Good DAY!
A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 6, Issue 3 l October 2022
Grange Fairs highlight agriculture Across the country, Granges have been involved in county, state, and regional fairs and expositions for over a century, focusing on connecting their communities to agriculture.
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Staff
WHAT’S THE GRANGE? The National Grange was founded as a fraternal organization for farm families in 1867 – opening its doors to men and women equally from the start. From rural free delivery of mail to the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, 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.
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OUR
Betsy E. Huber, Publisher National Grange President President, Grange Foundation President, Grange Advocacy betsy@nationalgrange.org Philip J. Vonada, Editor Communications Director pvonada@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Manager IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org Burton Eller, Advertising Partner Legislative Director Executive Director, Grange Advocacy beller@nationalgrange.org
Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.
Officers
Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Membership & Leadership Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate abrozana@nationalgrange.org
OUR
Betsy Huber, PA, President betsy@nationalgrange.org
William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward
Chris Hamp, WA, Vice President champ@grange.org
John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward
Lynette Schaeffer, IL,
Executive Committee Chair lschaeffer@grange.org Susan Noah, OR
Executive Committee Member snoah@grange.org Leroy Watson, NH Executive Committee Member & Grange Advocacy Board Chair leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org William “Buddy” Overstreet, TX,
Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain Joe Goodrich, VT, National Treasurer Debbie Campbell, PA, National Secretary
Pete Pompper Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org Sean O’Neil Legislative Assistant soneil@nationalgrange.org
Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres Kay Stiles, MD, National Pomona
Ann Bercher, MN,
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Mandy Bostwick Youth & Young Adults Development Director youth@nationalgrange.org
Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper
boverstreet@grange.org
lecturer@nationalgrange.org
Samantha Wilkins Operations Coordinator & National Junior Grange Director samantha@nationalgrange.org junior@nationalgrange.org
Kathy Gibson, MA, National Lady Assistant Steward
Executive Committee Member
National Lecturer
Loretta Washington Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org
Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora
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Mujo Mrkonjic Building Engineer HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Betsy E. Huber
I’m sad to see the end of summer.
about next year. The fairs that I’ve
I enjoy having the windows open,
worked with and visited are always
being able to go outside without
looking for good exhibits to attract
bundling up, seeing all the green
more attendees. I encourage you -
fields and lawns, and - of course -
in addition to the beautiful display -
working in my garden.
be sure to include some explanation
One of my favorite things about
about what the Grange is. This is
summer is the fairs. I love visiting
your opportunity to brag about what
fairs - the animals all clipped and
you do and let your neighbors know
shampooed, the rows of beautiful
about our great organization and why
canned
they should get involved.
fruits,
vegetables,
and
jellies, fresh vegetables and flowers
Grange has a long history of
At its height, the “Great Grangers
from the many gardens, handicrafts
involvement with local fairs, often
Interstate Picnic and Exhibition” at
showing incredible talents, lots of
being the founding group to originate
Williams Grove, PA, attracted 100,000
small businesses showing their wares
the fair to show off their crops and
and services, and of course the food!
garden products. Many fairs across
There’s nothing like fresh-cut French
the country are still operated by
fries and creamy milkshakes! I always
Granges, but some have separated
find lots of interesting things and
from the Grange and are now
learn something every time I visit a
independently managed, forgetting
Carrie Chapman Catt, Oliver Hudson
fair.
their Grange history.
Kelley, and many other famous
people during the week and on “big days” from 50-60,000 people. The Governor
usually
addressed
the
crowd, and so did Carrie Nation,
I especially love looking at the
As early as 1874, one year after
figures. Governor Woodrow Wilson
Grange exhibits. Did you ever notice
organization of the State Grange,
kicked off his Presidential campaign
that no other community organization
Pennsylvania held two statewide
at this Fair in 1912 to a crowd of
or service club puts together these
Grangers picnics attracting thousands
30,000. How did he do that with no
beautiful displays or educational
of people who came to hear politicians
booths at the fair? This is a major
and other nationally-known figures
opportunity for us to showcase our
and to fellowship with fellow farmers.
organization and the many projects
Imagine, they all traveled by horse
and services we do for the community.
or by train! Because of the distance
If your fair hasn’t given your
people had to travel, the events soon
Granges and county fairs. Fairs are still
Grange the opportunity to put up an
developed into several day events
a wonderful place to tell the Grange
exhibit, contact them now and ask
and then into Grangers’ fairs.
story and talk to people.
