spent a lot of time dealing with legal issues from the ongoing California Grange-Guild court battle and its related trademark case – which she reported “both major court battles have finally concluded” – as well as a lawsuit against the former building contractor working to repair the chiller system that she reported the Grange has won a summary judgment against.

To the California issue, Huber said, “The extended ordeal tested and tried our beloved Grange organizational structure and even our fraternal bonds, but our Grange laws were judged to be strong and valid by the U.S. court system… I thank you all for your support through the process, either financial or encouragement or prayers.”

She also told the membership of successes throughout the year, including

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Congratulations 2019 Junior Grange Winners Sign-A-Song Brianna Greer, CO Best of Show Public Speaking (Prepared Speech) Nathen Greer, CO Best of Show Creative Art Age 5-7 years 1st: Kimber Newman, KS 2nd: Daniel Tomlin, VA 3rd: Landon Funk, KS Age 8-10 years 1st: Riley Capps Barks, VA 2nd: Emma Seidel, PA 3rd: Hayden Campbell, VA Age 11-14 years 1st: Ione Sheldon, WA* 2nd: Rheannon Fens, VA 3rd: Kay Reyburn, PA Creative Writing Age 5-7 1st: Landon Funk, KS Age 11-14 1st: Brianna Gervais, CT*

Masters Conference, where a new mission statement was created, outreach done at Farm Aid, and the joyful fellowship at Grange Revival. She announced a second Grange Revival will be held July 20-25, 2021 in Sturgis, South Dakota.

She also said the Grange will keep with tradition and hold our Legislative Fly-In in New Hampshire to allow members to take part in the “First in the Nation” in 2020.

As she brought her address to a close, Huber told members, “unlearn the old ways of searching for members, and relearning how to be an exciting, attractive, radical organization like we were in the 1880s… Disrupt yourself!”

“We must stop looking behind us at our history, and look ahead - far ahead of Photo by Lindsay Schroeder the curve, to pounce on opportunities, take calculated risks, turn our understanding Carmel Valencia, or Oregon, into concrete steps that take us from where performs “Shelter from the we are today to where we will need to be Storm” by Bob Dylan at the tomorrow to be successful.”

Evening of Excellence.

Speakers tout importance of Grange The Legislative Luncheon featured Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Thom Petersen, who sounded much like a Granger when he noted that in modern agriculture there are both challenges and opportunities.

Among the challenges he highlighted were the price and availability of propane, that we are in “the fifth year of a three year downturn”, the loss of dairy

Photography Age 5-7 1st: Landon Funk, KS 2nd: Kimber Newman, KS Age 11-14 1st: Emily Leatherwood, KS* 2nd: Lauren Rhode, WA Mini-Scrapbook Age 5-7 1st: Kimber Newman, KS* Age 8-10 1st: Brook Houle, RI Age 11-14 1st: Emily Leatherwood, TN Felt Story Board Age 5-7 1st: Kimber Newman, KS 2nd Landon Funk, KS Age 11-14 1st: Brianna Gervais, CT* * Denotes Best of Show in the category

Photo by Lindsay Schroeder Members of Humptulips Junior Grange were on hand at the Celebration Banquet of the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention to receive their certificate for placing second in the Junior Grange Community Service Book contest from National Grange President Betsy Huber.

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www.nationalgrange.org

farms, the increasing average age of large animal veterinarians, which it now over 60, and in Minnesota has the lowest farm income it’s seen in 23 years.

Among the opportunities, he PREVIEW especially noted new crops like Check back in hemp and hemp the Spring issue production, of Good Day!™ something many magazine for states are now features on the seeing farmers 2020 Junior add to their and Youth portfolio.

Ambassadors Petersen thanked the and Outstanding Grange for its Young Patrons century and a half of work on behalf of farmers and encouraged the audience to return home and continue that advocacy and action for many years to come.

A pre-recorded video of U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, a 2017 National Grange Champion of Rural America, was also played on Wednesday at the Salute to Agriculture luncheon.

In his remarks, Peterson lauded the Grange for its work in areas like broadband, saying, “We need to get connectivity for people who want to continue to live in these rural areas. You (the Grange) are the best components to represent rural America to connect them to the internet.”

Following the video, Mark Gibbons, CEO of RetireSafe, spoke in person at the Legislative Lunch about the outreach and importance of voices like the Grange and our members on issues, most especially

in areas like unexpected healthcare bills, Medicare and proposed coverage plans, in addition to the shortage of doctors in rural America and closure of many rural hospitals.

Service, Talent and Recognition Friday morning was standing-roomonly as Youth Officers opened session with a drill that included several fun twists and turns in their upbeat and fast-paced floorwork.

As the Junior Grange took a few minutes of the program over Friday morning, they called forward Emalee Culver, of Illinois, who was escorted by two giant red tennis shoes.

Culver was the Junior director in the 1980s who made popular the logo that includes the shoes.

As a good Granger, Culver took her moment in the sun then went back to captain the registration desk.

That was one of several areas chaired

by Great Lakes Region host committee members hailing from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota.

The regional chair, Karie Blasingame, of Illinois, made sure things were going smoothly and added a few nice surprises to the mix, including “Karie’s Survival Store” in the Host Office with various supplies that one may have forgotten at home or find they need while on site, evening deliveries from the hospitality suite to the delegates in committees and Communication Fellows office, and more.

As in the previous six years of the program, the seventh year was no different in that Communication Fellows produced a daily newsletter, six issues in total, that Photo by Lindsay Schroeder Nathen Greer, of Colorado, performed on Saturday, Nov. 11, with his puppet as the best of show Junior public speaking contest winner at the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention.

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Photo by Lindsay Schroeder Rachel Upah, of Iowa, packs mannabags at Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit organization in Minneapolis where the Grange Youth did a community service project on Thursday, Nov. 7. covered events in real-time, that was delivered under the doors of those on site and available for pick up to those arriving for the first time or digitally to members throughout the country.

“Developing news stories for the Convention newsletter helped me to learn about Grange values and culture while connecting with a diverse group of members from across the nation,” Karen Cline, of Maryland, said of the experience, including cover the Evening of Excellence on Friday evening.

During the talent event, 25 Grangers took to the stage, performing vocal, speech, sign-a-song, instrumental, and variety acts that entertained a large crowd of Grange members for more than two hours.

At the close of the evening, the State

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Ambassadors competing to represent the National Grange Youth and Young Adult Department took to the stage where Jaycee Jette, of Montana, and Alexis Kudsk, Washington, were named the 2020 Youth Ambassadors, and Young Couple Tracy and Phillip Jones, of Illinois, were named the 2020 Outstanding Young Patrons.

The next morning, Brianna Gervais, of Connecticut, and Bryce Danko, of Pennsylvania, and were selected to be the 2020 Junior Grange Ambassadors.

While there were many opportunities for members to grow, challenge themselves and be impacted positively by the experience of National Session, so too was there a positive impact

by Grangers to the area.

As has become tradition, attendees were encouraged to support the region’s chosen charity, and many came with offerings to be shared with Second Harvest Heartland, a Minneapolis-St. Paul based food bank.

“I was so pleased to see the table next to registration as it began to fill up throughout the week, and how great that anything the hospitality room had left over that was unused went to a wonderful organization Second Harvest who help people in both Minnesota and Western Wisconsin,” said Lyle Lee, past State Master of Illinois, who was assisting with the registration desk throughout the week.

Additionally, the Youth tour on Thursday took dozens of volunteers to Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit founded in 1987 by Minnesota businessman Richard Proudfit that provides nutritionally complete meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, according to its website.

Grange Youth created mannabags – vacuum-sealed packages including chicken protein, chopped soy, dried vegetables, and rice.

In the time Grange Youth were on site, 165 boxes were filled

with mannabags, totaling 35,640 meals that will be donated to Haiti. Staff calculated the amount that was boxed and estimated about 97 children could be fed for a year on the filled boxes.

“It feels humbling. It is so incredible to know something that I’m doing is going to have an impact in our world for years to come,” Pennsylvania State Grange Outstanding Young Patron Jodi Keith Kensinger said.

On Saturday evening, more Grangers were recognized for their work and new and reorganized Granges over the past year were announced with a few State Masters accepting just-signed charters to take home to their states.

Handmade table runners, donated by members from across the country, were placed on tables and later auctioned off to benefit the Communication Fellows program.

Several other donated items were auctioned to support the Youth and Junior Grange departments to assist with travel and program costs, with several thousand dollars raised over the course of the Celebration Banquet from attendees.

The 2020 Host Coordinators were on hand and invited everyone to relive the fun, and extended an invitation to those who were unable to attend this year to come to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in November 2020 to enjoy all that a National Convention as to offer.

“It truly is like a homecoming and a can’t miss event in our lives,” Vinni Kirmss, of North Carolina, said. “Other members should definitely come. They’ll get so much out of it.”

This report is a compilation of work by members of the 2019 Communications Fellows program, sponsored by Grange Advocacy, as well as assistants former Fellows, and others. 2019 Fellows were Troy Behnke, MN; Ann Bercher, MN; Sharon Bower, NV, Karen Cline, MD; Lorri

2019 Youth/Young Adults Contest Winners

Freeman, NV; Elizabeth Hiner, CO; Lindsay Schroeder, PA; Maggie Schwartzendruber, OR; Lexie Suing, OR; and Philip Vonada, PA. Many thanks also to Johnny Pittman,

ParliPro Contest (Team) 1st: North Carolina 2nd: New York

John Trimble Legislative Youth, and 2019 Outstanding Young Patron Brittney Oliver for their reporting as well.

ParliPro Contest (Individual) Highest Scoring Chair: Rylee Furr, NC Highest Test Score: Cole Settle, NC Grange Baseball (Individual best “batting average”) 1st: Lexie Suing, OR 2nd: Matt Horton, NY 3rd: Riley Reynolds, OR Code reading- Novice 1st: Matt Horton, NY 2nd: Ayden Slominski, NY 3rd: Jodi Keith-Kensinger, PA

GROW

CLUB

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Congratulations to the 2019 GROW Club Academic Scholarship recipient Leah Bardal of Pleasant Hill Grange #101, Washington.

The 2019 National Grange Youth Officer Team President Emma Edelen (IA)

Secretary Isabella Lierman (WA)

Overseer Samantha Hanson (IA)

Gatekeeper Jordyn Moyes (IA)

Lecturer Elliot Wilser (NY)

Ceres Ashley Drop (NC)

Steward Cole Settle (NC)

Pomona Olivia Barber (NC)

Assistant Steward

Flora Sasha Secor (NY)

SkylarZaborac (WA) Lady Assistant Steward JC Dumolt (OR) Chaplain Georgia Clark (WA) Treasurer James Lesley (NC)

Executive Committee Lane Smith (NY) Executive Committee Ayden Slominski (NY) Executive Committee Melody Shufeldt (OK)

3 elected to National offices for first time

By Philip Vonada

2019 Communication Fellow Throughout the day on Thursday, elections were held for officers of the National Grange, who will lead the Order through 2021. Following implementation in Vermont in 2018, this is the second year of a rules change that allows for suggestions for office, which are aimed to expedite the election process.

In the first ballot, Betsy Huber was elected to a third term as President/Master of the National Grange. Huber made history in Nebraska in 2015 by being elected as the first female President of the Order in its 150-year history.

However, there were two changes in the National Officer Corps, with Karen Overstreet of Texas elected Lady Assistant Stewart, replacing Brenda Rouselle of Vermont, and Sherry Harriman, of Maine, elected Treasurer, replacing Dwight Baldwin, of Iowa.

All other officers were re-elected on the first ballot.

Elections for the Assembly of Demeter were held at the annual Convocation and business meeting on Thursday evening in the traditional fashion without verbal nominations.

On the second ballot, Bruce Croucher (NY) was elected to another term as High Priest of Demeter. Roger Bostwick (KS) was also reelected as Priest Archon.

James Owens, who served as Priest Annalist for eight years, thanked members of the Assembly for their trust in him over his tenure, but announced that he would not be seeking the office again.

On the sixth ballot Martha Stefenoni (CA) was elected Priestess Annalist.

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TOP: Karen Overstreet, Texas State Grange Master, left, and Sherry Harriman, Main State Grange Master, right, were elected Lady National Grange Assistant Steward and National Grange Treasurer respectively on Thursday, Nov. 7. LEFT: Martha Stefenoni, former First Lady of the California State Grange, was elected Priestess Annalist of the Assembly of Demeter.

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Lecturer’s Grange publicity contest gets a makeover Known in 2019 as the National Grange Lecturer’s Public Relations Contest, the 2020 iteration under the new name of Grange Publicity Item Contest has the same intent but a few new twists.

The contest, National Grange Lecturer Chris Hamp, said is a great way for anyone in the organization to make sure the good work of the Grange is getting out to the public, rewarding those who take time to make their items attractive, accurate, engaging and memorable.

Hamp has also changed the submission guidelines.

In 2020, all entries must be received electronically, the contest rules state, limiting the item to “a single file no larger than 1GB via Google Forms at http://tiny.cc/grange20pubitem by October 31, 2020.”

Hamp said this makes the collection, retention and judging process one that is manageable, especially should she reach her goal of getting at least one item from every Grange in the country.

“We know every Grange is doing something. This contest allows them to show off their work and how they’re promoting it to their community,” Hamp said.

The contest allows Granges to enter as many items as they wish, and those items seem practically unlimited, with flyers, posters, newsletters, social media posts, radio commercials or public service advertisements, video clips, press kits, shirts, buttons, other swag created to promote the Grange all as fair game.

Also in the name of fairness, there are two categories - created by a professional, either paid or in kind, or created in-house without professional assistance.

Hamp said she is working with the Communication Fellows, who are sponsoring the prizes for the contest, and National Grange

2019 Public Relations Contest Winners In House Division 1st: North Carolina State Grange; 2nd: Spencer Creek Grange #855 (OR) 3rd: Mica Flats Grange #436 (ID) 4th: Spencer Creek Grange #855 (OR) Professional Division 1st: North Carolina State Grange 2nd: Five Mile Prairie Grange #905 (WA) 3rd: Turkey Hill Grange #1370 (IL) 4th: North Carolina State Grange Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios to assist in judging the submissions and create some practical “how to” guides that can address common shortfalls identified in some submissions so that Granges can make simple changes and hopefully see positive results.

