Good Day! V.4 I.4, Winter 2020-21

Good DAY!

A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 4, Issue 4 l Winter 2020-21

One for the history books Embracing change to make the 154th Annual Convention a reality honors Grange founders, who were known for advocating for technology and new ideas

™

Grange Membership

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

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

$

SHOP

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

FINANCE

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

TRAVEL

R/

X

With discounts from Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Hertz, Dollar Car, and Thrifty rental car services, as well as other hotel and rental car businesses, and RV accommodations with Harvest Hosts, 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

Good DAY!

™

GRASSROOTS

27

J

JUNIOR GRANGE

75

F

FOUNDATION

35

Y

GRANGE YOUTH

83

M

MEMBERSHIP NEWS & RECOGNITION

37

H & L

HOBBIES & LIFESTYLE

84

L

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

49

R

FOOD & RECIPES

92

PERSPECTIVE:

65

L W

LAST WORD

97

G

P

A family’s legacy up in smoke

NATIONAL NEWS, ISSUES OF INTEREST & VIEWS: Annual Convention Goes Virtual

N

Cover Photo

9

National President Betsy Huber smiles after closing the 154th Annual National Grange Convention from the Headquarters conference room in Washington, D.C., on November 18. Truly a convention for the history books, Huber presided over the meeting held through video teleconference, with delegates from across the country gathering virtually to do the work of the Order - including discussing and voting on nearly a hundred resolutions.

Huber is entering her sixth year as President, and in that time has faced numerous hurdles of significant magnitude, including an unexpected $1 million chiller/boiler repair at the National Headquarters and engineering reports detailing significant repairs on the near horizon; the resolution of the National Grange’s trademark and other legal battles with the former leadership of the California State Grange, which broke away and formed the California Guild, taking organizational assets and causing confusion and strife; and a pandemic that has changed the face of not just the annual convention, but upended “the way we’ve always done things” and required adaptation on the fly.

Photo credit: Amanda Brozana Rios, National Grange Communications Director

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 Reproduction or distribution of any part of this magazine is prohibited by anyone other than a Grange member or a chartered Grange without written permission from the National Grange Communications Department.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

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3

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, Grange has influenced many aspects of American life and culture.

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

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

®

Officers

Betsy E. Huber, PA, President betsy@nationalgrange.org F. Philip Prelli, CT, Vice President Executive Committee Chair philip.prelli@snet.net Susan Noah, OR,

Executive Committee Secretary master@orgrange.org Leroy Watson, NH, Executive Committee Member & Grange Advocacy Board Chair leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org Lynette Schaeffer, IL,

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

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

National Lecturer lecturer@nationalgrange.org

Betsy E. Huber, Publisher National Grange President & President, Grange Foundation betsy@nationalgrange.org Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios, Editor Communications & Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate communications@nationalgrange.org Loretta Washington, Subscription Manager Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Assistant IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

OUR

Samantha Wilkins Operations Manager & National Junior Grange Director samantha@nationalgrange.org Burton Eller Legislative Director beller@nationalgrange.org

William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward Karen Overstreet, TX, National Lady Assistant Steward

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

Kelly Klingman Program Assistant kklingman@nationalgrange.org

Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres

Sean O’Neil and Kennedy Gwin Interns

Kay Stiles, MD, National Pomona

Mujo Mrkonjic Building Engineer

Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora

HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

4 ®

www.nationalgrange.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Betsy E. Huber

The 154th Annual National Grange

back, finding ways to stay in contact,

Session is completed, and it is certainly

conduct their business, and serve their

one for the history books!

communities. I’m so proud of our local

All

52

delegates

plus

officers

Granges and individual members who

“Session

immediately took action, making masks

Central” taking place in the National

and gowns, opening food pantries,

Grange Headquarters, Washington DC,

serving

with only staff present in person. Zoom

whatever they could think of to stay

sessions were held for a total of 14 hours

active and help their neighbors.

over two days and 97 resolutions were

Perseverance

participated

virtually,

with

deliberated, two officers elected, and a meaningful memorial service conducted.

Earlier committees

in

November Zoomed

the for

eight many

hours to discuss, amend, and make recommendations on their resolutions and policy statements.

free

drive-through

meals,

Despite the obstacles of lockdowns, physical distancing, isolation, even lack of income or food, we’ve kept going, persevering as we always do, recognizing that difficulties are but opportunities to test our abilities.

is one of the vital parts of your life that you can’t do without.

Thank you to all those Granges who have continued to meet in some way,

Throughout its 153 years, the Grange

either virtually, by phone, or in person,

Although we would rather have been

has always found ways to continue its

to continue your work helping others in

together in person, it was great to see

great work, overcoming all obstacles

your communities.

and chat with friends but we missed

and pressing on to the goal of service to

having you there!

others.

are re-setting their priorities, to invite

Priorities

them to your meetings and involve them

As we near the end of the year and completion of nine months of the pandemic, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons we have learned.

Society as a whole has re-centered, discovering what is really important to

Take this opportunity, while people

in your community service activities.

We can step in now to fill that void

us—family and friends. Perhaps the Lord

created when all other activities are

wanted us to get rid of all the busyness

closed, if we show our value to the

Grangers have proven their resilience,

in our lives that wasn’t accomplishing

individual and the community through

the ability to bounce back into shape

very much, and concentrate on the vital

our service to others. Use these unusual

after being pressed or stretched; the

things: spending more time together as

circumstances as an opportunity to

ability to recover strength, spirits, and

a family, enjoying meals together in our

showcase your Grange as a vital resource

good humor quickly.

homes, appreciating our children and

in your community. We have a chance to

parents as we should.

make 2021 the best Grange year in our

Resilience

In spite of the

huge challenge of not being able to meet in person, Grangers have bounced

Hopefully you’ve realized that Grange

lifetimes!

Our theme will remain the same for 2021, Cultivating Connections.

Please share the creative ways your Grange is embracing this theme by sending an email with details and photos, if applicable, to communications@nationalgrange.org.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

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5

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 2020-21 Issue Due Date Hits Mailboxes Spring

February 1

April 1, 2021

Fall

August 15

September 15, 2021

Summer Winter

May 1

November 1

June 1, 2021

January 1, 2022

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.

WRITE FOR US This is your chance! This is your magazine.

Submissions may be made by any Grange member in good standing, especially including Junior and Youth members and must be your own original work.

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

All work must be in good taste and appropriate for our audience. The National Grange reserves the right to reject any submissions.

Guidelines & The Fine Print Entries may include: photo essay (at least three photos that together tell a story with captions identifying the people in the photo if applicable and what is happening in the scene); short story (max. 1,500 words); poem; essay/article (maximum 1,500 words and must include at least two relevant photographs with captions); skit (no more than six speaking characters; should not take more than 10 minutes to perform and should not require an elaborate set); D-I-Y (do-it-yourself) project with supply list, step-by-step instructions and photos of each step; or open category (examples include but are not limited to a coloring book page related to Grange or agriculture; comic strip or box; recipes, etc.).

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

6 ®

www.nationalgrange.org

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

Submission

is

acknowledgment

that

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

All submissions must be made via email to communications@nationalgrange.org.

From the desk of the AMANDA LEIGH BROZANA RIOS

Editor

By the time you read this, most of

yes could come for their own reasons -

county. They are people, diverse in their

the holiday season will have passed and

faith, love of singing, an opportunity to

professions, their family structure, their

people will be going about their lives -

spend time with friends or the person

faith and so much more, but they believe

changed as they are from the pandemic

they had a crush on, or as was for me,

in small acts to bring joy to others and

- without the same sense of joy, hope,

to make people smile and feel like they

are tolerant of or embrace our most

gratitude and charity toward others as

were part of a connected community

central tenets - faith, hope, charity and

seems to be wrapped up in the sprint

filled with a young generation that cared

fidelity.

toward the end of each year, regardless

about others.

of religion or nationality that seems to be

1992

The adjustment of bringing my through

husband, who is a city kid that has fallen

snowstorms and frigid temperatures and

in love with, but is still quite baffled by

We are fortunate that in most

beautiful nights, with sometimes nearly

interactions with Grange members, in

three dozen young people with a few

some of this rural life stuff, back home

which spirit lives on far beyond the last

adult tag-alongs to a handful that braved

two calendar months, we get a bit of that

the weather, we knocked on doors and

joy all year long.

sang - some of us badly - and enjoyed

part of the human experience.

From

to

1997,

I’ve reflected on this in the past

our little tradition. When I moved home

few months as I’ve made a move with

for a brief time about a decade ago, we

my husband and fur-children to my

did it for a Christmas, along with dozens

childhood home, back with my father

of others in several different towns in the

who has been experiencing a number of

area over a few different nights.

health issues over the past year.

Coming

home

obviously

This year, back to the original crew

has been far less difficult than I had imagined it may be.

My father is happy to have us home and benefits even more because we bring with us streaming services with new westerns for him to watch and in-house tech support for his new smartphone.

And I’m right where I need to be, ready to merge my Grange world with my childhood goals of enriching

brings

with some new additions and a few folks

up so many memories and provides

from our little town seeking to spread joy

opportunities to recenter and reconnect

in what is the most challenging year of

with a part of my identity that I have often

most of our lifetimes, we officially began

felt a bit removed from while away. It also

to pass the torch. Most of my friends

allowed me to fall back into friendships

have human children, many the same

I’ve cherished since my childhood and

age as we were when we criss-crossed

find ways to connect both to who each

the sidewalks covering everything from

has become today and who we were

“Silent Night” to “Rockin’ Around the

Even if it’s not a Christmas tune, I

Christmas Tree.” This will soon be their

hope you’ll resolve this year to keep

memory of Christmas, and that makes

a song in your heart and an eye open

my heart so happy.

for the future of the Grange. They - the

many years ago.

One thing that was a huge part of our lives and identity was outreach.

our community and finding ways to reconnect on a human level.

You could say, I’m still running on the holiday high. I hope you are, too, because I think we all know when 2020 ended, the challenges that face us personally and as a nation have not.

members-to-be - are out there, finding

When I was 11, I pitched a crazy idea

Truly, it’s the only way I know how to

to my friends - made ever more strange

celebrate the season, but it’s also one of

because I have never been deeply

the ways I find “my people.” Caroling

By the way, if you’re looking for me,

religous. I wanted us to go to the two

with this group allowed me to figure out

or trying to keep your roster up to date,

local nursing homes one evening and

just who may be great additions to the

you can find me at 1509 Red Dale Road,

then door-to-door in our town another

list of folks to help reorganize a recently

Orwigsburg, PA 17961. I’d love to hear

to Christmas carol. Each person who said

closed Grange - the last standing in our

from you sometime!

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

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ways to brighten the spirits of others.

7

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 the 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 (301) 943-1090 to make your contribution today.

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

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

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a

Grange leaders tackle variety of issues during first ever 2-day virtual National Convention

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director History was made this November when the delegates and officers of the National Grange met via Zoom to hold the organization’s 154th Annual Convention.

Slated for Nov. 17 through 21 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, the event was shortened to only two days, Nov. 17 and 18, and held virtually with only limited staff on site at the Washington, D.C.,

headquarters

organizational

leaders

building attending

and via

Zoom. Other members were invited to take a peek into the proceedings throughout the two days on a livestream that appeared on the National Grange

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios

YouTube and Facebook pages.

National Grange President Betsy Huber called the session to order from behind a podium and laptop in the headquarters conference room.

“It was very different,” Huber said of the event. “Our founders probably would never have envisioned a world made

Most National Grange staff were on site at the Washington, D.C., headquarters

of the organization to ensure the 154th Annual Convention went off without a hitch in mid-November. National Grange President Betsy Huber, left, looks

to Sales, Benefits, Programs and Membership Recognition Director Loretta

Washington and Operations Manager and Junior Grange Director Samantha Wilkins, who were consulting with delegates and officers gathered through Zoom for the event.

possible by the internet with meetings of people scattered throughout the country,

carried, but the American flag, Grange

but we made it work.”

flag and open Bible were all still honored

The set-up was certainly different.

mainstays.

members.

On the first night of the two-day session, a memorial service was held, led

Instead of marching drills and officers

Attendees stood and sat based on the

by National Chaplain Barbara Borderieux

seated around the hall, the attendees

raps of the gavel and slight adaptations

to honor 15 past National Delegates,

joined from living rooms and kitchens,

were made to ensure the meeting felt as

including Past National President Robert

much like normal as possible, but “it’s

Barrow, who passed away since the close

the fellowship of Grange conventions

of the 153rd Annual Session.

offices and backyards. No staves were

that was sorely missed,” Huber said.

Representatives

from

each

state

Fellowship and brotherhood were

from which the memorialized member

not forgotten throughout the session

hailed provided a tribute and each of

with time built in to socialize and honor

the National Graces recited a poem.

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National Grange IT Director and Potomac Grange Chaplain Stephanie Wilkins sang “Amazing Grace” and “Great is thy Faithfulness.”

During the convention, several special moments were taken to recognize the efforts of individuals to raise profile of the organization over the past year and go above and beyond in their service.

One such moment of recognition came as Wilkins was thanked for her 20 years of service to the organization.

National Grange Community Service Director

Pete

Pompper

presented

Huber and Legislative Director Burton Eller with Community Service Director’s pins, noting the work they have done to bring together and provide a sense of community for members and beyond, and ensure rural residents’ needs are brought to the attention of legislators and regulators during this trying time.

Huber was also presented with a framed copy of an op-ed she co-authored that was published in The Washington Times in November 2019 on the need for Congress to consider rural needs when debating an infrastructure package.

Grange Advocacy Board Chairman Leroy Watson said the work Huber, Eller and the rest of the staff has done to raise

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange President Betsy Huber, in the background, looks to staff

gathered in the Washington, D.C., headquarters building during the 154th

Annual National Grange Convention, to ensure all votes have been counted prior to announcing the results of a resolution. Delegates and officers of the National Grange appear on Zoom on a computer in the foreground.

the profile of the Grange over the past year has been incredibly helpful to rural

submitted and begin writing policy

can be done thoroughly and in a timely

Americans everywhere.

statements.

fashion.

He said work done by delegates to

“I think the work the committees

Many of the State Presidents gathered

set policy provided an excellent base

were able to do before convention in

at the event had also hosted their own

for our outreach because of its thorough

their Zoom meetings was excellent, and

State Conventions via Zoom or other

vetting.

it allowed them time to really think about

virtual platform in the weeks prior, and

attendees

what resolutions were proposing and

had experienced the more challenging

said the event was a success, everyone

what Grange policy looks like,” National

elements of taking a long-established

noted they hope to be back in person in

Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller

form and renewing it for an entirely new

2021 with everyone safe and healthy in

said.

environment.

While

she

and

other

attendance.

Eller and Huber both said they plan

California State Grange had thought

in

to continue using Zoom or a similar

through the voting process and chose

committees during the weeks leading

platform to hold committee meetings in

to incorporate paddles for voting – a

up to the Convention to discuss present

advance of the in-person event in future

green thumbs up and red thumbs down

policy, review resolutions that had been

years to ensure the work of the Order

that delegates would raise upon the

Delegates

10

met

via

Zoom

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

call from the President to vote on everything from minutes to

urging further research into chronic pain, the development of

amendments to resolutions. Paddles were distributed only to

non-opioid therapies and other pain management options and

voting delegates by mail a week prior to the event.

further education about chronic pain and ways to manage it

National Operations Manager and Junior Director Samantha

while avoiding opioid addiction.

Wilkins and National Benefits, Sales and Membership

In the summer, several State Grange Presidents took up the

Recognition Director Loretta Washington served to tally votes

issue of improving the Dietary Guidelines of America (DGA),

as they were taken with only a few requiring extra scrutiny

by urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and

because of the close nature of the results.

Human Services to require the committee which creates these

“I’m glad we had the color system. It made it easy to

standards to place an emphasis on legitimate and pertinent

recognize what the vote was the delegate was trying to cast

health studies and recommendations. Specifically, State

and ensure that we only counted eligible voting delegates

Grange Presidents took issue with the removal of whole milk

since they were the only ones with the paddles,” Samantha

from schools because of the DGA, when research shows there

Wilkins said.

are positive benefits to drinking whole milk, specifically with

Of the nearly 100 resolutions under review by the delegates, several dozen new policies or changes to the policy book were

vitamins and minerals found in milk that can have long-lasting health benefits.

made, and one change to the Digest of Laws – stating explicitly

Additionally, a resolution looking at emergency funding for

that executive committees at all levels may act on behalf of the

the USPS, something the Grange wrote and spoke at length

Grange “only in times of emergency.”

about during the summer and fall, was passed.

A few policies of note that passed during the convention are very timely, Eller said.

Eller said policy was already on our side, but the resolution helped to make a direct statement that the Grange “supports

Specifically, he highlighted three that have already garnered press attention for the Grange.

a move by Congress to provide the USPS emergency funding, not just continued support and efforts to reduce the burden of

The first is a policy that places the Grange among groups

pre-funding its pension, so it can continue essential services.”

A resolution to support reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Self-Determination Act passed, with delegates showing concern for the more than 700 rural counties across the country who could face “dramatic budgetary shortfalls” without such a move by Congress.

As rhetoric was rampant regarding the composition of the nation’s highest court and potential expansion thereof, delegates voted to oppose any legislation that would expand the number of justices of the Supreme Court beyond nine or remove lifetime tenure.

COVID-19 and health issues raised by the pandemic were also at the forefront, with delegates debating several resolutions, including those adopted that encourage “people to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding immunizations,” and a recommendation that the CDC use information learned during this pandemic to “implement a more comprehensive plan for assisting the older population during times of health emergencies.” From those recommendations, the Grange encourages legislation by Congress to “improve efforts to prevent, control and respond

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios

to future pandemics and the potential effect they may have on

National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller takes

our public health as well as the health of our economy.”

Annual National Grange Convention in mid-November.

ways that all “long-term care facilities have sufficient access

notes on resolutions as they are discussed during the 154th

N

In addition, a resolution passed called for any plan to find

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11

to personal protective equipment and

Resolutions

from

Granges

in

favors allowing up to 49 percent foreign

infectious disease testing for all staff and

Washington,

California

ownership of a U.S. communications

patients.”

found success with the Citizenship

company as a method to exit or avoid

Rounding out the focus on healthcare

Committee and majority of delegates

bankruptcy for a short term (less than

issues, the delegates passed a resolution

to the session who voted in favor of

or equal to seven years) period; and

in favor of amending “the Social Security

supporting a new holiday, veterans, the

“no one foreign entity should own

Act to count a period of receipt of

homeless and media issues.

more than a 25 percent stake in a U.S.

Oregon

and

outpatient observation services in a

Adopted was a resolution coming

communications company in the long-

hospital toward satisfying the three-

from Five Mile Prairie Grange #905

term.” As such, delegates set a priority

day inpatient hospital stay requirement

in Washington, written by a 12-year-

for the organization to lobby the FCC

for coverage of skilled nursing facility

old

Emily

to overturn its May 29, 2020 decision

services under Medicare.” This is an

Cabbage.

resolution

on a petition by Cumulus Media for up

important change in law, Eller said, as

directs the Grange to lobby Congress

to 100 percent aggregate direct and/or

current statute says that if a patient is

for the establishment of a national day

indirect foreign investment in order to

listed as receiving hospital care under

of observance for Eleanor Roosevelt,

exit bankruptcy.

“observation” not “inpatient” status,

a Granger herself, “for her work and

The Grange strongly supports the

and is later transferred or returned to a

contributions both to the American

U.S. military and all who serve in our

skilled nursing facility, they incur all costs

people and on behalf of international

armed forces. They went on record at

for medical care at that facility.

human rights.”

this convention in support of non-citizen

Junior

Grange The

member,

adopted

“This often is a surprise bill, and

“This was a great learning exercise,

veterans and their immediate families

patients sometimes don’t know what

and also a great win for an amazing,

to be offered “an expedited path to full

status they’re being held in at a hospital

and under-recognized woman,” Jauna

citizenship during their service or upon

or how it will impact them financially,”

Cabbage said.

receiving an honorable discharge.”

Eller said.

Emily said doing research about

The Grange is also in favor of

how national observances are codified

alternative housing units, such as tiny

and following her resolution through its

homes, to house the homeless and

grassroots, democratic process in the

encourages the development of tiny

Grange – similar to that of legislation

house villages specifically to address the

introduced in Congress – has inspired

needs of homeless veterans.

her.

Delegates also adopted as part of

“It has been such an interesting

their policy a statement encouraging all

and motivating opportunity, and has

Granges “to strive for social and racial

opened my eyes to things I’m very

justice, equality and compassion in

lucky to experience, such as meeting

human relations by initiating open public

elected officials, and making a difference

meetings in collaboration with other

nationally,” Emily said.

local and State organizations fighting

The Grange is on the record as supporting local news, specifically in favor

against social injustice and harsh racial practices.”

of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act

Trying to assist others was also part of

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios

and similar legislation that would help

the rationale for delegates in electing to

During the 154th Annual National

especially help small newspapers, which

make national policy support of the Food

are often the only journalism outlets

Donation Improvement Act, which would

serving rural communities, to continue

allow food donors, caterers and others

their watchdog role. Additionally, the

to receive additional liability protections

op-ed she co-wrote that appeared in

Grange voted on a resolution in favor

when donating food, a way to decrease

of limiting foreign ownership of U.S.

food waste and combat food insecurity.

2019.

media outlets. “The National Grange

Convention,

Grange

Advocacy

presented National Grange President Betsy Huber with a framed copy of an The Washington Times in November

12

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

In addition, delegates elected to

adopt policy in support of custom butchers to slaughter, package

suffering due to the COVID pandemic.

and sell animals from local farms to in-state communities for

Delegates adopted an addition to current policy including

individual use without an inspector on site, a move that would

dairy workers as well as sheepherders to the H-2A nonimmigrant

increase local sustainability and access.

visa category, and allowing for “extensions of additional three

The Grange also is encouraging public funding for awareness

year periods without requiring a period of absence” prior to

campaigns about farm and ranch stress and destigmatize

extension, moves that would help relieve some stress on the

mental health care in rural communities, as well as expand

dairy industry.

stress management training to agents of the Food Service and

Finally, livestock was part of the discussion in relation to

Risk Management Agency, among others, who deal directly

wildfires, when delegates adopted a resolution in support of

with producers so they may be able to direct farmers in need

public education of the value of using rangeland and forestland

to appropriate mental health services.

as grazing area to reduce wildfire fuel load. Additionally,

In another agriculture related move, delegates adopted

delegates voted to support the Emergency Wildfire and Public

policy to support the Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act or similar

Safety Act or similar legislation focused on reducing the threat

legislation that will financially assist fairs across the nation

of wildfires especially in the western part of the United States.

Kansas set to host 2021 session; great entertainment slated operates three farmsteads all within the

By Kennedy Gwin National Grange Intern

same vicinity.

155th Annual National Grange Convention November 9-13. 2021 · Wichita, Kansas

ng Connections Cultivati

Gear up and get ready for National Grange Convention in 2021, because it will be a reunion to remember!

2020, we look forward to this opportunity National

highlights that make Wichita a fantastic home for the event.

Grange

As an example, did you know, Wichita

Convention will take place in Wichita,

is the airplane manufacturing capital of

Kansas.

the world?

Melanie Bostwick, First Lady of

Within the convention site there are

the Kansas State Grange, is serving as

many different options for food within

convention host planning chair. She has secured an “ideal location,” and has been pulling together several great options for the event, including first-rate entertainment.

Bostwick, who is also a member of the Grange Foundation board, worked to secure the Peterson Brothers, a country/ agriculture parody band who cover

share their story and discuss how others Bostwick also noted some area

Region Great Plains by the d e t s ho

to come together.

155th

speaking opportunities and a chance to can become agriculture ambassadors.

After an untraditional convention in

The

While at the convention the Peterson Brothers will take time to engage in a few

walking distance as well as a riverfront “You will not want to miss this

walk to enjoy in the afternoon or evening.

performance,” Bostwick said. “They are

The hotel also offers a car service that

just great, funny and entertaining, and

will take you anywhere within a 1.5-mile

wonderful ambassadors of agriculture.”

The Peterson Brothers band is made up of the three brothers Greg, Nathan, and Kendall.

radius of the hotel and pick you up when you are finished exploring the city.

There are multiple activities for people of all ages, so do not be afraid to bring the family along, Bostwick said.

and reinvent songs to reflect their lives.

All three brothers currently work on

Popular hits include “A Fresh Breath of

their family farm in Kansas where they

Farm Air” (a parody of the Fresh Prince

grow

of Bel Air) and “We will Milk Cows” (a

wheat, and their primary agricultural

since,” Bostwick said. “Come check it

parody of We will Rock You). Their act is

item, beef cattle.

out, as this won’t be a convention that

also filled with jokes and more.

sunflowers,

The

N

family

alfalfa,

currently

soybeans,

runs

and

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

“It has been 30 years since we’ve been in Kansas [for a National Grange Convention] and it has really changed

you will forget.”

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Why are food prices rising and how can you save?

Courtesy of Brandpoint The COVID-19 pandemic has affected food prices more than nearly any other part of the household budget.

In April, the Food-at-Home Consumer Price Index increased 2.7 percent, which was the largest monthly jump since 1974. From June 2019 to June 2020, food prices are up 5.6%. Why is this happening, and furthermore, how can you save on your family’s grocery bills?

The food supply chain and price fluctuations The food supply chain is made up of three parts: production, processing, and retail. As food items move down the supply chain, value is added to the product.

• Production incudes the farms and ranches that grow the food.

• Processing entails the manufacturers that turn food from the farm into consumerready options such as corn flakes or orange juice.

• Retail includes the stores where shoppers purchase different food items.

There are several factors that regularly influence food prices such as weather, farming production, growth in the population and trade. Sometimes there are shocks to the food supply chain that have big influences on prices, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 factors’ influence on food prices As communities quickly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, every stage of the food supply chain saw costs increase. There are four key trends that are influencing food costs: Shift to eating at home: In a matter of two months, approximately $23 billion in consumer spending away from home was redirected toward grocery stores as restaurants were forced to close due to COVID-19, according to FMI - The Food Industry Association.

Loss of foodservice demand: When

14

restaurants closed, farmers and ranchers lost a key channel for their product. With fewer buyers, it is costly or impractical to harvest, preserve or store some food and beverage products.

Increasing production and processing costs: During COVID-19, companies have made investments and adjustments to safeguard their products and employees.

This means costs for food production are higher. Some manufacturers have been able to innovate and find new markets for their products, but these changes often entail added costs.

Increasing operating costs for grocery stores: Compared to 2019, supermarket operating costs were up 7.9% in April 2020 and 6.7% in May 2020, according to USDA Economic Research Service.

Grocery stores have remained open during the pandemic and have had to quickly adjust to new regulations, safety and sanitation practices and enhanced customer education - all requiring resources. In addition, some areas of the grocery store, including salad bars and hot bars, have had to shut down, meaning a loss of revenue.

For additional information, visit www.

FMI.org/FoodPrices101.

Tips to save money at the grocery store The experts at FMI - The Food

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Industry Association - predict food prices may remain high for a while but stress the food supply chain is resilient and is likely to normalize over time. Regardless, there are ways shoppers can save money while at the store: Plan ahead: Planning meals and snacks for the week before heading to the grocery store helps ensure you only purchase what you need. Use a shopping list or app to help stay organized. Check your store’s circular, website or app for coupons and specials ahead of time.

Compare options: Consider purchasing store brands, usually priced less and with equal taste and nutrition.

When possible, purchase bulk protein options for freezing extras. Compare unit prices of different brands and package sizes to save. The “unit price” is the price per ounce, pound or pint, and is typically listed on the shelf tag. Canned or frozen food options can have an extended shelf-life and help stretch your dollar.

Seek out assistance programs: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants & Children nutrition program, or WIC, help families during times of need.

Visit FeedingAssistance.com for more information on these federal programs and eligibility.

Food insecurity on dramatic rise during pandemic years – as these families work to recover.

By Gary Sloan Feed the Children Chief Domestic Operations Officer

At Feed the Children, a leading hunger relief organization, we believe it is urgent that we do not let our

For many families across America and around the world, 2020 has been

neighbors down when they need us the most.

the hungriest year in modern history.

The pandemic has brought new

In addition to worrying about food

challenges to food security across the

and economic insecurity brought on by

U.S.

COVID-19, many have had hardships compounded including

by

natural

tornadoes,

disasters

wildfires

and

hurricanes.

We all know access to healthy food options and nutrition are important to our physical and mental health, the growth and development for children,

This year has also brought challenges

and overall well-being.

for nonprofits and businesses alike.