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microphone? Read lots more about fairs and their history in this issue and learn more about the connection between
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Editorial: Family values run deep Priorities – values can define what matters to your family first
By Debbie Campbell
Secretary, National Grange
and what’s less important. For example, how you spend family
Hello, my name is Debbie Campbell, National Grange Secretary. I have been married to my husband, Wayne Campbell for 49 years. We have three children, Jennifer, Ashley and Nathan - and four grandchildren, Bryce, Riley, Nathan Jr. and Lyrick. I have been a Grange member for 42 years. I am a member of Oliver Grange #1069 in Newport, Pennsylvania where I currently hold the office of Lecturer/Program Director. In addition, I am the Treasurer of the Perry County Pomona Grange which I have held since 1999. Currently, I hold the office of the Pennsylvania State Grange Secretary which I have served for the past 10 years. In the past, I held the office of Pennsylvania State Grange Pomona and Pennsylvania Junior Grange Director. I served two years on the National Junior Grange Committee under Emalee Colver, former National Junior Director.
time, your spiritual or religious rituals, creating traditions, as well as the type of education you’ll provide for your children. Relationships – our families teach us very early how to behave around others. One of the most important traits of a great relationship is respect. Respect needs to be earned first. Family time – family time should be part of your family values; making time for quality time together should be a priority. All of this starts at home, as children from birth are a product of their environment. The way we as parents and grandparents display to our children will reflect on the adults they become. Not only children but adults, too, will see and react to the love we show for each other. As an example, one time when Wayne and I were going to be announced as honored guests by the Juniors at State Grange, the Juniors wondered how they would be able to recognize us. The Junior Director at the time, Lurae Benzio, said they will be the ones holding hands. This open display of affection was observed by others and we were not even aware of it. As you go about your daily life, think about how others may be perceiving
One of the most important things to me is Family and family values! I don’t know where I would be without my Family which includes my Grange Family.
you, and if that is how you want to be perceived. Be kind and love one another! Fraternally,
The word Family can be taken in so many different ways, but
Debbie Campbell
there are many important life lessons that only your family can teach you. Unconditional Love – our families teach us how to love with no limitations. Unconditional love is taught by example. Showing your child/grandchildren love teaches them to be able to love others. Generosity – our family teaches us how to care for others besides ourselves. Taking care of yourself first is imperative, but how you treat others is just as important. Generosity teaches us how to be kind, considerate, caring, giving, and ready to lend a hand. Loyalty – our family teaches us to be trustworthy, reliable, and
Debbie (far right) with husband, Wayne (left), grandson Bryce, son-in-law Ken, daughter Jennifer, and granddaughter Riley.
dependable.
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Photo provided
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Oregon hosts Western Region Conference By Samantha Wilkins
second
on
encouraging
legislative
National Junior Grange Director
interests in young members.
National Grange Youth Director
presented a workshop on the ‘perfect
and Mandy Bostwick
The
National
Youth
Department
square,’ which challenged members’ In early August, we headed out west
communication and leadership abilities.
for the annual Western Region Leaders
Everyone learned about improving
Conference, which was held in Eugene,
social media skills with the Grange,
Oregon, and was hosted by the Oregon
surveying our membership, and were
State Grange. The Western Region
inspired by the story of revitalizing the
is made up of the following states:
Marys River Grange.
California,
Nevada,
Idaho,
Oregon,
Washington, and Montana. Over 60 Grangers from across the region joined together for an enriching weekend full of fun, education, and competition. On Friday evening, participants visited Walterville Grange #416 for a chicken dinner provided by the Grange. The evening concluded with an intense, highly-competitive
game
The evening closed with presentations from Youth and Junior members alike in
of
Grange
Baseball. On Saturday everyone participated in a rotating round of informative workshops.
the speech and sign-a-song contests. While the judges deliberated, a fantastic live auction brought in over $2,000 for the host region. Thank you to all who attended and took part in the conference. We look forward to next year’s western regional in California.
Tessa Taft (WA) competes in the signa-song competition, winning Best of Show. Taft will represent the Western Region at the National Grange Evening of Excellence in November. Photo by Samantha Wilkins
Western Region contest winners were: Grange Baseball Youth
Public Speaking - Impromptu
Young Adult
1st -Jessie Jo Guttridge
1st -Jessie Jo Guttridge
The National Junior Grange presented
2nd - JC Junkman
2nd - Lexie Suing
two workshops: one on the Agriculture
3rd - Alex Coe Juniors
Awareness project (weather), and the
3rd - Brittney Pittman Youth Alumni
1st - Jonathan Dunne
1st - Jonny Pittman
2nd - Patricia Foster
2nd - Heather Ferguson
3rd - Dean McKay
3rd - Colleen Foster Juniors
Public Speaking - Prepared Young Adult
1st - Patricia Foster
1st - Lexie Suing* Ambassador
3rd - Renezmae Mosely
1st - Abby Hengley Juniors
2nd - William Dunne
Public Speaking - Short Story
Juniors
1st - William Dunne*
1st - William Dunne
2nd - Patricia Foster
2nd - Patricia Foster
3rd - Jacob Smith Idaho State Grange President Eileen Javaux (right) with
husband, Richard, participate in the Junior Ambassador workshop at the Western Regional Conference.