“There is no better way to create resource materials for our members than to know what is needed and give some clear, stepby-step instructions or simple tips and guidance,” Brozana Rios said.

“I’m really happy to be working with Chris on this effort and hope that it is not just another award, but a gateway to better publicity for the whole organization.”

2019 Evening of Excellence

People’s Choice Winners Vocal Performance

Jen Beamon, PA, “Part of Your World” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”

Congratulations to the 2019 National Lecturer’s Photography Contest winners 1st Place – Maria Hyvone (MT) 2nd Place – Abigail Evans (NJ) 3rd Place – Ricki Wulf (NE) Details for the 2020 contest will soon be available through your State Grange Lecturer.

Speech

Lurae Benzio, PA, “Music Moves My Soul”

Variety Act

James Lesley and Cole Settle, NC, “The Rooster Song”

Instrumental

Harry Traxler, OH, “Whispering”

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READER’S SUBMISSION

Service project hit sweet spot for Youth volunteer and knowing our short time of service would help to feed

By Adam Terrell

Member, Walpole Grange #125, NH

the children in Haiti was just a bonus. It warmed my heart and was quite satisfying to have taken part in an activity

As a Youth Granger and Scout, I have participated in many community services.

I have to say that few were as satisfying as the one we did on the Youth Tour at Convention where we went to Feed Our Starving Children.

I heard some mumbling on the bus going to and I too didn’t like giving up time from the tour, but once we got

where we saw progress being made while we worked.

In past years, often we have done on-site community service projects and never saw the difference we were making or were too far removed from the other volunteers who are passionate about the project to really “get it.” It didn’t seem to give the same sense of accomplishment.

there, put on those party hats and got to work, I saw a

I believe stronger than ever that at national conventions

change in everyone. The joy of working side-by-side with

and regionals conferences we should show a presence for

your friends and Grange family filled the air - of course the

good in the community that we are in at the time, through

music playing helped, too.

Everything from the cheering to say another box is full, or dancing down the hall while carrying 40 pounds of rice

going out to it in order accomplish our community service.

And I believe anyone who says they don’t enjoy doing

to restock a station, the work was fun and satisfying in a way

community service should come do it with the Grange!

that a tour alone could not be.

There’s no way they could not leave smiling and satisfied

When it was all over, everyone had a smile on their face

with their efforts.

2 2

Future in Focus Valley Forge, PA

November 17-21

Registration will be open soon, but you can reserve your room now!

Valley Forge Casino Resort 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406 (610) 354-8118

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On behalf of all of us at the National Grange, we thank everyone who attended the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention in Minneapolis-Bloomington, MN. We know that you could have been any place else and chose to spend your time with us. We are grateful for your service and look forward to seeing you all next year at the 154th Annual Convention from November 17-21, 2020.

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Photo by Philip Vonada Delegates stand outside the Visitor Center Grange Founder Oliver Hudson Kelley’s Farm in Elk River, Minnesota, during a tour prior to the start of the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention.

READER’S SUBMISSION New delegate reflects on need for leaders to do job well then pass baton

By Jan Saxton

Acting President, California State Grange Although the circumstance that brought me to Bloomington, Minnesota, for the 153rd National Grange convention was not happy, my experience at the convention was thoroughly enjoyable.

First of all, I had the great good fortune of the California State Grange Executive Committee selecting Jini Reynolds, our State Gatekeeper, as our second delegate.

Although Jini and I had only met briefly a couple of times before, we turned out to be a great fit as roommates, delegates, and traveling companions. It was like we had been friends forever, and, of course, now we really are.

My husband, Rich, and I have attended National Conventions in the past, but this was my first time as a delegate. Rich would have been by my side, but he passed away last year.

As a first-time delegate there was a lot to learn and a lot to do.

Jini was assigned to the Education and Health committee and I was assigned to Grange Law. Despite Joseph Stefenoni and Pete Pompper’s best efforts to convince us that the Grange Law committee was a terrifying post, we both really enjoyed our fellow committee members and the whole committee process.

Quite a few of the California resolutions went through the Grange Law committee and our discussions became very lively.

I went to National Convention to advocate for our resolutions, and I wasn’t shy about it. I won some and lost some—we all had our favorites—but there was no rancor, just a good give and

take, always respectful and often very, very humorous.

We worked hard and got a lot done, and we laughed a lot.

There’s a real connection there. Laughing releases oxytocin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of closeness and bonding with others. No wonder it went so well!

I was happy to see Betsy re-elected. She is a great teambuilder, and I have seen the National Grange move forward under her guidance.

I was glad to see they have changed the way they elect officers at National session, but the whole set up still tends to keep incumbents in office. However, I was so impressed by Jim Owens, Priest Analyst, who refused to take another nomination, saying he had been honored to serve for eight years and it was time to let someone else have a chance. It was a great move on his part, truly wise and generous, and I’m so glad he announced it the way he did.

I believe we need to shift how we see elections at the National Grange and start making it a badge of honor to step aside after you’ve served a few terms to let someone else have a turn. We shouldn’t be sad when a new person is voted into office, we should be rejoicing, both for the person who is moving on to new possibilities and for the person who is stepping into a new role.

Refreshing leadership is how organizations stay vibrant and alive.

We talk a lot in the Grange about teaching leadership, but you can’t teach leadership by being elected to a position and then staying there forever.

We teach leadership by learning the job, doing it really well, and then passing the baton.

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Photo by Lindsay Schroeder Veterans from seven states were honored at the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention and awarded Quilts of Valor for their service. Several of the quilts were pieced or made by members of their family, adding to their sentimental value.

Veterans pictured above who received quilts are listed on the following page.

13 awarded Quilts of Valor at Convention

BY ANN BERCHER Minnesota State Grange President 2019 Senior Communication Fellow On Wednesday night, 13 Grange members who served or continue to serve in our nation’s armed forces were part of he large contingent of veterans in the 153rd National Grange Convention Hall that stood to be recognized for their service, none but one knowing that there was an extra honor in store for them.

Then, as has been done for the past several conventions, National Lecturer Chris Hamp began a program that ended with those 13 being wrapped in a Quilt of Valor.

This year, Tammany McDaniel, the Quilts of Valor Executive Director joined the event, first sharing the history of the Quilts of Valor Foundation - whose mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor and thanking the Grange for the amazing work it has done to honor veterans in

rural communities that may otherwise go overlooked.

The two organizations have formed a solid partnership over the past several years, one that has been codified as one of the first “Under our Wings” programs under Quilts of Valor.

Designated as an Under our Wings partner, Grange quilters are able to produce and award veterans quilts that includes two patches, one showing it is an official Quilt of Valor and to whom it was issued, for what years they served as well as a patch with the Grange logo and information on the quilter.

Under our Wings partner programs include not only the Grange but also organizations like Girl Scouts, church youth groups, senior citizen centers, quilt guilds and others who do community service projects.

Following McDaniel, Jenny Caughey, the state coordinator for Quilts of Valor in Minnesota, explained that she got interested in the QoV after looking at a bumper sticker she had placed on her

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car that read, “I support the troops.”

She wondered, “how do I support the troops?”

To date more than 232,000 quilts have been awarded to veterans since 2003 when the organization began.

Bonnie Mitson of Idaho and Gwen Swenson of Minnesota displayed and presented the quilts to each individual veteran after his or her name was called and his or her service described. Then they wrapped the veteran in the quilt and in that emotional moment, said, “thank you for your service,” face to face.

Michas Monroe Ohnstad of Minnesota was presented with the final quilt of the evening and the story of his service was read aloud.

Ohnstad was a member of the Army’s 43rd Infantry Division, which served at Cabanatuan, Luzon, the Philippines.

Upon Japan’s surrender on August 14, 1945 - Ohnstad’s 19th birthday - he transferred to Yokoma, Japan with the 1st Cavalry Division.

On September 30, 1945, Ohnstad

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Lecturer National Grange

President/Master National Grange

was ordered by General MacArthur members had put into their quilts, to serve with the Atomic Bomb Doug Baldwin of Iowa admitted that Commission at Hiroshima/Nagasaki he knew in advance as he had been Saundra Chambers Ann Rehbein and historically is the only Minnesotan Coordinator able to read his father’s emails to his Executive Director Under Our Wings Program Quilts of Valor to serve in that capacity. mom.

Ohnstad said receiving the quilt “If you want to keep a secret, don’t was “a wonderful recognition for all write about it in an email!” he laughed. of our service people, and the Grange His father, Dwight, was a recipient 2019 NATIONAL CONVENTION should be recognized for saying thank QUILTS OF VALOR RECIPIENTS of a Quilt of Valor during a previous you to the veterans who have pledged national convention. their lives and sacred honor in service Doug R. Baldwin, IA Several quilters also had stories to of America. That’s the commitment US Air Force, 2005-present share. every veteran has made.”

Quilt made by his mother, Kathy Baldwin Mona Harmon of Minnesota said, Many veterans spoke with tears “As I was making the Valor quilt, I Ruth A. Blasingame, IL in their eyes as they expressed their was thinking that it was important to US Army, 1970-72 gratitude for the honor and the words recognize the sacrifices made by the Quilt made by her daughter, Karie Blasingame of thanks received along with the quilt.

“It’s quite a feeling,” Gary veteran and the family. I am grateful Noah R. Blosser I, OH Brumbaugh, of Ohio, said. “I was for everything they gave for our US Army, 1966-68 drafted and am proud to have served. country.”

Dean Davis, also from Minnesota, I was with a wonderful unit of guys and Gary E. Brumbaugh, OH added, “It was very important to me I came out with a good attitude about US Army, 1964-66 that the quilt would be pleasing to the military service.”

David L. Dana, MT US Army, 1964-65

While most veterans were surprised by the time and effort family

Todd R. Hegge, IL US Air Force, 1984-88 Quilt pieced by his mother, Emalee Colver

Grange-QoVF partnership expanded

Norman M.F. Keller, IL US Army, 1953-55 Lyle E. Lee, IL US Army, 1969-73 Quilt pieced by his wife, Patti Lee Michael K. Lynch, DE US Marine Corps, 1972-76 Michas M. Ohmstad, MN US Army, 1945-47 Gloria L. Paddock, MT Montana National Guard, Active Duty, 1996-present Marion L. Thornberry, IL US Army, 1966-68 Quilt pieced by his wife, Jean Thornberry Royal D. Vine, WI US Marine Corps, 1985-1989

veteran recipient and not only to the quilter. We appreciate their service.”

During the presentation by Quilts of Valor Executive Director Tammany McDaniel, she announced steps the Foundation has taken to solidify and expand the partnership between her organization and the National Grange.

McDaniel showed off several documents that QoVF had created to highlight how the Grange can further document the quilts they are presenting to an often underserved segment of rural veterans and materials that encourage youth to become involved in the effort to wrap every veteran with a quilt of thanks from a grateful nation.

To better ensure Quilts of Valor made and presented by Granges are cataloged, McDaniel said the organization has also created a way to log them online through the QoV website and an info sheet on how to do so.

“We have no idea how many quilts have been made or give by Granges, though we know it’s been a lot,” McDaniel said. “But we’re going to change that because it’s important to know who is providing these quilts to veterans, truly honoring their service.”

In addition, there are also two brochures - one oriented toward adults and one toward youth - explaining the Under Our Wings philosophy and encouraging Granges to help people who wish to learn how to quilt or provide quilters a place to meet to have “sew days.”

The materials will soon be available through the National Grange office.

To request copies, contact National Lecturer Chris Hamp at lecturer@ nationalgrange.org or by phone at (509) 953-3533.

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Several members honored as Grange Heroes National Master Betsy Huber presented several individuals and couples Grange Hero awards throughout the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention in Minnesota. From the top, Allen Stiles, Maryland State Grange President; second row, Scott and Bonnie Mitson, of Idaho; third row, Joan C. Smith, Grange Foundation Board Chairwoman and President of Potomac Grange #1, Washington, D.C.; fourth row, Chris Johnston, National Gatekeeper and President of the Michigan State Grange and his wife, Connie; fifth row, Chip Narvel, National Grange Steward, DE. Photos by Lindsay Schroeder

By Betsy E. Huber National Grange President At this year’s National Grange session I wanted to wrap up our theme of the year – Heroes in our Hometowns – by recognizing some of our own National Grange heroes each day.

These were selected by me as members who have gone above and beyond for the National Grange, either at the convention or in other ways throughout the past year.

Here are the National Grange Heroes of the day for the 2019 Convention.

Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Allen Stiles, Maryland State Grange Master, on his birthday, received the first of the awards. Because of Allen’s work, Maryland was the first state to partner with RALI (Prescription Abuse Leadership Initiative).

He attended the press conference with the Governor and the reporters were very impressed to meet a real farmer.

Maryland has distributed thousands of drug disposal bags at several fairs and events.

He also started an email campaign to urge 12 other State Masters to work on legislation about the definition of milk.

Allen and Kay are also hosting the Master’s Conference in February.

Wednesday Nov. 6 – Bonnie and Scott Mitson, Idaho, who have become coordinators of our Grange Foundation Mercantile which helps raise funds for our affiliated nonprofit and showcases handicrafts made by our members. Bonnie and Scott attended convention in 2017 and 2019 at their own cost just to operate the Mercantile.

Bonnie has made or coordinated the making of all the quilt blocks from the National Grange contest

into beautiful quilts since 2017.

Her guidance in the Quilts of Valor partnership has been invaluable.

Thursday Nov. 7 – Joan C. Smith is chair of the Grange Foundation since last session. She has worked very hard this year to make the Foundation and its board more effective and involved.

She developed a strategic plan, reinvested the funds to gain much more return; created a brochure on planned giving, and conducts board meetings every other month.

Also, for this summer’s Grange Revival she planned and set up the Grange Olympics, kept the statistics and awarded 225 medals, keeping us all busy and active.

She also taught several Ag in the Classroom workshops to educate us all on different topics in agriculture.