Food insecurity has sky-rocketed

At the same time, it has allowed

over the course of the year and is

us

expected to continue to increase for

We have been working every day for

understanding of community and what

many households. Many children who

the past 40 years to stamp out hunger

can be accomplished when we all work

are

childcare

and we have a bold vision to create

together.

centers or in-person school have limited

a world where no child goes to bed

Earlier this year, as schools and

access to school meals - a source of

hungry. However, we realize we can’t

businesses across the nation closed

nutritious meals for millions of students

do it alone. At Feed the Children, we

during the onset of the COVID-19

across the country.

have been very fortunate that both our

to

develop

an

even

deeper

pandemic, millions of families were facing a crisis.

The loss of jobs and income during this

no

longer

attending

Since food insecurity and poor

corporate and community partners have

nutrition are associated with several

been able to increase their efforts to

chronic

help meet the needs of at-risk families

illnesses

that

put

people

during these historic times.

pandemic

at higher risk for the more severe

has affected not

complications of COVID-19, the food

only the most

access crisis threatens to intensify the

increased

vulnerable, but

disparities in health for at-risk children

providing millions of pounds of food

also millions of

and families.

for families, in what was a record-

Our longtime partner, Tyson Foods, its

hunger

relief

efforts

across

Currently, it is estimated 1 in 4 children

setting year for the organization. Other

the country who

in the U.S. may be food insecure due

partners including Kraft-Heinz, Frito Lay,

have never had

to the economic effects of COVID-19.

L’Oréal and dozens more also increased

others

Before the onset of the pandemic, 1 in 7

donations to allow us to reach more

Food insecurity across the country

children were affected. This is occurring

families. But even this cannot erase the

has risen significantly since the pandemic

at a time when America’s food banks are

growing needs of food insecure children

sidelined 14 million workers in the U.S.

reporting severe shortages, with some

and families.

from February to May, according to the

spending 10 times the amount they

That’s why we work with public and

Pew Research Center. And, although

usually do to keep up with demand.

private partners to ensure everyone,

the U.S. Department of Labor reports

Others have had to close completely

everywhere, has access to the safe,

that this number has now dropped to

because

their

healthy and nutritious food they need.

11.1 million, the economic effects of the

food supplies, or they don’t have the

By working with a vast network of

pandemic will linger for months – if not

manpower to operate them.

community partners, Feed the Children

to worry about their livelihood.

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they

have

depleted

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

15

Survey data can tell story of Grange

provides food and essentials, support for educators, and

with the materials they need to continue their education

disaster response to help children and their families achieve

during this challenging time. Our work continues this holiday

stable lives, while providing food and resources to help them

season as we plan to provide more than 1.2 million meals to

impact, may help capture grant funding

today.

people across the U.S. who are just trying to make ends meet.

You might be surprised that 80 percent of our standard

We will also be supplying hundreds of thousands of pounds

domestic work involves supplying community partners – such

of additional food and essentials to our network of community

as food pantries – with the bulk items they need to do their

partners to make sure their shelves are stocked to meet the daily By work.

By utilizing thisBrozana approach,Rios we can ensure At we the are sameincoming time, need. many All other with liimted access to we affordable, Amanda Leigh of these things give me hope that can organizations that have sprung up to tackle nutritious and fresh foods. reaching the children and families who need us. Perhaps overcome challenges as long as we keep working together. oneduring issue orthis another can pull information If your Grange is planning an event, is power.lessons we’ve learned one ofKnowledge the most valuable As a volunteer at a recent event noted, what we can offer together quickly about how many members outreach or some other program related And power is important when telling pandemic is the importance of adapting to the situation the activities community is tune hope. This is asecurity, tangible way we itcan have engaged in what to the to food you maythat report if it will the story of the Grange today. in real-time. By doing so, we’ve been able to help families make a difference during a time that can sometimes feel of how many dollars and hours. occur before the end of December 2019.

WIthout data, the National Grange across the country. hopeless.

Our structure has hindered our ability “We know most of our Granges do falls behind our younger peers - who Since March, Feed the Children has distributed more than relymore on voluntary some work infor the of food security,” often have “checkbook donor” members to do the same, so we Now, than ever, it’s important thearea nonprofit sector, 35 million pounds of food and essentials to more than 600 anecdotes and National Grange President Betsy Huber rather than active, “boots-on-the- response to inquiries, corporations, community organizations, government officials, community partners across America.

During recent months, ground” folks doing the work that needs composite sketches to try to tell potential said. “Participation by all of our Granges and food suppliers to come together to do good for those when delivery methods were not funders, available, our and the media just how in this survey will help us put that work partners to traditional be done to help their community who need us. We know that when we combine our efforts, we partners worked to develop and as innovative waysGrange of important outreach in its various already being done into perspective.

- when seeking funding new as well will have a greater impact. Surveys capture what your Grange is in small-town America. partnership opporunities. getting food and essentials into the hands offorms families that The pandemic hasa brought therecently importance work following page, we have such, The manyorganizations of the programs has done relatedoftoour food security need itAsmost. we’reand working On withthehave outreach initiatives central to the Grange are survey that if a large enough sample of or food literacy, specifically within to light as many families face unexpected challenges.

At the delivered food and daily household essentials in a variety of overlooked or considered less significant. responses are garnered will allow us to last 2 years.

The target date for surveys ways including door-to-door, by holding drive-through events organizations like Feed the Children, we work every day to We are unable to adequately show better show the impact of the Grange in to be completed and returned is June and some even had call-in numbers for individuals to request make a difference in the lives of children and their families. how our priorities are carried out and we relation to food security and food literacy. 30, 2019. these items. During this time, we’ve also distributed thousands And, thanks to our partners, we can continue providing help, cannot relay the details of the outreach It will also show if our Granges lie Surveys should be returned to the of pounds of Granges books and additional educational supplies to hope and resources. from local - the true strength of in food deserts and how they become National Grange office at 1616 H St. NW, cancommunities learn more about our work at educators and families across the country to provide students our organization. essential resources inYou those Washington, DCfeedthechildren.org.

20006, ATTN: Survey.

How are your neighbors doing?

6.9 Million rural Americans live below the poverty line 15% OF Rural Households StrugglE with Food Security

GRANGE

values

This ad was produced by the National Grange as part of our public service announcement series. This ad may be replicated so long as the Grange Values logo appears.

16 16

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™

www.nationalgrange.org

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SafeLink® is a registered trademark of TracFone Wireless, Inc. ©2020 TracFone Wireless, Inc. 9700 NW www.nationalgrange.org 112th Avenue, Miami, FL 33178. All rights reserved.

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COVID-19 contributes to uptick in opioid-related deaths

By Dr. Paul Christo John Hopkins Multidisciplinary Pain Fellowship Program Director Telemedicine and tele-mental health services have emerged as valuable resources for those battling addictions during our country’s expanding opioid crisis. The availability of remote healthcare services gives hope for those struggling with their addictions against a backdrop of social isolation, explains Dr. Paul Christo, an Associate Professor in the Division of Pain Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and he adds, clinicians need to advocate to their patients that online treatment options are available.

Dr. Christo, who is on the frontlines working to curb the impact of the opioid crisis, also wants patients to know that critical medications for maintaining sobriety can now be prescribed by telehealth or telephone.

“The number of fatalities from opioidrelated overdoses could be nearly 30 percent higher than reported due to missing information or incomplete death records,” he says. “The worst fear is that because of social isolation, people are not being

found or treated immediately.”

The opioid epidemic today progressed in three phases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The first involves deaths caused by prescription opioids, the second, an increase in heroin use, and the third, a surge in the use of synthetic opioids or fentanyl.

Experts say the U.S. is right in the middle of the third phase of the epidemic, due to the increasing availability of fentanyl and increasing rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids.

According to a recent study there were 632,331 drug overdoses between 1999 and 2016. Most of these deaths (78.2 percent) were drug overdoses with known drug classification. Moreover, 21.8 percent were unclassified drug overdoses. A further investigation revealed that for unclassified drug overdoses, 71.8 percent involved opioids, translating to 99,160 additional opioid-related deaths.

There were over 70,000 drug overdose

deaths in 2017, according to an estimate from the CDC. Based on findings from the new study, over half of those deaths — about 47,000 — are suspected of having involved opioids.

Another study on opioid overdoses found that the number of drug overdose deaths decreased by 4 percent from 2017 to 2018. In 2018, more than 67,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Almost 70 percent of those deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid.

“COVID 19 impacted the drug supply chain by closing borders on some regions, and it led to the higher death rate,” Dr. Christo explained. He added that drugs become more challenging to get, and the potency of overdose goes up. It also impacts the price, everything goes up, and in that sense, it becomes more deadly each day, according to Dr. Christo.

Dr. Paul Christo is the author of Aches and Gains, A Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming Your Pain and hosts an awardwinning, nationally syndicated SIRIUS XM radio talk show on overcoming pain called, Aches and Gains®.

National Grange hires part-time Program Assistant

By Amanda Brozana Rios

within smaller, family-owned businesses.

National Grange Communication & Development Director

Maryland, with her three children, and

She currently lives in Calvert County, veteran co-parent.

In September, the National Grange

Klingman said she enjoys spending

welcomed to its staff Kelly Klingman as

time with her children and her golden

a part-time program assistant for the

retriever.

headquarters office.

She

Originally from Florida, Klingman brings a wide variety of experience in

finance,

family

and

community” and admires the Grange’s long history of community service.

“I am immensely proud to have

administrative management to her new

been selected to join and learn from

role.

the National Grange and look forward has

resources,

values

and

Klingman

human

“deeply

spent

her

career

working with both large corporations and

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to supporting the National Grange’s mission,” Klingman said.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

RALLYING TOGETHER TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES The opioid epidemic continues to sweep through communities across the country.

The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) is working with The Grange to increase awareness of prescription drug misuse & connect rural communities with helpful resources to help prevent substance misuse and abuse

®

Learn more at raliusa.org GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

19

A plea on behalf of seniors: Renew and abide by safety protcols ourselves - by adding a weekly chat to

By Mark Gibbons

an older friend or relative to our call

President, RetireSafe

sheet. Consider asking for a bit of family history you’ve always wondered about,

There are approximately 50 million

talk about what places they used to

seniors, age 65 and older, living in

enjoy visiting in town when they were

the U.S. today. This population and

young or ask for a beloved recipe.

countless others that fall under the

There are so many ways you can

“mature adult” category are the most

use this time to make meaningful

at risk demographic for contracting

connections with older loved ones and

COVID-19.

provide a mental health boost to each

While stay at home ordinances may

of you.

be relaxing and stores are beginning

This rush to reopen the country and

to open, these individuals are still

abandon safe practices has left many

imprisoned in their homes or care facilities,

attempting

to

abide

aging adults feeling disposable, but

by

their needs should not be an after-

guidance from health professionals.

Unfortunately, as more retail opens and groups continue to gather in larger and more frequent masses, health and social-distancing precautions continue to diminish.

Yes, these are unprecedented and chaotic times. Everywhere, individuals are

grappling

thought.

for already vulnerable populations.

Seniors

have

seen

a

spike

in

depression since the onset of socialdistancing and that social isolation is now being felt tenfold as they watch others reunite from behind windows.

By continuing to ignore the health protocols and social guidance that

with the “new

should still be in practice, people are

normal”

and

only prolonging that loneliness and

what

that

the immense mental toll it will have on

means for their communities.

But

seniors.

America also seems to forget that

Quality of life is crucial to mental and physical health at every age and for seniors it’s more important than ever.

Seniors want to get out too! They want to see their families and hug their grandchildren.

Yet, acting on those desires comes with a cost, and for many that cost could be their life.

America must recognize that we are still grappling with a massive health crisis and only through renewed precautions and ultimately the discovery of vaccine

as

these individuals are dealing with other

nation

chronic conditions and need access to

to

medications and treatment. There are,

heal and move forward, everyone must

of course, larger policies that should be

remember that there are populations

enacted to improve access during this

protocols and abide by the rules our

still waiting to get their “normal” back,

time.

nation once clung to as a necessity for

our continues

if they ever can.

Expanding

in

home

treatment

I understand there are many issues

coverage under Medicare or ensuring

to solve in our country at the moment,

rebates are passed on to patients

but I also believe that our apparent

are both ways Congress can improve

amnesia of this global pandemic’s

will this problem finally come to an end.

That is why I call on our nation to renew its dedication to health and safety

the future. All of us owe it to our elders and to the nation as a whole.

RetireSafe is a grassroots advocacy

access to care and lessen the economic

non-profit

disastrous effects will lead to another

burdens this pandemic has created.

1991, RetireSafe’s mission is to educate

wave of coronavirus cases.

Ultimately, though, it is on us, as fellow

and advocate on behalf of Americans

citizens, to do our part.

on issues including Social Security,

This onslaught of new cases will only compound the issues our country has yet

Each of us can help solve the

to solve and create new more dire issues

crisis of isolation for our seniors - and

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

organization.

Formed

in

Medicare, health, safe retirement, and financial wellbeing.

Snacking safely: Food delivery services in time of COVID-19

By Kellie Jackson Intern, RetireSafe Food.

It nourishes our bodies and knits our communities together. Its recipes are passed down through generations.

Its smell beckons us to the table and makes our mouths water with the anticipation of a delicious meal heartily enjoyed and hopefully well-shared.

Whether it is hastily prepared for a potluck, thrown together for a casual dinner, or carefully crafted for a special occasion, the food we eat matters just as much as the people we share it with.

Yet, with the onset of a global pandemic, we must now consider an even more pressing component of dining in – how the food makes it from market-to-mouth.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic altered life as we knew it, it was easy to simply turn to our local grocery stores for all of our food needs.

However, as winter sets in and COVID-19 cases ebb and flow, it is important to be aware of the food delivery services available that will not only halt your hunger but protect you and your loved ones in the process.

Here are a few options that are sure to do the trick.

Sun Basket Notorious for the nutritional value of their meals, Sun Basket offers its customers a wide variety of options. Classic meal kits that require preparation are available along with fresh and ready meals for those who simply want to heat and eat. Sun Basket also offers Chef’s Choice meals for those special occasions that call for a fancier feast than your average Tuesday night dinner.

Sun Basket even accommodates customers who have special dietary restrictions by offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and even diabetes-friendly menus.

Recently, Sun Basket has expanded their menu beyond dinner to include tasty snacks and bold breakfast options as well. For those of you who value organic produce, responsibly raised meats and poultry, and sustainably sourced seafood, Sun Basket is the ideal choice for premium food and flavor.

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Mom’s Meals These high-quality meals, created by professional chefs and registered dieticians, arrive fully-cooked and ready-to-eat. Like other food delivery services, Mom’s Meals caters to dietary restrictions.

However, Mom’s Meals creates more detailed menus depending on the chronic conditions of the clients they serve.

For example, Mom’s Meals offers menus that specialize in heart, diabetes, renal, and cancer health. They even offer pureed options for customers who have difficulty swallowing.

Furthermore, Mom’s Meals offers specialized plans for customers with Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans, which is more inclusive and cost-aware for the assortment of customers that participate in meal delivery services.

Another notable characteristic of Mom’s Meals is that they can deliver anywhere in the country, meaning that geography is not a factor in whether or not your food makes it from the back of a delivery truck to your kitchen table.

Due to its extensive focus on feeding those with chronic conditions, Mom’s Meals is the prime choice for seniors.

Instacart This American company offers grocery delivery and pickup services in participating stores, so that you never have to brave the long lines or the perilous parking lots of grocery stores ever again.

Aside from having your groceries delivered, Instacart can also deliver pandemic commodities like toilet paper and hand soap in addition to other household items.

Instacart offers same-day delivery in as little as two hours, saving you time that is often wasted on a lengthy grocery store commute.

In addition to saving time, Instacart can also save you money because they offer exclusive coupons on hundreds of items. For those of you who are comfortable with cooking but wish to avoid the crowds, Instacart is a worthy choice for meeting all of your grocery needs.

Regardless of the food delivery service you choose, it is important to remember that you do have options for eating well during a pandemic – all of which are meant to keep you and your family snacking safely.

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How dairy farmers are protecting our planet Skaneateles, New York, maximizes his operation’s resources

Courtesy of BrandPoint A gallon of milk. Cream for our coffee. A pat of butter.

Whether you’re enjoying a yogurt on the go in the morning or family night at home with a cheese and veggie pizza, dairy has been an enjoyable and nutritious part of daily life for generations. Throughout that time, America’s dairy farm families have provided an essential service to nourish their communities, during good times or bad.

Did you know those same dairy farmers are also taking care of our planet? America’s 34,000 dairy farm families are directly connected to the land and have a long history of care for the environment and responsible dairy production. Since 2007, the entire dairy value chain worked together to reduce the carbon footprint of each gallon of milk by 19%, using 30% less water and 21% less land, as seen in the Journal of Animal Science (2017). Now, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, established under the leadership of dairy farmers and dairy companies, set aggressive, industry-wide sustainability targets for 2050:

with a combination of climate-smart practices. He uses an anaerobic digester to make cow bedding and crop fertilizer out of cow manure, and he also partners with an environmental group to ensure the water quality of New York’s Finger Lakes meets the highest standards for his community. As a result, the water quality surrounding his dairy farm has improved both downstream and upstream.

For Lloyd and Daphne Holterman, healthy cows and a healthy planet go hand in hand at Watertown, Wisconsin’s Rosy-Lane Holsteins dairy. They improved their production so cows can produce more milk per pound of feed, and the farm has not used antibiotics on its milking herd in over seven years.

Oregon’s largest dairy farm, Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, has little to no waste, thanks to its closed-loop system. Highlights from the dairy’s system: mint harvest byproducts are included in the cows’ feed; manure is used as fertilizer; and its anaerobic digester produces renewable natural gas. It powers natural gas vehicles on the farm, which

• Become carbon neutral or better;

reduce fuel emissions by 80% compared to diesel fuel.

• Optimize water use while maximizing recycling; • Improve water quality by optimizing utilization of manure

U.S. dairy farmers recognize the challenges facing our planet require more than just individual action. That’s why the

and nutrients.

Recognizing the challenges facing our planet, farmers

U.S. dairy community is building on a long-standing history

across the U.S. are adopting conservation practices, caring

of environmental stewardship and collaborating on ways to

for their cows, recycling water and some are even generating

accelerate the pace of continuous improvement to become

clean energy to help make dairy an environmental solution.

an environmental solution, ultimately laying the roadmap to

One such farmer, Dirk Young of Twin Birch Dairy in

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responsibly feed families for generations to come.

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Photos courtesy of the American Stamp Dealer Association The Oleomargarine Act of 1886 established an

annual tax on occupations concerned with the

manufacture, distribution, and retail sale of

oleomargarine. Payment of the $600 tax - a sum that

remained unchanged from 1886 until the taxation

ceased June 30, 1950 - was documented by a special

placard like this one, to be placed on display in the business.

An Grange early victory: The fight against ‘bogus butter’

By Alan Bjerga National Milk Producers Federation, VP of Communications

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director They called it “Butterine,” and it was the “innovation” of its times.

But it was an imposter.

Dairy fought its labeling chicanery, with outcomes that have benefited consumers ever since.

That’s why everyone should remember – and be thankful for — the Butter Act, something the Grange heavily advocated for in its early years.

Officially named the Oleomargarine Act, signed by President Grover Cleveland on August 2, 1886, it was one of the signature

The law required oleomargarine containers be marked with a form 219 label from the Department of Agriculture that clearly indicated the product, as well as the establishment number where the product was manufactured.

issues for those introducing the Grange and its potential to inform and influence legislators in the first quarter century of the Order’s existence.

After heated Congressional debate, what became remembered as the Butter Act of 1886 created what to this day remains the only standard of identity for a food product set by Congress rather than regulators.

It was also a precursor to the food-safety system that protects U.S. consumers to this day.

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At the time the food arena was marked by an utter absence of consumer protections from sometimes-deadly food swindles.

Honest dairy farmers struggled to protect their reputations from unscrupulous makers of products like “ swill milk ” – concoctions heavily adulterated to boost profits – and pathogen-bearing raw milk that sickened families in the days before pasteurization.

Enter margarine. Invented in France in 1869, mass production in the U.S. was quickly dominated by Chicago meatpackers (soon to be

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immortalized in a famous novel about their manufacturing practices — “The Jungle,” by Upton Sinclair) who saw a profitable use for previously wasted animal fat. Made cheaply and sold widely, margarine was promoted as a suitable butter substitute, even though its main similarity came from the yellow dye added as its natural coloring was similar to gray and did not resemble butter.

With no restrictions on marketing claims and no legal definition of what butter was and wasn’t, animal-fat purveyors intentionally blurred the line between butter and “butterine,” sometimes attempting to pass off what dairy advocates called “ bogus butter ” as real.

Dairy farmers worried that, over time, a lack of clear distinction would erode consumer confidence and create a less transparent marketplace. States began passing patchworks of laws regulating, taxing and identifying oleomargarine – sometimes by requiring it to be dyed pink.

But as the patchwork proliferated, a national solution was clearly needed.

The role of Granges during this time was essential in fighting the large margarine corporations that continued to fight for margarine to be on the shelves with butter. As early as 1881 the Grange was interested in discussing the “adulteration of foods” as first brought up by Michigan State Grange at the National Convention in 1881. This issue would again arise in Pennsylvania’s State Grange in 1886 when the state Grange unanimously voted to ban margarine. The Pennsylvania State Grange would go on later to bring this issue to their state legislators and lobby directly to their local politicians about this issue.

Congress debated.

The list of dairy’s and the Granges opponents included meatpackers; industries that didn’t think the government should regulate private economic activity, interstate commerce, agriculture or public health; and newspaper naysayers who wondered why dairy didn’t simply accept “innovation” and found butter disputes faintly ridiculous.

In the end, passage was overwhelming and bipartisan with opposition only from southern states as it was viewed as

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Photo courtesy of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearems First

Laboratory

Report

Sample

number 1, dated December 29, 1886, on display at the Federa Bureau of

Alcohol, Tobacoo and Firearms National

Labratory Center, concludes that the first tested sample is pure butter, not adulterated with oleomargarine.

government overreach.

Dairy won.

And by establishing a role for the federal government in regulating food, consumers won as well — in ways that would turn out to be much more profound than the simple differences between two products.

Twenty years later, spurred on by “The Jungle” – which exposed deplorable conditions among the same meatpackers who opposed the Butter Act – Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act , the foundation of today’s food-safety regulation.

Standards of identity that define what foods are and aren’t became accepted necessities for a fair marketplace. Product formulations became more transparent. And marketing claims that try to peddle one product by inappropriately implying it has the qualities of another were stifled by a federal government now empowered to protect consumers.

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As we reflect on the history of butter we cannot help but see history repeat itself.

Today many companies and organizations are fighting for the proper labeling of food as they appear. We see this in things from “almond milk” to vegetarian “sausage.”

This mislabeling can be considered false advertising and does not convey the true make up of these products.

While the move towards a plant-based diet can have some benefits, it is important to note that fillers like soy and corn often exist in these plant-based alternatives, and you might be better off just eating corn on the cob.

The history of the Grange and our role in agricultural advocacy is what has helped farmers across the country historically, and what continues to give us a mission today.

National Grange Betsy Huber said, ”As long as the Grange continues, farmers and those who live in rural areas will always have an advocate on their side. The fight that the Grange and fellow dairy farmers fought created a more honest food market that helped establish regulations in the name of public safety.”

Are consumers better off today knowing that butter is butter and margarine is margarine? Did the federal government, after decades of prodding, do the right thing in protecting product integrity and requiring clear labeling? Obviously, yes again. But none of it happened without sustained, sincere effort and lobbying of the Grange and fellow dairy farmers.

So next time you look in your refrigerator, remember how butter helped change the world.

Be thankful for the Grangers and the nineteenth-century crusaders who helped ensure it’s there for you. And remember how our responses to today’s challenges will shape tomorrow’s world.

Let’s celebrate the Butter Act and insist the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continue to hold the same standards they once believed to be a necessity in regulating the food/agricultural market. Let’s continue to label things as they are made and not label them according to marketing strategies.

Braver Angels works to bridge the political divide through dialogue

By Gary Abriem

the

well-being

and a peaceful transition of government

Treasurer, Sebastopol Grange #306, CA

of my neighbor.

regardless of who wins. Braver Angels

Can In the 2020 elections, tensions ran high. The conversation between both sides has taken on an alarming tone with polarization at what seems to be an alltime high. Division between family and friends on political views has strained relationships like never before. Buildings were burning across the United States, in Los Angeles my daughter lost her office.

Protesters in Portland were getting run over, fired on, beaten, and picked up in unmarked vans unknown if they were with authorities or not. Citizens were arming up to take on the roles of selfappointed law enforcement (vigilantes) at the polls. Campaigns across the country were fundraising astronomical amounts and utilizing social media as their main form of communication with voters. All

find

provides online listening skills trainings

common

and debates consisting of conservatives

ground and work

and liberals that are jointly moderated.

on

some

we

issues

that

Can Americans come together to hold

trust

and

America together and prevent the cold

Can

civil war from getting hotter? Grangers

we speak civilly to

can, we have, and we will. It is what we

each other as a nation? Nobody knows

do! The circle needs to be much larger

the answer to this question better than a

though.

build

friendship?

Granger and as our 155-year history can tell you, yes we can.

“Braver

Angels”

Before being an active member in Braver Angels, I had become so polarized

Better

that if I saw or heard the opposition, I

Angels) founded in 2017 right after

(formerly

would immediately change the station.

the election is an organization that

Even seeing a campaign sign of the

encourages

between

opposite party on a neighbor’s house

conflicting ideologies that exist in our

immediately created the belief that the

everyday lives. The founders created

neighbor was angry, ignorant, and did not

this organization as they recognized the

care about others. All these assumptions

political polarization gap in America was

based on one sign – and you know what

growing rapidly and wanted to help close

they say about assumptions.

dialogue

it. The goal of the organization was to

This clearly is not good. This thinking

encourage conservatives and liberals to

can make someone sick. It may not

come together to talk, safely share their

even be true, and I knew for a fact that

points of view, be listened to, respected,

unrelenting in the spheres of Facebook

it was unneighborly. But what can I do

and to find some common ground on

and Twitter.

I am just one person? So, despite my

issues they cared about with people from

initial reaction I went over to the “Trump

Amidst all this chaos the country had

across the aisle. From a place of trust

house”, and I left a note about meeting.

been burning. Living in Sonoma County in

and friendships, Braver Angels believed

The next morning, I got a call from the

Northern California I had been exhausted

this dialogue could happen. This is the

neighbor whom I left the note for and he

from the wildfires and constantly being

mission of Braver Angels.

revealed to me that his Trump banners

the while name calling whether fascist, white

supremacist,

racist,

anarchist,

anti-fa, socialist, communist had been

on alert. I did not need any more

Braver Angels’ work proactively seeks

were torn down that night. He was

inflammatory words or destruction in my

to bridge this very contentious divide by

troubled with what the country had come

life. It left me wondering what is going on

reaching out to people who have strong

to and how violence and politics had

here. Is the country coming off the rails?

opposing political beliefs. To join these

become synonymous. I was saddened

Have we, as Americans, lost our minds?

conversations takes courage as it often

too and near tears as was he about the

Whatever we are doing it is no longer

pushes us out of our comfort zone. Being

vandalism that took place. We continued

working and our democracy is on thin ice.

with people who think the same as we

to talk on the phone and found that we

With the election results can the winners

do only creates an echo chamber where

had much in common. We eventually

really have something to celebrate with

learning stops. Braver Angels knows that

made plans to get together and talk.

half the country unhappy and some

the political choir needs to get bigger,

The next morning, I had this strong

angry?

more diverse, and better behaved if we

desire to replace his Trump banner! As

are to continue political dialogue.

a Biden supporter in a highly contested

I see the need to embrace our differences and rise up to this enormous

Braver Angels seeks to unite the

campaign you can imagine the conflicted

challenge to keep the country together.

country with the statement Hold America

feelings I had, none the less I went to the

My politics needs to take a backseat for

Together and a pledge of nonviolence

local Republican office to buy one. The

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25

volunteer asked for my name for election regulation purposes

mutual concerns for our country, differing points of view, our

and asked my party affiliation and I said Democrat and politely

lives and of course his beautifully restored 1962 Chevy pickup

declined the offer to register as a Republican.

with 800+ horsepower (yes 800 HP). We agreed to meet real

Being a staunch Biden supporter buying a Trump banner definitely got their attention and started some good conversation among the office staff and myself. We talked about our concern

soon to take a picture together. As I was driving away, I yelled out to Billy if he would take me for a ride in his Chevy.

He paused and then grinned.

with the extreme polarization in the country. I eventually shared the work of Braver Angels and explained that their mission was to get both sides talking with one another, release steam in the kettle and find some common ground. It felt good to be there and for each of us to see that we did not have to demonize the other side and could be civil, respectful, and listen with an open mind.