Photo by Samantha Wilkins
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Sign-a-Song 1st - Tessa Taft* *Indicates Best of Show
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How New Cancer Detection Technologies Will Benefit Rural Americans areas, this means driving dozens of miles each way to get
By Jeffrey M. Venstrom, MD
screened, one-at-a-time, for each type of cancer that we have
Chief Medical Officer, GRAIL This
a screening test for. year,
an
estimated
Help is on the way. MCED tests, including the Galleri®
1.9 million Americans will be
test made by GRAIL, are starting to become available to
diagnosed with cancer and over
consumers through a doctor’s prescription. And the FDA
600,000 will lose their lives to the disease, according to
is in the process of evaluating them for broader utilization.
the American Cancer Society.1 But cancer does not affect
For rural Americans, the power of these simple blood tests
everyone equally. In rural parts of the country, a person is
is the ability to put them to use in practically any clinic or
significantly more likely to die of cancer than someone living
care setting. Moving forward, it will be essential to ensure
in a metropolitan area. And while this may be partly explained
that the tests are accessible to those at greatest risk of cancer
by demographics – rural areas tend to have older populations
diagnoses, such as older adults with the highest rates for
with more underlying health conditions – it is also an issue
cancer. Congress can help by passing the Medicare Multi-
of access to treatment and preventative care. For example,
Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 19466 /
only eleven percent of oncologists in the U.S. practice in a
S. 18737) that will create the pathway for this type of screening
rural area and people living in these regions tend to have to
to be covered by Medicare for rural beneficiaries.
2
travel further to obtain care.
This leads to diagnoses at more
Living in a rural area shouldn’t consign someone to a
advanced stages when treatment is more difficult and has a
greater cancer burden. MCED screening holds tremendous
lower chance of success.
promise for closing the urban-rural gap in cancer outcomes,
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As a physician and researcher, I’ve spent a good part of my career working to address this gap and have witnessed the science come a long way in recent years. Today, new cancer screening technologies are enabling early detection
with a simple blood test. --[1] American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2022. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2022.
for dozens of different cancers, using a simple draw of blood.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New CDC
By analyzing small fragments of tumors found in a person’s
Report shows deaths from cancer higher in rural America. July
bloodstream, these tests are able to identify the presence of
6, 2017.
cancerous cells and predict where the cancer may be located
[3] American Society of Clinical Oncology. 2021 Snapshot:
with a high degree of accuracy. Known as multi-cancer early
State of the Oncology Workforce in America. JCO Oncology
detection – MCED for short -- these tests are meant to
Practice (2021) 17 (5): 249-249
complement and significantly expand upon existing screening
[4] Longacre, C.F., Neprash, H.T., Shippee, N.D., Tuttle,
methods. The result could be a dramatic transformation in
T.M. and Virnig, B.A., Evaluating Travel Distance to Radiation
cancer care to the benefit of everyone – especially rural
Facilities Among Rural and Urban Breast Cancer Patients in
Americans, with a simple blood draw.
the Medicare Population. The Journal of Rural Health, (2020)
Currently, only five types of cancer have commonly available
36: 334-346
screenings – leaving too many cancers with no means of being
[5] Hubbell, E., Clarke, C.A., Aravanis, A.M., Berg, C.D.,
detected early. These include some very deadly forms of the
Modeled Reductions in Late-stage Cancer with a Multi-Cancer
disease, like ovarian, pancreatic and stomach cancers. In fact,
Early Detection Test. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and
more than 70 percent of cancer deaths are due to those with
Prevention. (2021) 30 (3): 460–468.
no recommended screening test.5 And while the screenings we have today are vital for cancer prevention, some of these procedures – like colonoscopy and mammography – can be invasive and require a specialist. For people living in rural
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[6] https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/housebill/1946 [7] https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senatebill/1873?s=1&r=43
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Fire Sale and store updates
JEWELRY
Vintage Hall Dedication Plaques Designed in 1947, these wooden hand-carved
All Past Officer (Master, Lecturer,
plaques have felt backing. 11.5”x13”, with
Secretary, and Past Junior Master)
space to add an engraving for your Grange.
pins, and various Degree charms
Limited number available.
and ties bars are on sale!
Sold as-is. $25 each, including shipping.
Member recognition pins are available in 5-year increments from 5 years through 80 years
Sesquicentennial Challenge Coin 150th Anniversary 2.25” diameter coin, emblazoned with the “esto perpetua” logo. Was $25, now $15 plus shipping.
Prices vary.