Friday Nov. 8 – Connie and Chris Johnston, Michigan State Master and First Lady have done amazing service for the Grange over the past year.

Chris drove his truck and trailer to Stowe, Vermont, last year, and loaded up all the Seventh Degree

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and National Session equipment, put it in a storage unit in Michigan for the year and kept an eye on it.

Then he loaded it all up again and delivered it to Bloomington, and also took it all home again to Michigan at the end of convention.

Connie and helpers made all the copies and stuffed the binders for the delegates at convention – a huge job! Thank you!

And last but not least, Chip Narvel has been National Steward for 10 years and most convention attendees don’t know all

the work he does here. He sets up the meeting room making sure everything is correct; places all the delegates and sashes; makes sure everything is in its proper place.

Also every year he works with the National Youth officers till the wee hours Wednesday and Thursday nights to instruct them on the proper procedures for opening the Grange.

There are many more heroes who could have been honored for their dedication to our Order. Why not think about doing this in your Community, Pomona, or even State Grange? Name a Hero of the Day to thank our members for all that they do!

2020 theme plays to ag roots, fraternal spirit

By Philip Vonada

Cultivating

2019 Communication Fellow On Tuesday afternoon, National Grange

President

announced

the

Betsy

theme

advertising for community dinners or breakfasts, town halls, contra or square dances, and more.

“Each of these things Granges do

Huber

for

2020,

Co

building upon the 2017 “I’m a Do·er,” 2018 “That’s the Grange Way” and 2019 “Grange Heroes for our Hometowns”

allows communities to come together

n n ecti o n s

and connections to be cultivated,” Brozana Rios said.

Wayne Campbell, President of the

themes.

Pennsylvania State Grange is optimistic

“There’s a lot included and inferred

about the new theme, “and looking to

in these two words,” Huber said, “cultivating…

makes

me

think

the future and to stop looking to the

of

past,” he says. “We need to rejuvenate

farming, that excited feeling of hope each spring… Then the second word,

and veterans, and more. She also

and reinvent ourselves… if we want to

connections… the Grange is and has

encouraged

always been about connections.”

connections;

survive, that’s where we need to go.”

Though the term “cultivate” brings

and

cross-generational connecting

non-members

of

with

the

contribution;

“I hope you will use this theme throughout

2020

to

present

the

to mind the fields and agriculture, it can

Grange’s

also mean “try to acquire or develop.”

and connecting “rural with urban,

Grange, possibly in a new light, to

Through the 2020 theme year, not

agriculture with consumers, to increase

residents in your communities so they

just Grange Month in April as had been

the understanding of modern farming

can see the myriad of things we do and

previous tradition, Huber encourages

methods.”

the use of the theme.

history

alike

members

“This theme is something that

realize how they can be a part of us and contribute their own talents to our

She said it’s important that Granges

can be used to market much of the

cultivate not just agriculturally, but also

work Granges are already doing,”

our Juniors and youth in knowledge,

National

Communications

The Cultivating Connections logo

abilities, and commitment; cultivating

and Development Director Amanda

and other materials related to the

adult members; and cultivate new

Brozana Rios said. “That’s something

relationships.

important when looking at annual

theme, including program ideas, may

With connections, Huber outlined different connections that the Grange

Grange

themes, and something that I think every Grange can take and run with.”

can make - in our communities, with

Brozana Rios suggested using it

the government, with the military

on flyers and social media posts when

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efforts,” President Huber said.

be

found

at

www.nationalgrange.

org/cultivating2020.

For

more

information, contact Brozana Rios at communications@nationalgrange.org.

READER’S SUBMISSION: MY GRANGE STORY Farm boy, turned chemist, relishes opportunity to learn, grow as Trimble Youth participant at National Convention

By Jonathan Pittman 2019 John Trimble Youth Experience Participant and Member, Moses Lake Grange #1151, WA To the National Grange: thank you for the opportunity to attend the 153rd National Grange Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota as the John Trimble Legislative Experience participant.

Below is my Grange story and the adventures that led this farm boy turned chemist to the convention, donning a gold sash for the week and feeling like the backdrop that read “Everything has led you here” had some more personal meaning.

Back in May 2017 when Brittney Oliver, other friends, and I chartered Moses Lake Grange #1151 in Washington State, I could not have imagined I would be here today. Back then I knew nearly nothing about Grange at any level.

By November 2017, I became a Seventh degree member at the National Convention in Spokane, WA. The following June at the 2018 Washington State Grange session, I attended as a voting delegate for Moses Lake.

Robert’s Rule of Order and how the resolution process worked was all foreign to me.

After the formal opening of the State Grange, we moved into work with the delegate body.

I remember sitting there wondering what in the world is going on?

A resolution is read, someone makes an amendment, then an amendment is made to the amendment. Somebody else was as confused as me (or so I thought) and asks to call the question — but instead of answering their question the delegate body stops debating and immediately votes!

Not knowing what was going on, was a feeling I did not like.

After state convention, I read Robert’s Rules of Order, bought a double-sided cheat sheet and read another book that walked through different examples of how a meeting progresses using this form of parliamentary procedure.

In October of 2018, my employer sent me to Washington D.C., to attend training at the American Chemistry Society headquarters, approximately six blocks from the White House.

After the week of training I used vacation time to spend a few extra days in D.C. Brittney flew in and together we visited the White House, Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Museums, the monuments and memorials on the Mall, and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios Jonathan Pittman, who served as the 2019 John Trimble Legislative Youth Experience participant, and his girlfriend, Brittney Oliver, the 2019 National Grange Outstanding Young Patron, both of Washington, visited the National Grange headquarters in Washington D.C. in fall of 2018, adding to his Grange Story and deepening his love of the organization.

While walking across the Mall from the Capitol Building towards the White House, we found a flat plaque in the ground that read: “Near this site the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized on December 4, 1867 in the office of the Superintendent of the Propagating Gardens Department of Agriculture.”

On the last day of the trip we took a selfie at the National Grange headquarters P of H sign.

Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios gave us a tour of the building where we visited the first-floor conference room surrounded with pictures of past National Grange Presidents. We rode the elevator to the top floor National Grange offices and enjoyed the view overlooking Lafayette Square with the White House just beyond. I was getting a lot more Grange experience it seemed by the month.

The 152nd Annual National Grange Convention in Stowe,

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Vermont, was my first time serving as part of the National Youth Officer team and donning a gold sash.

I survived Grange drill boot camp, learning an opening and closing drill in two nights, to be done during the youth opening for Friday’s Session. (To the Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Iowa, New York, Kansas, Oregon, Montana, and fellow Washington Youth, thank you for making the drill practice a memorable experience.)

It was during that opening that I first heard of the John Trimble Legislative Experience, as the two participants for that year were included in the morning roll call of officers.

I soon made it known to my local Grange and to the Washington State Grange President that I would like to apply for the John Trimble Youth Legislative Experience.

Maybe that is why Washington State Grange Master Tom Gwin pushed me to be prepared by assigning me the chairman of the National Legislative Committee at our State Grange session in 2019.

Leading the committee meeting, and standing in front of more than 200 delegate body members to answer why a resolution was rejected were all challenges that pushed me just outside of my comfort zone, but I am grateful to the Washington State Grange for surrounding me with a team of committee members, each qualified to lead, but kind enough to share their wisdom and experience when I was not 100 percent sure how to proceed.

While at that convention, I had a discussion with a State officer that asked me: ”What do you think about Grange now that you have seen it all at the different levels?” “What do you think of the marching and the formal degree work?”

“What would you suggest the Grange do to bring in more members?”

We talked about how a Grange needs to be actively doing things with a set schedule that people in the community can connect with as a way to attract new members.

Specifically, for younger people, I told the officer that even though we lead supper busy lives, we want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to know

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios 2019 John Trimble Legislative Youth Experience participant Jonathan Pittman, of Washington, seated middle front, looks through resolutions with his assigned mentors, former National Overseer and current North Carolina State Grange President Jimmy Gentry, seated left, and his wife, Anita, seated, right, along with Delaware State Grange President Michael Lynch.

our time is making a difference, and not being wasted when we donate it.

We ran short on time and did not get to discuss the ritual or drills, but the question stayed at the back of my mind since then.

I was honored to be selected as the Trimble Youth Participant, informed in late summer, and was placed on the agriculture committee - fitting as I had grown up on a farm and have a great passion for agriculture.

I remember walking into the committee room to be warmly greeted by Grange leaders from Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Montana, Indiana and Illinois.

I observed how the committee worked through the resolutions, I spoke up on topic I knew, and pitched in when computerbased research was needed.

This year also marked the second year the National Grange gave delegates the option to follow the resolution work using a computer and SharePoint. As the youngest person in the room, it was satisfying to help the delegates use SharePoint and

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watch them learn, only needing to show them new things once. By the end of the session people were said we got through the resolutions faster than usual, and it was probably due to most delegates using laptops to follow the session work.

I was not alone in this intergenerational exchange.

The two Young Patrons and two Youth Ambassadors were also welcomed to committees and as we talked about our experience, the shared with me how much they enjoyed sitting in on the committee work and being able to voice their knowledge and opinion on subjects being debated.

They, too, enjoyed helping delegates use their laptops to get through the work more efficiently.

It was an experience that I believe all people involved learned and appreciated what the other brought to the table.

I know as a youth the only way I can learn to do this kind of work is if I am allowed to observe it being done and be allowed to share my knowledge when I know what

should be added.

And that was all just in the first few days. Indeed, much work had already been done by the time the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention opened in the Seventh degree.

I was seated next to my mentors from North Carolina, Jimmy and Anita Gentry. They showed me true southern hospitality.

Anita assured me I had the authority to ask to speak on the session floor and kindly encouraged me to speak up. All session long, when I had a question, Jimmy and Anita would give straightforward, well thought out answers.

Observing Jimmy for the week, I saw a leader that was always reading to learn, not speaking unless he had something worth saying, and when speaking he spoke with knowledge, authority, and enthusiasm. I could not have asked for a better pair of mentors to observe and learn about the inner working of the National Grange.

For the most part, I now understand what is happening on the session floor, and can appreciate delegates that speak well.

I realize how important committee work is because it’s in the committee where resolutions can really be discussed, reviewed, and dug deeply into.

By the time a resolution hits the session floor, things are moving quickly and there is little time to do the same due diligence expected of the committee.

Furthermore, I am starting to understand what makes a good resolution.

First a resolution needs a specific, unique title.

Next, a resolution needs enough whereas detail to explain the resolution, but the resolved needs to be direct and detailed enough to stand on its own. It should, though, not be so narrowly detailed in scope that it supports one specific bill going through the legislation. This is because as bills progress through the legislature, they can be changed from their initial intent and from what the subordinate Grange initially supported. Or, if the bill dies, the resolution will need go through the resolution process all over again in order for the Grange to say it supports the issue at hand. However, if the original resolution had covered the intent of the specific bill, the Grange would be able to lobby for it without needing to have it brought back through the process at a future session.

When a resolution says “the Grange supports ...,” that is a very powerful statement, which allows our members, especially our State Granges and National President, officers and legislative director to work with other like-minded groups to build coalitions to promote specific legislative or regulatory action.

Remember that trip I took to Washington, D.C., that included a stop at our National Headquarters?

I was reminded of it when one of the first resolutions debated came to the floor.

The resolution was written to require 20 percent of the National Grange Headquarters building rental income be set

aside in a fund for maintenance on the building. The committee lowered the amount to 10 percent and presented it to the delegate body.

There was debate on the floor from both sides but ultimately the delegate body voted to reject the resolution because the majority of delegates felt the National executive committee’s hands should not be tied by such a requirement. Instead, delegates who spoke on the issue in opposition, stated again and again that we should trust the executive committee - elected members who when installed are asked to make decisions especially related to finances - to do what is needed with the National Grange funds and property.

When I visited the National Grange headquarters, I felt great pride in being a Grange member when I walked up to and into the building, placed unimaginably close to the White House at the end of the 1950’s and dedicated in 1960 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

To me the building stands as a physical representation of what the Grange has stood for in the past and continues to stand for today. It is a physical embodiment of the work this organization has done to directly influence political decisions in Washington D.C. on behalf of farmers all across America.

From getting goods to markets by railroad at a fair rate, to getting rural free mail delivery established, and to getting electricity to rural Americans through the rural electrification act, the Grange has been and continues to be a champion for all of rural America.

Today, our fight for equitable access continues in modern fashion with the Grange spending lots of time educating legislators and regulators about the need for rural broadband expansion. With a nonpartisan approach, the Grange reminds legislators caught up in the beltway mindset of the promise of high-speed internet to transform farming with precision agriculture that will result better conservation efforts - allowing farmers to grow crops using less water, less seed, less fertilizer, and less pesticides - as farms modernize and adapt to survive and thrive and farmers wish to find ways to be the best stewards of their land they can be.

In the next five to ten years, the National Grange building will need major investment to do deferred and corrective maintenance on installed building equipment such as the main elevator, so the experience with the broken chiller and boiler unit is not repeated.

The National Grange building can stand the test of time if we can perform the much needed and past-due routine maintenance.

While the body I sat as a part of for the week did not determine a specific percentage amount of rental income to be put aside for maintenance, I know the discussion reiterated the importance of the building to members like me. I look forward to seeing how the Executive Committee lives up to their installation

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charge and the desires of the delegates to ensure future generations of Grangers can experience the pride of first visiting the Headquarters building and knowing that we have a physical presence in our nation’s capital to give a home to the rural voice.

I realized that no matter the decision of the delegates, each of us has decisions to make about the support and continuation of the organization we love after Sister Joan C. Smith, the Grange Foundation Board Chair, made a passionate presentation promoting the Foundation on Wednesday night.

She was inspiring and I have determined to show my appreciation and commitment to the Grange by joining the 1 in a 1,000 Club before the 2020 National Convention.

The 1 in 1,000 Club is a donor society with the goal of 1,000 members, each who donate $1,000 for the Grange Foundation to be used to ensure that worthy programs benefiting the Grange that help build the leaders of tomorrow and help to preserve and promote are legacy are funded.