After I left the office, I immediately called Billy, my neighbor,

Braver Angels is not here to change your mind, we are here to build relationships and promote conversations. Braver Angels is currently seeking more rural and/or conservative members to join these conversations so if you are interested in joining the conversation and current dialogues go to www. braverangels.org/hat/. We also offer a non-violence pledge that we all encourage you to take as we continue to combat political

and told him I had a surprise for him and asked if I could come

violence in the United States. I have learned a lot from being a

by.

member of Braver Angels and I hope you all consider joining “Did you get me a new banner?” Billy asked.

and do the same. As Abraham Lincoln once said “We are not

I didn’t answer him since I wanted to surprise him.

enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion

We got together and sat on his porch and talked about

may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection”

A plea to the new administration: Unite younger and older Americans

By Erica Baird & Karen E. Wagner

affects people 65 and under.

Luster.net co-founders

to give the people what they need.

For Vice President-Elect Harris:

4. Apply your problem-solving skills Most Americans, whoever they voted

1.

Diversity

brings

strength.

Remember that diversity includes age.

2. Pay heed to those politicians who

Now that America has voted in the

for, want the same

learned to be effective by listening to

oldest president ever in the U.S., how

things: an end to

their adversaries.

will age and decades of experience play

COVID, a good

a part in the decisions he makes for the

job, an excellent

country? And now that we have the first

education

woman ever to hold the office of vice

their children, a

president, what can the female POV

secure home and

finally bring to the equation?

three meals a day,

We would like to share six tips each for Biden and Harris to unite Americans

For President-Elect Biden: 1. Deploy the advantages of your

for

4. Channel the power of women to bring about a stronger America.

5. Break the stereotype that assertive women are “bitchy.”

not necessarily in

6. Encourage Biden to bring younger

that order.

by bringing younger and older people together:

3. Keep employing style to convey how a woman exercises power.

5.

Use

and older Americans together to serve your

gentle

diplomatic

the country.

approach to bring us together. Older people remember a “United States,”

Lustre.net is an online forum founded

and our hope is that our country can still

by Erica Baird and Karen Wagner, two

be a nation undivided.

New York City retired attorneys, who are

age. You have many decades of political

6. Call on older women. We shouldn’t

on a mission to redefine retirement for

and personal experience that allow you

be

untapped

modern career women by confronting

to think big.

demographic with huge intellectual and

outdated concepts, defying stereotypes

buying power that we typically don’t

and raising our collective voices to ensure

flaunt. We are here to enhance.

that retirement for all of us is shaped by

2. Listen to our cohort when an issue affects people 65 and over.

dismissed.

We’re

an

3. Listen to our cohort when an issue

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women, for women.

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Kelley Farm establishes Victory Garden, donates more than 9,000 pounds of produce to food bank

By Elizabeth Hiner Colorado State Grange Lecturer & Publicity Director People have been finding ways to come together to support each other during this pressing time – sometimes looking to the past for inspiration. Such was the case at the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm, owned and operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, when a victory garden was planted early on in the pandemic.

Victory

Gardens

were

prevalent

during the first and second World Wars as a way to have individuals provide for themselves and help share with other members of their community. This was especially important as shortages and rationing were a way of life. – something that many feared would return as the pandemic disrupted the food chain and people rushed to find certain shelves of their local grocery store bare.

In April, the Kelley Farm was closed to the public due to COVID restrictions, which caused a great challenge for the historic farm that includes animals and gardens.

Photo courtesy of the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm Facebook Page

Anders Mayland, the Kelley Farm site manager, said it was impossible to just close the doors and come back after

French breakfast radishes were grown at the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm in their victory garden and donated to the local food bank, Community Aide of Elk River.

quarantine was lifted because as with all farms, there is time-sensitive and daily

operational to servie the public when

opportunity to help with the ever present

work that must go on.

they opened for their limited season.

problem of food security. To this end

Husbandry needed to continue and gardens needed tending, in addition to regular maintenance of the grounds.

The Kelley Farm was able to keep a

“Every member of our team played

they retooled 1.75 acres of interpretive

an important role in supporting the

gardens, one on the homestead and

Victory Gardens,” Mayland said.

the other by the visitors’ center into the

limited staff who braved the elements,

In spite of the pandemic and its

and worked long hours to keep the farm

restrictions, the Kelley Farm staff saw an

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Victory Gardens.

Between the two gardens they were

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able to donate 9,070 pounds of fresh

use their seed starting carts to produce

to support their communities in time of

seasonal produce to Community Aide of

lettuce.

need,” Mayland said, noting that their

Elk River (CAER), a local non-profit with

They

food

decision to plant the garden and donate

see

to their community was a great homage

Much of the food grown in the

as an important part of their work

to Kelley, the Grange’s key founder and

gardens, such as parsnips, is normally

towards providing food security to their

original farmstead owner.

fed to the livestock at the site.

community and raising the profile of the

a food bank serving their community.

The focus was on growing modern

plan

contributions,

to

continue

something

they

historic working farm.

In an interview with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune,

Kelley

Farm

program

and heirloom varieties, which included

“Food insecurity may have become

specialist Mary Challman said, “The

root vegetables. They also cultivated

more apparent this year, but it remains a

history of gardening is the history of

leafy greens, such as lettuce, along with

persistent problem in many communities

Minnesota. To be part of that legacy is

squash, tomatoes, and beans.

throughout the country,” Mayland said.

such a special thing — and using that

Their main focus was to produce

In addition to the Victory Gardens,

crops that the community would find

the staff at the Kelley Farm has also

familiar

planted cover crops to regenerate the

and

feel

confident

about

incorporating into their daily meals.

“With

the

global

soil and provided additional grazing for

pandemic

the cows and sheep at the farm. They

presenting so many challenges, it has

have also taken this time to do upkeep

been truly gratifying to be able to

on the buildings and pathways along

keep gardening through the fall and

with the care and training for their draft

to support our neighbors through this

animals.

difficult time,” Mayland said.

Over the winter months the farm will

“Grangers throughout the country have a strong tradition of finding ways

legacy to support our community today, it was really a no-brainer.”

Overall, the Minnesota Historical Society saw a huge dip in revenue and had to lay off many staff across their various sites in the state. Nearly a fifth of all MHS revenue comes from admission fees from sites like the Kelley Farm.

Not all was lost, however, for the farm which allowed visitors on limited days, once restrictions were lifted. Mayland said on the first day where visitors were welcomed back, the farm saw a 75 percent increase in traffic beecause it was one of the few sites where families could come and explore in a safe, outdoor setting.

Mayland hopes that goodwill and renewed interest in agriculture and backyard gardening will lead to some donations to offset what the site lost in revenue through the pandemic.

He said gifts of money and seed are welcome and appreciated, but also said Grangers could work in their own communities to raise awareness and meet the needs of their neighbors.

“I would also encourage anyone hoping to make a difference to think about the challenges faced by folks

Photo courtesy of the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm Facebook Page Cabbage was a significant crop grown at the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm in their victory garden and donated to the local food bank, Community Aide of Elk River.

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closer to home. Consider planting your own community garden this spring and gifting some of the produce to a food pantry serving your area.”

Submitted Photo Marlys Halbeisen sitting in front of all the boxes filled with 40,000 Christmas cards to be sent to military members serving overseas from the local post office.

Colorado member organizes project to sign holiday cards, sends Grange info to a quarter of U.S. troops stationed overseas regarding the Grange and the Red Hatters.

By Elizabeth Hiner Colorado State Grange Lecturer & Publicity Director In the spirit of Christmas and this year’s theme of Cultivating Connections, the Darden Pomona Grange #1 in Colorado, along with other Granges around the state and some other groups and individuals, undertook a huge project for the USASOA (United Soldiers and Sailors of America).

The Grangers, along with the Scarlett Hatters, a chapter of the Red Hat Organization, along with a canasta group of organizer Marlys Halbeisen, and many other volunteers, signed 40,000 Christmas cards with a personalized message such as “God Bless You” or “Thank You for Your Service.”

Each card also contained a flyer and an insert with information

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This undertaking has been spearheaded for the past three yeasr by Halbeisen, a member of Maple Grove Grange #154, Wheatridge.

Halbeisen started with 2,700 cards sent in 2018, and quickly grew the operation to 18,000 cards in 2019. Her efforts more than doubled their reach this year, with cards for about a quarter of all U.S. troops stationed oversees.

That’s 40,000 cards, signed and sent - 35,000 of the cards purchased personally by Halbeisen.

Marlys shopped after Christmas in 2019 at three different stores and purchased the bulk of cards, then received card donations totaling 5,000 cards including cards from as far away as Barnes and Noble in New York City.

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This incredible Christmas Card Project was noticed by Denver Channel 7 and a news outlet in Brooklyn who both reported on this effort to bring the joy of the season to our service men and women.

This is a labor of love for Halbeisen, whose husband served in the military during the Korean War. “They’re not just getting a card,” Halbiesen said. “They’re getting a message from us saying ‘We care about you.’”

Since starting the project, Halbiesen has turned her home into a repository for all the cards to be sent at the end of each year.

The effort was almost hampered this year due to COVID-19.

Highly supportive of the effort, the Colorado

State

Grange

encouraged

all Subordinate Granges to have card

Submitted Photos

signing parties throughout the year. With

ABOVE: A few of the cards signed by

meeting restrictions, these gatherings

hand by organizer Maryls Halbeisen

were canceled, but Grangers still found

are displayed before being placed in

a way. Many of the cards were done by

envelopes and boxes to be shipped to

one or two members of the Granges that

the USASOA.

participated.

State

President

Cindy

Greer

LEFT: Each card included a brief letter

of

thanking the recipient for their service

Marvel Grange #479 sent more than

and introducing the Grange and Red

500 cards, more than 150 cards were sent from Margaret Crawley and other

Hat Society to them.

members of Florida Grange #306, and past National Vice President Jeannie Davies participated, along with her niece in Washington State, sending about 800 cards.

“Marlys Halbeisen is an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. She has taken an ordinary project of sending Christmas cards to those in the military to an extraordinary level,” Greer said. “She’s done most of the work herself and has allowed the Grangers in Colorado to assist.”

stack-by-stack, placed into USPS flat rate

the outlay for the cards and get her

shipping boxes that were then sent to the

started for 2021.

USASOA to distribute to members of the military.

If this is something that you or your Grange would like to be involved with,

“This is a project the Colorado

please consider signing a few cards with

Granges are proud to be a part of and

a message like “God Bless You,” “Thank

plan to continue as long as there is a

you for defending our freedom” or

need to send the cards to our military

“Thank you for your service,” then send

personnel who are away from home for

the signed cards to Halbeisen at 10650

the holidays,” Greer said.

West 45th Avenue, Wheatridge, CO

Greer said she had hoped to have

When the final total of more than

other Grangers from around the region

40,000 cards were packed and ready

sign cards at the Great Plains Conference,

to ship, Denver news station Channel 7

You may also contact the USASOA

but it, too, was canceled.

80033. You may also donate your unused, unsigned cards that will be put to use.

collected donations from viewers and

directly at usasoa.org or send a monetary

The cards Greer had taken for the

added to the total, to cover the $2,200 for

donation as each year there is a need for

conference did not go to waste. She and

postage for Halbeisen to send hundreds

additional funding for postage in order to

her family signed each and sent them to

of boxes to the USASOA. An additional

ship the cards from Washington, D.C., to

Halbeisen, whose collection kept growing

$3,000 was given to Halbeisen to cover

the troops overseas.

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Goldendale Grange must have its own Cupid

By Richard Lefever Vice President Goldendale Grange #49, WA Our Love Story started in the spring of 1911. Grangers from around Klickitat Valley had gathered to salvage what remained of Fort Blockhouse, a military fort from the Indian War era. Although a massive project the Granger’s planned to dismantle it, move the logs 8 miles to Goldendale and reassemble it at the Court House park. Once in its new location our Grange ladies would repurpose this rustic fort into a pioneer history museum.

Prior to the Civil War, General Grant, later to become President Grant, who was based at Fort Dalles about 30 miles south, stopped with his company of soldiers at Fort Blockhouse numerous times during the early Indian hostilities.

Catherine Locy, a 1905 charter member of Spring Creek Grange #162 was a staunch advocate of preserving pioneer history. She came to Klickitat County in a covered wagon as a 4-yearold child with her parents in 1864.

Catherine took a leading role in this restoration project. Her 22-year old daughter Helen was assisting with meal preparation in a rustic cook shack on wheels.

At some point during the project along comes Daniel Lefever, a member of No. 6 Grange #83, a 24-year-old bachelor, ready to assist. He arrives driving an impressive looking four horse team pulling an equally impressive wagon equipped for log hauling.

Prior to this day he had been living a comfortable life, by himself, pursuing his passion for breeding, training and selling horses to the US Calvary. With several international conflicts brewing in the early 1910’s, he was confident there would be a lucrative future in supplying

Submitted Photo Dan Lefever and Almon Dingmon are recognized as charter members of Goldendale Grange #49 in Washington and Golden Sheaf members in 1961. horses to the government.

His favorite breed, the American Saddle Bred, was the same breed used

by Generals Lee, Grant, Sherman and Jackson during the Civil War. As the hungry teamsters arrived for a traditional Grange style bountiful repast, confirmed bachelor Dan Lefever spotted young, attractive Helen Locy.

Our little Grange Cupid set his sights on this young couple.

Following the meal, according to family legend, Catherine spots her daughter sitting on top of a load of logs next to Dan, their eyes glued on each other and obviously in love. Catherine’s brief encounter with the young couple told her; better prepare for a new sonin-law.

After a short courtship, they were married and from this union came two

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

boys, James Locy Lefever (my father) and Fredrick Henry Lefever. Following their marriage, they transferred their membership to Goldendale Grange #49.

At Goldendale’s 50th anniversary in 1961, Dan was introduced by Washington State Grange Master, A. Lars Nelson as a Golden Sheaf Grange member and one of only three surviving charter members of Goldendale Grange. Helen had passed away a year earlier from cancer complications. They were just as in love the day Helen passed away as the day her mother spotted them sitting on a load of logs. They were in love for 49 years.

The significance of this Grange project was captured in the local Goldendale Sentinel newspaper dated June 15, 1911.

“At last the timbers of the Old

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Blockhouse have been moved. On Monday morning, this week a number of a prominent Grangers arrived at the corner of Grant and Court streets and all during the day the work of hauling the old timbers progressed. The first load was hauled by Jos. Stultz, others having teams and assisting with the work were: J.J. Dingmon, Will Wilkins, Dan Lefever and John Vanhoy.

“The timbers now are conveniently laying prior to rebuilding on a site selected in the city park.

“A fund will be secured to finance the necessary work of rebuilding the old blockhouse, when the work will immediately commence.

“This move is a popular one among the Granges, early pioneers and patriotic citizens. It will preserve, for many years to come, one of the most interesting landmarks for miles around, and one that figures largely in the early history of the community. The old fort protected the settler at one time and now these people are in turn protecting the old fort.

“A part of the timbers had been taken from the pile, we are told, but not

Dan and Helen Lefever celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary. enough to materially damage the reerection of the structure.”

The story of our second Grange couple starts 35 years later, in 1947.

James Lefever, son of Daniel and Helen, returned home from his war time job at Boeing Airplane Company in Seattle.

Jim always had a natural ability with anything related to music and in his spare time played in the band at various Grange dances.

One evening while playing his banjo

At noon, the men would break for where the ladies would have a hot meal waiting.

Ironically, Lucille Andersen, Jim’s “new significant other” happened to live next door to the old Grange hall.

Besides being attracted to Jim, her bread. A perfect fit for a future Grange wife.

Although not yet a Grange member

is an attractive recently widowed young

she joined the ladies in preparing meals.

mother with a 3-year-old daughter.

Fifty years later, she could still be found

Grange

Cupid

has

already

spotted this couple and is arming his little arrow for a second time.

in the Grange kitchen.

During their Grange career, they enjoyed participating in Grange degree

During the dance, they develop a fondness for each other.

After the

dance, Jim asks if he can take her

32

Grange Hall.

was introduced to Lucille Andersen. She

Our

of Goldendale Grange #49, Washington.

were building a new concrete block

other passion was cooking and baking

at a Centerville Grange #81 dance he

of marriage and many good times as part

As the relationship was evolving, Jim and other returning Grange veterans

lunch and return to the old Grange hall

He came back to run the daily single parent with two small children.

Jim and Lucille Lefever enjoyed 50 years

They were married a few short months later and to this union a new son Richard.

operation of the family farm. He was a

Submitted Photo

Submitted Photo

work at Pomona and State Grange meetings and held most offices in the local Grange.

home. Relationships progressed much

Jim’s all-time favorite Grange activity

differently in 1947 than they do today.

was acting as Santa Claus, an activity he

The couple that brought her emphatically

enjoyed for 12 years.

stated, “Jim, we brought her we’ll take her home.”

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Following the dedication of the new Grange Hall in 1948, the old hall was

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

to be sold. Lucille, had been studying

They

Yakima, Washington.

continued

their

Grange

the old Grange building and realized its

Linda Andersen, daughter of Lucille

participation as Matron and Patron of

investment potential if renovated into

and Jim, was Lady Assistant Steward, and

Goldendale Junior Grange. Under their

apartments.

Ervin Anderson was Assistant Steward.

direction the Junior Grange performed at the 1982 Washington State Grange

She and Jim purchased the building

Ervin attended Goldendale Junior

for $2,800 and together transformed

Grange since Pleasant Valley Grange

Convention in Yakima.

it into nice little apartments. There is

#146, didn’t have a Junior Grange.

girls, Lynn, Lisa, and Lori, all participated

Linda and Ervin developed a close

still a waiting list for these cozy little apartments 70 years later.

Time for the little Grange Cupid to strike a third time!

This relationship developed in Junior

on the state Grange degree team.

This is our three generation Grange

relationship during this early Grange work. This friendly, but very competitive

Three of their

love story.

Information

relationship continued throughout their

for

this

article

was

provided by family members while

time in school and in 4-H.

Grange. Goldendale Juvenile Grange

After Linda’s graduation in 1961, they

preparing the Lefever Family Grange

#51 had been asked to perform the

tied the knot and together managed

Legacy application in 2017. With my

opening flag ceremony at the 1952

Goldendale

grandkids we are starting our sixth

Washington State Grange Convention in

Equipment Company.

Hardware

and

Farm

generation in the Grange.

3 local Connecticut Grange members serve on broadband taskforce Sharon residents have taken online and which will now go out

By Jill Drew

in the mail to all other residents who have not yet completed it.

Member, Taghhannuck Grange #100, CT

The survey asks about the speed of their internet connections, It’s a widely known fact that rural areas of our country

their level of satisfaction with the service and price they pay,

like Sharon, Connecticut, are woefully underserved when it

the barriers they face to getting better service, and the quality

comes to reliable broadband internet service and cell phone

of their cell phone connections. That information will be used

connectivity.

to create a picture of current service in Sharon and will help

Advocates such as the Grange and political leaders have

its Selectmen decide about next steps to support better

been working for more than a decade to change this fact,

connectivity for residents. There is already support to add a

but it’s understandably difficult to attract big technology

broadband infrastructure project to the town’s five-year capital

companies to spend tens of millions of dollars to build cutting-

spending plan.

edge infrastructure in sparsely populated regions knowing that

In the short term, task force members are working with town

the return on their investment would be a fraction of what they

officials and local school administrators to get WiFi hotspots

could achieve in a city.

and cell phone boosters for families with students who need

Still, as more of our lives move online, especially during

better connectivity.

the pandemic when work-at-home for parents and distance

In the long term, it is exploring options for grants to raise

learning for students became necessities to protect our health,

funds for an engineering/feasibility study and business plan

the idea is growing that wiring everyone for broadband is akin

that would produce hard numbers to answer the question:

to what wiring homes for electricity was a couple of generations

what would it cost to wire all homes and businesses in Sharon

ago: a must-have for a functioning economy.

with fiber-optic cable or to use the existing cable internet

Three Taghhannuck Grange members are part of a small

structure and build out to locations that currently have to rely

task force called Sharon Connect that is gathering data to

on DSL or satellite connections? That infrastructure upgrade

help the town understand the needs of its residents for better

could transform the town’s economy, making it easy to work

connectivity and to become the basis for next steps to meet

from home, take online courses, participate in telehealth

that need. Before Covid-19 struck, the task force held its

appointments with medical specialists, manage farms more

meeting at the Grange Hall.

efficiently, and enable sophisticated home security features,

The task force has created a connectivity survey that 140

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among other benefits.

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33

CONNECTING AMERICA’S HEARTLAND “EPICTOUCH is a great place to be! As our former CEO Bob Boaldin often reminded us, “If you aren’t making dust, you’re eating others’ dust.”

We are definitely making dust as we work each day to offer superior broadband connectivity in both Kansas and Louisiana regions.”

– BECKY SCOTT, PRESIDENT, EPICTOUCH

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PICTOUCH President, and member of the USTelecom Leadership Committee, Becky Scott is at the helm of a family business that has provided communications services in rural Kansas for more than half a century. And for more than 20 of those years, the Elkhart, KS native has played a pivotal role in the evolution and innovation of EPICTOUCH as a best in class, community-centered, broadband provider.

EPICTOUCH is represented by a family-focused team of professionals dedicated to the company’s legacy and bringing state-of-the-art broadband connections to rural areas—truly neighbors connecting neighbors. Their commitment to community is, well, epic.

34

Today, the EPICTOUCH service area has grown from being a local telephone provider to a regional telecommunications provider, offering broadband connectivity to customers in parts of Kansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

Thank you, Becky, and all of our nation’s broadband providers, for connecting America’s heartland to today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s dreams.

Learn more at USTelecom.org

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

Ag education award sponsored by Foundation open to Granges, others Formerly known as the Ag Advocate Award, given annually

an awards ceremony. The approved expenses to be reimbursed

by National Ag in the Classroom and sponsored by the Grange

are only available to the award-winning group or individual and

Foundation, the Partnership in Agriculture Literacy Award is

cannot be used for family members or others traveling with the

now open to a wider variety of individuals and organization.

winner.

The award seeks to recognize a volunteer or organization that helps bring agriculture lessons to children and get them excited about all the field of agriculture has to offer and how it

Nominees are evaluated on a 100-point scale for the following: • Creation and Utilization of Agricultural Information: Developed a program or activity that effectively increased

shapes our everyday life.

The Partnership in Agricultural Literacy award celebrates

agricultural literacy and taught students or teachers about the

the best in agricultural literacy efforts, recognizing individuals,

importance of agriculture. Organized groups of volunteers and

organizations, programs, and events that embody innovation

combined efforts with other groups.

and advancement in agricultural literacy for PreK-12 students.

• Impact: The number of students and/or teachers

It recognizes excellence in agricultural literacy partnerships,

impacted by this program/activity, and the number of times

innovative solutions to challenges, and outstanding programs

students and/or teachers have been impacted.

• Program/Activity: The degree that this program/activity

and events that increase agricultural literacy in participants.

Eligible

nominees

include

agricultural

groups

or

organizations, such as the Grange, or employee(s) of such organizations; non-classroom educators, such as Extension specialists, museum educators or school garden volunteers;

supported the AITC mission and use of AITC materials and resources.

• Innovation: The level of creativity of the program/activity and the degree to which the program can be replicated.

and other individuals or groups serving in a voluntary capacity.

To qualify, an organization or individual must be nominated

Potential nominees include individuals, organizations, or

by the National Ag in the Classroom state affiliate. If you

groups who promote grades PreK-12 educational experiences

believe you, your Grange or someone in your community

in and through agriculture by addressing one or more of

should be considered for this award, you may contact Joan

the following themes of the National Agricultural Literacy

C. Smith, National Grange Foundation Board Chairwoman

Outcomes, including agriculture and the environment; plants

and Washington, D.C. State Contact for National Ag in the

and animals for food, fiber and fuel; food, health and lifestyle;

Classroom. She can provide you contact with your NAITC state

science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); and culture,

affiliate and assist in making an introduction.

society, economy and geography with a focus on agriculture.

Nominations must be made by the NAITC State Affiliate

The winning group or individual will receive a $500

by no later than February 26, so get your information together

honorarium and up to $1,500 in approved expenses for a

and contact Smith as soon as possible or begin a conversation

group or individual to attend the National Agriculture in the

with her about how you, your Grange or a volunteer you know

Classroom Conference, where the award will be presented at

may be a great option as a 2022 nominee.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

35

Grange Foundation hires new fund development director the animal health field, currently reside in

By Kennedy Gwin

Orlando, Florida, where they enjoy many

National Grange Intern

outdoor activities like bicycling, golf, and Foundation

flyfishing for trout. Together they have four

board concluded its search for a fund

children, Andrea, Jonathan, Derek, and

development director with the early-

Michael.

The

National

Grange

Joan

December hire of Donny Oleniczak.

donations should greatly enhance current

his last name (pronounced ola-knee-check)

programming of the Grange Foundation

– will be working on a part-time basis to

and allow the Foundation to better fulfill its

secure donations from corporations and

mission and support the outstanding work

providing some grant-writing in order to

of Granges across the country.

bolster programs under the Foundation.

“We are extremely pleased to be able

Oleniczak is retired, but brings many

specifically related to crop protection sales and account management with Bayer Crop Science as well as other legacy companies.

He has worked with row crops, fruits, vegetables, and worked for a short time in

to work with Donny, who will be able to use “The Grange Foundation is a good fit for me both personally and professionally.

I have always worked in agriculture, and I am extremely passionate about it,” Oleniczak said.

He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and holds a bachelors degree in Crop

the realm of cotton.

Board

development director to seek outside

O” because folks sometimes stumble over

37 years in the field of marketing,

Foundation

President, said the addition of a fund

Oleniczak – who often goes by “Danny

years of experience to the job, including

Smith,

his contacts and experience to advance the Foundation,” Smith said, calling the move the next step in a slow build to modernize the nonprofit entity.

Previously,

the

Foundation

board

engaged consultant Randy Bernhardt to prepare a variety of standard fundraising documents and provide assessment of the

as

Science and a masters degree in Weed

a consultant with a crop protection

Science and Herbicide Physiology from

financial firm to assess and make changes

management company in New Haven,

Michigan State University.

to the Foundation’s investment portfolio to

Previously,

Florida.

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Oleniczak

worked

He and his wife, April, who works in

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Foundation’s needs, and worked with a

provide greater return.

Recognition a must to keep new, active members engaged

By Joe Stefenoni National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director As another year closes, Granges all across the country are wrapping up events and planning a program of activities for the upcoming year.

Part of the plan of events for your Grange’s activity over the next year should be recognizing the efforts and achievements of its members, both of

“Especially with younger generations, giving tangible recognitions is an effective way to create a culture that encourages participation and future development.”

service and longevity.

As Grangers, we are accustomed to

recognizing

major

milestones

of

membership such as Silver Star (25 year)

is an effective way to create a culture that encourages participation and future development.

Part of what makes an award impactful is the way it is presented.

Peer recognition is an important part of

and Golden Sheaf (50 year) awards. We

Awards do not need to be elaborate or

the presentation, and presenting awards

should also be taking the time to recognize

expensive but should be appropriate and

when friends, family and colleagues of

both smaller milestones of membership

presented with sincerity. Tangible awards

the recipient are present add a degree

(i.e. 5, 10 and 15 years) and acts of service

and recognition are the most effective

of impact. Additional impact of an

to the Grange and community, like

way to say, “thank you” or “good job.”

award can also be established by who is

200 hours of community service or 100 percent meeting attendance.

Presenting tokens of recognition helps

The key to successful membership recognition is selecting the appropriate awards.

to build a sense of appreciation, a sense

When deciding what kind of award to

of community and shows others that

give, keep in mind that an appropriate

efforts and actions by Grange members

award is:

do not go unnoticed.

Why is recognition important?

The Grange is an organization led and driven by volunteers who dedicate their time to promote the good work of the Grange; sometimes spending early morning, late nights or weekends working for the Grange.

Tangible recognitions of contribution

1.

Representative

of

what

is

accomplished 2. Consistent with the purpose and image of your Grange 3. Right for the level or importance of the achievement 4. In line with your Grange’s budget Awards should also be something that members can use and/or share with

are an effective way to thank volunteers

others.

for their efforts, motivate members to

For

certain

awards/recognitions,

presenting the award and what dignitaries are present.

Many

Granges

have

an

annual

evening where they recognize community members who have made contributions to the area or present awards for the teacher, firefighter and law enforcement officer of the year. These community nights are the perfect opportunity to recognize and show appreciation for the efforts and tenure of Grange members.