On Thursday of session, the Assembly of Demeter - the group that is charged with maintaining our heritage and ritual - met in the evening. Everyone who has their Seventh Degree like me is able to attend, but only past voting delegates of the National Grange are able to vote at this meeting.

That got me thinking back to the State convention a few months earlier when I was asked about what I thought of the ritual work.

I can say I have actually come to enjoy the opening and closing of the Grange in the formal setting - and I’m not alone.

A new member at our local Grange said she enjoys the Fourth Degree ritual as well. We agreed that in any job or organization you can sit around a table and have a meeting but if you do the same at Grange there is nothing really special that makes it a Grange meeting. Setting up in the Fourth Degree energizes and helps explain the different roles that the officers hold.

Another member said she really enjoyed saying the pledge of allegiance, and after the day she had, she said it made a difference.

I have also come to appreciate the drill and floor work, especially when it is done with enthusiasm and energy.

Truly coming to session helped tie together my many experiences and discussions had over the past few years.

But that was not all. While out of session, much time was spent connecting and reconnecting with Grangers from all over the United States.

One thing that particularly sticks with me is the family spirit.

One wonderful woman from Ohio, who has attended 34 straight National Conventions, brought a smile to my face when she told me I could call her grandma.

I met a fellow chemist from Pennsylvania working to overcome the same professional struggles I face.

And I even found something for what ailed me thanks to a delegate from California who shared zinc cough drops when I

could not stop coughing.

Kevin Cooksley, Nebraska State Master, shared his wisdom on running for political office and said he believes community service is the rent we pay for the freedom we enjoy.

I talked with a Quilt of Valor recipient who served in WWII, and ordered a book he recommended that documented his time in occupied Japan dealing with the nuclear bomb fallout.

These interactions and friendships are one of the many highlights of attending the National convention.

This year at Nationals I also I enjoyed watching the youth truly interacting and making friendships with youth from other states.

This is my last reflection, and I take this moment to pause and tell one more personal story.

I met Mandy Bostwick at the 2018 Stowe, Vermont National Convention as part of the National Youth Officers Team when she served as Lecturer, opening the session with the song “Baby Shark.”

I have seen her transform from a Youth who loves the Grange and loves to see people enjoying their Grange experience into the National Grange Youth and Young Adult Director, doing her best to provide opportunities for Youth to step up and show how we can actively add value to the National Grange.

Being part of the committees, letting the National Youth Chaplain say the prayer before the Grow Club dinner, organizing a meet and greet between the Youth Officers and National Grange Officers, and allowing your National Youth Leadership Team to present programing and workshops that deal directly with issues the Grange Youth see on a daily basis in the Grange lives were all new ideas and experiences that let the Youth be included and feel a sense of ownership in the National Grange.

I truly hope she will keep working hard, and gathering a team of supporters and advocates who work to give the Youth a variety of opportunities to observe how the work is done with mentorship programs and give the Youth opportunities to practice the skills we will need to someday run the Grange.

Again I want to say thank you to the National Grange, to my State Grange of Washington, and all the rest of my Grange family for giving me the opportunity to be part of this transformative experience as the 2019 John Trimble Legislative Youth Experience participant.

These past two years I have had the privilege of wearing the gold sash reserved for National Delegates and National Officers. I am graduating out of the Grange Youth/Young Adult department this year, and will be too old to attend the 2020 Valley Forge National Convention as a Youth.

I don’t know if my Grange adventure will ever lead me to a place where I will have the honor of wearing a gold sash again, but thank you truly for the experience and the memories. I will apply the knowledge gained to help my local Moses Lake Grange #1151 and am looking forward to see the future chapters of my Grange Story.

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2020 Legislative

Update

Delegates to the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention in MinneapolisBloomington, Minnesota continued the century-and-a-half tradition of placing policy development at the center of the national meeting. Policy proposals addressed both internal Grange business as well as external public policy issues. State Grange delegates from around the country each served on one of eight committees that considered resolutions previously debated and adopted by local, county and State Granges then forwarded to the National Grange. Committee actions on each resolution were then brought to the floor of the general session where each delegate had the opportunity to address the issue contained in the resolution and vote on the final policy. This process of developing national policy that began with a local Grange member is the truest form of grassroots advocacy.

During the convention, delegates considered 154 resolutions over the course of five days. They adopted 29 public policy resolutions and 10 internal policy resolutions which now become official policy of the National Grange. Those policies that remained on the books from previous conventions were reviewed and affirmed as still relevant and appropriate to give the National Grange policy direction for the coming year.

While some Granges have adopted policy, after great consideration, that is slightly different or in direct conflict with the policy of the National Grange, most of our nearly 1,700 Granges across the nation stand behind the numerous resolutions passed in this manner over the course of our century and a half of service on behalf of rural Americans and those involved in agriculture at all levels.

Below are the newly added policies of the National Grange as of the 153rd Annual Convention. ®

Agriculture • Encourage federal and state agencies to research and promote adoption of the most effective cover crops.

• Urge the National Milk Producers Federation to actively promote the benefits of whole milk, and urge Dairy Management Inc. to promote milk from cows with genes that eliminate lactose intolerance.

• Urge the USDA Dietary Guidelines Committee to make its recommendation based upon valid and current research.

• Urge the dairy checkoff to discontinue promoting dairy alternatives and to focus on dairy consumption. Urge FFA and 4-H leaders, agriculture colleges and farm leaders to promote agriculture-related job opportunities.

• Lobby the federal government to provide low interest loans to purchase precision agriculture technologies and equipment.

• Support low interest loan funding opportunities to construct methane digesters.

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• Urge the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service to strictly adhere to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Program (HACCP)based inspection model.

• Reaffirm support for urban agriculture.

• Lobby for legislation that supports the implementation, growth, and sustainability of alternative forms of food production such as aeroponic, hydroponic and vertical farming.

• Call upon USDA to immediately fund the Honeybee Colonies Report and to keep this report in the federal budget.

• Urge consumer-diligent research into the Halal certification process.

• Ask USDA to become more proactive in the current agricultural market environment by urging the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to enforce position limits, urging the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to re-evaluate their agricultural futures contracts, and to consider eliminating many of its monthly reports while assuring reports that are released reflect real time data.

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• Encourage the authorization of USDA inspections to allow horses to be used for human consumption and other beneficial uses.

Citizenship and Taxation • Stand in support of American citizens who have made positive contributions to the overall culture of the United States and support the maintenance of these monuments in public places.

• Support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require Congress to pass a 12-month federal budget before the start of each fiscal year or lose their pay and benefits until a budget is passed.

• Oppose legislation to lower the current voting age of 18.

• Support agencies and organizations such as the Farmer Veteran Coalition and Farmlink to connect farmers without a succession plan to veterans transitioning from military service.

• Support legislation to address the inequitable offset between rightfully earned longevity military retirement pay and Veterans Affairs disability compensation for all veterans.

• Support U.S. citizens to display the U.S. flag according to the U.S. Flag Code.

• Urge producers, vendors and local farmers’ markets to donate leftover produce to local food kitchens.

• Support H.R. 1770, the Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2019 to include 4-H, FFA, Grange Youth Fairs and exhibitors in like programs.

Conservation • Request Congress to review the wild horse and burro management areas established by the Wild and Free- Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971and if necessary amend the Act to prioritize balanced ecosystem management or repeal the Act. • Work with Congress to make the protection of the national electric grid a top national security priority.

Education and Health • Work with the FDA to reduce the level of lead in domestic and imported bottled water from 10 ppb to 3 ppb to reduce the health risk to adults and children.

• Encourage proper funding of Medicare, warn consumers that some supplemental insurance policies either do not cover or severely limit skilled nursing care coverage, and urge that the Medicare appeal process be reformed to better address patients needing care.

• Lobby for legislation that provides adequate funding for our nation’s reservoirs, levies, treatment plants, and pipes to ensure all citizens have access to clean drinking water.

• Ask Congress to reduce American dependence on

prescription drugs manufactured in other countries.

• Urge Congress to work with pharmaceutical executives to bring the manufacture of active and inactive pharmaceutical ingredients back to the United States to allow the Food and Drug Administration to provide adequate oversight.

• Encourage legislation to require prescription bottles to have a large print and Braille option that states the purpose and use instructions of the medication and the name of the drug.

• Recommend that advertising of e-cigarettes and vaping devices follow the same regulations as tobacco products.

Labor, Judiciary and Transportation • Support development of clear rules of compliance for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title lll in regard to internet website accessibility and provide a grace period for implementation.

• Support existing youth firearms education programs and oppose legislation that would restrict programs that educate our youth to use firearms and ammunition in a responsible manner.

• Promote and support the dissemination of science-based information and oppose misinformation regarding ethanol.

• Support the requirement for automatic low beam headlights or their equivalent on all new motor vehicles.

GRANGE MEMBERS’ “MAN IN WASHINGTON”

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

Contact by email at beller@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (202) 628-3507 ext. 114.

National Grange internal and external policies will now be wrapped into the Grange’s official Journal of Proceedings which will contain everything that transpired at the 153rd Convention in MinneapolisBloomington, Minnesota. The Journal will be available to Grange members in mid-2020.

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FCC announces $9 B investment in rural broadband

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director The recent announcement of a planned $9 billion investment in 5G expansion by the FCC is lauded as a huge step forward in rural equity in the social, education, health care, business and many other spheres said National Grange President Betsy Huber.

The Grange has followed its tradition of fighting for equitable access for rural Americans that started with work in the areas of rural free mail delivery and rural electrification and has led to a decadeplus long fight for rural broadband expansion as a priority issues.

“This truly is a huge leap forward for every rural community struggling to prosper because of the digital divide,” Huber said. “We are so happy that Chairman Pai saw the opportunity to take unused spectrum to expand access to millions of Americans, meeting a challenge with an innovative solution and providing the necessary funds to make this opportunity a reality.”

While it was not planned this way, it seemed fitting that the announcement came on the birthday of the National Grange, which was founded in Washington, D.C., as a fraternal organization for farm families on Dec. 4, 1867.

Huber, who served from 201719 on the Commission’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee and has spoken and written on the issue extensively, called the move bold and exciting.

“The Chairman has been always had a listening ear and an open mind when it comes to rural concerns, especially related to broadband,” National Grange President Betsy Huber said about Pai, who was a recipient of the National Grange’s 2018 Champion of Rural

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios In 2018, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, left, was named a National Grange Champion of Rural America and presented his award by President Betsy Huber.

America Award. “Under his tenure, Chairman Pai has done so much within his area of influence to advance rural communities.”

The proposal would allow the use of Universal Service Funds to carriers who would then deploy 5G devices that will increase services, with $1 billion of the funds specifically set aside for precision agriculture.

“This is a win across the boards,” Huber said. “For people at home, for farmers in the fields, for children in classrooms and patients in rural clinics or hospitals, there is so much good that can come from a move like this and we look forward to even greater investments like this that help rural communities thrive, because we know when rural communities thrive, all of the nation does as well.”

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In the announcement from the FCC, Chairman Pai was quoted as saying,“We want to make sure that rural Americans enjoy these benefits, just as residents of large urban areas will. In order to do that, the Universal Service Fund must be forward-looking and support the networks of tomorrow.”

“Moreover, America’s farms and ranches have unique wireless connectivity needs, as I’ve seen across the country.

That’s why I will move forward as quickly as possible to establish a 5G Fund that would bring next-generation 5G services to rural areas and would reserve some of that funding for 5G networks that promote precision agriculture,” Pai said.

“We must ensure that 5G narrows rather than widens the digital divide and that rural Americans receive the benefits that come from wireless innovation.”

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OP-ED

2 cheers for the FCC. Now, let’s make it 3

By Cleo Stamatos The

Federal

Communications

Commission (FCC) deserves credit for approving a plan to create a threedigit emergency number for people contemplating suicide in the United States.

Given studies show that the

suicide rate for farmers is well above the national average and a recent study shows that over a 20-year period, suicide rates in rural areas rose by 41 percent.

However, moves by the FCC to eliminate subsidized phone service for millions of low-income veterans, seniors and other Americans through the Lifeline program would leave many of our most at risk individuals out in the cold when it comes to this new resource.

The

unfairly

maligned

Lifeline

the Lifeline business and that would

quality of life of rural Americans. These

have meant fewer American families in

are signs of a federal agency that is

need served.

looking out for the public interest and

We continue to believe that the FCC should evaluate the impact of any additional changes to Lifeline so it can make an informed decision regarding all of the relevant issues—including affordability,

access,

and

consumer

choice—while maintaining low-income consumers’ ability to choose broadband data services that best meet their needs.

The bottom line is that Lifeline was program – and Grangers understand the

to call an ambulance or doctor’s office

complications if it would be moved in that

or the police or a family member. They

direction given rural access issues that

need the basic phone service that the

advised to avoid taking any step – such

connect with emergency, healthcare,

as a higher broadband requirement,

social and educational services; and

reduced payments to service providers,

keep in touch with family and friends.

etc. – that would amount to back door

the new Suicide Hotline: According to

phone service is most critical for these groups.

employers;

Consider how Lifeline will work with

But our work with

never intended to be a “broadband only”

prospective

current

broadband on their phone and use

groups leads us to believe that voice

service and the FCC would be well

and

that many families have a need for

strong advocate for the same.

helping participants communicate with

subsidy

those in greatest need. It is apparent

for many years stood in our corner as a

Lifeline was always intended to be voice

small

Lifeline continues to be available to

rural, disadvantaged and low-income

that

a

The next logical step for the FCC to take in this vein is to ensure that voice

it extensively.

makes a big impact in people’s lives,

is

harming those most in need.

And we are happy that the Grange has

are a huge priority for the organization.

program

showing genuine concern about not

efforts to circumscribe the extent of Lifeline service.

They don’t need broadband

Lifeline program always was intended to provide.