While we are still in a state of flux in regard to in-person gatherings, these community and member recognitions easily lend themselves to a virtual format.

Granges should be finding it more

higher levels of achievement, give a sense

stepping away from traditional plaques

comfortable to hold their regular meeting

of belonging to something important and

or certificates would be good, instead

virtually or with a virtual element. Hosting

establish your Grange as a valuable entity.

choosing to present branded coffee

a virtual recognition event on Facebook

The most successful organizations

mugs, travel mugs, notebooks, USB flash

or YouTube is a simple and effective way

are those that have programs in place to

drives, water bottles, etc. Our official

to continue promoting your Grange,

regularly recognize those who give to or

Grange store has a number of items that

building

work for them. Especially with younger

would be appropriate for any level of

members and attracting new people to

generations, giving tangible recognitions

recognition.

join your Grange.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

a

community

among

your

37

Honoring THE BUILDERS OF OUR

GRANGE MILESTONES 125 YEARS CONTINUOUS SERVICE ®

L egacy

• Cuba Grange #799, New York

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES 80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

Maine • Hazel Cross, Dirigo #98

Colorado • Loeda Westphal, El Paso #480 Connecticut • Diane Godin, Beacon Valley #103 • Raine Pederson, Riverton #169 • Gail Prelli, Riverton #169

New Hampshire • Irene Lynde, Concord #322 New York • Wilma Dodge, Pierstown #793

Delaware • Sam Porches, Reliance #58 • Warren Saunders, Reliance #58 • Ray Tull, Reliance #58

Ohio • Carlos Hancher, Neelyville #299 Pennsylvania • Lynn Corl, Logan #109 • Jean Fegley, Fleetwood #1839

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Maine • Elizabeth Russell, East Madison #228 New Hampshire • Rodney Huntoon, Blazing Star #71 • Irene Lynde, Concord #322 • Linnia Riley, Harmony #99

Massachusetts • David Smallman, West Boxford #140 • Jacalyn Snow, Laurel #161

New York • Barbara Roe, Otisville #1020

Michigan • Dennis Flanders, Home #129

Ohio • Antoinette Bristol, Oxford #2211 • Martin Daugherty, Keene Hil #1602 • Marie McGregor, Little Muskingum #2621 • Charlotte Wagner, Waterford #231 • Ruth Waldock, Oxford #2211

Nebraska • Darlene M. Janing, Geneva Community #403 • Richard C. Janing, Geneva Community #403 New Hampshire • Dorinda Jenelle, Lower Intervale #321 • Arthur Merrill, Antrim #98 • Alesa Reynolds, Lower Intervale #321 • Nancy Scothorne, Lower Intervale #321 • Tricia J. Taylor, Blazing Star #71

Pennsylvania • Charlotte Henretty, Hayfield #800 • Gordon Hiller, Eagle #1 • Harry D. Keith, Lincoln #914 • Grace Shollenberger, Fleetwood #1839 • Glenn Wertman, Delaware #1895; Eagle #1

New York • Patricia Mohr, Lincoln #122 • William Mohr, Lincoln #122

Washington • Jennell E. Branson, Moran Prairie #161

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Maine • Priscilla Beedy, New Norland #580 • Peter Curra, Dirigo #98 • Deborah Day, Mt.Etna #147 • Leroy Day, Mt.Etna #147 • Catherine Edgerly, East Madison #228 • Beatrice M. Griffin, North Scarboro #495 • Gregory R. Johnson, Wales #40 • Janice Kent, Benton #458 • Richard Lawrence, Benton #458 • Sandra Lawrence, Benton #458 • Linda S. Sherman, Wales #40

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Ohio • Janet Barnett, East Plymouth #1548 • Carol Christ, Jefferson #1311 • Dale Christ, Jefferson #1311 • James Dalzell, Neelyville #299 • Bernard Moore, Smith #1141 • Margaret Moore, Smith #1141 • Paul Schonauer, Keene Hill #1602 • Lorene Schonauer, Keene Hill #1602 • Joan E. Scott, Beach City #2442 • Brenda Short, Neelyville #299 • Sandra Wintz, East Plymouth #1548 Oregon • Beverly Doscher, Forest Grove #282 • David Dober, Forest Grove #282 • Michael Jenks, Central #360

Pennsylvania • David H. Brunner, Dayton #1819 • Linda Clapper, Logan #109 • William Corson, Eagle #1 • Barbara Friese, Eagle Grange #1 • Leonard J. Heim, Trexlertown #1755 • Robert Hively, Eagle #1 • Sharon Mayer, Fleetwood #1839 • Doris Messersmith, Eagle #1 • William Messersmith, Eagle #1 • Fred Murray, Eagle #1 • Jo Ann Murray, Eagle #1 • Nelda Snyder, Dayton #1819 • Sandra M. Stump, Fleetwood #1839 • Ronald Waltz, Eagle #1 • Paul Wertman, Eagle #1 • Lois Wertman, Eagle #1

Washington • Jennell L. Branson, Moran Prairie #161 • Linda Burfening, Willapa Valley #527 • John Gardner, McMillin #848 • Donna Graham, Lopez Island #1060 • Valree Gayken, Moran Prairie #161 • Ida Laurie, Okanogan #1103 • Eugene McClellan, Okanogan #1103 • Robert Merkel, Willapa Valley #527 • Dean Oldenburg, Mayview #133 • Norma Samis, Moran Prairie #161 • George Scharff, Bluestem #776 • Joy Schneider, McMillin #848 • Allen Scholz, McMillin #848 • Terese Scollard, Columbia Valley #938 • Lawrence Warrener, Centerville #81 • Clifford Whipple, Willapa Valley #527 • Delbert Workman, Willapa Valley #527

Welcome & warmest wishes to our New Charter Members EAST COUNTY #864, CA [Organized Oct. 13 by Danica James] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Amy Merriman Monica Ferris John Ferris Lisa Ferris Marianne Merriman Daniel Merriman Cody W. Merriman Jason C. Merriman Matt Bernatz Jeni Bernatz Caleigh Bernatz Marie Hanna Todd A. Hanna Faith A. Hanna Natalie A. Hudson Natalie Larsen

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ava E. Larsen Cherlyn Meas Salyn Meas S.A. Meas Bonnie LaChappa Kirsten Banegas Danica James Mike James William James Deanna Milton Joshua J. Milton Emilia M. Milton Kirk M. Ochalek Kate J. Ochalek Reagan Ochalek Dominic M. Ochalek

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Makayla P. Rogers Michael P. Rogers Toni M. Bagalini Rogers Cameron T. Bagalini Rogers Rupert Pedrin, Jr. Vivian Pedrin Lysandra Pedrin Erin Shea Kerin M. Shugart James A. Shugart M. Blaine Shugart Willy James Maravel James Kelcie James Ethan James Kim Wagner

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Antonio Alvarado Martinez Jose Virrey Cristal Virrey Isabella Virrey Carlos Mejia Wendy Mejia Joshua Mejia Steven Mejia Carlos Mejia Jr. Roberta Ortiz Benjamin Morales Harold Gabriel

• • •

David Wagner Karstin Wagner Kennedy Wagner

JR. 1+ CHARTER MEMBERS • Emma Billeter • Weston C. Merriman • Samantha Merriman • Sawyer J. Merriman • Emilie J. Hudson • Matthew D. Hudson • Lauren M. Larsen • James L. Milton • Morgan C. Ochalek • Madilyn Pedrin • Katie Shea

LUCERNE VALLEY #673, CA [Organized Oct. 24 by Kent Westwood and Joe Stefenoni] • • • • • • • • • • • •

Jon J. Console Dari Diaz Victoria Rodriguez Chelsea Shephard Adriano Rodriguez Gina Rodriguez Edwardo Rodriguez Edward Rodriguez III Yvette Rodriguez Octavio Ruiz Maricela Serrano Hazel Hernandez

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Michael Lawheal Alyssa Rodriguez Francis Vallejo Mary J. Barry Frank E. Barry Antonio Ramirez Patricia Rodriguez Devin William Barthold Robert St. Marie Evelyn St. Marie Joseph Rodriguez Marlenne Rodriguez

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

• • • •

Ruth Gabriel Patrick Gabriel Allissa Gabriel Buddy Gabriel

JR. 1+ CHARTER MEMBERS • Madelyne Rodriguez • Lilyanna Rodriguez • Natalie Ruiz • Alinna Rodriguez • Joseph Rodriguez Jr. • Joseph Virrey • Benjamin Virrey

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Welcome New Members to the Grange Family Abernethy #346, OR • Dean Mckay (Jr. 1+)

Brunswick #1337, NY • Deidna Wilson

Ada #570, OR • Terry Elliott

Butternut Valley #1533, NY • Jean Wargo • Mark Muller • Larisa Waghorn

Aloha #773, OR • Lax Darlame Animas Valley #194, CO • Sally Bellerue Ash Butte #802, OR • Gina Symons • Buster Stoddard • Larry Mcnamee • Brandy Mcnamee • Chris Carlgren • Melissa Carlgren • Carson Carlgren (Jr. 1+) • Kellen Carlgren (Jr. 1+) • Addy Mcnamee (Jr. 1+) • Avery Mcnamee (Jr. 1+) Bath #294, NY • James McGlynn • Karen McGlynn Bayard #1878, OH • Morgan Brown Bellview #759, OR • Megan Holmes • Obed Medina • Sharon Schmidt Bethel #404, WA • Gabriel Salter • Shannon Cuss Bethlehem #137, NY • Shirley Eck • James Frueh Big Knob #2008, PA • Noah Carney • Zachary Carney • Gregory Kline • Brock Merryman • Gianni Netherland • Jack Parrish • Denton Wright • Zachary Bundy Blue Mountain #263, VT • Sandy Beck • Matthew Troiano • Sarah Troiano • Joseph Mahr Brownsmead #822, OR • Chuck Anderson • Ned Heaucinnich

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Cedar Valley #306, WA • Kay Corbett Center #290, VT • Ginny Vieu-Weightman • Terry Weightman • Emily McFadden (Mason) • Donna Sullivan Charlotte #398, VT • Mike Walker • Carol Owen • Clay Owen • Julia Gilbert • Linda Hamilton • Michael Russell

Harry Hussey Bruce Darling Eugene Raymo

Corfu #142, NY • Aurilla Putney Corinth #823, NY • Jeane Brennan • Bill Brown • Allan Clugston Creswell #496, OR • John Freshwater Curriers #1273, NY • Molly Egloff • Nicole Kimpel Cuyler #449, NY • Joline Harlow Deer Lagoon #846, WA • Anna Peterson Dublin #1409, OH • Dakota Herran

Collinsville #2264, OH • Jerrin Scott Colonel Harper #1508, NY • Patricia Hornbeck • Thomas Hornbeck Columbia #267, OR • John Jordon • Angela Kimpo • Jonathan Mohler • Maia Price • Nina Price

Dudley #163, MA • Maureen Doyle • Gus Steeves Eagle Creek #297 • Nicole Davenport • Chris Loomis • Jane Kelley Eagle Valley #656, OR • Teena Thomas

Copake #935, NY • Diane Valden • Julie Cohen • Rita Jakubowski • Jennifer Redman • Raymond Schmidt • Jeffrey Judd • Lois Lovisolo • Susan Vaughn • Bridget Johnston • Louise Shelton • Jacqueline Fallon • Sharon Luchow • Seth Fallon • Jim Mackin • Jed Luchow • Joan Sachs • Lindsay Lebrecht • Zita Kobos • Judith Church • Cecele Kraus

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• • •

East Freetown #307, MA • Christopher Lambert Elba #783, NY • Eileen Corcoran • Andrew Corcoran • Anna Roth Enterprise #489, OR • Brenda Gordon • Rick C. Gordon

• • • • • • • • •

Stuart Knight Zachary Winkelman Kirk Van Gelder Jodi Van Gelder Tom Hanson Natcha Hanson Josiah VanGelder Hannah VanGelder Benjamin VanGelder

Fernwood #770, OR • Amy Gaffke • Carrie Jones • Ethan Jones • Nuno Louie • Austin Ruiz • Dana Speer Ferrisburg #539, VT • Inez Martel Finley #414, WA • Duane Morton • Kevin Morton • Wayne Vertz • Nellie Vertz • E.A. McColley • Randall Vertz • James Vertz Florissant #420, CO • Stacy Street Fort Colville #533, WA • Minnie Kenyon Fredonia #1, NY • Jill Wiltsie Freedom Plains #857, NY • Alice Holzmann • Jaclyn Holzmann • Richard Sassi • Rod Smith Garfield #317, OR • Diane Ward

Fairmount #252, OR • Hayley Boss

Gibson #798, PA • Earl Cottrell • Tashia Shay • Judy Sartell • Jennifer Sartell • Mary Gray • Charlotte Sidorski • Edward Sidorski • Diane Burman • Elaine Burman • Elaine Wood

Fern Prairie #866, WA • Donald Parks

Golden Gate #451, CO • Misti Hopson

Eureka #46, NY • Andrew Cooper • Brian Manktelow • Donald Vogler • Jeremiah Wigfield Evening Star #154, VT • William Collins

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• •

Kendrick Hopson Carl Verschuler

Goldson #868, OR • Patrick Leonard Gouglersville #1743, PA • Jess Mills • Keith Reichard • Regina Reichard • Steve Jones Greenwood Park #590, WA • Juanita Curnett • Daniel Baker • Ginger Lusfor • Dennis Tennent Groton #7, MA • Andrew Scott Hanover #206, MA • Christopher Gueli Hartslog Valley #375, PA • Jacqueline Clabaugh • Ronald Clabaugh Humptulips #730, WA • Jacquelyne Brownrigg • Jean McLucas • Tessa Taft Inavale #1248, NY • Richard Hamphire • Ann Hamphire Inland #780, WA • Lloyd A. Vaughn • Heidi Vaughn Irving #377, OR • Clark Kent • Aurora Stacy • Aurora Stacy (Jr. 1+) • Dustin Stacy (Jr. 1+) Jasper #523, OR • Aida Lough Jefferson #1311, OH • Mackenzie Herrick • Makenzie Brown Junction City #744, OR • Jeromiah Igou Lacomb #907, OR • Carly Giddens • Abby Giddens Lincoln #122, NY • Kendra Jacobs Lincoln Creek #407, WA • Gayle Richied • Gary Richied

Long Branch Community #2072, PA • Budd Cook Maple Valley #450, VT • Colleen Goodridge Marble Valley #567, VT • Pam Brown Marvel #479, CO • Billy Greer Marys River #685, OR • Catherine Biscoe • Dewayne Irvin • Gwen Irvin • Penelope Irvin • Veronica Irvin • Paul Regan • John Sarna McMinnville #31, OR • Vern Park

Milton #685, NY • Charlie Schwartz • Graham Schwartz • Sander Bonvell • Cathy Hoff • Tim Hoff • Jessmyn Schwartz • Matt Schwartz • Nathan Kemmerling Mohawk-Mckenzie #747, OR • Karen Howard • Steve Howard Molson #1069, WA • Sharon Jackson Mountain Valley #79, WA • Susan Malinowski • Melvin Malinowski North Barton #45, NY • Anne Matthews • Cody Benson Norway #45, ME • Birdina Whittemore • Sylvia Grover • Scott Johnson • Jeff Stuhr • Holly Stuhr • Patricia Ingersoll • Katherine Bessey • MaryJo DiBenedetto

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Ross #305, NY • Tom Baire

Patit Valley #1039, WA • Connas Hutchens

Samish Valley #926, WA • Lea Lawrence

Penn Yan #1178, NY • Martha Mayo • Don Parker • Dale Anderson

San Juan Island #966, WA • Michaela Traynor • Marilyn Gresseth • John Gresseth • Raeleen Hunter • Pete Nelson

Perthshire #1445, NY • Rev. Donald Washburn • Daniel Mead Pierstown #793, NY • Carolyn Hopper • William Richtsmeier

Sandy Creek #127, NY • Ami Aronson Schenevus Valley #1201, NY • Carol Kenyon

Pittsfield #14, MA • Nick Langer

Siletz Valley #558, OR • Sara O’Neill

Pleasant Park #156, CO • Virginia Temmer

Silver Lake #105, WA • Sasha Olsen • Karen Stanley

Pleasant Valley #1074 PA • Bailie Rutherford

Millers Mill #581, NY • Alexis Hooker • Mitchell Hooker

Oxford #894, NY • Mary Anderson

Painter Creek #1923, OH • Alexis White

Pleasant Valley #1453, NY • Lori Hepburn • Jim Hepburn Poultney Valley #273, VT • Dakota Marshinkowski • Cynthia Cormia Quimper #720, WA • Jill Hamilton Ravena #1457, NY • Rosemary McHugh • Kimberly Sands • George McHugh Red Lion #1781, PA • Julie Yahne-Schrum Rexville #815, WA • Rick Anderson • Jane Anderson • Scott McKnight • Kelly McNight • Jon Thulen • Debbie Thulen Rhinebeck #896, NY • Marie Dynes • Julia Boomer • Kevin Curry • Suzanne Holzberg Rockford #501 OR • Fiona Larsen • Pamela Larsen • Robert Larsen • Miko Ruhlen

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South Camano #930, WA • Carol Falls • Anne Ralston Stanford #808, NY • Anthony Deyoe • Ashton Grom • Ryan Grom • Brittany Shepherd • Sarah Griffin • Alex Bass • Julian Couse • Frank Pepe • Claudia DeBellis • Eric Teves Stillaguamish #1058, WA • Igor Ribeiro Dias • Kenneth Hartsock • Kristi Hartsock Stony Point #1694, PA • Sarah Snyder • Brooklyn Bayles Sunflower #162, CO • Ghislane Griswold • Scott Hopson • Hugh Maclennan Taft Settlement #473, NY • Louise Metras • Joseph Metras • Samuel Metras • Gianna Metras Thurston #853, OR • Louellen Lambert • Richard Lambert

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Tiverton #1515, OH • Dilyn Tumblin

Veteran #1108, NY • Gloria Campbell • Scott Mcgrain

Westport #181, MA • Cynthia Jeffrey • Judy Mulrockey • Jeffrey LaValley • Sarah LaValley • Ben LaValley • Peter LaValley • Julia LaValley

Villenova #604, NY • Terri Smith • Haley Wawrzyniak

Westville #540, NY • Eric Watson • Kathy Proper

Unity #1710, PA • Brea Rutledge

Willamette #52, OR • Lilly Anderson • Bill Barlow • Karen Josephson • Kelly Mcelroy • Jan Medlock • Hal Noble • Stoel Peter • Sally Shaw • Anabelle Thompson • David Thompson • Nate Thompson • Robin Thompson • Jill Vanburen

Ware #164, MA • Richard Donati • Robyn Donati

Williams #399, OR • Sarah Gerbing Yorktown #862, NY • Matthew Manacher • James Sasso • John Bell • Elizabeth Ciffone • Patricia Murphy • James Murphy • James Sasso Jr. • Ann Marie Sasso • Kristen Mason

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 emailing Joe Stefenoni at membership@nationalgrange.org or calling (707) 328-0631.

NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15

MEMORIAL NOTICES MARY BUFFINGTON

Past National Lecturer & National Women’s Activities Director Mary R. Buffington, National Women’s Activities director 1980-87, National Lecturer 1987-95 age 89, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, passed away on December 7, 2020, at Somerford Place, Newark, Delaware, where they took wonderful care of her.

She was the loving wife of the late William Buffington whom she married on April 18, 1951.

Mary was born in Ridgway, PA. She was the daughter of the late James D. Reilly, Jr. and the late Julia O’Connor Reilly.

She graduated from West Chester High School and Goldie Beacom College.

Mary was a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where she attended daily mass and served as a Eucharistic Minister often.

Mary was also a member of Kennett Grange for 66 years and held many offices

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at the local, county, State and National levels. Her last position held was National Program Director from 1987-95. She was the only non-delegate elected to National office. Mary was a wonderful public speaker and could make everyone feel welcome.

She was never at a loss for words.

Mary was a world traveler. She and Bill traveled all over the United States and to Pakistan, China, Russia and Italy. Her favorite place to visit was Ireland having traveled there many times.

Mary also loved her community and was very active with Kennett Area Community Service for many, many years.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She is survived by daughters Kathleen Shappell (Bob, who is deceased) and Virginia Ramirez (Ken). Mary also has five grandchildren, Michael Steele

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

(Lisa), Amy Vandercapellen (Butch), Brian Shappell,

Andrew

Buffington

(Kristen)

and David Buffington, and three greatgrandchildren with another one on the way.

She was preceded in death by daughters Lois Steele (Jim), Susan Buffington and son Phillip Buffington (Laurie).

Cards and condolences may be sent to Virginia Ramirez, 720 Norway Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 and Kathleen Shappell, 5 Newfield Court, West Grove, PA 19390.

DALLAS CHANEY

Past Idaho State Grange President Dallas Elmer Chaney, Past National Delegate, and longtime resident of Kuna, Idaho and Adrian, Oregon, passed away September 11, 2020 in the care of family in Wilder, Idaho at the age of 81.

Dallas was born on July 17, 1939 in Nyssa, Oregon to Horace F. Chaney and Eliza Angeline “Angie” Gifford Chaney as the sixth of 11 children. He grew up on the family farm along the Snake River near Adrian where he fondly recalled childhood summers he and his brothers spent riding the family’s range right in the Owyhees and bunking each night at their cattle camp near Succor Creek. Relieved of his farm duties due to a broken arm caused by a runaway team of horses, Dallas attended church camp one summer as a child where he first accepted Christ.

After graduating Adrian High School in 1957, Dallas married Ruth Bishop and bought property near the Chaney family farm where they raised cattle, sheep, and pigs. Dallas especially enjoyed his time as a 4-H leader helping the couple’s three children and others with their livestock projects. While still working on the farm, Dallas auctioneered for area livestock auctions and later took a job with the J.R. Simplot Company where he worked for years as a supervisor in their potato plants in Caldwell and Hermiston, Oregon. Dallas and Ruth later divorced.

Dallas married Judith Teter in March 1980. In 1986 Dallas moved to Kuna, Idaho to work as farm manager for an area dairy. He enjoyed supporting his younger children’s interest in music and livestock including substantial time supporting his youngest’s 4-H and FFA involvement.

Dallas and Judith later divorced.

In January 2002 Dallas married Florence Shey Gibson in Kuna, Idaho.

Beginning in 2002, Dallas served six years as president of the Idaho State Grange. Dallas and Florence enjoyed traveling the state and country fulfilling Dallas’ full-time responsibilities for the Grange.

Dallas and Florence were deeply in love and modeled the kind of mutual doting, admiration, and romance to which all marriages should aspire. They dearly loved each other’s company, enjoyed life to the fullest, and became beloved fixtures in the lives of each other’s children and grandchildren. Florence passed away on April 30, 2020.

Dallas is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a brother Robert, sisters Bernice, Helen, Peggy, and Rosalie, and grandson Justin. He is survived by his children Deanna (Kris) Pobanz of Ontario, OR, Judy (Brian) Byrne of Springfield, OR, Dan (Linda) Chaney of Eagle, ID, Harriet (Mike) Rotter of Wilder, ID, and Greg (Sarah) Chaney of Caldwell, ID; his brothers David, Jim, and Sam, his sisters Shirley Jensen, Lynn Graham; 25 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and Florence’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren-all of whom became family to Dallas and whom he dearly loved.

Cards and condolences can be sent to theDallas Cheney Family, C/O Harriet Chaney Rotter, 26631 Bella Vista Drive, Wilder, ID 83676.

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ALICE DOANE

Past First Lady, Nebraska State Grange Alice Doane, Past National Delegate, 92, of Waverly passed away on December 3, 2020.

Born June 24, 1928 in Independence, Missouri, to Jack and Julia (Noland) Watt.

She married Ted H. Doane, July 18, 1954.

The couple spent many of their married years working with the University of Nebraska Animal Science Department while living in Lexington, Lincoln and Waverly, Nebraska. They also spent two years in Turkey and Afghanistan where Ted helped set up the university’s sheep departments. Alice was supportive in Ted’s job by hosting multiple lamb dinners for students and faculty members. They also hosted many international exchange students in their home.

Alice owned and operated, Watt Catering and Doane Catering, she specialized in custom designed wedding cakes.

Alice was a 4-H leader for more than 30 years, President of the Lancaster County Women Extension, Lancaster County Extension Board and Nebraska state director of the Make It Yourself With Wool contest for 30 years. She was also a member of the Waverly Grange, First United Methodist Church of Waverly, and president of United Methodist Women’s.

Whe enjoyed serving on many committees.

Alice was a loving and active grandma who rarely missed family activities and events. Alice “Sheep Grandma” will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughters; Bonnie (Mark) Lemke of Clermont, Florida, Amy (Scott) Kica of Omaha; grandchildren Valerie (Adam) Hunt of Walton, Nebraska, Bryce (Katie) Lemke of Clermont, Connie (Michael) Bridges of Walton, Ashlee (Lee) Johnson and Kortnee Kica and boyfriend Serge Salazar all of Omaha; seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 59 years, Ted, and her brothers, John (Elaine) Watt and Gavin Watt.

Cards and condolences may be sent to the family of Alice Doane, C/O Valerie Hunt, 12820 Pine Lake Road, Walton, NE 68461.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

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Petersham #95, MA [238.46%] Long Tom #866, OR [156.52%] Liberty Hall #459, CO [150%] Blanchard #440, ID [148.57%] Pikes Peak #163, CO [131.25%] Tiverton #1515, OH [121.43%] East Madison #228, ME [113.04%] Marys River #685, OR [87.5%] Centennial #185, NH [84.21%] Garden Home #407, CO [80%] Hancock #402, MD [78.57%] Copake #935, NY [70%] Fruitdale #379, OR [68.75%] Bodega Bay #777, CA [68.42%] Simoore #857, CA [68.42%] Rocky Mountain #116, MT [66.67%] Quillisascut #372, WA [61.11%] Wicwas Lake #292, NH [60%] Barlow Gate #157, OR [53.85%] Westport #181, MA [53.85%] Silver Sage #24, NV [51.85%] Rockford #501, OR [50%] Orangevale #354, CA, [48%] Pierstown #793, NY [45.45%] Pleasant Valley #838, NY [44.44%] Silverton #506, WV [44.44%] Willamette #52, OR [43.9%] Skyline #894, OR [43.75%] Progress #96, PA [42.86%] Maple Leaf #940, MI [41.67%] Ralston #943, WA [41.67%] Jefferson #1373, PA [41.18%] Whitepine #102, MT [40%] Charlton #92, MA [37.93%]

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South Fork #520, WV [37.5%] Gouglersville #1743, PA [35.71%] New Bridge #789, OR [35.71%] Washington #313, OR [35.71%] Arlington #139, NH [33.33%] Lambert #439, CO [33.33%] Oakview #311, WA [33.33%] Redland #796, OR [33.33%] The Valley #1048, WA [33.33%] Pleasant Valley #1453, NY [31.58%] Quartz Hill #697, CA [31.25%] Central Point #698, OR [30.43%] Smith River #585, OR [30.43%] Fernwood #770, OR [29.03%] Webster #436, NY [28.57%] Enterprise #25, CO [27.78%] Big Cabin #156, OK [27.27%] Addy #603, WA [27.03%] Eureka #46, NY [26.67%] Marshall #451, CA [26.67%] Putnam Valley #841, NY [26.42%] Goldendale #49, WA [26.32%] Valley #519, WV [26.32%] Alpine #665, CA [26.09%] Kenna #516, WV [26.09%] Lewis #406, CO [26.09%] Azalea #786, OR [25%] Emmorton #363, MD [25%] Hopewell #472, NY [25%] Marcellus #464, NY [25%] Mountain View #98, WA [25%] Oxford #482, CO [25%] Stephens Mills #308, NY [25%] Thurston #853, OR [25%]

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Victory #1592, OH [25%] Fruitland #999, WA [23.81%] Sixes #856, OR [23.81%] Ono #445, CA [23.53%] Goodrich Settlement #1532, NY [22.22%] Ravena #1457, NY [22.22%] Columbia #267, OR [22.09%] Bellfonte #15, VA [21.88%] Corriher #627, NC [21.74%] Yankton #301, OR [21.43%] Fredonia #1, NY [21.05%] Portsmouth #29, RI [21.05%] Vernonia #305, OR [20.83%] Eagle #1, PA [20.69%] San Juan Island #966, WA [20.69%] Aptos #800, CA [20.63%] Central #360, OR [20.37%] Coburg West Point #535, OR [20%] South Rutland Valley #53, NY [20%] Gold Trail #452, CA [19.30%] Violet Prairie #996, WA [18.92%] Springfield #523, CA [18.33%] Danville #85, CA [18.18%] Loudon Center #2276, OH [18.18%] Cove Spring #2414, OH [17.65%] Lookingglass #927, OR [17.65%] Cumberland Valley #2104, PA [16.67%] Cuyler #449, NY [16.67%] Eagle Valley #656, OR [16.67%] Enfield Valley #295, NY [16.67%] Gratiot #1898, MI [16.67%] Jeremiah Smith #161, NH [16.67%] Sherburne #1400, NY [16.67%] Seneca #44, NY [16.33%] Phoenix #779, OR [16.22%] Coyote #412, CA [16%] Frogpond #111, OR [15.38%] Rickreall #671, OR [15.38%] Union #325, PA [15.38%] Ferguson #809, NC [14.71%] Western Yolo #423, CA [14.49%] Ammadamast #379, ME [14.29%] Ginger Hill #1549, PA [14.29%] Marion #276, WA [14.29%] Pencader #60, DE [14.29%] Sequim Prairie #1108, WA [14.29%] Upton #125, MA [14.29%] Cherry Creek #58, CO [13.64%] Goodwill #959, VA [13.64%] Searsburg #494, NY [13.64%] Green Bluff #300, WA [13.33%] Humptulips #730, WA [13.16%] Harmony #1201, PA [12.9%] Hillcrest #1674, PA [12.68%] Elba #783, NY [12.5%] Lamson #588, NT [12.5%]

Patterson #616, NC [12.5%] Little Muskingum #2621, OH [12.12%] Camas Valley #842, WA [11.84%] Stony Point #1694, PA [11.76%] Central Union #559, CA [11.43%] Silver Lake #105, WA [11.36%] Edgewood #266, WA [11.27%] Fairfax #570, CA [11.11%] Lt Mountain #601, NC [11.11%] Milton #670, WI [11.11%] Montour Valley #2005, PA [11.11%] Sauvies Island #840, OR [11.11%] Avon #125, MT [10.91%] Saco #53, ME [10.81%] Bridport #303, VT [10.53%] Cedar Valley #306, WA [10.53%] McMinnville #31, OR [10.53%] Ocean View #463, ME [10.53%] Sonora #2176, IO [10.53%] Stonyford #686, CA [10.26%] Five Corners #1000, NY [10%] Quimper #720, WA [10%] Springwater #263, OR [10%] Hickory #1285, PA [9.52%] Irving #377, OR [9.52%] Laurel #1678, OH [9.3%] North Fork #763, CA [9.3%] Enterprise #784, WA [9.26%] Lummi Island #925, WA [9.23%] Animas Valley #194, CO [9.09%] Arcadia #607, NC [9.09%] Richland #1413, PA [9.09%] South Fork #605, OR [9.09%] Tri Community #1008, WA [9.09%] Chester Valley #1496, PA [8.97%] Rochester #86, NH [8.89%] Center #290, VT [8.82%] Cannon #152, CT [8.77%] Mohawk #217, NH [8.7%] Blue Mountain #263, VT [8.33%] Royal #1972, PA [8.33%] Sewickley #1897, PA [8.33%] Stratford #238, NH [8.33%] Buell #637, OR [8%] Fort Colville #533, WA [8%] Somerset #18, ME, [8%] Trout Lake #210, WA [8%] Williamsburg #225, MA [8%] Hoosick #1127, NY [7.89%] Evans #1332, NY [7.69%] Guilford #1036, NC [7.69%] Hillstown #87, CT [7.69%] Oxford #194, CT [7.5%] Monroe-Dan Emmett #847, OH [7.41%] Park #249, NH [7.41%] Aloha #773, OR [7.14%]

Ash Butte #802, OR [7.14%] Bridge #730, OR [7.14%] East Schuyler #576, NY [7.14%] Perthshire #1445, NY [7.14%] Walton #1454, NY [7.14%] Salisbury Center #624, NY [6.98%] Kirkland #684, NY [6.9%] Fairview Community #1666, OH [6.67%] Laurel of West Newbury #161, MA [6.67%] Long Branch Community #2072, PA [6.67%] Oxford #894, NY [6.67%] Oxford Community #526, WV [6.67%] Mattole #569, CA [6.45%] Stockbridge #295, MA [6.45%] Summerfield #661, NC [6.41%] Log Cabin Unity #2110, PA [6.38%] Beaufort County #1233, NC [6.25%] Branch Mills #336, ME [6.25%] Colchester #78, CT [6.25%] Limerick #1917, OH [6.25%] Maple Grove #154, CO [6.25%] Pleasant Ridge #135, ID [6.25%] Big Thunder #1940, IL [6.19%] Terrace Heights #586, WA [6.14%] Mill Stream #574, ME [6.12%] Spruce Hill #772, PA [6.12%] Baw Faw #34, WA [6.06%] Mount Hope #902, NY [6.06%] Prairie #1832, IL [6.06%] Whallonsburg #954, NY [6.06%] Cibolo #1541, TX [6%] Haynie #169, WA [6%] Ricard #993, NY [5.88%] Upper Rogue #825, OR [5.88%] South Bay #250, WA [5.77%] Clear Creek #84, OK [5.71%] Ewing #2082, OH [5.71%] Horseheads #1118, NY [5.66%] Prescott of Pepperell #73, MA [5.63%] Beech Grove #1089, PA [5.56%] Buckhorn #1119, PA [5.56%] Clarkes #261, OR [5.56%] East Pembroke #1157, NY [5.56%] Gardenspot #278, WA [5.56%] Hope #269, OR [5.56%] Lacomb #907, OR [5.56%] New Norland #580, ME [5.56%] Oliver #1069, PA [5.56%] Pleasant View #164, CO [5.56%] Walker #786, PA [5.56%] Dows Prairie #505, CA [5.36%] Beavercreek #276, OR [5.26%] Alamo #1446, TX [5.13%] Skokomish #379, WA [5%] Stranger Creek #374, WA [5%] Brogden #967, NC [5%]

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Calvert #424, MD [5%] Hopewell #1747, IL [5%] Rochester #257, MA [5%] Darrow Street #751, OH [4.94%] Molalla #310, OR [4.9%] Bee Hive #358, WA [4.88%] Garfield #317, OR [4.88%] Deer Creek #371, OR [4.76%] East Oakville #902, WA [4.76%] Russellville #353, OR [4.76%] Salmon Creek #849, WA [4.76%] South Camano #930, WA [4.76%] Swauk-Teanaway #984, WA [4.65%] Pleasant Hill #101, WA [4.61%] Beaver Homes #518, OR [4.55%] Central #1216, PA [4.55%] Enterprise #489, OR [4.55%] Oak Hill #104, ME [4.55%] The Sandy #392, OR [4.55%] Williams #399, OR [4.55%] Poteet #1576, TX [4.44%] Amesville #798, OH [4.35%] Bartonsville #481, VT [4.35%] Goshen #561, OR [4.35%] Oakdale #435, CA [4.35%] Schenevus Valley #1201, NY [4.35%] Woodland #178, WA [4.35%] Harmony #12, DE [4.17%] Lake Hubert #735, MN [4.17%] Mapleton #584, OR [4.17%] Otselic Valley #1398, NY [4.17%] Rainbow #527, WV [4.17%] The Agate #275, WA [4.08%] Roseville #1290, PA [4.08%] Beverly #306, MA [4%] Columbus #58, NJ [4%] Valley #144, ME [4%] Ferrisburg #593, VT [3.92%] Evening Star #183, ME [3.7%] Granite #192, ME [3.57%] Hampton Falls #171, NH [3.57%] Independent #470, CA [3.57%] Pine Forest #632, OR [3.57%] Lincoln Creek #407, WA [3.51%] Bomoseen #273, VT [3.45%] Hemlock #1497, NY [3.45%] Williams Valley #452, WA [3.45%] Bingham #237, ME [3.33%] Smith Valley #130, MT [3.33%] Fairfield #720, OR [3.23%] Waterford #479, ME [3.23%] Wickiup #722, OR [3.23%] Clayton #456, WA [3.13%] County Line #1751, IL [3.13%] Fort Rock #758, OR [3.13%] Williamsport #1815, OH [3.13%]

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Maryland State Grange (10) Oregon State Grange (5) Pennsylvania State Grange Washington State Grange

Burns Grange #160, MI (10) Cape Fear Grange #1296, NC (5) St. John Grange #729, NC (5) Bethlehem Grange #137, NY Creswell Grange #496, OR Central Union Grange #559, CA Dunstable Grange #31, MA Five Mile Prairie Grange #905, WA Goldendale Grange #49, WA Grantham Grange #968, NC Gratiot #1898, MI Hamburg Grange #2103, PA Harveys-Aleppo Grange #1444, PA Hookstown #1980, PA

Adna #417, WA Animas Valley #194, CO Baw Faw #34, WA Beehive #385, WA Blue Spruce #574, VT Camas Valley #842, WA Centerville #81, WA Chimacum #681, WA Columbia Valley #938, WA Cove Spring #2414, OH Cowlitz Prairie #737, WA Crescent #1123, WA Dry Creek #646, WA East Oakville #902, WA Elma #26, WA Florida #306, CO

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Humptulips Grange #730, WA Linganore Grange 410, MD Marys River Grange #685, OR Prairie Grange #1832, IL Redland Grange #796, OR Springwater Grange #263, OR Stanford Grange #808, NY Stelvideo Grange #295, OH Sterling Grange #53, MA Stony Point Grange #1694, PA Timber Run Grange #1898, OH Turkey Hill Grange #1370, IL Upton Grange #125, MA Valley Grange #1360, PA

Fruitland #999, WA Gardner #68, KS Golden Gate #451, CO Green Bluff #300, WA Harrison #1711, OH Holden #78, MA Humptulips Junior #376, WA Kuna #59, ID Lopez Island #1060, WA Moses Lake #1151, WA Mossyrock #355, WA Mount Lookout #339, CO Mountain View #98, WA Mt. Allison #308, CO North River #946, WA North Willapa Harbor #947, WA Oakview #311, WA Olympic View #774, WA Pleasant Hill #101, WA

Colorado State Grange Washington State Grange

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Frankfort Springs #1989, PA [1.85%] Concord #322, NH [1.82%] Pleasant View #354, OK [1.81%] London #937, OR [1.69%] South Union #860, WA [1.67%] Spring Hill #909, WA [1.67%] Oroville #985, WA [1.61%] Olalla #1125, WA [1.41%] Riverton #169, CT [1.41%] Shenango Twp. #2057, PA [1.37%] Fort Union #953, OR [1.06%] OU #355, OK [1.04%] Britton’s Neck #629, SC [0.71%]

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GE N

2020

Malo #679, WA [2.44%] Union #349, OK [2.44%] Chimacum #681, WA [2.38%] Ione #681, CA [2.38%] Marvel #479, CO [2.38%] Columbia #867, OR [2.22%] Roy #702, WA [2.22%] Sharon #800, WA [2.22%] Beaver Valley #1791, IL [2.13%] Fargher Lake #853, WA [2.13%] Mifflin #1725, PA [2%] Redlands Mesa #487, CO [2%] Harrison #422, ID [1.89%]

DI ST

Santiam Valley #828, OR [3.09%] Calispel #500, WA [2.94%] Clearwater #299, ID [2.94%] Olivesburg #2641, OH [2.94%] Susquehanna Valley #1552, NY [2.86%] Reliance #58, DE [2.78%] Edgemere #355, ID [2.63%] South Coffeyville #351, OK [2.63%] Lexington #2672, OH [2.56%] Rose Hill #256, CO [2.56%] Union Harvest #591, ME [2.56%] Skagit Valley #620, WA [2.5%] Sunnyside #842, OR [2.47%]

GRANGEYOUTH

YOUTH PROGRAM

2020 Stanford #808, New York (#) denotes milestone consecutive years

Quillisascut #372, WA Ralston #943, WA Rose Valley #953, WA Sallal #955, WA Sammamish Valley #286, WA San Poil #684, WA Sequim Prairie #1108, WA Sierra Valley #466, CA Silver Lake #105, WA Skamokawa #425, WA South Camano #930, WA Sunflower #162, CO Swauk Teanaway #984, WA Terrace Heights #586, WA The Valley #1048, WA Twisp Valley #482, WA Unity #1761, OH White Trail #1143, WA

Latest Digest of Laws an important item for every Grange

By Joe Stefenoni

divisions of the Order.

National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director

items that pertain to and are common to all of the divisions of

Chapter 10 is the Code of all Granges and provides for the the Order.

The 2021 version of the National Grange Digest of Laws has recently been released with the changes adopted by the delegates to the 154th Session of the National Grange, but what is this book, and why does it matter to your Grange?

The National Grange Digest of Laws (or “Digest”) is in short, the collection of laws, rules and procedures that govern our organization. Or in other words, it is the playbook that we all agree to use when we join the Grange, or are elected to serve as an officer, and helps to keep us all “between the navigational beacons.”

The Digest can also be a resource to Granges and Grangers by answering any question that may arise.

The Digest contains 13 chapters, which can be grouped into five sections; the Constitution, the Declaration of Purposes, the Articles of Incorporation, the By-laws and the Codes.

Chapter 1 of the Digest is the Constitution of 1986. The

Chapter 11 is the Code of Ritual, Degrees and Regalia and provides for details about the ritual of the Order, including the Degrees and Regalia.

Chapter 12 is the Code of Judicial Law and provides for procedures on how rulings (interpretations) are made and by whom, and the rules and regulations for Grange trials. Finally, Chapter 13 is the Code of Parliamentary Law, which provides for the parliamentary rules of the Grange.

In general, the sections of this chapter cover the instances when the parliamentary rules of the Grange differ from Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. Whenever this chapter is silent on a topic or question, then Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised will apply.

The governing laws of the Grange have evolved along with the organization over the last 153 years. The organization was originally governed by the Constitution adopted in 1873. The

Constitution is the guiding document that lays out the divisions

current Constitution is known as the Constitution of 1986. Over

of the Order, its organization, regulation and administration,

a period of several years prior to 1986, all of the laws of the

types of membership and other items considered necessary for

National Grange were reviewed and rewritten into a new format.

the general guidance of the Order.

This Constitution replaced the prior version. Both versions begin

Chapter 2 is the Declaration of Purposes which outlines the

with the Preamble to the Constitution, which was written by

general objectives of our Order and provides specific objectives

William Saunders, the first President of the National Grange. It

that we as an Order are seeking to obtain.

was adopted on January 9, 1873 and has never been changed.

Chapter 3 is the Articles of Incorporation of the National

At the National Grange’s 154th Annual Session only one

Grange. This chapter is the legal document that is filed with the

amendment to the Digest of Laws were adopted. The resolution

District of Columbia where the National Grange is incorporated.

added further definition to the duties and responsibilities of the

The Articles of Incorporation lay out the legal structure of

Executive Committee into the by-laws, noting that the Executive

the organization with regard to its name, period of duration,

Committee could act for the Grange “only in time of emergency.”

objects, types of members and who are voting members of the

As an organization, the Grange derives all of its laws and authority from the National Grange level. All of the Granges

corporation.

Chapter 4 contains the by-laws of the National Grange and

of the various divisions of the Order must have governing

is probably the most widely applicable chapter of the 13. The

documents that guide and direct their activities and therefore

By-Laws are the laws of the Order that provide for the general

should have a current copy of their by-laws available to their

operation of the organization. There are 18 different articles

members. Each Subordinate Grange should maintain current

contained in the By-Laws which outline a variety of topics

copies of the National Grange Digest of Laws and their State

including the information to form, close or consolidate Granges,

Grange by-laws.

the dues/membership fees collected by the National Grange,

One useful way to make sure that your Grange is keeping these documents up to date and members have access to them

the duties of offices and how to amend the by-laws.

Each of the remaining chapters are called the Code Chapters.

is to create a Google Drive folder. If your Grange does not have a

They provide for more details than is provided for in the By-Laws.

copy of your current by-laws, or if your by-laws are greatly out-of-

Chapters five through nine are the codes of the various

date, the National Grange has a simple fill in the blank template

divisions of the Order (i.e. Junior Granges through the National

available for your use (or check with your State Grange to see if

Grange) and provides for the organization and structure of the

one is already provided for you).

M

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

47

THE CONSUMER’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE

PAPER OR DIGITAL? IT’S YOUR CHOICE. 86% of people believe they should have the right to choose how they receive communications.

74%

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

27%

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

27%

of those over 65 do not use the internet.

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

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

For more information, go to:

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info@keepmepostedna.org 855-896-7433

New leadership will bring opportunities, challenges for rural America to establish voice, be heard in Washington

By Sean O’Neil National Grange Legislative Intern As the results of this November’s election

have

now

been

finalized,

Congress and the incoming Biden administration are currently making key leadership

and

personnel

decisions

which will have major impacts on the kinds of policies which are passed in the next few years.

What follows is a brief summary of the key positions which have been selected as of this writing in mid-December.

REP. DAVID SCOTT

Leadership Fights in Congress: In early December, the traditional lengthy behind-the-scenes battles for party leadership positions in the next Congress have completed.

REP. GLENN “G.T.” THOMPSON

coming from a major farm district and

“He has been in the trenches of the

having spoken at the National Grange’s

food and agriculture battles on Capitol

150th National Convention.

Hill, has been willing to work across

National Grange President Betsy

the political aisle, and has stood firm in

Huber released a statement regarding

support of farmers, ranchers and rural

little for either party with all four party

the selection of both of this committee’s

residents,” she said.

leaders

unanimously.

leaders. In it, she said these selections

In the Senate, Republican Senator

However, many coveted committee chair

by the two parties will help to “bolster

John Boozman of Indiana will take over

positions will change hands in the next

this very important sector that is not

as committee chair, while Democratic

Congress following high level jockeying

just an economic driver but vital to our

Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan

in both parties.

national security.”

continues as ranking member.

In both the House and the Senate, top level party leadership has changed being

elected

Senate

Huber has worked with Thompson on

Huber said the Grange will issue a

Agriculture committees will see new

many issues in the past, and called him a

statement when the leadership of this

leadership

Congress

personal friend, “who is very accessible;

important Senate committee is finalized.

following electoral defeat of Rep. Collin

his door is always open to constituents

Another key committee, the House

Peterson and the retirement of Senator

and ag organizations.”

Both

the in

House the

and next

Energy and Commerce committee, will

“He is a passionate supporter of all

see Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone of

In the House, Democratic Rep. David

agriculture,” Huber said. “He is familiar

New Jersey continue as chair, while

Scott of Georgia has been selected as

with the diversity of the agriculture

Republican

the next chairman of the Agriculture

industry and its workers and affiliated

Rodgers of Washington will move up to

committee and Republican Rep. Glenn

sectors thanks to his work representing

ranking member. Rep. McMorris Rodgers

‘G.T.’ Thompson of Pennsylvania as

the people of Pennsylvania, which as a

grew up on a family-owned orchard, and

ranking member. Both of these selections

state has a broad diversity of agriculture.”

has been a member of the Washington

have demonstrated a commitment to

Scott’s record of bipartisan efforts

agricultural issues, with Rep. Scott having

also makes him a great choice, Huber

grown up on a farm and Rep. Thompson

said.

Pat Roberts.

L

Rep.

Cathy

McMorris

State Grange.

In the Senate, the Energy and Natural Resources committee will also see a

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

49

change of leadership with Republican

These picks and others signal that

Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming

President-elect Biden plans to return

taking over as chair while Democratic

to an Obama-era foreign policy, but is

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia

likely to place an increased emphasis

continues as ranking member.

on climate change as a natural security

By becoming chair of the Senate Energy

and

Natural

Resources

issue.

As

well,

President-elect

Biden’s

Committee, Senator Barrasso will be

lengthy experience in foreign policy as

leaving his seat as chair of Senate

both a Senator and Vice President make

Environment and Public Works to be

it likely that he will spend considerable

filled by Republican Senator Shelley

time focused on foreign policy relative to

Moore Capito of West Virginia.

his predecessor.

Finally, following one of the most

In economic selections, the most

fraught battles for leadership, Democratic

significant picks President-elect Biden

Rep.

California

has made thus far have been former

will take the chair of the powerful

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen for

House

Committee.

Treasury Secretary and leader of the

SEC. TOM VILSACK

Rep. DeLauro comes from the more

Center for American Progress Neera

progressive wing of the Democratic party

Tanden for Director of the Office of

Becerra fought for the Affordable Care

which could signal changing priorities in

Management and Budget.

Rosa

DeLauro

of

Appropriations

While Yellen’s selection has signaled

future appropriations work.

a middle-of-the-road economic strategy Biden Cabinet

for the Biden administration and received

With the formal transition to a

support from both conservatives and

Biden-Harris administration now fully

progressives, Tanden is likely to face

operational, key cabinet picks have been

a tough confirmation battle due to her

announced, while rumors fly about those

inflammatory twitter presence and feuds

that remain.

she has picked with conservatives and

In

late

November

and

early

progressives alike over the years.

December, President-elect Joe Biden

On the domestic front, President-elect

announced key picks for diplomatic,

Biden has announced his Secretaries

natural security, economic, and domestic

of Housing and Urban Development,

positions.

Health and Human Services, and, most

In his diplomatic and national security selections, Biden’s most notable picks

importantly for rural Americans, Secretary of Agriculture.

were former Deputy National Security

For Housing and Urban Development,

Advisor and Deputy Secretary of State

President-elect Biden has selected Rep.

Antony Blinken for Secretary of State,

Marcia Fudge of Ohio, who is a member

former General Lloyd Austin for Secretary

of the House Agriculture committee and

of Defense, former Assistant Secretary of

was speculated as a potential Secretary

State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-

of Agriculture before being selected for

Greenfield for UN Ambassador, which

HUD.

Biden is elevating to its traditional status

For Health and Human Services,

as a cabinet-level position, and the

President-elect

addition of former Secretary of State

California

and Senator John Kerry as a special

Becerra

Presidential Envoy for Climate Change.

Previously as a member of Congress,

50

L

has

selected

current

Attorney

General

Xavier

to

lead

the

department.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Act, and is likely to be an important part of the Biden administration’s approach to both the pandemic and healthcare more broadly.

Finally, following a lengthy behindthe-scenes battle, President-elect Biden has selected former Governor of Iowa and Obama administration Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to return to lead USDA. Vilsack’s long experience working with Agriculture, and bipartisan history is likely to make him one of Biden’s most popular cabinet picks with many prominent Republican Senators, such as Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, welcoming the pick.

The Grange, too, lauded the move, saying Vilsack is a “wise choice to lead the Department at a time when farming is even more essential and food security is a serious issue for more Americans than ever.”

Huber said Vilsack’s experience not only as Secretary but as a small-town mayor and two-term Iowa governor, as well as his recent private ag industry experience,

“gives

him

a

unique

NEW LEADERS, continued on Page 52

Legislative topics for Grangers to watch in 2021

By Burton Eller

party’s progressive wing.

National Grange Legislative Director

Few expect major changes in farm policy for 2021. Food policy initiatives

Makeup of Congress

and Sean O’Neil

are more likely.

Control of the Senate and House

National Grange Legislative Intern

next year will determine how many of the President’s policy initiatives see the

With every new Congress and each

light of day.

Food stamp and feeding programs at USDA might expand.

Will we be able to make the temporary

food

policies

permitted

new administration, there are expected

If the Senate, House and White

priority shifts and announced priority

House are held by the same party, policy

changes that keep the National Grange

initiatives will move at warp speed. If the

encourage direct farm to consumer sales,

Legislative Department on its toes to

Senate and House are held by different

allow truckers delivery flexibility with

ensure that we are able to adequately

parties, this will serve as a check-and-

the 24-hour rule, expedite donations to

balance on policy initiatives initiated by

food banks and more. Agriculture trade

White House, the Senate or the House.

could become more of an economic and

prepare and inform our elected leaders about the rural perspective gleaned from the Grange grassroots policymaking efforts.

This year will be no different, and there are many areas the Biden transition team has announced interest in that overlap with areas of significant concern to Grangers and our communities. Here are just a few areas to watch in 2021.

The new occupant of the White House will drive major public policy initiatives during 2021, the first of his four-year term. off

the

House

controlled

by

next

year

Democrats.

will

be

election

cycle,

Presidents historically tend to be most

Republicans or Democrats control the

President-elect Biden has announced

include

relaxed

rules

to

diplomatic challenge.

Telecommunications

Senate depends on the outcome of the

The pandemic-caused disruptions

Georgia senatorial elections January

to daily life have done more to raise

5 - something that may have already

awareness of the rural-urban digital

happened by the time you receive this

divide than anything for a decade.

issue.

Students cannot attend classes and do homework without dependable internet.

Telemedicine

These are the two elephant-in-theroom serious concerns facing everyone in the world right now.

is

useless

without

dependable internet. Telework doesn’t happen without dependable internet.

Congress and the White House

How fast can new COVID-19 vaccines

responded in 2020 with levels of funding

be distributed to the world’s populations

not imagined a decade ago and that is

and will citizens choose to become

expected to continue.

immunized?

successful passing their agenda in their first year in office.

These

Whether

Coronavirus and the Economy

The White House

Fresh

The

during the pandemic more permanent?

Challenges for the Grange in 2021

Will there be enough food, and can

will be to assure these funds are used

it be distributed effectively to those in

wisely and efficiently, rights-of-way and

need?

access challenges are addressed, and

he will immediately delve into controlling

The

answers

will

help

drive

the way is cleared for mixed-technology

the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating

Washington’s public policy initiatives in

systems to reach the “last mile” of rural

climate change.

2021.

America.

Also watch the role Vice President-

Then, once the viral infection rate

elect Harris plays in policy initiatives

subsides, what will it take to rebuild our

during 2021. The VP may become more

economy over how many years?

of a policy-driver than normal for a VP as she is representative of the Democratic

Health Healthcare will consume much of the Grange’s public policy time in 2021.

Farm and Food Policy

L

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

COVID-19

therapy

and

vaccine

51

approvals and who gets vaccinated in

Climate Change

what order and at what cost will be both a medical and political questions.

How much insurance at what price will patients be able to afford?

confirmed Americans lack consensus on

Greenhouse gas emissions control

national goals and have starkly different

and carbon sequestration necessary to

views about the future direction of the

build a “clean energy economy” and

country.

Democrats rank “improving

combat the “climate crisis” will likely

health care affordably” and “improving

Drug pricing debates will escalate.

be high on Washington’s public policy

racial

Treatments for chronic pain to move

agenda for the foreseeable future.

Republicans rank “having a strong

patients away from opioids and other addictive drugs look promising.

Many

climate

change

added immense deficits to the country’s

America first” as top national priority

economic and good management sense to farmers, ranchers and landowners.

President-elect

Biden

will

have

a broad immigration agenda quite

At least some tax policy discussions

different from President Trump’s.

will likely take place in 2021.

goals.

Overall, however, more than 80 percent of Americans hold such values as free speech, equal justice under the law, and ensuring everyone has

Immigration

payments against that debt and who will be taxed to make those payments?

priorities.

and growing economy” and “putting

debt.

How soon will we begin making

top

suggest agriculture could play a major direction mitigation takes must make

The COVID-19 relief packages have

as

advocates

role in climate mitigation. Whatever Taxes

injustice”

Expect Biden to secure Deferred

an opportunity to succeed as defining national values.

According to Michael V. Murphy, the Committee’s initiative director to address the root causes of our growing

The direction of those tax discussions

Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

will largely depend upon party control of

policy which protects illegal immigrants

the Senate.

who first entered the U.S. as minors,

poll tells us is that efforts to unite our

Be on the lookout for initiatives to

and to call for a “roadmap to citizenship

divided nation are going to have to start

roll-back the latest tax cuts, a corporate

“for nearly 11 million people in the U.S.

at the community level, where people

tax increase, an increase in the capital

illegally.

come together every day to solve hard problems and work toward the common

gains tax rate, higher taxes on the nation’s

wealthiest

individuals,

and

divisions observed, “One thing this

A Divided Nation

higher death taxes on estates.

good.”

A September poll by the Committee for

a

Responsible

Federal

Budget

Sounds like a page from the National Grange mission statement.

NEW LEADERS continued from Page 50

perspective to grapple with the upcoming challenges at

of Agriculture Karen Ross. Meanwhile, contenders for Chief of

USDA.”

Staff including climate expert and former USDA official Robert

“His ability to rise above partisanship will serve USDA well

Bonnie, dean of the College of Agriculture, Environment,

as it prioritizes efforts to connect unserved rural residents

and Nutrition Sciences at Tuskegee University Walter Hill,

with high-speed broadband for distance learning, telehealth, remote business, essential services and smart agriculture,” Huber said.