So, it’s time for two cheers for the FCC getting it right on key issues. It gets the third cheer when it makes it 100 percent clear that voice Lifeline for America’s most at-risk families is not going to be killed outright or through

health researchers, those living in rural

The FCC has talked about doing

a series of steps that have the same

areas and/or under severe financial and

a Lifeline study and it is time for it to

ultimate effect. Low-income Americans

other distress are among the Americans

carry through on that. Otherwise, the

– a disproportionately greater number

who are most likely to commit suicide.

agency is flying blind and imposing

of which live in rural America – need

Unfortunately, Lifeline beneficiaries are

changes that affect the lives of millions

to be able to pick up the phone and

all too well represented in these highly

of

no idea of how severe the negative

call for help. We are counting on the

stressed groups.

disadvantaged

Americans

with

The good news is that the FCC took

consequences of those changes may be.

a step this fall to avoid derailing Lifeline

This is not intended to be a criticism

service at no cost to recipients by

of the FCC.

keeping the required broadband service

encouraged by both the Suicide Hotline

under the program to 3 megabytes a

step and the prudent limit on expanded

month.

A higher “minimum service”

broadband under Lifeline to 3 MB per

broadband requirement would have

month, as well as the many other recent

knocked some major providers out of

steps the FCC has taken to better the

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Federal Communications Commission to continue on its current path and to recognize that fact.

Cleo Manuel Stamatos, Consumer Mom, LLC, a public affairs consultant and member of the National Grange Advocacy board.

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.

1.2 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 Ensure the nationwide rollout of the National Verifier system does not bar veterans-in-need from Lifeline affordable phone service.

PROTECT VETERANS’ LIFELINE TO OPPORTUNITY Learn more at VETS.LIFELINEFACTS.COM N GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

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OP-ED

Congress must keep rural America in mind when debating infrastructure

By Selena Shilad

Executive Director Alliance for Aviation Across America

and Betsy Huber President National Grange It is exciting and encouraging that in the coming months, Congress may take up the important priority of infrastructure.

As part of this debate, there are many complex and evolving challenges related to our national aviation network and our transportation system as a whole — Ubers of the sky, drones and, of course, broader issues related to ports, highways, rail and many others.

In the midst of all of these important priorities, we encourage leaders to keep in mind the needs of rural America and the thousands of businesses, farms, industries and communities throughout our country that depend on general aviation and airports of all sizes.

What most people do not know is that there are over 5,000 airports around the country, and the majority of commercial traffic goes through only about 30 of those airports. This means that for thousands of communities around the nation, this smaller-airport network — used largely by small general aviation aircraft — is a literal lifeline to small and mid-size communities.

Flights from these airports support food production and agriculture, including the soy, poultry, wheat, fishing and other industries, as well as our mining, forestry, energy, financial and construction sectors, among many others. Smaller aircraft and airports aid local farms and ranches as they survey and treat crops and livestock, help our

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Rural airports are hubs for agriculture, healthcare, forestry, mining and construction among other sectors, and are essential for rural communities. communities to oversee our power grid, and serve as bases for flight training and disaster relief.

Our aviation network also supports access to countless services, including organ and blood transport, medical care, firefighting, law enforcement, border patrol and other civic functions. Rural hospitals are closing at a record rate, meaning that for many Americans, these aircraft are the only connection to lifesaving health care in times of emergency.

General aviation also supports businesses of all sizes as a tool to increase productivity, reach far-off plants, transport tools and personnel, and stay competitive in an increasingly global economy. When companies and communities across our country need to attract and retain business, it is their local airport that is often a key component of this strategy. All told, general aviation

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supports over 1 million jobs and over $200 billion in economic activity and is one of the few manufacturing sectors that contributes positively to America’s balance of trade.

As a result, we must continue to invest in and support this vital industry.

A recent study found that our country will need 131,000 commercial pilots, 60,000 business aviation pilots and 21,000 civil helicopter pilots in the coming years. This means it is important to foster enthusiasm in flying and give our young people the motivation, tools and education they need to pursue careers in aviation so we can continue to stay competitive and foster a thriving aviation industry. That is why we support HR 5118, which was recently introduced in Congress, and would authorize public service announcements to educate future professionals about the benefits

of careers in aviation and across the transportation sector.

We also need continued investment in and implementation of “NextGen” modernization technology so that we can increase efficiency and capacity in our air traffic control system.

The FAA has projected that these investments have already translated into $2.72 billion in savings, but we still have a lot to do. Congress recently passed a Reauthorization bill that secured long-term funding for the Federal Aviation Administration to continue building on modernization progress to date, and we applaud this important legislation. Our aviation system is currently the largest and most diverse in the world, and in order to retain and grow this diversity, we must ensure ongoing and stable investment in these modernization investments.

As we work to achieve this goal, it is important that we ensure that our system is not handed off to one or more monopoly providers or stakeholders, which would result in decreased competition and efficiency as well as increased taxes and fees as we have seen in systems in Europe, Canada and New Zealand.

Delays in Europe more than doubled in 2018, compared with the previous year, costing the European economy 17.6 billion, and this has been attributed to mismanagement by private air navigation service providers, which have not invested in

necessary technology and capacity. NAV Canada, which is often held up as a system that the U.S. should emulate, has also seen increased fees and record delays at major airports — and their system will need at least 1,000-2,000 new controllers by next year. Also, we have already seen restricted airspace and increased fees on operators in New Zealand’s system.

In the midst of these debates, one of our top priorities must be to retain access for businesses, farms, agricultural industries and communities to airports of all sizes and our aviation system as a whole. This is critical to the viability of our agricultural and other sectors, to ensure that communities have access to the services and resources that they need, and to grow our economy as a whole. For smaller communities, businesses and our agricultural industry, this access is absolutely vital to economic viability. Let’s stay on track, build on our current progress and continue to work with all stakeholders of all sizes to ensure that our U.S. aviation remains the largest and most diverse in the world.

This op-ed first appeared in The Washington Times on November 19, 2019 and can be found at https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/ nov/19/congress-must-keep-rural-america-in-mind-when-deba/

2020 Champions of Rural America award scheduled, nominees sought April 1 marks the kick off of Grange Month 2020. It is also the date selected for the National Grange to honor those selected by the National Grange leadership as Champions of Rural America and the Grange Advocacy board to recognize partners on issues of importance that align with Grange policy.

The selection criteria Champions must meet to be recognized says they are leaders, individually or as an established organization, that: • Recognize the importance of agriculture in our economy and as part of our national security; • Fight to ensure rural Americans have equal access to broadband, quality healthcare and excellent educational opportunities; • Place a high value on doing the right thing; • Put public service ahead of politics; • Consistently are bipartisan in their

legislative efforts on behalf of rural and small communities across America; • Persevere and embody our core values of faith, hope, charity and fidelity and who live our motto: in essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.

Past recipients have included in 2018, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the National Rural Health Association and Senator Pat Roberts (KS); and in 2017, Senators Susan Collins (ME) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Representatives Collin Peterson (MN) and Greg Walden (OR).

You may send a suggestion to National Grange President Betsy Huber

by Jan. 31 for someone you believe to be fitting of the Champion of Rural America Award including details about the person or organization’s work that impacts rural Americans on a national scale and their fit in relation to the state criteria.

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If you would like to attend the awards presentation, please contact Legislative Director Burton Eller at beller@nationalgrange.org or Huber at betsy@nationalgrange.org or by calling (202) 628-3507 by March 1.

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PERSPECTIVE

Grange uses game, info boards about food waste as way to educate, engage

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director On Saturday, September 21, state leaders and national staff attended Farm Aid in East Troy, Wisconsin, introducing the Grange to a large number of the more than 30,000 event attendees.

Wisconsin State Grange Secretary Lexi Gegare and her brother, Kedric, a Junior Grange member, Amber and Kymm Scott, also Wisconsin Grangers, and National Junior Director Samantha Wilkins provided assistance with the Youth Market – a set of concession stands at which local produce and other food products from local farms was sold by young people interested and involved in agriculture-oriented organizations like Grange, FFA and 4-H. As part of the event, the Grange also provided a demonstration workshop on cow’s milk soap making and set up a booth at the Homegrown Village to introduce concert-goers to the issue of food waste and provide them a bit of insight into how they can work to reduce food waste and lessen the environmental impact of such waste.

Minnesota State Grange Lecturer Ann Bercher and National Grange Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios worked to create the materials for the program, and were the key presenters for the soap-making demonstration where nearly 100 people learned a bit about the dairy crisis and how individual consumers can find different ways to reduce the surplus of milk.

The big hit of the day, however, was the interactive booth where Grangers including National Grange President Betsy Huber, Wisconsin State Grange President Deb

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Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios Minnesota State Grange President Ann Bercher stands with past Wisconsin State Grange President Duane Scott, dressed as a browning banana, before the 2019 Farm Aid concert got underway near the National Grange’s booth.

Gegare, Wisconsin State Grange Executive Committee member Royal Vine, National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Joe Stefenoni, Illinois

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State Grange Vice President Karie Blasingame, Bercher, Brozana Rios and Wisconsin State Grange Vice President Duane Scott, dressed as a browning banana, test-

ed attendees’ knowledge of food waste and provided them tips and tricks on how to reduce waste in their homes.

Attendees were asked if they wanted to test their knowledge about food waste by playing a game called “Higher or Lower,” where a Grange booth member would read them a series of two or three statements with a statistic. The participant would have to decide if the real number was higher or lower than that stated and use a higher/lower paddle to indicate their response.

Some of the facts were shocking and helped compel the audience member to offer their own experience when presented a paper with 10 different commonly wasted food types and asked “what food do you most throw away?” Based on their response, the booth member would present them a small display board with a paper laminated and mounted to it that contained tips and tricks for reducing food waste in that category.

For example, if you said you more frequently than you’d like throw away apples, you’d get a board that explained that apples go bad faster if they touch where they are stored, so a simple suggestion that may add a few more days of shelf life is to keep them from touching by taking them out of your fruit bowl and placing them into your refrigerator with a bit of space between them. We then offered to send all the tips and tricks, as well as recipes to help reduce food waste, to the attendees who provided their email, or if they did not want to share their email, they could visit our website to find the information.

“This is something local Granges can do in their communities easily, and it is two-fold,” Stefenoni said. “It helps meet our mandate as members to help educate the public on agriculture-related issues and encourage them to be better consumers and stewards of the land. It also allows the person to learn about some of the Grange values and see a Grange in action long before they are directly solicited to join.”

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios Several National staff and Grange members from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois assisted at the 2019 Farm Aid booth, introducing concert-goers to new ways to consider reducing their own food waste.

Brozana Rios said the approach feels more natural than asking people immediately to join an organization that they may not know much about.

“If you’ve ever been asked out by a complete stranger, you know how odd and uncomfortable the kind of cold-call membership appeals feel,” Brozana Rios said. “This helps us introduce ourselves slowly, and show our values and our goals and gives them a sense of what role they could play or role we can play in their lives.”

Stefenoni encouraged local Granges to try this at a future event by downloading the resources for the activity on the National Grange’s website.

“The concept is simple: set up a booth at a local farmer’s market, in your Grange as part of a larger community event and present some quick facts to those who visit your booth about this pressing is-

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sue,” Stefenoni said. “Then, ask them to provide you their name and email address – an added bonus is to request their age range and zip code for more targeted messaging at a later date - so that you can send them the tips and tricks they saw as well as recipes and other details about how they can reduce food waste in their homes and their community.”

Any Grange who replicates this activity should contact Stefenoni for more details on best practices for follow up emails to those who stopped by the booth and how and when to invite them to other Grange events or to join.

“Each Grange is different and all individuals are different, but there are certainly some best practices to advise and follow in specific situations and that’s the type of guidance I’m happy to provide,” Stefenoni said.

Brozana Rios said using well-de-

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signed, attractive pieces is important because it makes the information consumer more at ease. Print the materials in color and laminate. Consider mounting them to foam core poster boards, which can be purchased in packs of 10 for under $20 on Amazon (don’t forget to use your smile.amazon.com link and set the Grange Foundation as your nonprofit of choice to ensure your purchase includes a small donation back!).

“They know you’re an established organization and you’re reputable,” Brozana Rios said.

She also said it is important to offer them two ways to access the information – go on their own to the website so they don’t need to share contact information if they are uncomfortable doing so or provide you their email so you can contact them with information you’ve presented along with other pieces to add value.

The current page also contains the cow’s milk soap making recipe, but will be moved soon to its own page with more details about the dairy crisis and ways to help dairy farmers both as consumers

USING THE MATERIALS LOCALLY On the following pages you’ll find the information used at Farm Aid by the National Grange that you can copy and use at your own local events.

Below are the designs used on paddles that people held up indicating that they thought the actual number on a statement was higher or lower than the real figure in our game that started the conversation and helped educate people who stopped by our booth about food waste and its impacts. Copy, cut out and put on note cards or paddles made of foam core board and play a round at your next Grange meeting.

The next set of materials allows people to identify the foods they most frequently throw away and consider new ways to preserve or use them so they reduce their own waste. Ask the people who stop by your booth to point out what they most frequently waste and then provide them the information related to that item. You can have these photocopied and give them away as handouts or mount them on foam core boards and allow people to read them while standing in place.

The #allbananasmatter sign is something you can post at your table, at your hall, or have people hold up while taking a photo to post on social media to make a pledge about reducing food waste. A browning banana costume like worn by Duane Scott at Farm Aid is less than $30 on Amazon and could be a great way to catch people’s eye and make them want to learn more.

PRO TIP: Offer to send them all the information about how to reduce waste and recipes if they provide you their email on a sign-up sheet. Then you can reach out when you’re having other events or to follow up, asking how their waste reduction efforts are going. Consider holding related events at your Grange in the near future, like a canning or jarring day, a recipe swap night or other event that will help educate your community.

and as advocates.

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Soap-making demo a hit with concert-goers, Juniors Want a great homemade gift idea and to help dairy farmers who are struggling with high production and decreased demand for cow’s milk?

Consider making your own soap using cow’s milk and enjoy all benefits you would with a goat’s milk version.

That’s the hook National Grange Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios and Minnesota State Grange President Ann Bercher used when introducing a 30-minute demonstration the Grange provided during the 2019 Farm Aid in the Homegrown Skills Tent.

Brozana Rios provided a bit of a backdrop about the dairy crisis to more than 100 concert-goers who dashed into the tent where the demonstration was taking place, to get out of the rain and learn a new way to support dairy farmers.

“Wisconsin’s major ag industry, dairy, is struggling. You read it in the papers, you hear about it, but what does it really mean and why? That’s complex, but simply put, market economics forced dairy farmers to go big or get out several decades ago, and today those that have built their operations to the tune of millions of dollars financed for expansion and at the same time, consumer trends have pushed dairy consumption lower than ever,” she said. “At the same time, new products like soy, almond and banana milk are entering the marketplace, challenging the traditional cow’s milk market and farmers, who got not just bigger but more productive, are seeing long-term low prices for their product.”

While there is much more to the equation, from government pricing to regulatory burdens to further consumer complications, she kept it simple and placed in front of the group many simple solutions.

“You can help your local dairy farmer by buying more milk and dairy products, but of course, we all are concerned about calories and consumption, so finding new ways - not just eating another helping of ice cream, which I still don’t understand the problem with - is even more helpful,” she said.

Brozana Rios told the crowd that farmers are looking for many new ways to add value to their operations, so they may see cow’s milk soap at farmer’s markets or other direct-

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Photo by Samantha Wilkins Skylar Zaborac, a Youth member from Washington, helped measure and mix ingredients for the soap making demonstration to the Junior Grange members and others gathered at the 153rd Annual Convention. from-the-farm sales venues.

She and Bercher then began setting up the multiple ingredients and materials needed to complete the cold process soap making demonstration.

They donned their safety equipment goggles and gloves - and began adding precisely measured oils, melted shea butter, water, milk, frozen into cubes, and lye, then using an immersion blender to mix and thicken the soap.

As the material came to “trace” - a state similar to a thick gravy or well-mixed instant pudding - they transferred it into silicone molds and cautioned the crowd that as they invited them up to see more of the process they should avoid touching the freshly made soap as the lye was still active.

“Because this is a cold-process, the lye is active for four to six weeks. Active lye can irritate or even cause burns to the skin and can be even more dangerous if you get it in your eyes,” Brozana Rios said.

Instead, she and Casmira Keller, a 4-H member from Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, who is seeking her Golden Clover, had made batches of the soap about eight

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weeks in advance of the event that could be packaged and handed out to those who attended the demonstration.

The small soaps were the only branded give-away allowed by Farm Aid from vendors and demonstration leaders for the day.

After a successful demonstration at Farm Aid, Bercher and Brozana Rios were invited to provide the same demonstration to attendees of the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention as part of events in the Junior Grange room that were opened to the entire Grange membership.

“I thought this was a great way to close our year where we were learning about dairy as part of the Junior Grange’s Awareness project,” National Junior Grange Director Samantha Wilkins said. “The kids and leaders who joined us really enjoyed having something that combine agriculture and learning about a current issue with a craft that includes some science elements. It was great and I can’t wait to hear from some of these Juniors if they did this at their own meetings or community events when they return home.”

Ever wonder what lobbying looks like at the National Grange?

National Grange 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006 | Phone (202) 628-3507 | Fax (202 347-1091 www.NationalGrange.org | info@nationalgrange.org

American Values. Hometown Roots.

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Support for STELAR Act Reauthorization September 23, 2019

The Honorable Roger Wicker Chairman The Honorable Maria Cantwell Ranking Member Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation United States Senate

The Honorable Frank Pallone, Jr Chairman The Honorable Greg Walden Ranking Member Committee on Energy and Commerce United States House of Representatives

The Honorable Lindsey Graham Chairman The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Ranking Member Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate

The Honorable Jerrold Nadler Chairman The Honorable Doug Collins Ranking Member Committee on the Judiciary United States House of Representatives

Re: Support for STELAR Act Reauthorization Dear Chairmen Wicker, Graham, Pallone, Nadler and Ranking Members Cantwell, Feinstein, Walden, Collins: When it comes to obtaining access to basic services, rural communities are prone to experiencing gaps or interruptions.

Television content is unfortunately no different. Unless Congress moves quickly to reauthorize the of Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization (STELAR), over 870,000 satellite TV customers, mostly in rural areas, will lose basic protections that afford them access to basic broadcast network programming in places where over-the-air signals can’t reach.

Rural residents should not be needlessly punished and their access to network entertainment should not be curtailed because they live in a less convenient area to service. Therefore, the National Grange urges your support for prompt STELAR reauthorization before it expires on December 31, 2019. This important legislation will help preserve the connectivity of hardworking, rural communities by providing them access to local news, sports, and other programming of their choice.

Technical limitations make it difficult for many residents in small towns and rural communities to watch broadcasting from one of the “big four” networks without STELAR reauthorization. STELAR contains a key provision that enables satellite and pay-TV providers to import broadcast signals to these communities without interruption.

Our members depend on STELAR not just to access network programming, but also to keep their service affordable because STELAR encourages good-faith negotiations between broadcasters and satellite providers. This law’s importance cannot be overstated: its provisions serve as the single set of rules that help to protect consumers from programming “blackouts,” which broadcasters deploy to extract retransmission fee increases from rural residents and small businesses.

Congress must take prompt action to ensure that STELAR’s protections remain in place. This law’s reauthorization has always had strong bipartisan support; when STELAR was last considered in 2014 it passed Congress unanimously. Reauthorization before the law expires at the end of this year will demonstrate that Congress is truly committed to preserving rural Americans’ access to information and entertainment.

Sincerely,

Betsy E. Huber President

Each day we work on behalf of our members, joining with partners, to ensure that messages from rural America make it to legislators and regulators in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

We send letters, weigh in on policy debates and more so that the needs of farmers, ranchers and those living in small town America are not forgotten.

It looks like integrity, common-sense solutions and grassroots, nonpartisan advocacy.

It looks like GRANGE. I

Special D.C. experience announced for Youth, Juniors

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director The National Grange Youth and Juniors Departments are teaming up for a new event focused on introducing young Grange members to the advocacy side of the Grange. Done much like part of Fly-Ins past all while having lots of fun in the nation’s capital.

Named “The Washington D.C. Experience,” the inaugural event is slated for March 7-11, 2020 and will include tours, speakers and visits to different legislative departments and Capital Hill. This event is open to any Junior Grange, Grange Youth or Young Adult member, leaders and parents.

“When I first came to participate in National Ag Day activities as the Outstanding Young Adult a few years ago, I felt overwhelmed. There was so much to know about Grange policy that there was little time spent telling those of us who were not as comfortable or familiar with how to speak to legislators and their staff what to expect and how to prepare,” National Grange Youth and Young Adult Leadership Director Mandy Bostwick said.

National Junior Grange Director Samantha Wilkins said she felt similarly when she and her husband attended their first National Grange Legislative Fly-In and when she began asking Juniors to attend the annual event and bringing her own Junior-aged son.

“So many of the folks who come have done this for years either in Washington or in the state capitols,” Wilkins said. “They were great, and very supportive, but the kids needed to learn some basics before going to the Hill. They also wanted to see some of the sights and there wasn’t a lot of time in the schedule for that.”

Wilkins and Bostwick worked together to design the Washington, D.C. Experience to be more novice-friendly, a way to prepare younger members for one of their roles as they continue their Grange journey and

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become leaders themselves. Time will be spent learning about the importance of advocacy and how the Grange has played a historical role in some very important changes throughout its time.

The purpose of the Washington, D.C. Experience will be for Youth, Young Adults and Juniors alike to come together and get some basic introduction to government, citizenship and advocacy, then an introduction to a few important Grange policy areas that kids and young people can connect to.

“Medicare is important, but it may not be very effective as a topic that our Juniors and Youth speak about on the Hill,” Bostwick said. “They may not get the nuance and will look more like coached puppets than knowledgeable advocates.”

Instead, Bostwick said she and Wilkins have honed in on issues like rural broadband expansion and the opioid crisis that will allow younger members to have a more personal connection and approach with insights that are important for legislators to hear.

They will be educated on the many ways in which Grangers and citizens alike can advocate on issues they feel important to shape public policy and the communities in which they live.

Attendees will also tour some of the areas connected to Grange history in D.C., such as the National Grange marker on the Mall, and some of the city’s most iconic memorials and landmarks and the Smithsonian Museums.

A registration fee of $150 includes most meals, tours, and more throughout the event. Travel and lodging are the responsibility of the participant. A block of rooms has been reserved at Quality Inn Tysons Corner for $79 a night plus tax. This hotel is less than one block from a metro stop which will allow you direct access to the airport, Washington, D.C., and the National Grange Headquarters building.

Reservations can be made directly with Quality Inn Tysons Corner at (703) 448-8020 Hotel reservation and registration are due

by Feb. 1, 2020.

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Two travel scholarships not to exceed $800 each are available, sponsored by Potomac Grange, and the deadline is also February 1.

Youth applying for the scholarship must complete the application form that is part of the 2020 Youth/Young Adult Program Handbook (for youth) submit an op-ed or copy of a resolution written by the youth and presented to their community, Pomona or State Grange, along with date presented and information about the outcome; two letters of recommendation from specific Grange officers or directors and an essay about what the participant hopes to gain from the experience.

Juniors applying for the scholarship must also complete the application form found in the 2020 National Junior Grange Program book, submit an op-ed, and a letter of intent and two letters of recommendation one from a Grange leader the other from someone outside the family unit. Juniors attending are expected to have an adult chaperone.

To assist those interested in applying for the scholarship who aren’t well-versed in writing op-eds, National Grange Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios will host a special Zoom meeting on Sunday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern open to anyone to learn more about writing opinion-editorials.

To join, go to https://zoom.us/ 356735399 or call in at (646) 876-9923 and use meeting code 356 735 399.

All adults attending as chaperones for either the Youth or Juniors must have completed a background check through www.safegatherings.com in order to comply with the National Grange Child Protection Policy.

Wilkins and Bostwick said they are excited to bring young Grangers from all across the country to Washington D.C. to learn about the many different ways the Grange is involved in the legislative process and to get them involved in a whole new level of their #grangestory.

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As biopharmaceutical researchers keep searching for breakthrough cures they don’t have to look far for inspiration.

In this new era of medicine, where breakthroughs are transforming prevention and treatment options, PhRMA is committed to fixing America’s health care system the right way.

Youth Pillar Project to take place of achievement awards

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director On Friday, Nov. 8, National Grange Youth and Young Adult Director Mandy Bostwick announced the launch of a new program shaped to challenge the organization’s youngest members to learn and lead, called the GRANGE Youth Pillar Project.

In this case, GRANGE serves as an acronym for Growth, Ritual, Advocacy, Networking, Grassroots advocacy, and Education.

“These projects are designed to give our Youth and Young Adults a chance to take their leadership to the next level in the Subordinate Pomona, or State Granges by creating worthwhile and meaningful events or projects within their Granges to better serve their communities,” Bostwick said.

The idea was borne out of a Grange Youth “think tank” earlier this year, Bostwick said.

Youth and/or Young Adult individuals or a group of up to three will have the chance to put together a project or an event in their Subordinate, Pomona or State Grange that aligns with one of the six pillars of G.R.A.N.G.E. Youth.

The Youth that complete the project and will build upon their Grange foundation by strengthening their understanding of these emphasis areas – pillars of our Order – can interpret the six areas in a variety of ways, but all should show they have a well-rounded understanding of the Grange once they work toward demonstrating skills in all six areas.

The Growth pillar, for example, can mean individual personal, leadership or professional growth, but it can also mean growth of the Grange by translating to others the benefits of membership and bringing new people to the organization.

There is also an expectation of application for projects, such as with the Ritual pillar. Youth should not just cross it off the list by being part of a drill team, Bostwick said, but should look for ways to use their involvement to excite and educate others about our ritual work and make it applicable to today’s Grange and society.

Action can include service projects; networking can include co-hosting community events or taking part in events that include public speaking; Grassroots advocacy can include starting a letter-writing campaign on an issue to public officials; education can include attendance at regional conferences where Youth gain knowledge and skills they can bring back to their Grange or doing outreach with a local school focused on agriculture education, for instance.

Bostwick said she is hopeful that people will be excited about the program that is replacing the achievement awards.

She said that she understands when a program has been a part of the

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experience for members for many years, it can be hard to implement new ideas and have them reach the same level of success.

“Overall, I believe the projects will allow Youth and Young Adults to hone in on their passions, creativity, and leadership abilities, learn and grow in a variety of ways that will benefit the Grange far into the future,” Bostwick said.

Youth who take part in the Pillars program will create a Project Portfolio to be displayed at National Session. The portfolios will track each step of their project or event and help those who see them to understand the capabilities and potential of the next generation of Grange leaders.

Full details are included the 2020 National Grange Youth and Youth Adult Program Guide, which can be found online at nationalgrangeyouth.org or you may request a printed copy by calling the National Grange at (202) 628-3507 and speaking to Operations Manager Samantha Wilkins.

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Keep the promise alive by being part of $20 for ‘20 initiative

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director Your parents probably told you: nothing in life comes for free.

That’s especially true for developing leaders that will ensure the success of a storied and multifaceted organization like the Grange.

For the Grange, leadership opportunities for Grange Youth comes at the cost of about $15,000 per year – something covered thanks to generous donations of Granges and individuals to the National Grange Foundation Youth Fund.

But why through donations and not dues?

National Grange President Betsy Huber said the dues for National Grange have been artificially held low for decades, a choice made by leaders and delegates to ensure that anyone interested in Grange membership may take part.

“We know that being part of the Grange can give you invaluable skills, life experiences and confidence. Someone who sees that and wants to join so they can raise themselves up can still do so because we have held our dues at such a low rate,” Huber said.

For her, this is a way to help people who want to be valuable assets to their community realize the American Dream – of rising from where you began to a better social and financial place.

She said there is a social contract within the Grange of “turning and helping the next one in line” once you have come to a place where a greater investment is possible and a you have found a reason to pay it forward.

“The donations from our members is a vital part of the formula to maintain the quality leadership produced by our organization for us and for rural communities,” Huber said.

Where the money goes A breakdown on costs shows that for about $15,000 annually, the National Grange Youth Ambassadors and Outstanding Young Patrons attend an annual planning meeting, the dates of which typically align with National Ag Day in Washington, D.C., which they take part in, as well as regional conferences and National Convention with funds from the Grange Foundation’s Youth Leadership Fund.