Currently, a progressive vs. moderate battle is being waged

Democratic staff director of the Senate Agriculture Committee Joe Schultz, and director of food policy at Consumer Reports and former USDA official Brian Ronholm.

for the Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff positions at the

In public statements, current nominee for Secretary

Department. Leading candidates for the number two spot

of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has indicated that department

including current CEO of the Native American Agriculture fund

leadership will be diverse, but he is also likely to bring along

and former USDA official Janie Hipp, and California’s Secretary

people he knows and trusts from the Obama administration.

52

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ANALYSIS

To reduce polarization, modernize federal rural policy

By Tony Pipa Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development, Brookings Institute Center for Sustainable Development

and Natalie Geismar Project Coordinate and Research Assistant, Brookings Institute Center for Sustainable Development This story provides a summary of the report released by The Brookings Institution

in

Nov.

2020

entitled

“Reimagining rural policy: Organizing federal assistance to maximize rural prosperity,” and was originally published by the Institute.

Source: Brookings analysis of USASpending data USDA is the federal agency with the largest amount of grant funds for rural programs, however, there are several other agencies with substantial sums

related to rural projects like infrstructure, veterans affairs and education, as is documented by this chart showing FY2019 grant spending on rural-exclusive

As President-elect Joe Biden comes into office determined to unify the country, he will face a deeply divided

development programs, by agency.

access to health care that many rural

evenly distributed prosperity. from

the

communities face: Half of rural hospitals

threatens

to

operated at a loss pre-pandemic, and 17

further disrupt local economies that

have already closed this year—just one

in 2019 were still recovering from the

off an all-time annual high set in 2019—

Great Recession and adapting to 21st

maintaining the negative momentum

century shifts in the national and global

that has shuttered 176 rural hospitals

economy, demographics, and climate.

since 2005.

the

Employment and prime-age labor force

Now,

nation’s metros and small towns remains

participation in rural areas still had not

navigate

pronounced. A successful unity agenda

reached pre-recession levels before

with intermittent broadband access

will require policy responses from his

Covid-19 hit, while employment in urban

and adapt to additional shocks to

new administration that give more

areas had more than fully rebounded

manufacturing and agriculture supply

diverse places—as well as people—the

and grown by 9 percent.

chains. According to analysis from

electorate, one whose partisan divisions continue to reflect stark differences in geographic economic outcomes.

Counties that experienced the least job growth over the last four years provided President Trump with his largest gains in 2020 from the 2016 election, and political

polarization

between

The Covid-19

economic

fallout

pandemic

rural a

communities

virtual

world

of

must work

The current crisis has further exposed

the Center on Rural Innovation, the

This must include rural areas. In a

rural areas’ vulnerabilities. Just recently,

four industries at highest risk of being

new policy brief, we make the case

Covid-19 prevalence in nonmetro U.S.

impacted by Covid-19 account for 56

that improved and modernized federal

areas surpassed those in metro areas

percent of jobs in rural areas, compared

policy can more effectively support

for the first time; Rural residents are

to 43 percent in metro areas.

economic and community development

now almost 2.5 times more likely than

in the rural U.S., increase equity, and

urban residents to die from the virus.

communities

build America’s resilience through more

This is compounded by the decreasing

demographically and economically—

opportunity to thrive.

L

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Despite

these are

challenges,

rural

diverse—both

53

and entrepreneurial. They help power, feed, and protect America at rates disproportionate to other geographies.

They house 99 percent of wind power capacity and will play a key role in

national

climate

strategies

that

require investments in clean energy infrastructure.

Rural

areas

employment

have

higher

rates

counterparts

and

than are

selfurban

increasingly

economically diverse, with a significant and growing proportion of service industries including education, health, trade, transportation, and hospitality.

They are also demographically diverse; people of color make up 21 percent of the rural population and are responsible for 83 percent of the population growth that has occurred in rural areas between 2000

and

2010,

with

immigration

partially the source.

The federal programs and tools now in place to support community and

economic

development

serve

as a reminder of the important role the

federal

government

played

in

helping rural communities thrive in the 20th century. Yet they are outdated, fragmented, and constrained, and the resulting incoherence and complexity is not producing deep enough results fast

Source: Brookings analysis of the 2019 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

enough. We find that: • Over 400 programs—spanning 13 departments, 10 independent agencies, and over 50 offices and sub-agencies (Figure 1) and with a bewildering array of development objectives —are available to assist rural communities.

• A

total

of

14

legislative

specifically to rural areas are heavily

privilege

weighted toward debt financing. In

areas.

densely

populated

urban

fiscal year 2019, they administered $2.58 billion in grants—just 0.2 percent

Modernizing Federal Assistance to

of federal discretionary spending—

Maximize Rural Prosperity

versus $38 billion in loan authority.

We recommend modernizing and

committees have jurisdiction over the

• Rural communities lack access

reforming federal assistance for the 21st

authorizing legislation for rural-eligible

to flexible grant funding and are

century, to better serve the diversity

development programs, compounding

often

this complexity.

requirements,

• The

54

93

programs

targeted

by

eligibility

of rural America and improve the

capita

spending

geographic distribution of prosperity

formulas, and allocation formulas that

across the country. Improved federal

disadvantaged

L

per

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

policy and practice can help these areas—and the nation as

dynamics that have historically excluded groups based on

a whole—recover stronger, more quickly, and more equitably

race and ethnicity and to promoting collaboration with a wide

than after 2008. A “development effectiveness” mindset,

range of partners and intermediaries.

inspired by successful reforms to U.S. foreign assistance

To complement the national strategy and ensure that rural

over the past two decades, can ensure that policy reforms

areas have fair access to the federal assistance that can help

increase coherence and maintain an unwavering focus on

advance their priorities, we suggest a federal rural audit—a

results. To maximize the return on federal investment, our

close examination of eligibility, funding formulas, and

recommendations include: 1.

Launch

a

domestic

development

corporation,

modernizing technical capabilities and financing tools A new corporation would competitively award large, flexible block grants that invest in local vision, accompanied by cutting-edge technical assistance, rigorous analysis and measurement of results, and support to strengthen local leadership and civic capacity. Its policies should empower local residents and community leaders, and support what they need to succeed. It would integrate and expand the breadth

spending criteria of community and economic development programs, identifying those that disadvantage or create barriers to entry for rural areas.

Coherent strategy requires a rigorous focus on transparency and results. To increase transparency, we recommend an easy-to-use web tool that tracks federal funding flows to rural people and places. We also recommend a congressional commitment to mandate and provide 5 percent of program funding for evaluation.

of domestic development financing tools, bringing strategy

3. Appoint a bipartisan congressional commission to

and improved impact to the set of narrowly defined and siloed

undertake a top-to-bottom review and build bipartisan

tools that currently exist. The U.S. government has done this

momentum for improving the effectiveness of federal rural

successfully for its international development investments

policy

by creating the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the

We recommend a bipartisan, congressionally appointed

International Development Finance Corporation; it should

commission undertake a top-to-bottom review of the

apply this experience to the development challenges facing

effectiveness of federal assistance for rural community and

rural communities in the U.S.

economic development. The Office of Management and

2. Create a national rural strategy and undertake associated

Budget is also well-positioned to analyze the extent to

reforms to improve coherence, regional integration, and

which existing policies and regulations disadvantage rural

transparency

communities.

As early as the 1970s, officials in the Carter administration noted that “the federal rural development effort consisted of programs, rather than policy.” A national rural strategy will strengthen coordination by providing clear policy direction to the agencies and stakeholders involved in rural development.

To ensure that strategy implementation responds to rural realities, we recommend elevating White House leadership by (1) establishing high-ranking positions responsible for rural and tribal development and (2) creating an office to facilitate interagency coordination and provide consistency and convening power across presidential administrations.

“Rural” is no longer synonymous with “agricultural,” and policy solutions must keep pace with reality to do right by the 1in 5 citizens who call rural places home. The perceived rural-urban

political

divide

masks

growing

economic

interdependencies, ignores the significant presence and unique priorities of communities of color in rural areas, and stifles opportunities to strengthen America’s social and economic health through smart regional policy.

In a nation grappling with deep polarization, systemic racism,

and

recession,

President-elect

Biden

has

an

To be successful, a national rural strategy must embrace

opportunity to build bipartisan interest in a long-term equity

diverse rural perspectives while breaking down urban-rural

agenda by including solutions that address geographic

divides by incentivizing regional approaches. An analysis of

divergence. Intentional and ambitious federal leadership can

the impact, constraints, and successes of the seven regional

create the conditions for success in rural areas by embracing

commissions and authorities previously authorized would be

their diversity, knowledge, and local assets. It is time to meet

a start. Special attention should be paid to addressing power

the urgency of the moment.

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56

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

When fighting a global pandemic, Grange urges all vaccine delivery options be on the table On top of the lack of storage

By Betsy E. Huber

equipment

National Grange President

and

staffing

challenges,

distributing any vaccine to high-risk

As COVID-19 vaccines have gotten

populations across the country presents

the green light from the FDA and some of

another daunting problem. Maintaining

our most vulnerable or highly prioritized

the required temperatures and providing

are being inoculated, there is a sense of

enough doses to effectively curb the

renewed optimism that the United States

pandemic will be a massive undertaking,

will, in time, beat back this virus and

and rural populations could be some of

return to normalcy.

In processes that generally take years to complete, companies around the world have developed and are continuing to develop innovative vaccines and treatments with the hope of delivering them in just a few months to millions of Americans.

Unfortunately, what can be lost in this wave of positive feeling is what those living in countless disparate communities scattered across America are facing.

While

urban

populations

—

and those

suburban near

easily

accessible and high-quality healthcare facilities — have reaped the benefits of their close proximity, those living in rural communities have grown increasingly more concerned about how the nation will overcome their access challenges.

As early as April 2020, nearly half of rural hospitals across the country were already operating at a loss, and additional

the last to benefit.

The unfortunate irony of the situation is that these rural communities should be at the top of the government’s list, with a disproportionate number of poor, elderly, and those with chronic health issues living in small towns. In addition, the latest coronavirus surge is crashing upon many of these same communities.

Taken together, the holistic outlook for

“One silver bullet is not a sustainable solution for everyone across the country, especially for vulnerable populations living in remote areas.”

rural areas is the worst it has been since the start of the pandemic.

Despite

these

and

many

other

hurdles which our nations’ COVID-19 effort must overcome, it was American innovation,

in

conjunction

with

a

proactive federal reaction, that has the

vaccine candidates in clinical trials that could reach all corners of the country, while saving taxpayers and hospitals precious

resources

as

the

nation

continues to battle the pandemic.

U.S. on the fastest successful vaccine

COVID-19 will likely be a part of

development in recent history. Perhaps it

the lives of countless Americans for a

is the American inventive spirit and this

long time, and the vaccine options to

same robust government response that

defeat it need to reflect that simple fact.

rural communities must look to in order

One silver bullet is not a sustainable

to solve this conundrum.

solution for everyone across the country,

Coupled with traditional injectable

hits from the pandemic only exacerbated

vaccines and the immense promise

this situation in the following months. It

they bring in terms of effectiveness,

especially for vulnerable populations living in remote areas.

Moreover,

our

leaders

should

is not hard to imagine then, that these

the government should continue to

recognize

facilities already struggling to make

adopt the approach of wide-ranging

currently experiencing the worst of

ends meet would be raising concerns

investment in innovative options that are

COVID-19 as their communities become

about how they will be able to properly

already in the pipeline, such as an oral

ground zero for the virus’ spread.

store the first generation of COVID-19

vaccine, which could help alleviate some

If we are going to win the fight

vaccines or of how to vaccinate their

of the impediments that rural residents

against this deadly disease, we will need

local populations on a wide scale with a

could face.

solutions that acknowledge the difficult

lack of staff.

There are many more promising

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that

rural

Americans

are

circumstances so many Americans face.

57

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.

Continued advocacy needed to support Lifeline program

By Cleo Stamatos Founder, Consumer Mom “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” - that has been the Granger’s mantra when it comes to the Lifeline telephone program, which provides low income Americans with discounts for landline phones and in most cases a free wireless phone with some broadband access.

Thousands of low-income veterans and seniors benefit from the federal Lifeline program that provides them with subsidized cell phone and broadband service.

But that could change soon.

As we go to press, the Trump administration’s Federal Communications Commission is looking to move forward with a change to the minimum service standards for the Lifeline program that could end free wireless offerings.

The Grange has told the FCC that while we know changes need to be made to the program, making this drastic change now could leave millions without telecommunications services.

The irony here is that the Lifeline program – even though it was created

under President Reagan and expanded under the second President Bush – has been tagged as the “Obama phone.”

The current chair of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai, who has submitted his resignation from the agency as of Jan. 20, 2021, has expressed valid concerns about past problems with the program, and those have been addressed.

But, now, a new broadband service change is due to go into effect – where the current payment to private Lifeline service providers of $9.25 a month will stay the same even as the amount of broadband that they will have to provide goes up sharply.

That move is likely to have the effect of forcing some companies out of providing Lifeline service and requiring those that remain to impose “co-pay” fees that poor veterans and seniors simply won’t be able to afford.

Some companies have filed with the FCC to let them know that if this plan goes into effect, the free program will cost customers $30 to $40 a month.

Lifeline works for low-income seniors and veterans who use it to stay in touch

with doctors, the VA,

emergency

service providers and their families.

Even

before

the pandemic hit and

tightened

up the economy, these folks were stretched far too thin to pay for a federal benefit they are receiving at no cost now.

The Grange has argued that no changes should go into effect on minimum service standards during COVID. We are not alone in our efforts to protect Lifeline and stop the change from happening,

In November, the

Grange and AmVets were able to speak to Trump staff about Lifeline, and urged them to protect the program, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the importance of connectivity and remote learning, working, and healthcare during the pandemic, we believe that the FCC should follow past practices.

In

addition

to

AmVets,

other

veterans groups asking for a pause on the minimum service standards push include: Association of the United States Navy,

Blinded

Veterans

Association,

Jewish War Veterans, Military Chaplains Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the National Association of American Veterans, Inc. Disability groups also support the Grange’s position, as do consumer groups, National Consumers League and Consumer Action.

Advocates agree: The FCC should be rethinking the Lifeline program to make sure it meets this moment and truly works for those who need it.

It is difficult to understand why during a pandemic, regulators would not agree to leave things as they are when Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger

otherwise millions of people will suffer.

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EXCLUSIVE Q&A

Departing FCC Chairman reflects on tenure, Grange connection In late November, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a 2019 recipient

influence your decisions.

Why do you appreciate that rural upbringing and rural

of the National Grange Champion of Rural America award, announced he will leave the Commission on January 20.

The move, typical for appointees when there is a administration change, will leave a vacuum “inside the Beltway” of a truly rural view and advocate for rural Americans, said

America so much to continue to be an advocate for it after having moved to the city?

Pai Oh, great question.

National Grange President Betsy Huber after hearing the news.

Huber, who worked with Pai as part of the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Board for a few years and continues service as part of the Commission’s Precision Ag Taskforce, said she has appreciated how much Pai’s rural upbringing is a part of his character and his approach to his work.

“Working with Chairman Pai has been both an honor and a privilege as we have continued to build our relationship with him over the years,” National Grange President Betsy Huber said. “Chairman Pai’s representation of rural America on a national stage has positively impacted Americans around the country.”

“As our country was actively fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioned to remote working as well as remote learning, and telehealth, the extension of broadband had never been more important, and Chairman Pai rose to

Growing up in Kansas and knows what it is like to feel that your horizons are capped due lack of broadband. To know firsthand what this digital divide feels like and knowing that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and something like access to internet should not stand in that way.

It is because of my experience in a rural community that I see the need for programs like the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. I have a deep care for off the map places and believe that it is time that we brought them and their needs into the political light.

Gwin Absolutely! Nobody’s potential should be capped because of access to broadband. What does the expansion of broadband mean for rural communities in the US? Pai

the occasion. His leadership has been a great driving force in

To me It means a tremendous amount of opportunity that

the realm of rural broadband and we wish him the best on his

has not found its way to rural America. The pandemic brought

future endeavors.”

this to light and the need for this connection will create more

Recently, National Grange intern Kennedy Gwin caught up with Pai to discuss the past several years of accomplishments

economic and education opportunities, what I like to call it is digital opportunity.

by the FCC during his tenure since 2012 as part of the

Before the pandemic, access had already been on the

Commission and since 2017 chairing it. They discussed rural

forefront of the FCCs agenda but with the pandemic it has

broadband, net neutrality and the influence growing up rural

solidified our mission and provided us the opportunity to

had on his approach to work at the FCC, to name a few. Here

continue working hard at closing the digital divide.

is the full interview:

Gwin As we discussed earlier, you had a rural upbringing, Do you

Kennedy Gwin Good afternoon Chairman Pai. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today.

think because of your connection to rural America, you have worked harder or more directly on certain issues than other commissioners may have?

Chairman Pai It’s great anytime I’m able to connect with the Grange.

Thanks for taking the time to interview me.

Pai I think my group brings an extraordinarily strong interest to this issue and that any commission, regardless of what political

Gwin

party runs it, should focus on this problem.

Chairman Pai, you’ve not been shy about your rural

The continued issue of the digital divide creates almost two

upbringing. As you’ve approached your job at the FCC, you

different countries, one where people live in the 20th century

have frequently talked about how it has helped inform you and

with limited access, and one where access to internet is just a

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part of modern society.

and infrastructure has been vastly expanded. Venture capital

Moving forward I want the FCC to create nonpartisan views on access as I believe connection is not an inherently political issue.

startups set a record in 2018, and fiber optic networks set records in 2018. At the end of the day access to the internet with more regulations will not help you get on the right side of

Gwin Speaking of moving forward how have you paved new roads in your tenure as Chairman that the next administration can use

the digital divide.

Gwin Why do you believe the strategy you have laid out is the

to help rural Americans?

best one to help the American people? How do you respond

Pai Part of this new path involved how the FCC does business.

Every month they have a meeting and vote on many items.

Previously it had long been the practice to not expose the issues

to critics who believe this strategy favors businesses and CEOs over individual consumers?

Pai We must recognize that America has many densely

the council would be voting on such as sales and other business

populated areas but also many rural areas with less people and

moves the council was making.

When I transitioned into the office, we decided to publish

low income. The government does not have enough money

ahead of time what would be on the agenda and allow people

to rely completely on tax dollars. We need private money and

(such as rural individuals) to comment on these issues. This allowed

business to continue to build infrastructure.

people to know what the committee is doing and provide a look

We have tried to make cases for why investing in rural is

into what their product is before it is decided on. This move was

better for companies and encourage smaller companies to

implemented the second week of my term in office.

expand, but at the end of the day it is very expensive and sees

I am also immensely proud of the nonpartisan creation of

little in profit return.

We also know no matter how much we reform the system

funds that will boost innovation in telehealth and fund more

some part of the country will not see broadband expansion. This

precision agricultural projects.

Another project the FCC assisted in establishing was a 9-8-

is where the government needs to step in. Government funds

8 number to help in suicide prevention and health. Congress

need to go to these areas where the divide will never close to

suggested it a few years ago and we were able to roll it out

provide access. We always want to keep in mind the small guy.

this summer. This easy to memorize number was a non-partisan

Gwin

issue that was strongly supported across the political spectrum.

Gwin

What are you most proud of over your years as a commissioner and now as chairman?

One of the hot-button issues your team has worked on these last few years has been the repealing of Net Neutrality. This issue has been framed in several different ways during your time as FCC Chairman.

Can you explain a bit about your concerns for net neutrality and why you think the recent moves by the FCC have been the right ones for our nation?

Pai I am most proud of how my team and I have worked hard and fast to do everything we could for the American people.

Closing the divide and expanding 5G to low income/rural areas and having to do this quickly, amid a pandemic none the less!

My team did not mark time, we got results for the American people. At the end of the day, I can tell my friends and family

Pai

that my team and I did everything we could to make the country The repealing of Net Neutrality has been the best decision

a better place.

for American consumers. (Done on December 14th, 2017) If you

Coming into this position with a rural American experience

look at the current market consumers and rural consumers have

and knowing that we have advocates for this issue make the

never been better.

FCC a better place.

The repealing of these regulations created strong incentives to create better networks in our competitive market. It did the

The Grange thanks Chairman Pai, a 2019 recipient of the

opposite of what people would assume would happen, which

National Grange Champion of Rural American Award, for all his

was slowing internet speeds and bogged down networks, and

work on behalf of rural Americans to expand broadband access,

instead opened the market for smaller providers.

among other things, over his time on the Commission and

With a more market-based approach speeds have doubled,

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wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

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When backup is sometimes miles away, reliable communication with access to highly secure data is critical to helping first responders keep their communities – and themselves – safe. Expanding rural and tribal coverage is a priority for FirstNet, the only communications tool dedicated to providing prioritized connectivity to those who risk everything when and where they need it.

Learn more at FirstNet.com Š2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the First Responder Network Authority.

All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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PERSPECTIVE

I cry for the Mountains A Legacy Lost

By Dave Daley Former President, Wyandotte Junior Grange, CA

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It is almost midnight. We have been

their baby calves tumbled in a ravine

cattle to the high country sometime after

pushing hard for 18 to 20 hours every day

trying to escape, burned almost beyond

he arrived in 1852 to the Oroville area

since the Bear Fire (later called the North

recognition or a fawn and small calf side

looking for gold.

Complex Fire) tore through our mountain

by side as if hoping to protect one another,

cattle range on September 8. There is so

you try not to wretch. You only pray death

noting driving cattle to our range in the

much swirling in my head I can’t sleep

was swift. Worse, in searing memory,

mountains dates back to 1882. We were

anyway.

The

earliest

family

diary

entry

cows with their hooves, udder and even

poor Irish immigrants trying to scratch a

The fire destroyed our cattle range,

legs burned off still alive who had to be

living from the land.

our cattle, and even worse our family’s

euthanized. A doe lying in the ashes with

The range is between the south and

legacy. Someone asked my daughter if I

three fawns, not all hers I bet. And you are

middle forks of the Feather River, the

had lost our family home. She told them,

glad they can stand and move, even with

drainage that fills Lake Oroville. It is 80-

“No, that would be replaceable. This is

a limp, because you really cannot imagine

inch rainfall country from October to May

not!”

any more death today. Euthanasia is not

with deep snow at the high end then, it

I would gladly sleep in my truck for the

pleasant, but sometimes it’s the only

goes completely dry.

rest of my life to have our mountains back.

option. You don’t want more suffering.

I am enveloped by overwhelming

How many horrible choices have faced us

hundreds of creeks and springs punctuate

in the past three days?

Our history with the forest

the land. It is difficult country, in some

sadness and grief and then, anger. I’m angry at everyone, and no one. Grieving

Three

major

streams/rivers

and

ways more suited to sheep because of

for things lost that will never be the same. I

We have taken cattle to the Plumas

the browse, but politics and predators

wake myself weeping almost soundlessly.

National Forest since before it was

killed the sheep industry in the country

It is hard to stop.

designated such. It is steep and vast land

years ago. But the cows love the range

I cry for the forest, the trees and

of predominantly mixed conifers and a

and do well. Cool days and nights, no

streams, and the horrible deaths suffered

few stringer meadows on the western

flies, higher elevations avoiding the hot

by the wildlife and our cattle. The suffering

slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains

summers in the valleys. A great place to

was unimaginable.

straddling Butte and Plumas Counties. My

summer cattle. They actually like to go as

great, great grandfather started moving

much as we do!

When you find groups of cows and

My friends from the arid west can’t understand why it is hard to gather – “don’t you just go to the water?” Not that simple in this environment. For those who have never seen this land, this isn’t riding a horse into a meadow or open ridge where you can see cattle. This is literally “hunting” through a vast forest of deep canyons, rivers and creeks, and the high ridges in between. It is not an easy place to gather or even find cattle in the best conditions.

There

are

six

generations

who

have loved this land, and my new granddaughter, Juni, is the seventh. I find myself overcome with emotion as I think of the things she will never see, but only hear in stories told to her by “grandad.”

We all love the mountains. They are Submitted Photo The Daley Crew, from left, includes Sean Earley, Doyle Carter, Devin Carter, Kyle Daley, Rob Daley, Dave Daley, Kate Daley and Brian Jones.

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part of us and we are part of them. All destroyed. In one day. I am angry.

As a child in the early 1960s, days

Submitted Photo LEFT: the Daley herd moving into the family’s cattle range in Plumas National Forest in the spring. RIGHT: A few surviving head on the same road following the Bear Fire. “going to the mountains” were the greatest ever for my family. It

was sometimes discouraging, but they loved it and still do. It was

was our playground and our quiet spot. Sure, we worked, but we

their sanctuary where “no matter what happens, this will always

learned so much about the world, the trees, birds and flowers.

be here.” And now it is gone. It is a death and we are still in shock

And, sometimes, in my family that may have included learning

and not sure how to move forward. What will my granddaughter

the scientific name or at least the family of the plant. There were

know of the truth and grounding that comes from nature? Will

lessons on botany, forestry, geology, archaeology. We didn’t

we gather cows in the mountains while I sing cowboy tunes off

even know we were learning but we imbibed it until it became

key and she sips hot chocolate? I am overcome.

a part of our souls.

The first day

And then my kids. For them, the mountains were the best!

When news broke of the fire in our cattle range, my son Kyle,

Rolling into a little seat behind grandma and grandpa to “go

who ranches with me, and I were sure it could not be as bad as

hunt for cows” as we gathered in the fall. Hot chocolate from

it sounded.

Grandma as soon as we got there. On cold, dusty or wet days, it

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We had close to 400 cows, most of them calving or close to

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calving in our mountain range, ready to gather and bring home

Later I got a call from San Bernardino, another fire resource

in early October. They were the heart of the herd. Old cows,

officer from the Forest Service. I asked about access. “Well,”

those with problems, bought cows and first calf heifers stayed

he said, “maybe next week and only if we provide an escort.

in the valley. Only the good cows that knew the land were there.

We have to make it safe first.” He, too, had no idea where the

That first day, we had no access and were relying on spotty

allotment was or the challenge that I faced. All the cattle would

reporting posted to local news or social media. My daughter

be dead if I waited a week. I politely told him I would figure out

Kate, a veterinarian, who practices about four hours away, “I’m

an alternative – through private timberland and common sense!

on the way.” My youngest son, Rob (named for his grandad) a

I called our county sheriff, Kory Honea, who has been a

soldier stationed in Louisiana, “I have a lot of leave and I’m on a

great friend of the cattle community. I had to wait one day, but

plane tomorrow.” All three have been unbelievable and we have

he provided two sergeants to navigate the roadblocks until I

all needed each other to navigate this heartbreak.

was in the range. Was it dangerous? Yes. Were animals dying?

At first, we couldn’t get into the range and were frantic as

Absolutely. Local solutions are always better. Thanks to Sheriff

it was completely locked down for safety. We knew cattle were

Honea, Sergeants Tavelli and Caulkins who got us access. All

dying as we waited. I received a call from a Pennsylvania number

incredible people who get it. Local.

and answered before thinking. A wonderfully nice man from the

Kyle and I make a fast trip to reconnoiter. We are unprepared

Forest Service was calling to tell me about the fire since I had

for the total destruction of everything we have always known.

a cattle allotment in the Bear Fire (North Complex Fire) area.

Nothing left and active flames on both sides burning trees and

I had to help him find it on the map! He knew less than me.

stumps. Shocking. Surreal.

We make it to our Fall River corral somewhat hopeful

Frustrating.

Submitted Photo Surviving cattle of the North Complex Fire were found and rescued with major burns to their hide.

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that there would be green and water to mitigate the disaster. Everything is completely gone. We see dead cows as we start down the hill. Everywhere. This is our first step in what will be an impossible week. We go home hoping against hope that we have seen the worst. Little did we realize that it was just the beginning.

‘There is no sound … just death’ It is 3:30 in the morning now and time to start this nightmare again. To find the courage to throw some things in the truck, run with the kids to check and feed the survivors, and hit repeat. I dread it but know we must. And I work to be

Submitted Photo

optimistic because that is who I am. Not

More than 350 of the 400 cows Daley grazed on federal lands were killed by

easy.

the raging flames.

As we make a plan and split up to run 4-wheelers up and down logging

When we traditionally gathered cows,

crew said dad gathered them for us so

roads hunting life and death, I think how

they were always toward the ridge top in

we wouldn’t miss them. Maybe he did.

lucky I am. So many people have offered

the morning and down by water in the

My Dad was a cow whisperer who has

to help. I am grateful but it is difficult to

afternoon. Now, we find nothing high

been gone over four years after roaming

explain how challenging it is to gather in

up, except the occasional dead cow that

the mountains for almost 90. Maybe he is

almost 90,000 acres of incredibly difficult

wasn’t fast enough. We hunt for the deep

still helping lead us and the cattle home. I

terrain (and that’s on a flat map!). Each

holes where there was a chance for water

turn away as I feel emotion begin to rise.

canyon and ridge is dotted with logging

and life.

Again.

spur roads that could be choked with

You learn as you ride through the

For some reason, I am more emotional

down and burning trees. Much of it is

apocalyptic murk. Rob’s head goes up

when I find the live cattle than those that

unrecognizable, even to me. Only those

and I catch the scent at the same time.

died. I don’t know why. Maybe thinking of

with deep, local knowledge of these

The scent of death and charred flesh

what they went through and I wasn’t there

mountains can help.

mingled with the acrid smoke that burns

to help? And, more frightening, death has become more expected than life.

Fortunately, my family, “The Carter

your eyes. You begin looking in the draws

boys” (Devin and Doyle), Brian Jones—

hoping it is not cattle. It always is. Eight

all friends of my kids—and now friends

cows and three baby calves in a pile at

of mine, plus my best friend Sean Earley

the bottom of a ravine, rushing in terror

I completely dread taking my mom

all stepped up. They know the mountains

to escape. A sight you won’t soon forget.

to see this tragedy. She will be 90 in less

well and have helped us for years. They

But today, when we meet up, Kyle and

than a month; still loves the mountains

just showed up and said, “We’re here.

Kate had great news. They found 16 head

and gathering cows. She is tough but this

We’re going. What can we do?” So,

at our Twin Bridges corral! The largest

could break anyone. She worked these

we strap chainsaws and some alfalfa on

group to date. I had baited it with alfalfa

mountains with my Dad from 1948 when

4-wheelers and set out hoping against

last night and there were cattle standing

she was 18, he was 21, and they had just

hope to find something alive.

in the little corral of temporary panels.

married. She told me in later years she

Remarkable.

had always loved the outdoors but really

We split up. My crew takes the Lava

Dread & anger

Top and Ross Creek drainage, while the

Two of them are heifers that I gave Kyle

was “sort of afraid of cows” since she had

other half goes towards Twin Bridges

and Jordan (my daughter in-law and Juni’s

not ever been around them. She never

and Fall River. It is eerie, and as Rob said,

mom) for their wedding. Kyle branded

told Dad and learned to be one of the

“There is no sound in the Forest, just

them with my dad’s original brand just

best trackers and gatherers the mountains

death.”

to keep them straight. Someone in our

have ever seen, knowing every plant, tree

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Submitted Photo Dave Daley holds charred remains of some cow hooves.

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disasters facing our landscapes. I wonder how many of you have

and road.

You can learn more from old people. They may not use PowerPoint or Zoom. They may not be elegant in politics,

walked the canyons or ridges or seen the wildlife and beauty at a secret stream?

but they have life experience. We are quickly losing that vital

Politicians stage drive by photo-ops to raise money. None of

perspective from the land before we have allowed them to teach

us really like you. We’re just forced to deal with you. Of course,

us. Far more valuable than a visiting scholar or great consultant is

there are many exceptions and you know who you are. I hate to

local knowledge and observation. I wish we would listen.

visit an office to discuss issues when the legislator is far more

I am again angry at everyone and at no one. Why did this happen? I am absolutely tired of politicians and politics, from

interested in talking than listening. It seems that nobody can be a centrist, make sense and win.

There is plenty of blame to go around on both sides of the

both the left and the right.

Shut up. You use tragedies to fuel agendas and raise money to feed egos. I am sick of it. And it plays out on social media and cable news with distorted and half-truths. On both sides!

aisle.

And just maybe it’s both—horrible forest management and climate change. Don’t you think months of massive smoke covering the West may impact the climate, especially added to

Burned by politics

our other pollutants? Does it matter which came first? Why not

Washington, D.C., is 3,000 miles away and filled with

invest in solutions rather than using sound bites to gin up the

lobbyists, consultants and regulators who wouldn’t know a sugar

base? And locally, we know the solutions. And those investments

pine from a fir. Sacramento is 100 miles south and feels even

should be locally-conceived and locally-driven.

more distant than DC. To the regulators who write the Code of Federal Regulations,

‘Last man out’

the policies and procedures and then debate the placement of

I grew up hearing the stories from my dad and grandad

a comma, you mean well, I know. And I am sure you are good

of the “last man out” lighting the forest floor to burn the low

people. But you are useless when it comes to doing things to

undergrowth. Their generations knew to reduce the ladder fuels

help the land. And the “non-profits” (yea, right), lawyers and

that spread fire to the canopy, to open it up for the wildlife. It

academics, this is all too often a game for you to successfully

was a pact between our friends the Native Americans who had

navigate your own institution. “How do I get a grant to study

managed it this way for 13,000 years, the loggers, miners and

something that if I looked closely, generations before already

ranchers. They knew ecology and botany and wildlife. They

knew?” Nothing happens on the ground to make change. I do

worked together because they loved and knew the land.

understand that most folks truly care and start with the best

It was December in the early 1960s and snow was already on the ground of our foothill ranch. I was about 4-years-old and

intentions.

For those of you on the right blaming the left and California,

holding my grandfather’s hand as he lit some piles of brush on

these are National Forest lands that are “managed” by the feds.

fire to open the landscape. It was the practice he had learned

They have failed miserably over the past 50 years. Smokey the

from generations before.

Bear was the cruelest joke ever played on the western landscape,

The CDF (now Cal Fire) crew showed up, put out the fire, and

a decades long campaign to prevent forest fires has resulted in

lectured him for burning. My grandad was the kindest, gentlest

mega-fires of a scope we’ve never seen. Thanks, Smokey.

and funniest man I have ever known. And he was mad. It was

The US Forest Service is constantly threatened with litigation from extremists who don’t want anyone to “use” the forest. It

the beginning of the end for our forest home. An end that has proceeded at an unprecedented rate.

is to be “preserved.” Great job in helping to get us where we

I am angry. Try a control burn in the winter now and watch

are. I feel bad for Forest Service personnel. Most of them are

someone cite you because it is not an approved “burn day,”

great people who work there because they love the land like

you had the wrong permit or approval and you might impact air

I do. But they are chained to desks to write reports and follow

quality. It is beyond moronic. How is the choking air quality that

edicts handed down from those who don’t know. One size fits all

has blanketed the west this past month, when people can’t go

regulations are not a solution in diverse ecosystems. The Forest

outside without a mask, a better alternative? Are you kidding

Service budget is consumed by fire suppression and litigation.

me? Bureaucrats and well-intentioned regulators who don’t

What funds are left to actually work on the land?

know they don’t know have tied our hands, and the blame is

For those of you on the left blaming it all on climate change,

shared at the both the state and federal levels.

the regulations at the state and federal level have crippled—

Lest you think I am a complete rube, I earned my PhD in

no, stopped—any progress toward changing the unmitigated

Animal Science 35 years ago at Colorado State. I loved teaching

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and ranching – so I did both. But I am

Creek, a small community of about 1,000

If I hit 41-percent meadow utilization I

a cattleman at heart. And, I have been

residents where 15 have died.

can get a letter of non-compliance since

involved in industry activities for many

Our segmented view of the landscape

40-percent is considered the maximum.

years, serving as Past President of the

has led us to tragedy after tragedy. As a

The Bear Fire did not leave 60-percent of

California

Association,

rancher on the forest, I am required, in

the meadow! I wonder if I will get a letter

current Chair of the California Cattle

the name of ecosystem health, to monitor

of non-compliance? Again, the forest for

Council, Chair of the Forest Service

meadow utilization, browse of willows and

the trees.

committee for the Public Lands Council

stream-bank alteration. Fine. I comply.

Cattlemen’s

and Chair of Federal Lands for the

It is not the Forest Service range

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

I have walked the halls of Congress, met with legislators in both Sacramento and DC. I advocate for the cattle community to anyone who will listen. I have shared meals with legislators in DC, Chicago and Sacramento at wonderful restaurants noted for fine dining. The company, food and conversation were enjoyable. I have had bologna sandwiches and beer in the mountains with ranchers and loggers.

Somehow, the air seemed cleaner and the food was better with them. Something about straightforward honesty and hard work is appealing.

A standing invitation I invite any legislator or regulator, state or federal, to come with me to this devastation. Leave your photographer behind, put on boots and let’s go. I will buy the bologna. We have created tragedy after tragedy across the west. We need solutions.

Look at the mega-fires California has experienced in recent years. If you study them closely, almost all of them start on state or federally owned land. Fifty percent of California is owned by the feds or state, land that has unmanaged fuel loads because of the restrictions.

Currently the only buffer to these disasters are private, well managed, grazed landscapes. They may still burn, but the fires are not as catastrophic and can be controlled. Butte County alone suffered through the Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise, population of 20,000 where almost a hundred people died. And now, in the Bear Fire in Berry

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Submitted Photo A bear clings to a tree burned during the North Complex wildfire.

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conservationist’s fault that I have to monitor these three factors.

internationally for decades as the odd “academic cowman.” I

It is the guidelines they were handed. They are arbitrary and

learned quickly it is insulting to make suggestions if you don’t

ineffective measures to “protect” the environment, and of no

know the land, the people and the culture. I love these canned

use against decades of unmitigated fuel growth. Can anybody

“you should do this and this” PowerPoint talks. It is frustrating.

look up and see the meadows and water disappearing? Is the

My approach has always been “this is what I do and why—it may

health of the meadow crippled by unchecked understory growth

not fit here so don’t force it.” I loved those trips not because of

that sucks the water out and allows invasion of conifers? It is

what I taught but because of what I learned from the locals.

Cattle, like the wildlife, follow the season in this wild land

easier to blame the cow. Look up. Watch nature. She will talk to

we love. They start at low elevation in June and work east and

you.

higher until early October. As leaves begin to change, they

Listen to the forest, listen to the locals

start west and down. How and why would you fence this land?

I think it is as simple as not seeing the forest for the trees. And in my academic life, that was the norm. I worked with wonderful

Again, an expert from afar who wrote a text or did it in a different ecosystem thought it was a great idea. It is exhausting.

faculty, staff and students who were committed to research and teaching. However, we rarely looked at the big picture because

Rescue & Recovery: Day 4

we were encouraged to publish in our disciplines without

Yesterday was day four of the recovery effort. I now

seeking out how our work connected with others or how our

understand what first responders mean when they say, “rescue

small piece was part of a larger solution. That “siloed” thinking

to recovery.” I hold out little hope for live cattle. We have to get

plagues most bureaucracies and agencies. We only know what

to Hartman Bar ridge between the middle fork and south branch

we know. In most disciplines in academia, the faculty is several

of the Feather River. It is the furthest north, most breathtaking

generations removed from a direct connection with the land.

and the hardest to access. One road in and one road out choked

Listen to the generations before. Mega-fires are a recent

with downed and sometimes burning trees.

product of lack of use of fire, less grazing and over-regulation.

We see a burned bear cub trying to climb a tree, two miles

Mismanagement. In recent history, almost every mega-fire

further a mature bear, burnt but staying in the water trying to

has started on state or federal lands. These catastrophic fires

ease the pain. We give them both a chance because they made

contribute to climate change. Yet the guidelines followed by

it this far. We don’t euthanize even though our brains say we

the feds on National Forest and the State on State Parks lands

should. Our hearts say let them try.

We have about six miles of road to make passable to get

are “one size fits all.” It is beyond dumb. It’s no one’s fault. It’s everyone’s fault. Listen to the Forest. Listen to the locals.

It was estimated the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa produced more CO2 and pollutants in one week than all of the cars in

stock trailers through, but we make short work of it. Sometimes you can travel a quarter mile and sometimes a hundred feet. But chainsaws and strong hands get us there.

California in one year. We have already had six of the largest

I passed several streams today and tried to wade across one

25 fires in California history in 2020. The Bear Fire has eclipsed

looking for cattle. It strikes me as strange. All the creeks have

250,000 acres and is still burning. To me this is very personal, but

close to double the flow of last week. I see some springs running

this is a much bigger problem than my family having our cattle

that haven’t been active for years. And it hits me. We have

killed.

released the water that the brush was sucking from the land.

I get frustrated with experts and consultants who drive

The Native Americans were right again. Observe. Let nature talk.

by and “know just what to do.” For 35 years I have attended

We pulled up the grade to Hartman and Whiskey Hill, and

conferences, given presentations and listened. What I have

there were cattle tracks in the burn! Lots of them. I couldn’t

learned is solutions are local and specific. What happens in one

believe it. The fire roared up out of the middle fork so quickly

watershed in Plumas or Butte County may be entirely different

I expected nothing to be alive. I had myself prepared. But we

in the Lassen National Forest just next door. But experts of all

found cattle and some in pretty good shape. It was slow going.

kinds are glad to tell you how to do it. “Let’s prescribe graze,

Incredibly steep and rugged with lost, hungry cattle. In one

use virtual fences, change your timing, change your genetics.”

pocket we picked up 14 head with nary a scratch: Two old cows

Prescribe graze the forest and canyons? Yea. Right. They don’t

(12 plus years which is old for a cow) and a bunch of young stock.

know what they don’t know but they will take the honorarium

Those old ladies knew where to hide! Wisdom from days gone

anyway and have a great dinner on your dime. The locals and

by.

After a long day, we had 32 alive and loaded. Some may not

land rarely benefit.

I have traveled and given presentations nationally and

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make it but we had to bring them home to give them a chance.

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73

They made it this far. More jarring, though, was to walk down

leave with overwhelming sadness and “we will help any way

the drainage by the old Mountain House Ridge corral and find

we can.” Most of the rest of our crew have to get back to their

26 dead, spread from top to bottom. That fetid smell of death

jobs, but “are a phone call away with a stock trailer” if we find

permeated the walk I used to love.

something to load beyond the two trailers we will haul ourselves.

Even with the dead cattle on Hartman Ridge that we found,

I doubt we will. Kyle and I will start the search, compulsively

why did we find over half alive here and nowhere else? If

walking creeks and canyons that we have already searched,

anything, I assumed this steep ridge gave them no chance at all.

hoping something straggles in behind. You never know and you

And I realized that there had been a much smaller fire here about

can’t quit. That is not who we are.

five years ago. The country was more open and the fire moved quickly. Less fuel and more things lived. Trees, wildlife, and cows.

We won’t quit

I observed the same phenomenon in the remnants of the

And now we go on. What will happen? This is devastating

town of Feather Falls. The cemetery still stands with green stately

emotionally and financially. And I am not sure of the next steps.

pines respecting the graves of mostly Native American veterans

I do know this: We must change our land management practices

with flags at each grave. The cemetery was maintained by family

if we expect the West to survive. It is best done locally, not from

members leaving it free of deadfall and litter. All the trees lived.

DC or Sacramento, but I have tilted at windmills before.

Day 5 begins

never have quit for 140 years and I won’t be the first. I’ll suffer

We won’t quit. We need to get tougher and stronger. We We move as fast as we can, opening roads with saws and

the bureaucratic maze and try to make incremental change. And,

running 4-wheelers down every logging spur. We hope against

as always, work with nature. I have to. Juni, my granddaughter

hope for cow tracks but there are none. Hartman Ridge is about

and the next generation, needs to see the mountains the same

10 miles long with the only narrow paved Forest Service road

way we have seen them forever, to have hot chocolate on a cold

in the mountains. Nothing new just the cow tracks we found

fall morning and gather cows. It can’t be just stories from her

yesterday. Nothing at Socrates Spring, Harry Waite’s, the Lower

granddad.

Reservoir, DeJonah, Sheep Tank Meadow, Stag Point, Steward

We found an orphan heifer calf today, about two weeks old.

Ravine — and a hundred more name places that are being lost.

Her mother didn’t make it. Kyle stumbled on her hiding in one

Nothing.

of the few living willow patches along a stream. He followed her

Up by Tamarack Flat, I run into five pick-ups belonging to

for over an hour straight up from the bottom of a canyon. We

timber reps from Sierra Pacific, the private landholder that we

caught her and she is now on a bottle getting milk replacer. That

lease from and who has private property throughout our range.

rescue was good for my heart. Juni’s first heifer I decide! They

I am walking the logging road looking and listening, as I had run

can grow up together.

out of gas a mile or so ago. Too much country to cover! They

We saw life at Fall River today. Green grass trying to sprout at

were no doubt shocked to see me in that desolation striding

a spring. Life is resilient. So are we. Next year. And the next 100.

down the road covered in ash from head to foot. I know most of them. Foresters by trade who, like me, love the land. “It is

Postscript

all gone,” they say. Almost. I told them I could show them a

It is day 12 and we still are in the same pace because we

few pockets where trees survived. But very few. We are sad and

have no choice. We are finding one or two head per day that

angry together.

have lived so it is difficult to stop, but the numbers are dwindling

By the end of a grueling day, we have seven head loaded.

so we have to shift our focus to those that lived. It is hard to do.

Five of them are cattle we had seen before and were just able to

We have put 1,200 miles on the 4-wheelers in just a few days. I

get portable panels to and load, three are badly burned and will

quit counting the number of tires we have ruined and how much

get a chance for feed and water before they will most likely die

chainsaw work we are doing. Unfortunately, today we had to

or need to be euthanized. We know of three more live cattle that

begin euthanizing some of the cattle that we brought home. But

we have seen but not loaded. That may be it. Over one hundred

they were home, fed and watered.

brought home, so far, but I will be surprised if eighty live. Just 20-percent, maybe, of the herd we drove to the mountains on

The fire is still not contained and takes runs depending on the wind. I am not sure what next year will bring.

June 1. Many of those that live will have lost their baby calves to fire. There are no words.

This article originally appeared on the Facebook of Dave

Our crew will be smaller today. Rob flies back to his duty station in the army. Kate is back working as a veterinarian. They

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Daley and was later reprinted in several publications, both print and online.

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Girl creates activities for Juniors while battling cancer Lillian Sharpe, who was featured in 2018 in Good Day! magazine, started a project in November 2020 to create monthly activity booklets for the Grange, primarily for the Junior Grange but also used occassionally by her Subordinate Grange, Ekonk Community in Connecticut.

Sharpe, who was a member of Ekonk’s Junior Grange, when diagnosed at age 13 with Type B acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has remained active and in positive spirits through her 776 days of treatment, which she successfully finished on Thanksgiving day.

Through it all, she remained very active and upbeat. She continued excelling in school, maintained her hobbies and found an even deeper connection with the Grange.

The fourth-generation Grange member continued to make and sell her locally-known jams and jellies. She also pursued a passion for quilting, creating baby quilts and quilted bibs, along with full-size quilts as gifts for several family members. She painted and knitted and expressed her self through numerous creative outlets.

Sharpe, who at 11 had brainstormed a fundraiser for another local girl who was battling cancer prior to her own diagnosis, is a woman of many talents who refused to let anything stop her, said her grandmother Sue Gray, past First Lady of the Connecticut State Grange.

Gray said this positivity was in spite of residual effects from the treatment that have changed not just her childhood but her future. Sharpe will need hip replacement surgery due to deterioriation from steroids used as part of her treatment.

Never one to sit idle, even as her mobility has been hampered, Sharpe imagined a monthly activity book for Junior Granges that would reflect the season, provide some general knowledge as well as Grange information and give Juniors, parents and leaders options to extend the Junior Grange beyond just meetings.

The booklet has become popular with Richmond Grange in Rhode Island as well.

An activity sheet she created for all Grangers to enjoy is on the next page.

Sharpe has offered to share it with any other Granges who wish to receive a

Photo courtesy of Love & support for Lilly Facebook Page Lillian Sharpe celebrates her last chemotherapy treatment after more than 25 months. copy. To do so, you may contact Sue Gray who will respond with a digital copy. Email Gray at russell_gray@sbcglobal.net with your request.

Learning about ecosystems focus of 2021 annual awareness topic In 2021, Junior Grange members across the nation are encouraged to learn about ecosystems as part of the Ag Awareness program.

National Junior Grange Director Samantha Wilkins said each year the topic offered is broad for a reason.

“It allows Juniors and their leaders the flexibility to find out more about something the rest of their peers are also learning about, but to do so with their own local resources or following their own passions and skill levels,” Wilkins said.

Every Junior Grange member is encouraged to participate by reading about and researching ecosystems, interviewing someone who works in the field, creating a

More information about the

Ag Awareness program, 2021

contests, and other opportunities for Junior members can be found

in the newly released 2021 Junior Grange Program Book, available

at www.nationaljuniorgrange.org

or by calling Samantha Wilkins at (210) 838-7892.

and submitting details of your efforts all by September 1, 2021.

The Ecosystems Passport will be included in the next issue of Good Day! magazine and available soon on the National Junior Grange website.

Wilkins said this topic should excite a generation that seems very interested in helping our planet and kids who love to experience the world around them.

“Kids are curious by nature, and I think

poster that can help inform others about the topic, doing a hands-on activity to build an ecosystem; write and reflect on how we can better care for our ecosystem, complete the related Junior Passport, and documenting

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the Ag Awareness Program helps fuel that curiosity in a way that really brings value to their Junior Grange experience and can have a positive impact on the rest of their lives,” Wilkins said.

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The Grange - Word Search: Fill in the blanks, then find those words in the word search. There are also 5 officer positions hidden in the word search, just for fun!

1. The Grange, or the Order of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of Husbandry, was originally created to help _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

2. The 7 founders of the Grange were: Oliver H. _ _ _ _ _ _, William Saunders, Aaron B. _ _ _ _ _, William M. _ _ _ _ _ _ _, John R. Thompson, Francis _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, and John Trimble.

3. Caroline _ _ _ _ was named the honorary 8th founder of the Grange.

4. Unlike many organizations of its time, the Grange gave voice and a full vote to _ _ _ _ _.

5. The Grange motto is, “In essentials, _ _ _ _ _; in non-essentials, _ _ _ _ _ _ _; in all things, _ _ _ _ _ _ _.”

6. In 1960, the National Grange headquarters building in Washington, D.C. was dedicated by President Dwight D. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

7. Children under the age of 14 can join the _ _ _ _ _ _ Grange. Their motto is: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

8. The original Oliver H. Kelley farm is still a working farm and can be visited in Elk River, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

9. The core values of the Grange are: family values, grassroots activism, and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ service.

10. Every year in _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ members from across the country gather for the National Grange Annual Convention.

* All facts came from nationalgrange.org and nationaljuniorgrange.org*

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CREATED BY LILLIAN SHARPE

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2020 Junior Grange award winners announced Sign-A-Song Best of Show Jazlynn Rodriguez, TX Public Speaking Best of Show Kimber Newman, KS Cape of Honor (Outstanding Community Service Award) Brianna Gervais, CT [108 hours of service] Ag Awarness Project Recognition Brianna Gervais, CT Digital Talent Show Best of Show - Colton Tarbell, NY 5-7 years 1st - Jacob Wilkins, PA 8-10 years 1st - Tilden Wilkins, PA 2nd - Mackenzie Fens, VA 3rd - Zachary Wilkins, PA 11-14 years 1st - Colton Tarbell, NY 2nd - Daniel Wilkins, PA Photography Best of Show - Kimber Newman, KS 5-7 years 1st - Kimber Newman, KS 2nd - Jacob Wilkins, PA 3rd - Savannah Fens, VA 8-10 years 1st - Tilden Wilkins, PA 2nd - Mackenzie Fens, VA 3rd - Zachary Wilkins, PA 11-14 years 1st - Brianna Gervais, Ct

2nd - Rheannon Fens, VA 3rd - Sydney Back, VA Creative Writing Best of Show - Brianna Gervais, CT 8-10 years 1st - Mackenzie Fens, VA 2nd - Zachary Wilkins, PA 11-14 years 1st - Brianna Gervais, CT 2nd - Daniel Wilkins, PA Handy Craft - Seed Art Best of Show - Madison Shermon, RI 5-7 years 1st - Kait McKean, ME 2nd - Savannah Fens, VA 3rd - Scarlet Gotauco, RI 8-10 years 1st - Mackenzie Fens, VA 2nd - Rayvn Morris, VA 3rd - Hayden Campbell, VA 11-14 years 1st - Madison Sherman, RI 2nd - Riley Barker, VA 3rd - Brook Houle, RI Junior at Heart (15+ years) 1st - Melinda Hankins, VA 2nd - Holly Fens, VA 3rd - Megan Babb, VA Mini-Scrapbook Best of Show - Kimber Newman, KS 5-7 years 1st - Kimber Newman, KS

2nd - Savannah Fens, VA 8-10 years 1st - Mackenzie Fens, VA 11-14 years 1st - Rheannon Fens, VA Junior at Heart (15+ years) 1st - Melinda Hankins, VA 2nd - Holly Fens, VA 3rd - Megan Babb, VA Creative Art Best of Show - Kimber Newman, KS 5-7 years 1st - Kimber Newman, KS 2nd - Savannah Fens, VA 3rd - Jacob Wilkins, PA 8-10 years 1st - Mackenzie Fens, VA 2nd - Zachary Wilkins, PA 3rd - Tilden Wilkins, PA 11-14 years 1st - Daniel Wilkins, PA 2nd - Brianna Gervais, CT 3rd - Rheannon Fens, VA Director/Leader Reports Marvel Jr. Grange (CO), Cindy Greer Oregon State Grange, Peggy Jillson East Pembroke Jr. Grange (NY), Alexandria Tarbell Ekonk Community Jr. Grange (CT), Rebecca Gervais New Hampshire State Jr. Grange, Joann Brandt

JUNIOR SUBMISSION

Ambassador, 12, shares vision of Grange of the future

By Brianna Gervais National Junior Grange Ambassador Ekonk Community Jr. Grange #101, CT I think that in 20 years, technology will be far more advanced than what it is now.

Over the years we have developed from using horses to self-driving cars. We have gone from computers that would fill a room to smart watches.

If we keep advancing our technology as fast as we have up until now, technology

might allow us to live on the moon or visit the bottom of the ocean.

I think that in 20 years technology will change the Grange, but in a good way of course.

There will always be a need to help others and our community.

Granges may meet in different places; maybe Grange will be online, or on a big screen from home, or even robots and machines might help Grangers meet up with other Grangers. Zoom and the internet are already helping Granges now. The things

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that we might be able to do in the future is limited only by our imaginations.

Will we see cars that fly? Will we see computers that can reduce in size to fit in your pocket? Will we have cures for even the most extreme illnesses?

I cannot wait to find out what happens in the future.

I also hope that the Grange will do well, and that lots of families decide to join the Grange! The world would be a better place with more Grangers!

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New York high schooler selected 2021 Youth Ambassador

By Kennedy Gwin National Grange Intern As of the 2020 National Grange convention we have selected a new Youth Ambassador for the year of 2021 - Britney Mercado from Stanford Grange #808 in New York.

Her journey in the Grange has been whirlwind and she hasn’t looked back since she began on her path two years ago.

Britney is currently a senior at Stissing Mountain High School.

After graduation, Britney is interested in pursuing civil engineering as she has a deep passion for architecture and grew up working with her dad on many different construction sites.

Britney spent many summers as a young child next door to the Grange, at a local recreation center, unaware of the role it would eventually play in her future.

Britney said she learned about the Grange through Sanford’s many different activities and involvement in the local community.

As she got older, she started visiting the Grange hall, which is known as a place for teens to hang out after school to do things like study together and socialize.

Britney is the first member in her family to join the Grange, choosing to do so after her friend Sasha Secor invited her to one of the Grange dances.

After the dance, Britney said Sasha continued to talk about the Grange at school and eventually Britney showed up

Photo courtesy of Britney Mercado to become a member.

When she arrived to join the Grange, she said she was embraced with wide open arms and full hearts.

It’s an experience she said “not many people find in life.”

The Grange became like a second family to her, a home where she said she spends “time with friends and do homework, while other members are in the kitchen cooking our weekly meal.

We take that time to get together to talk, catch up, and just be in community.”

“I still cannot believe how far I have made it in my Grange journey in such a short amount of time and all I have accomplished,” Britney said. “It feels like I have been part of my Grange family for a lifetime, when it has only been two years.”

She was selected to be one of four Grange Youth to attend training in Texas in 2019 from CADCA. The training helped

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the Grange Youth consider how to create programs and partnerships to tackle issues in their communities.

Britney said she is “very fortunate to have the support of my fellow Grange members to give me life advice and continue to push me to be a better version of myself.”

She sees her own personal growth in the realm of public speaking, which she said she had dreaded.

“As I was about to give my speech to the Grange, I felt nothing but nerves, but was reminded of the support I had from my Grange friends Ryan, Katie, and Therese there reminding me to be myself,” Britney said. “They had faith in me and knew that the Grange would be accepting of me, awkwardness, and all.

The Grange does not judge people on things like background or situations, they accept you for who you are, flaws and all. The unconditional support has been an amazing feeling that I will continue to carry with me.”

Britney said being selected Ambassador is an amazing opportunity for which she has many people to thank.