Additionally, each year Youth Officer Team members are able to attend National Grange Convention with their rooms, registration, a meal and the Youth tour paid from that same pool of donor funds. While this is not guaranteed, as noted in the Youth Program Handbook, it has been an important way to ensure the intergenerational interactions are happening to strengthen the organization and that young members receive leadership training to ensure the future of the Grange.

“Without funding available to cover the costs of rooms,

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Photo by Samantha Wilkins Eugene Fletcher, of California, proposed the $20 for ‘20 Promise idea for the National Grange Youth and Junior Departments during the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention and presented his $20 to start the fund. our young people would struggle to pay hundreds of dollars to attend in addition to getting time off of work or school,” National

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Youth

can

attend a National Session and make Grange friends across the country, they will likely be hooked on

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or ‘20 Promise $20 f

Many thanks to the following

Grange for life. They always love being there and participating in the activities, so they’ll want to come back again and again,” Huber said.

individuals and Granges who

donated in 2019 to the Founders Sponsorship for Grange Youth

New, easy fundraiser for new year In 2020, there is an easy to remember appeal built into even the name of the Youth Department fundraiser: The $20 for ‘20 Promise The idea came from California member Eugene Fletcher, who was the first to give $20 toward the initiative.

Fletcher came to Bostwick with the idea at the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention after he heard the Youth department was facing a deficit with no funding to go into 2020.

He said he hoped that it would spark many years worth of funds raised for the department with at least 20,000 members giving $20 each.

Bostwick said several Youth who heard the idea lined up to give as well showing they value the generosity of others who make it possible for them to grow and succeed in Grange and beyond.

“I’ve been a fortunate recipient of several trips to National Grange, truly honing and deepening my leadership

and Junior Grange

WILLIAM IRELAND ($500-$750) Chris & Duane Hamp, WA AARON GROSH ($251-$500) Michigan State Grange, MI Dana Bailey, OK WA State Grow Club/Tom Gwin, WA JOHN THOMPSON ($101-$250) Kansas State Grange Youth, KS Wayne & Debbie Campbell, PA Debbie Gegare, WI Roger Bostwick, KS Brittney Oliver, WA Duane Scott, WI Joan Smith, DC Studley Grange #1174, MI TRIMBLE ($25-$100) Samantha Wilkins, PA Amanda Brozana Rios, PA Billy Shufeldt, OK Loretta Washington, DC Melanie Bostwick, KS Glenn Gibson, MA Central Grange #1650, PA Ontelaunee Grange #1617, PA Union Grange #152, PA Jerry Gwin, WA Chip Narvel, DE Jennifer Shiltz, OH Jonathan Pittman, WA Riley Reynolds, OR Christopher Heath, NH Chestnut Ridge Grange #1133, PA East Plymouth Grange #1548, OH Hookstown Grange #1980, PA Taghhannuck Grange #100, CT West Minot Grange #42, ME Jan Saxton, CA Derek Snyder, PA Jennifer Tobin-Tinch, IL Philip Vonada, PA

skill set and my love for the organization,” Pennsylvania Youth Philip Vonada said after giving his $20 donation. “I could have never sent myself in those early years, and even now it would be very hard to fund the trip, but I can at least help the next person to make sure others get the experience I have had and we can all work together now and far into the future for the Grange and for our communities.”

National Grange Youth and Young Adult Leadership Director Mandy Bostwick is excited to see where the $20 for ’20 Promise can take the department.

“Generous donations of Grange members throughout the country have made possible opportunities for generations of young people who are part of the Grange, and 2019 was no exception,” Bostwick said. “Many members stepped up to the challenge, becoming part of the Founder’s Level Sponsors to benefit the Grange Youth and Young Adults. We can’t thank them enough. But it’s time to do one major push and have enough in the budget so we don’t have to press members hard every year. I think this simple fundraiser can do that.”

FULFILL THE PROMISE TODAY! For an individual acknowledgment letter of your donation that may be used for tax purposes and to be recognized in a future issue of Good Day!™ magazine, please send your tax-deductible $20 donation to National Grange Foundation, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006 with this form so it is put toward the $20 for ‘20 Promise or note $20 for ‘20 on the memo line of your check. You can also donate online at grangefoundation.org/20for20

or ‘20 Promise $20 f

Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Thank you also for your generosity George Thomas, MA Sherry Harriman, ME Kickemuit Grange #24, RI James Owens, ME

Address: _________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________ State __________ Zip ____________ Grange _________________________________________ # _________ State _______

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ADULTING 101

Retirement Planning: How to get started

Provided by Robert Johnson

Financial Advisor, Baystate Financial Courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Retirement is typically one of everyone’s top financial goals.

It may be the furthest out, but any good financial plan starts with calculating how much money you’ll need during your retirement years.

Many financial professionals believe you’ll need about 80 percent of your peak pre-retirement income to maintain your current lifestyle in retirement.

If your peak income is $100,000, then you may need $80,000 or more each year.

Multiply that figure by your expected years in retirement and that’s your target.

Given today’s life expectancies, you could be nearing the $1.5–$2 million range.

Don’t let those numbers scare you.

Everyone is different.

better able you will be to reach your retirement savings goal.

Envision the Retirement You Want Do you want to travel?

Own a second home?

Leave a legacy to your family, charity or alma mater?

Or maybe you just want to live a simple lifestyle with the goal being to cover your basic expenses.

Now’s your time to think through the world of possibilities, because the sooner you start planning — and saving — the

How Should You Allocate Your Money?

How you decide to allocate the money you’ve accumulated —and the goal-related products you choose —are probably the most critical factors when it comes to creating a retirement plan.

As mentioned, there are IRAs for retirement goals, as well as guaranteed lifetime income products, but depending on your life stage you may want to consider other solutions as well. Maybe that means

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Time Is Your Friend When Saving for Retirement Setting aside even a small amount each month can add up over time. One effective strategy is to use traditional retirement vehicles, such as an employer-sponsored 401(k) or Individual Retirement Account (IRA), and set up automatic contributions.

While each of these types of accounts has unique rules, all offer tax benefits that can add up over the long-term.

Even if nearing retirement, it’s not too late. If you are 50 or older, “catchup contributions” help pre-retirees stash even more money into their 401(k) or IRA.

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permanent life insurance to help protect your family’s financial security and to use as an effective estate planning tool.

Diversification Helps Balance Risk Diversification can be summed up in one phrase: Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.

Regardless of what types of retirement solutions you choose, don’t bet your retirement nest egg on just one. The types of products you select will vary depending on several factors, including your risk tolerance and retirement time horizon.

These two factors work hand in hand. The more years you have left until retirement, the higher your risk tolerance may be.

When it’s time to determine the products and financial strategy that’s best for you, you may want to consult with a financial professional.

In the meantime, make sure you have a clear vision for your goals so you’ll be prepared to plan your financial future.

Robert Johnson is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 200 Clarendon Street, 19th & 25th Floors. Boston, MA 02116. 617-585-4500

Record number of entries in 2019 National Grange Quilt Block Contest; kits available Lecturer chooses trending color, adds design choice to competition for 2020 Members and non-members from across the nation took to their sewing machines in 2019 and made a record number of blocks, which they then entered in the 2019 National Grange Quilt Block contest.

The 436 blocks, more than 100 more than what was received last year, were displayed as part of the Showcase at the 153rd Annual Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota in early November and met with appreciative “oohs” and “ahhs” from those who visited the room.

“A quilt block by itself is not particularly inspiring or impressive, but hundreds of blocks lined up together brings a sense of pride in the effort and a feeling of collective opportunity,” National Lecturer Chris Hamp said. “It is nice to see the quality of the blocks improve year after year.”

For the first time, in addition to the Adult and Junior divisions, a Men’s division was added mid-year to encourage more men to dust off skills they may not have put to use in recent years or show off what they can do in the arena of fabric handicrafts.

The block made by Hamp’s husband,

Duane, came in first. “Rest assured that the judging was impartial. He worked so carefully on his blocks and at one point stopped the machine, looked at me, and said ‘mom would be so proud.’ I encourage the guys out there to give it a try in 2020.

After national convention the blocks traveled to Idaho where Bonnie Mitson, a Grange member and “quilter extraordinaire” according to Hamp, matched them up in kits to include a printed label with the names of each of the block makers. The kits of loose blocks are available for a $100 donation to the National Grange Foundation and then, once finished, the quilt can be used for a fundraiser or however you wish.

Hamp, who was elected in 2019 for a second full term to the office, has unveiled the 2020 contest information, which gives contestants greater choice in what to make.

Like other years, Hamp has presented a featured block and featured color, but in 2020, those who choose to take part in the contest may either create the Shoo Fly block, whose pattern and instructions

2019 NATIONAL GRANGE QUILT BLOCK CONTEST WINNERS Junior Division 1st Place - Kimber Newman (KS) 2nd Place - Hailey Swenson (MN) 3rd Place - Colton Kuhnkey (WA) Adult Division 1st Place - Debbie Anders (WA) 2nd Place - JoAnn Wienrank (IL) 3rd Place - Brenda Rousselle (VT) Men’s Division 1st Place - Duane Hamp (WA) 2nd Place - David Weaver (TX) 3rd Place - Roger Bostwick (KS)

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have been provided, or any other block so long as the featured color teal or turquoise is used and each block is 12½“ x 12½“ when submitted. “The thought with making the 2020 contest block be Shoo Fly or Choice was two-fold – one, the Shoo Fly pattern provides those of us who are entry-level quilters with a very achievable pattern while the Choice option gives the more seasoned quilters the opportunity to enter a favorite or more complex pattern and two, to allow us to create finished quilts using all different blocks which is currently popular. I believe that our quilt block contest is popular for many reasons – pretty much everyone can participate, it evokes good memories, the spirit of competition, and the thought that the making of a single quilt block allows for the creation of beautiful finished quilts which become treasured possessions for generations.

She said she is hoping to continue to break records year after year with the number of entries.

Help her get there by putting together a block or two in 2020. Instructions and entry form are enclosed.

Grange Foundation

2019

Mercantile

A huge thanks to each and every one of you who spent the time, energy and resources to make and donate handcrafted items to the 2019 National Grange Foundation Mercantile held at the 153rd in Bloomington, Minnesota.

- Chris Hamp, National Lecturer

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2020 National Grange Lecturer’s Quilt Block Contest DIAGRAM 1

BLOCK INFORMATION

DIAGRAM 2

There are two options for your block design in 2020, however, no matter the choice of your block, you must use the 2020 featured color, which is teal or turquoise.

A

You may choose to use the Shoo Fly block, with instructions below and show in the diagram. If you choose this block, you

B

will construct it with two fabrics. Fabric A should be a light color; Fabric B should be a dark color.

Instead, you may choose any other block you like so long as you use teal or turquoise as a featured color in the block.

DIAGRAM 3

When constructing the block, use all cotton fabric.

A

PIECES Fabric A: Cut four 4½” squares and two 5½” squares

B

Fabric B: Cut one 4½” squares and two 5½” squares

A

A

B

CONSTRUCTION Place a 5½” square A and a 5½” square B with right sides together. Make a pencil line diagonally on back of fabric. Sew a

A

¼” seam on both sides of the line (see Diagram 1 – dotted lines

B

A

are sewing lines). Repeat with other set of 5½” squares.

Cut on the pencil line and press toward the dark fabric. Now trim the four A/B blocks to measure 4½” square (see Diagram 2).

B

Assemble in horizontal rows as shown below in Diagram 3.

Sew the block together using ¼” seam allowances.

Finished quilt block should measure 12½” x 12½”. Press all

A

B

A

A

seams. Clip and remove all threads.

2020 Quilt Block Contest Entry Form Name ______________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________ State __________ Zip _____________ Email _______________________________________________ Phone _________________________ MARK HERE IF YOU DO NOT WANT THIS BLOCK TO BE JUDGED GRANGE MEMBER

NON-MEMBER

Grange Name _____________________________________ Number ___________ State _________ GROUP I (Age 14+) GROUP II (Age 13 and Under) GROUP III (Men’s Division 14+) Mail entries to Christine Hamp, National Lecturer, 16418 N. Birdie Road, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026

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CONTEST RULES The quilt block you enter in the contest for judging must be made by you.

Each contest entry must have a completed entry form.

You may submit any number of blocks you wish, but only one contest entry per person (if you are entering more than one block, mark all blocks other than the one you wish to be judged as “DO NOT JUDGE”).

All blocks must be received by the National Lecturer by October 31, 2020.

Venison can add variety to winter menus

By Ann Olson Bercher President, Minnesota State Grange Certified Culinary Specialist I am not a deer hunter. I love to see deer in the woods. I hate to see deer in the garden. I love to watch deer leaping over fences and running across fields. I hate to see deer dead on the side of the road. I love to eat deer meat. I hate that I don’t have a constant source of deer meat.

Enter my friends who hunt deer.

I am fortunate that in a good hunting year, I am gifted with several packages of venison cuts. I have learned early on that this precious meat requires care and precision when handling. And because I find venison so elusive, I have researched and tried many cooking methods to determine how to best prepare and enjoy this treasure.

I admit, I have never eaten venison purchased from a store, or that has been farm raised. I have only eaten wild venison, and that meat is even more unpredictable. Age of the animal can dramatically affect the taste and texture of the meat. A deer’s diet will affect the flavor of the meat. The way a deer is handled immediately after the kill can affect the texture and flavor of the meat.

Venison is very different from other meats. It is a very lean mean which is very healthy, but the lack of fat content makes it susceptible to being dry and cooking challenging. What fat is present may taste offensive. With so many variables, how can venison ever be successfully prepared?

Here are a few tips for cooking with venison.

Cooking method depends on the cut of meat. Shoulder and leg meat are highly exercised muscles and are best cooked slowly at low temperatures.

Meat can be cooked whole or diced and browned prior to cooking. Loins and tenderloins can be cooked quickly at high temperatures and served rare or

medium rare. Don’t overcook venison.