“I would like to thank my parents, Stanford Grange #808, New York State Grange, National Grange and the Grange Foundation for supporting me thus far on my journey and for support in my future opportunities. I can honestly say I never thought I would be at this point in my Grange life in such a short amount of time, I feel it is a huge accomplishment,” she said. “I am proud to say that I am the 2020 National Grange youth ambassador.”

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Getting flu shot is important, especially for seniors By the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Courtesy of Family Features Getting vaccinated for the flu is more important than ever. Not only will a flu shot help keep you and your family healthy, it can help reduce the strain on the healthcare system and keep hospital beds and other medical resources available for people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This is no ordinary flu season; it’s a flu season amid a pandemic. With two dangerous viruses going around at once, it’s time for people to protect their communities by getting the vaccine already available: the flu vaccine.

And people with Medicare are at greater risk for serious complications from flu. A flu shot is an important preventive tool for individuals with asthma, diabetes, and heart and lung disease – chronic conditions that can increase the risk for serious flu-related health complications or even death. It’s the best protection from getting and spreading this flu virus, and it’s covered by Medicare at no cost. Medicare Part B covers one flu shot per flu season per beneficiary. You pay nothing for a flu shot if your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider accepts Medicare payment for giving the shot.

A flu shot won’t protect you against COVID-19, but it has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there’s no evidence that a flu vaccination increases your risk of getting sick from a coronavirus, like the one that causes COVID-19.

Those at high risk for flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions. Anyone who is six months old or older should get a yearly flu vaccine.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October, but a flu shot anytime during the flu season can help protect you.

Flu season in North America rarely begins before early October and usually lasts from

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images December to March. In the past two years, the peak activity has occurred around midto-late February. Your body needs two weeks after a shot to develop a protective response to the influenza virus, so your best bet is to get vaccinated before the flu rate begins to climb.

Workplaces and other settings that usually provide flu shots may not do so this season because of the challenges of maintaining social distancing. For more information on where you can get a flu vaccine, visit www.vaccinefinder.org.

When going to get a flu shot, please practice everyday preventive actions and follow the CDC’s recommendations for running essential errands. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health department if they are following CDC’s vaccination pandemic guidance. Any vaccination location following CDC’s guidance should be a safe place for you to get a flu vaccine.

If you have a child over six months old who qualifies for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you may also qualify for a flu vaccination at no cost to you.

What’s the difference between flu and CO VID-19?

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they’re caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is

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caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.

It is possible to have flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be.

While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, the CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading.

The CDC has developed a test that will check for A- and B-type seasonal flu viruses and SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This test will be used by U.S. public health laboratories. Testing for these viruses at the same time will give public health officials important information about how flu and COVID-19 are spreading and what preventive steps should be taken.

So please protect yourself, your family, and your community by getting a flu shot.

Visit the doctor, pharmacy, or other local providers to get a flu shot today.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

We are in the business of breakthroughs—the kind that transform patients’ lives. Dedicated to our mission of discovering, developing and delivering life-saving innovations that help patients prevail over serious diseases, we’ll never give up our search for more hope, for more people, around the world.

Visit bms.com to see how we’re bringing a human touch to everything we do. © 2020 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. All rights reserved.

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National Lecturer announces 2020 contest winners Virtual Photo Contest

Quilt Block Contest

Publicity Item Contest

Animals

Group I – Age 14+

In House

1st: Ashley Mohn, Marion #1853, PA

1st: Patricia Hall, not-yet-member, ME

1st: North Carolina State Grange

2nd: June Playfair, Lemhi Community

2nd: Cathy Stark, Stanford #808, NY

2nd: High Desert #22, NV

#404, ID

3rd: Alice Hartman, Kimberton #1304, PA

3rd: Sierra Valley #466, CA

3rd: Abigail Evans, Elmer #29, NJ People

1st: Max Swenson, Sunbeam #2, MN

4th: Marble Valley #567, VT Professional:

1st: Alice Coakley, Oakview #311, WA

2nd: Jerzey Jette, Avon #125, MT

1st: Virginville #1832, PA

2nd: Shelley Fayewicz, Virginville #1832, PA

3rd: Arianna Watts, Sunflower #162, CO

2nd: Five Mile Prairie #905, WA

3rd: Maria Woje, Moravian #187, NJ Scenery

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Group II – Age 13 and under

Group III – Men, Age 14+ 1st: Duane Hamp, Five Mile Prairie #905,

1st: Kathryn Hsu-Bishop, Home #129, MI

WA

2nd: Jim (Bud) Snyder, Valley #1360, PA

2nd: Roger Bostwick, Pleasant View

3rd: Roger Bostwick, Pleasant View

#1459, KS

#1459, KS

3rd: Scott Mitson, Bellgrove #229, ID

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3rd: North Carolina State Grange 4th: Marble Valley #567, VT

NOTES FROM A SMALL TOWN

Me & the Sea

Column and photo by Christopher Dean Massachusetts Grange Member

Since I moved back to Rockport about five years ago, one thing I’ve got into the habit of is my morning coffee ritual.

Almost every day I walk down to the Brothers Brew coffee shop and get a cup of take-out coffee, then go to the nearby beach and sit on a rock to drink it while I watch the ocean waves. It’s a simple ritual but very meditative in its way.

Herman Melville says in MobyDick, “As everyone knows, water and meditation are wedded forever.” And he’s right.

When I sit and contemplate the ocean, it’s the most deliberately meditative thing I do. I can feel the effects happening almost as soon as I find a nice spot, and I have several

preferred spots that I use depending on how far down the beach I feel like going and how high the tide.

I see several people there that are familiar.

In the summer, there’s a beach-yoga group that meets early in the morning, before the tourists take over with their beach chairs and their umbrellas.

In the winter it’s usually the same people walking their dogs, or the same people with the same idea that I have.

The sound of the waves is by far the most relaxing thing I know of, the rhythm is timeless, it’s been on this planet for as long as there have been oceans. probably billions of years.

Before there was life, there were the

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seas and waves.

I just sit and watch the waves, that’s really all there is to it, and eventually I feel that they’re telling me to slow down.

Once that message gets through, I can feel the tension easing out of me. The uneven pattern is perfect for making me feel that the world is a better place, at least for a while, time enough for me to center myself and my day.

After big storms, the waves can be huge and ferocious, they come one after the other, relentless; on normal days, those sunny and delicious summer ones, the waves are small and lazy.

Winter storm waves are my favorites; they’re wild, there’s wind and cold, lots of drama.

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The sea and shore around here are about as beautiful as anything I know.

Especially on a raw windy day, the beauty is stark and fresh, every storm is different, this is sea-coast New England at its most beautiful.

Recently, during a storm, I watched a metal dory slide back and forth across the rocks that ring the shore, sliding and scraping and filling and tipping up and emptying, each clunk of the boat was like the ringing of a desperate bell, it was hypnotic and strange: a man-made thing and the insensate power of nature, an inanimate object and the entire planet’s life force. I sat there entranced, wholly invested in what I was watching, though when I got home, I called the police to let them know about the boat and checked the Police Log in the newspaper a few days later to see if my call had been recorded. It had.

Rockport is on the sea, it has a small fishing community, mostly lobstermen and some commercial fishing captains who take groups of paying tourists to fish and look at the town from the water.

The lobstermen are held in some esteem by the locals who grew up here, a low-key sort of awe. Rockport itself is more of a granite quarrying town than a fishing town, granite made up the largest part of the town’s prosperity, men who quarried the granite came from all over New England and northern Europe.

The Europeans created the Vasa Order, a Swedish and Finnish organization in Rockport, across the street from the building where I went to elementary school, which is built of local granite.

Locally quarried granite is in the Custom House Tower in Boston and in the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City and as sidewalk edging all over the country, and all are sources of local pride.

But it’s Gloucester and its fishermen who get the lion’s share of the attention on Cape Ann, and their tale is a memorably dramatic one.

When I was young, the Rockport schools actually taught us to revere the men who wrest their living from

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the ocean. In the second grade my classmates and I were taught to recite that part of the 107th Psalm (23-30), you know the one: “They that go down to the sea in ships and do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble…”

There’s more, of course; it’s pure and powerful poetry. Though, in truth, at the time I was so young I didn’t know what any of it meant, but I was young enough for the quotation to stick permanently in my mind, coloring and underpinning what I think of when I think of Gloucester.

It’s also written on the base of the famous Fisherman’s Memorial statue on Stacy Boulevard in Gloucester, overlooking the sea and Gloucester harbor; it’s always sobering to go there.

No matter how beautiful the day is, one is always reminded of how much sudden death is part of the lives of the people who lived on Cape Ann, never a stranger, accepted stoically.

There are a half dozen bronze plaques that surround the bronze statue on its

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locally cut granite base, listing the name of every Gloucesterman who died at sea and whose name is known, in order of his date of death.

There’s a section for the year 1879 which lists 279 names, over the length of three columns and part of a fourth, mostly from a single storm.

The statue was designed by an English sculptor named Edward Craske for Gloucester’s 300th birthday celebration, in 1925. It’s the center point of the annual fisherman’s memorial ceremony and plays a part in the last scene in the 1937 classic movie version of Captains Courageous starring Freddie Bartholomew and Spencer Tracy.

While I was in the second grade all the children in my school were herded into the gymnasium and sat on hard metal folding chairs to watch that movie. Even today I can’t watch it without getting at least a little choked up.

And here’s how it is: the sea is beautiful and powerful and deadly, mysterious, exciting, calming. It’s the cradle of all life on earth, everything we see around us comes from it. It encompasses the reality of life on Cape Ann, up in the northeastern corner of Massachusetts. It’s a permanent part of my life, I’ve never lived more than five miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

The associations I have with it, with my childhood, with my life now, are as much a part of me as anything I can think of. I like to think sometimes, when I’m feeling melodramatic, that I’m a child of the sea but, really, I only lived near it, grew up near it, plundered its shallows for souvenir shells and little sea creatures to marvel at.

I’ve only a few times felt the rocking of a wooden deck on a wooden ship under my feet, I’ve never been more than a tourist on the ocean, but I’ve always known that it was a wonder-filled place to live and standing next to it, watching its moods and patterns is a grand way to spend some of the time that slowly passes away from all of us.

Submissions WANTED

Let’s hear your story

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

We want to hear from you!

What is your #Grangestory that tells how you became a Granger? Did you see application of degree lessons to your daily life and relate them to friends and coworkers? Did you find yourself embracing new ideas and finding ways to overcome differences?

Submit your story of no more than 650 words and a photo, if applicable, to Amanda at communications@nationalgrange.org by February 28 for potential inclusion in a future issue of Good Day! or use on our social media.

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The girl, the mouse and the neighbor Granger

(a true country fable)

By Toby Martin Member, Valley Grange #144, ME Once, not very long ago, there was a little girl who lived with her family.

She was old enough to go to school and wanted to, but a mysterious, dangerous and invisible disease had come into the world, so the schools had to be closed, and the doors locked tight to keep all the children and their teachers safe.

Even so, that mysterious, dangerous, and invisible danger lurked in other places besides the schools that had been closed and locked. So all people everywhere were told to wear masks, to wash their hands often and thoroughly, and keep at least six feet away from other people.

walking on the road then, noticed the girl heading toward her and smiled, because they saw one another often and were good friends.

The woman understood little girls from her own children

One day, the little girl saw a mouse.

It was a grey, wild country mouse, just like so many mice in stories just like this one, but often those stories also have a town mouse in them, or just country mice and no town mice, or just town mice and no country mice.

The mouse didn’t have a name, at least not that the little girl knew.

When the little girl saw the grey country mouse, for such it was, because the mouse and the girl both lived close to each other in the country, she felt a surge of kindness and love for nature and wild things come over her, as it often did.

The little girl knew exactly what she had to do. It didn’t bother her a bit that she had never done this before. She certainly wasn’t a zookeeper or a veterinarian, though maybe the idea of being one or the other had entered her mind at some point and made her do what she did, which is this.

She found a pot with a cover that fit, then quietly, carefully,

and grandchildren and was naturally interested and curious about the pot and what might be in it, perhaps soup, because it was being held so carefully.

But It wasn’t long before the true contents were revealed, and the mouse was discovered, right after the little girl lifted the pot’s cover and showed the woman what it was.

Just then, the little girl turned and went over to the side of the road where there was a hayfield, close by where she and the woman lived. She walked a little way into it, bent down, and set the little creature free.

Then both the little girl and the woman smiled at each other in the way that only people who know and understand things like what had just happened.

They talked a little, and then both the little girl and the woman returned to their homes, connected by the country road where they both lived and what they had shared.

so as not to frighten the furry, grey creature, captured the

And the mouse?

mouse in the pot and covered it up with its lid.

Who can say?

The little girl picked up the pot very carefully, held it

That story is a mystery.

tightly to keep the mouse safe, and then they went for a ride on her electrically-powered skateboard. Smoothly and

Toby Martin works with nonprofit organizations whose

quietly, the little girl and the grey mouse went down the

missions inspire community involvement in Maine and New

country road where the girl and her family lived.

England. He lives in Islesboro, where he represents groups

Very soon, a woman and a Granger who also lived on the road and knew the little girl, and just happened to be

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involved in energy, the environment, the library, arts and culture.

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Edible

Sunshine

The charm of citrus fruits may have

By Ann Olson Bercher President, Minnesota State Grange Certified Culinary Specialist

had its beginning in Europe with the

treats and gifts, sometimes expensive, sometimes too big to fit inside!

legend of St. Nicholas who was said to

But perhaps it’s time to resurrect the

have tossed three gold balls into a poor

tradition of giving our loved ones some

Minnesota welcomed a shocking

man’s house to provide dowries for his

edible sunshine in their stockings.

record-breaking snowfall last October. I

three daughters so they might be more

While the in-peak season for citrus

rather enjoy all the snow. I make good

eligible for marriage. The tale describes

fruits in North America is December

use of it through skiing, sledding, and

the orbs falling into stockings that were

through April, you have time to bring

hiking. I know there are others who

hung near the hearth to dry.

some sunshine into your New Year’s Day,

would prefer it never show up and the

Later in history, to honor the saint and

Ground Hog’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St.

with the emergence of the Christmas

Patrick’s Day and Welcome Back Spring

The arrival of snow, or at least colder

stocking, oranges replaced the gold ball

celebrations!

temperatures also signals a change in

found in the toe of a stocking. By the end

Citrus fruits grew on trees in southern

the kind of foods that are appealing to

of the 19th century in Europe, when the

China, northern India and Southeast Asia

cook and eat.

custom of gift giving at Christmas had

and spread through the subtropics and

means

spread, the orange became a rare and

mild temperate regions of the world.

soup, stews, slowly roasting meats and

expensive fruit and for many families,

Traders brought the fruits to Asia and

vegetables. But it is also the height

a luxury obtained from Spain or Italy.

the middle east before 500 BC. From

of citrus fruit season and that can help

These precious fruits were reserved for

there medieval crusaders brought them

remind us of the tropics and warmer

their children’s Christmas stockings.

to Europe, and Spanish explorers carried

lakes never froze over.

Snow

and

cold

typically

climates!

The same held true for families in

them with them to the Americas.

There is truly a cornucopia of citrus

America, especially the Midwest, were

fruits readily available in the grocery

citrus fruits were a rarity in the winter.

stores through the winter months that

Finding an orange in the toe of one’s

The delights of citrus fruits of course

include dainty kumquats, zesty limes and

stocking and eating it was an exotic and

include the juice, but the aromatic oils

lemons, juicy oranges and grapefruits,

celebratory treat.

within their peels, and the variety of

and my new favorite, Buddha’s Hand.

In fact, you might consider citrus fruits Mother’s Nature’s gift of edible sunshine for us northerners in the winter.

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The tradition continued through the Great Depression and oranges became once again, quite the luxury.

Today,

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stockings

are

Today, Brazil and the United States produce most of the world’s oranges.

flavors, colors, textures and shapes are remarkable.

Oranges such as Navel and Valencia

filled

with

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are juicy sweet and easily eaten out of

hand. And of course, as Grangers, we have a special affinity for

heavy in the hand, with no soft spots or bruises. If you plan on

the Navel Orange variety, cultivated in the U.S. by first National

using the rind for zesting or candying, be sure the rinds are

Grange President William Saunders.

blemish free. Bright color can be a good indicator of taste, but

The sweet and tartness of Meyer lemons are perfect for cakes, pies and tarts. The sourness of grapefruit contrasts

certain varieties (such as Key limes) may have a naturally paler skin.

with spice and protein, and juicy lemons and limes provide delightful acidity to almost any dish.

The peels, or zest, of many citrus fruits provide aromatic perfume to many dishes, especially that of the Budda’s Hand and Kifir Limes.

Try pairing different citrus fruits in salads, with roasted meats, or in crusty tarts.

There are many health benefits from eating citrus fruits which are rich in vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. They are a good source of fiber and low in calories.

While most of the Western world begins the day with a

Citrus fruits may be stored at room temperature for three to five days. Keeping them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator may extend their shelf life for two to four weeks, but their flavors may fade.

When you are ready to use your fruits, scrub the rind well, making sure to remove any wax if present.

When zesting fruits, avoid the white pith between the rind and fruit as it is quite bitter.

When peeling the fruits, be sure to remove all the white pith with the peel.

Fruits can be divided into segments or sliced into disks.

glass of orange juice, there are more healthful ways to reap

Some specific varieties you might look for:

those nutritional benefits.

• Sweet oranges: Valencia, navel, blood orange, cara cara

Eating whole fruits provides more fiber. Citrus juice contains

• Mandarins: Satsuma, clementine, tangor, tangelo

a high level of sugar (fructose). When eating whole fruits, you

• Limes: Persian, key lime, kaffir

get less sugar and more fiber which buffers the amount of

• Grapefruit: White, pink, ruby red, oro blanco

fructose in your bloodstream.

• Lemons: Eureka, Meyer

Sadly, some citrus fruits interact with certain medications

• Other kinds: Citron, sudachi, yuzu, pomelos, Kumquat,

that may reduce the ability for your body to absorb the medication properly. The biggest culprit is grapefruit, but

Budda’s hand • Kumquats

tangelos and Seville oranges used to make marmalade may

Here are some ways to use citrus fruits that you may not

also be problematic When purchasing citrus fruits, select fruits that feel firm and

have thought of before.

Orange Slaw

Pork Tacos with

3 navel oranges 1/3 c. fresh lemon juice (from 3 lemons) 8 cloves garlic, smashed 4 ½ tsps. kosher salt, divided ¾ c. chopped fresh cilantro leaves, divided 1 ¼ tsps. freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 3-lb. boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 4 pieces ½ small head green cabbage, shredded 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 Tbsps. olive oil 2 Tbsps. white wine vinegar 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and warmed 12 6-in. corn tortillas, warmed

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1. Squeeze juice from one orange to equal ¼ cup; add to a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in lemon juice, garlic, 4 tsp. salt, ½ c. cilantro, and 1 tsp. pepper. Add pork, turning to coat. Cover and cook on low until pork is fork-tender, 6 to 8 hours.

2. Preheat broiler to high with oven rack 6 inches from heat.

Shred pork with forks and spread in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet (reserve ½ c. cooking liquid). Broil until pork is browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Season with remaining ½ tsp. salt and transfer to a serving platter.

3. Cut away peel and pith of remaining two oranges while pork broils. Working over a medium bowl, cut out orange segments and squeeze membranes to extract juice. Stir in cabbage, onion, oil, vinegar, and remaining ¼ c. cilantro and ¼ tsp. pepper; toss gently to combine.

4. Skim off fat from reserved cooking liquid; stir into beans.

Serve pork with tortillas, slaw, and beans.

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Roasted

beets

with grapefruit

6 baby beets, peeled and quartered (3/4 pound) 2 Tbsp. water 2 Tbsp. plus 1 ½ teaspoons red wine vinegar ½ c. plus 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ¼ tsp. salt ½ c. flat leaf parsley, chopped ¼ c. fresh mint, chopped 1 Tbsp. drained capers Salt and pepper to taste 3 small grapefruits, peeled and sliced into rounds

Salmon

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. In an 8-inch baking dish, combine beets with water and 2 Tbsp. of water. Add 2 Tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper. Cover with foil and roast until tender, about 50 minutes.

3. While beets are roasting, in a small bowl mix parsley, mint, capers, 1 ½ tsp. vinegar, ½ c. oil and ¼ tsp. salt. Add salt and pepper to taste 4. Place grapefruit slices on a platter. Top with roasted beets and drizzle with the sauce mixture.

5. Serve at room temperature.

Kumquat

4 oranges 3 limes 1 (3-lb.) skin-on salmon fillet, pin bones removed 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided ¾ tsp. black pepper, divided 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed ¼ c. chopped fresh dill, divided

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice 1 orange and 1 lime into 1/4inch thick rounds.

2. Place salmon, skin side down, on a parchment-lined rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Brush salmon with melted butter. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 tsp. of the salt and 1/2 tsp. of the pepper. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Roast in preheated oven 25 minutes. Uncover and arrange citrus slices over salmon in an artful pattern. Return salmon to oven, and roast at 400°F until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 20 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, juice remaining oranges and limes (making 1 1/4 c. juice). Strain juice into a stainless-steel saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until reduced to about 2/3 c., about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cubed butter, 2 Tbsp. of the dill, and remaining salt and pepper.

4. Place salmon on a platter; sprinkle with remaining dill.

Serve with sauce.

vinagerette

15 whole kumquats, washed, scrubbed and towel dried ¼ c. champagne vinegar ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper 1 Tbsp. honey ½ c. extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. poppyseeds

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with orange & lime

1. Combine the kumquats, vinegar, salt, pepper and honey in a blender or food processor. Process low until the kumquats are completely pulverized and the mix is pale orange in color.

2. Remove small opening in the lid of the processor or blender and slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to process on low.

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3. Once the oil is incorporated, continue to process for about 30 more seconds.

4. Stir in the poppyseeds with a spatula, then pour into a container with an airtight lid.

5. Store in the refrigerator up to one month. Shake well before using.

6.

Use on salads or drizzled over roasted, steamed or sautéed vegetables.

Makes about 1 cup.

Cranberry with fresh citrus

salad

1. For Cranberry Topper, in food processor cover and pulse cranberries 5 times to coarsely chop (or coarsely chop by hand).

Transfer to bowl.

2. Cut peel from oranges. Section oranges over bowl to catch juice. Add sections and juice to cranberries. Stir in celery, onion, sugar, lemon juice, and ginger. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.

3. Toss arugula with mint and oil. Top with cranberry mixture.

Serves 8.

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed 4 oranges 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced (1 cup) ½ small red onion, finely chopped (1/3 cup) ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 5-ounce package baby arugula ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 2 tablespoons walnut oil or olive oil

Master Recipes

Favorite recipes shared by President Betsy E. Huber

Lemon Squares 1 c. flour

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

½ c. butter

Blend

¼ c. confectioners sugar

confectioners sugar thoroughly,

2 eggs

press on bottom of 8 x 8 x 2”

1 c. sugar

pan. Bake 20 minutes.

½ tsp.baking powder

flour,

Beat

other

butter,

and

ingredients,

¼ tsp. salt

pour over crust and bake 20-

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

25 minutes till set. Do not overbake.

Gelatin Delight Salad This is my favoriate salad that my mom would make for Christmas.

1

envelope

unflavored

gelatin

1 apple, cubed Add

gelatin

to

orange

¾ cup orange juice

juice and stir. Add sugar, salt,

½ cup sugar

and boiling water; stir until

¼ teaspoon salt

dissolved. Add lemon juice,

¾ cup boiling water

stir, then chill.

2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 oranges, sectioned 1 grapefruit, sectioned

When thick, add fruit, pour into 8 x 11” glass dish and chill.

Serves 8-10.

2 bananas, sliced

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95

THE LAST

Word

By Walter Boomsma

Maine State Grange Communications Director Is It About Social Distancing or Hope and Perseverance?

and simplifying. Perhaps sitting next to an

is that we learn the importance of

oil lamp and listening to the woodstove

managing our own perspective with

snap and crackle contributes.

nature’s help. Instead of fighting with her, we should learn from her.

Thanks to an early December winter

Those sounds are less distracting than

storm, we were without power for several

the beeping and buzzing of a smartphone

Current circumstances may force us

days. The internet was unavailable. We felt

or the laptop. Heck, I don’t even need

to remember one of the lessons of the

quite “socially distanced” in nearly every

to walk to the mailbox at the end of the

First Degree. It is especially fitting that the

sense of the words since snow piles and

driveway since it’s not accessible.

Overseer uses the language of yesteryear.

bent birches were blocking our driveway.

Nature prevails.

“Courage then, and patience, when gloom

We couldn’t get out. Not much is getting in.

Sometimes that creates inconvenience,

broods over your pathway. Weeping may

In a perhaps odd way, we do not

but it’s also a comforting truth.

endure for a night, but joy cometh in the

Spring follows winter, just as summer

morning. To the upright there ariseth light

the

follows spring. Sun follows rain. Life

in darkness, and the path of the righteous

pandemic, this seems like merely “more

begins and ends and sometimes takes a

shineth brighter and brighter, unto the

of the same.”

different shape.

perfect day. Then shall the crooked be

feel trapped. Possibly because of the limitations

already

imposed

by

made straight, and the rough places plain,

For the past nine months, life seems to

Growing up in New England, I

have been about what we cannot do. It’s

learned a long time ago that “fighting”

been easy to forget that we should know

nature is not the way to go. As a child,

In the language of today, please be

better than to get trapped into thinking

big snowstorms meant no school —

patient. We will answer all emails in time,

that way.

something we couldn’t do. But we were

and we hope to return to our regular website posting schedule soon.

So as I sit “sheltering in place” in

more focused on what we could do —

forced darkness, I find an opportunity to

sleep in, go out sliding, and building snow

remember that many of the lessons of the

forts and people.

and knowledge be revealed.”

When contacted, the power company suggested we may have power restored

“There is no such thing as bad weather,

within hours. I was a little disappointed

We are resilient and remember the

only inappropriate clothing,” is a mantra

they didn’t tell us to “Hope and

words of the Fifth Degree, encouraging

often repeated by Scandinavian parents

persevere.”

us to “hope and persevere.” Since many

who insist their children spend some time

Grangers tend to be traditionalists, we find

outdoors every day.

Grange help us maintain perspective.

returning to oil lamps and the woodstove somewhat comforting and simplifying.

Admittedly, it’s a journey we’d prefer to make by choice.

But in a similar way, returning to the teachings of the Grange can be comforting

We’re still planning to fill the lamps, trim the wicks, and reload the woodbox.

As schools in the United States have

We fill and trim because, without

learned to shift to remote learning, some

action, there is no hope. Without action,

districts announced there would be no

hope is just a way to pass the time until

more snow days. I’m not sure that’s a

we’re done living. We can do more than

good thing from my childlike perspective

sit in the dark and hope for the power

One of the benefits of being Grangers

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

company to arrive.

97

In the Second Degree, the Master provides a visual lesson with

do this time of year is to stroll during a snowstorm, particularly

a few corn kernels. “There is no object in which, to appearance,

at night. It’s oddly comforting to experience the quiet as the

life and death border so closely together as in the grains of seed

accumulating snow deadens sound other than this gentle hiss of

buried in the earth; but when life seems extinct a fuller and richer

the falling snow. It’s as if nature is painting the landscape, bathing

existence begins anew.”

it in white and covering everything so there are less distractions.

For me, this was the most powerful and memorable lesson of my first experience with the Degrees. I remember so well watching the Master stir those hardened kernels in his hand and realizing that what we often view as an end is transformation.

There is less to see and hear while walking in a snowstorm, but so much to think and feel. An occasional animal track in the snow suggests that there are unseen fellow travelers who are… what? Are they in search of shelter or food? Or are they simply

Life finds a way.

traveling because they can?

Days end, days begin.

The snow is not their enemy nor is it ours.

Light follows darkness.

We are granted the extraordinary privilege of observing, participating, and serving as stewards of the abundance of nature.

“From this little seed we have, first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. So with the mind, when duly nourished with Faith and Hope.”

Like all of nature, the snow — if we choose to see it as such — gives us reason to hope and persevere.

Boomsma is the author of a regular column called “Exploring Traditions,” that appears on the Maine State Grange website.

Look around, even in the darkness. Find some seeds — if not

Several of those were collected and published in 2018 in the

for your garden in the spring, then for your mind during these

book “Exploring Traditions: Celebrating the Grange Way of Life,”

days that seem dark.

which may be purchased through smile.amazon.com. Make sure

Even prior to the pandemic, one of my favorite things to

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to set the Grange Foundation as your beneficiary charity.

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