The hindquarter cut is versatile and can be cut into steaks, and cooked quickly, or cut into cubes and cooked low and slow, or ground. Adding pork fat to ground venison makes it perfect for burgers or meat loaves.

Dry rubs and marinades will help break down the enzymes in the meat and help tenderize it. Acidic marinades such as wine, vinegar or lemon or lime juice denature the proteins and produce a tender bite.

Trim away all visible fat. Remove all silverskin. This improves the flavor and texture of the cuts. Adding fat when cooking is important. Adding fat on the outside of the meat, such as butter, olive

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oil or bacon drippings works best on the grill or in a skillet for high temperature cooking. Fat can also be inserted into the meat by cutting slits in it and inserting small cuts of bacon or fatty pork into the slits. This is useful when roasting.

Bring meats up to room temperature before cooking, especially if cooking quickly at high heat. This allows for more even cooking throughout. Venison is done at an internal temperature of 130 degrees.

Rest meats after grilling or frying for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving.

This allows the muscle fibers to relax and retain juices.

Here are three recipes that I recently made that my 7-year-old grandson even ate!

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RECIPES

Venison fajitas Seasoning mix: 2 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. ground black pepper ½ tsp. cayenne pepper 1 tsp. dried oregano

Combine ingredients for the seasoning mix.

1 lb. venison cut into 2” strips Juice from one lime 4 Tbsp. olive oil 1 red bell pepper cut into strips 1 green bell pepper cut into strips 1 medium yellow onion sliced 6 fajita size flour tortillas, warmed Remove venison strips from

Sprinkle

marinade. In remaining olive

2 teaspoons of the seasoning

oil, cook venison strips quickly

over the sliced venison in a zip-top bag. Add the lime juice. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the bell peppers and onion until they begin to soften. Remove from pan.

over high heat until brown.

Turn down heat and return peppers

to

pan

with

remaining dry seasoning mixture.

Stir occasionally until reheated.

Serve with warmed tortillas and your choice of condiments.

Braised Venison with Rosemary and Shiitake Mushrooms 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 lb. venison cut into 2 inch cubes 4 oz. shiitake mushrooms stemmed and sliced 1 medium white onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1½ c. dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon is nice)

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ¼ tsp. ground black pepper ½ tsp .dried thyme leaves 1¼ tsp. dried rosemary 8 oz. carrots, diced to ½” Water as needed 1 Tbsp. cornstarch 2 Tbsp. water

In a Dutch oven, over medium high heat, sear the venison cuts in two batches until nicely browned. Remove from pan.

Stir in the mushrooms, onions and garlic. Cook until softened about 2 minutes. Add wine and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer 30 seconds. Add venison, pepper, thyme, rosemary and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook, covered for 1½ hours. Add carrots and additional water if needed. Simmer and additional 30 minutes.

Mix cornstarch and water to dissolve. Stir into the venison mixture to thicken the sauce. You may not need all the mixture depending on how thick you like your sauce.

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the

Hunter pie ¾ c. wild rice, uncooked 3 c. vegetable broth 1 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed 2 Tbsp. butter ¼ c. milk 1 lb. venison cut ½” pieces

½ c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. thyme ¼ c. olive oil 1 onion, diced 1½ c. carrots, diced 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded

Simmer dry wild rice in broth. Drain and save liquid. Boil potatoes, drain and save liquid. Mash potatoes with butter and milk.

Line sides and bottoms of six 1-cup size ramekins with potato mixture, about ½ inch thick. (You may also use a single quart sized dish or pie plate) Mix flour, pepper, garlic powder, thyme. Add diced venison and coat to cover. Sauté venison in 2 Tbsp. oil over medium heat. Quickly cook a small amount at a time to brown, remove from pan and set aside.

Sauté onions in 2 Tbsp. oil until transparent. Add 1 to 2 Tbsp. flour and cook one minute, stirring constantly. Add 1/3 c. reserved broth and potato water. Simmer and stir until thickened. Add venison and diced carrots. Simmer over low heat until carrots are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1½ c. cooked wild rice and stir. Add additional broth or potato water if needed. Filled lined dishes with meat and gravy mix. Top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350° until cheese has melted (about 15 to 20 minutes).

Unbaked pies may be wrapped and frozen.

Master Recipe

A favorite recipe shared by Betsy E. Huber

Smothered Venison Cubes 2 lbs. venison Flour for dredging Oil for browning meat 2 medium onions, cut 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp. grated cheddar cheese 2 tsp. salt 2 c. water ½ tsp. pepper 5 Tbsp. barbecue sauce 1 small can mushroom stems Photo by Lauren Linkemyer

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Remove any visible fat from

meat. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

Dredge cubes in flour; brown

in hot oil. Add onions and garlic, brown lightly. and pepper.

Add cheese, salt Add water and

barbecue sauce. Stir to prevent sticking.

Simmer, covered, until tender,

about 1 ½ to 2 hours. mushrooms

before

Add

thickening

gravy. Serve over cooked rice or noodles. Makes 4-5 servings.

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THE LAST

Word

By Karie Blasingame 2019 Convention Host Region Chair When I was working as a Senior Communication Fellow at the 152nd National Session in Stowe, Vermont I witnessed the second time the National Grange honored many of our veterans with Quilts of Valor.

Knowing that both of my parents are veterans, it made me wonder if I could make a Quilt of Valor for one of them.

I have only sewn a few times in my life and thought all of my aunt’s and my mom sewing wasn’t necessarily my thing. But there was something so moving about that ceremony, as the veterans were wrapped in their Quilts of Valor, that made me want to take on this huge project.

From my room in Vermont, I called my aunt, Mary Morrison, back in Rockford, Illinois, and asked her if she would help me figure out how to make a quilt for my mom, Ruth, who is an Army veteran.

Thank goodness Aunt Mary agreed and encouraged me, saying though I had not sewn before, I could do it.

I spent months trying to find the right fabric and pattern. I thought that my best option for a quilt top was the 2019 Lecturer’s Contest block – a variation on the disappearing nine patch.

Keeping the secret from my mother was going to be the hardest part!

In the spring, when my nieces and nephew started heading to robotics competitions, my mom and sister would travel with the team. During their first

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Photo by Lindsay Schroeder competition in April, I watched the robotics competition online at the Grange Hall while cutting out all the squares for my first quilt ever.

I had my Aunt Mary on speed dial and kept calling to ask her questions. I had shown her different samples of fabric which she helped me choose the right ones for the design I picked.

While I wished she could be next to me, showing me how to properly cut, piece and sew, Aunt Mary was undergoing experimental treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and the treatments had started to change how her blood moved through her body and she was diagnosed with a bone marrow disorder. She couldn’t physically help me, but she gave me lots of encouragement and support over the phone.

As the robotics competitions came to a close, I only had my quilt pieces cut, but nothing was sewn together yet. I needed more time! One weekend my parents went to our camper in Wisconsin to spend time with my sister’s family. I, unfortunately, had to work and couldn’t go with them, but instead, a migraine on Saturday morning kept me home and as it cleared, the rest of the day opened up for sewing.

I watched YouTube videos on quilting as I sewed throughout the day, and called Aunt Mary to ask some crazy questions because I was still learning. I got all my nine square blocks is together and when it

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Ruth Blasingame, an Army Veteran, was awarded a Quilt of Valor during the 153rd Annual National Grange Convention. Her daughter, Karie Blasingame, learned how to quilt in order to make the quilt for her. was time to cut them in quarters, I couldn’t do it.

I called my Aunt Mary and asked how bad would it be if I just did the simple ninepatch. She told me it would be beautiful and mom would love it because I had made it myself.

I bit the bullet and started sewing the blocks together into strips. I kept trying to keep squares that had a rooster on them away from each other but I ended up with two rooster blocks together in the center row in the middle of the quilt! Roosters are my Aunt Mary’s favorite animal, so I took it as fate and left them alone.

I draped the finished top over the chair and sent a picture of it to Aunt Mary, who was getting blood transfusions every few weeks to keep her alive.

The next call I made was to a member of my Grange, Marlene Williams, who had taken a special interest in Quilts of Valor as well.

She was excited that I had taken the time to learn and make a Quilt of Valor for my mom, who volunteers and gives so much to others but doesn’t expect

anything in return.

Marlene was ready anytime to finish the quilt, however, I wasn’t.

Aunt Mary, who calmed my fears and helped answer all my questions, had passed away.

I needed just a bit of time.

Looking at the half-finished quilt, I realized it had an even more meaning to me and it was hard for me to take it to Marlene to be quilted. Marlene understood, but reminded me gently – she would leave to go south for the winter soon and she didn’t want me to run out of time.

At the Illinois State Grange Session, National Lecturer Chris Hamp and her husband, Duane, were our National Representatives and we spoke about the Quilt of Valor presentation at National Session. I told Chris that I had made a quilt for my mom and that I was pretty sure that she had no idea.

The conversation got me excited again, and after State Session I contacted Marlene, who squeezed me in. My quilt – my mother’s quilt – was the last she put on one of her machines before she headed to Florida for the winter.

Picking the backing fabric that matched to star fabrics I had chosen, Marlene and I chose a quilting pattern that combined the swirls from the back and the stars from the front and quilted it in my Mom’s favorite color: red.

I felt my Aunt’s encouragement and support and couldn’t wait to see the quilt again.

The Monday night before my mom and I were going to leave for National Grange Session, we had a fall cookie class and Marlene brought the quilt finished and ready to go into the Grange Hall right in front of my mom.

She still didn’t realize, even as it was right under her nose and the small group of people who knew the secret had grown from just me and Aunt Mary, Marlene, Chris and Duane, to include two of my three sisters and a host of Illinois Grange members who I had confided in. Each time I told someone, I felt Aunt Mary laughing with me because we had a secret that

Photo by Karie Blasingame Using the 2019 Lecturer’s Quilt Block Contest block design, Karie Blasingame created a one-of-a-kind Quilt of Valor for her mother, Ruth. mom didn’t know about.

To make sure my mom didn’t see the quilt by accident, Patti Lee, who was making a Quilt of Valor for her husband, Lyle, volunteered to bring my mom’s quilt to Minnesota.

I had spoken with other Grange quilters who I knew were heading to Minnesota to ask if they would help me sew on the patches from the National Grange that say who pieced and quilted the quilt. Sharon Fidder, a member from Flora Grange in Illinois, was as excited as I was to participate in the surprise.

I got the patches from Chris, the quilt from Patti and Sharon got to work, attaching them before she brought the finished product to the host office where Chris and Bonnie Mitson, a quilter extraordinaire and Grange member in Idaho, were staging the Quilts of Valor.

One last glitch! I had forgotten the pillowcase to put the quilt into.

But Sharon and crew came to the rescue! They had paired a pillowcase – also covered with stars and made by Sharon – with mom’s quilt. Now everyone who helped me in some way was represented: Aunt Mary with the roosters, me with the quilt top, and Sharon with the pillowcase.

Waiting was torture but finally, Wednesday night came and about an hour before the presentation I told my sister, Tracey and her husband, Phillip, who were at the event. They were a little upset I hadn’t told them before but understood

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when I said I didn’t want mom to find out.

As the Quilts of Valor presentation ceremony began Wednesday, I couldn’t contain my smile.

When they called my mom’s name to have her come forward to receive a quilt, she whipped around to look at Lyle Lee. Her face read “what just happened? Did they call my name?”

Phillip escorted her to the front of the room and the secret was out – they announced that I had made the quilt. She looked stunned. “How did you make it?

You don’t sew,” she asked.

“With a lot of help,” I said.

P.S. Mom has been saving her quilt since we returned from National Convention, keeping the cats from getting their hair on it before she shows it off at our next Grange meeting. I just hope she will use it after everyone gets to see it.

We are getting ready to start Quilts of Valor for other members of our Grange at our monthly Knifty Needles Nights.

Working together, we should be able to have a few quilt tops ready to be quilted in the spring. It truly is an honor to be able to brighten someone’s day with a quilt and to honor their service no matter how long ago it was. I am so humbled to have taken part in saluting my mother’s service to our nation.

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Grange Classifieds Fundraisers

NATIONAL LECTURER

COMMUNICATION FELLOWS

Two fundraiser items are available through the National Lecturer’s fund in the Grange Foundation. The sale of a pin and challenge coin 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. Get yours by contacting Christine Hamp at (509) 953-3533 or email lecturer@nationalgrange.org

Pens and small, pocket-style lined notebooks with the words #GrangeStory are available to support the Fellows program and initiatives of the National Grange Communication Fellows. Pens and notebooks can be purchased in sets. A set of 5 notebooks and 5 pens is $25; 10 notebooks and 10 pens for $40; or a set of 25 pens for $35. Shipping is included in pricing.

To purchase yours, email Amanda at communications@nationalgrange.org or call/text (301) 943-1090.

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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!

Announcements The National Grange Member Membership Director is seeking assistants to join the leadership team to assist in creating Grange growth across the country. The assistants will work on a regional basis with State and Community Granges to develop goals and benchmarks for membership growth and retention as well as working to organize and reorganize Community Granges. Assistants will receive training from the National Grange Membership Director on how to organize Granges, creating membership plans and other necessary skills.

Assistants are needed in the following regions: • Great Plains (CO, TX, OK, KS, NE, AR) • Midwest (IA, WI, MN, IL, MI, IN, OH, MO) • East Coast (PA, WV, NJ, DE, VA, MD, NC, SC, FL, TN, GA, KY) • Northeast (NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME)

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REGISTER ONLINE nationalgrange.org/flyin2020 or call Samantha Wilkins at (202) 628-3507 ext. 113. $20 Registration Fee

FEBRUARY 6-9, 2020 MANCHESTER & CONCORD, NH

MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION Comfort Inn, 71 Hall Street, Concord, NH 03301 | Phone: (603) 226-4100 Block rate discount $189 for 2 or 3 nights (Thursday-Sunday) RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY JAN. 6 TO GET THE BLOCK RATE DISCOUNT

Grangers stay in the state capital of Concord to receive issue briefings and learn about the origins of "First in the Nation" primary and the many early historical events there. Participants then travel to Manchester to work on a campaign of their choice and see the excitement surrounding coverage by national and international media on the event.