People, Pride, and Progress
by David M. Howard This history book chronicles the impact of the Grange over the first 125 years of the organization. Was $12.00, now discounted to $6.00.
Own a part of history commemorating the National Grange’s Headquarters in Washington, DC. These limitededition pins are sure to be collector items! Each pin includes a card with details about the Grange Building. Available in bulk at major discounts!
Kelley Farm Challenge Coin Celebrating the 2013 exemplification of the 1873 Degrees at the Kelley Farm. 2.25” brushed nickel coin. On sale: $15.00 + shipping
Lapel / Grange Officer sash pins Buy 3 or more for a discounted
Belt Buckle
price.
Solid pewter with antique finish, fits
Available: E, F, H, L, M, O, P, S
most standard belts. Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.
Effective Immediately, any Grange Supply Store “rush” orders that require expedited arrival (7 days or fewer from time of order) will have a $25.00 expedition fee added to the order, in addition to the shipping fee. This includes any seals, certificates, and membership recognition applications.
Order at www.grangestore.org or call (202) 628-3507 ext. 109 GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®
www.nationalgrange.org
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Associate Membership can bolster your Grange By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director
membership numbers and your finances
Associate Member, it creates a bond and
- the Associate Member category.
can keep the Grange at the forefront of
Associate Members are individuals 14
their minds for when they do find the
years of age or older or businesses who
time is right to add another item to their schedule.
How many times have you asked
want to support your good work but do
someone to join the Grange, only to be
not want the “burden” or responsibilities
turned down as they say something like:
of full fraternal membership. They cannot
transition
“I love what you guys do, I just don’t
hold office or vote in Grange matters,
Maybe they never find the time they’d
have the time to commit right now.”
though they are still welcome to visit
need to become what we consider
Grange meetings and events and should
“traditional” Grange members. Maybe
be made aware of your work and needs
some of our ritual and other traditions
through regular communication.
are not for them. However, we can
Time is one of the biggest factors, especially juggling
for
younger
demanding
people
careers,
family
responsibilities and life in general.
Some Associate Members will never to
fraternal
membership.
No Grange should aim to only bring
still leverage their appreciation for all
For Granges that are essential to
in new Associate Members: we need
your Grange – and the organization
their community, however, many people
the fraternal workers to maintain our
as a whole – does for your community,
still want to feel a part and know they’re
Order. But the option is an attractive
rural Americans and those involved in
supporting the many good things – from
one for both those committed to their
agriculture.
charitable projects to community events
communities and for Granges who need
– that your Grange does.
more funds, more connections and more
The Grange has a path to membership for these folks that can both bolster your
Associate
cheerleaders for their efforts. When
someone
becomes
How does it work?
an
Members
must
apply
for membership, pay a minimum $5 application fee (your State or local Grange may have set a higher amount) and be voted on by the Grange. Once
approved,
the
Associate
Member need not participate in an obligation or Degree ceremony in most states, and in all cases may not vote on any policy matters of the Grange or participate in Grange member-only contests. Associate Members, however, are entitled to the same rights as fraternal members in most other areas, such as receiving local or State publications that are included in their membership; access to member benefits including savings on travel, insurance and more; the ability to attend any and all Grange meetings in the Fourth Degree or other activities; and rights related to the judicial process of the Grange. Per the National Grange bylaws (8.6.1.C; 2022), Associate Members’ Associate Members can help build your Grange through much-needed community and financial support. Consider if this kind of membership might be right for your Grange. Editorial Photo
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dues may be no less than the minimum dues of a regular member, meaning if your Grange charges $32 per year for
National, State and Local dues, an Associate Member may pay
Consider the following: • Who will make great advocates for your Grange that may
no less than $32 annually to belong. Your Grange may choose to set the Associate Membership dues at a higher rate, ensuring that dues from the Associate
be interested in this less formal and labor-intensive option to join?
Member helps to sustain your Grange – which is what these
• What are you doing in your community that their
folks supporting your good work without committing the same
dollars and affiliation will support and how are you going
time as fraternal members are typically looking to do.
to communicate that to them? (I suggest having a brochure
A bonus: Your fraternal members who often put in extra
already created that is specifically for this type of potential
money and many hours to the benefit of your Grange may
member. If you need help, the National Communications and
even feel as if they enjoy a “discount” in their fraternal dollars
Membership Departments are here to help.) • How will you keep in regular contact with these members
because associate dues are higher.
and who will do it?
Follow the right steps
• What incentives might you give for these individuals to
First, it’s important that you check to see if your State Grange has an Associate Member category in their bylaws and any minimum dues set for this type of membership.
feel connected (ex. a shirt, a mug, an invitation to a member appreciation dinner)? • How often will you let them know that traditional
Not every state has adopted the Associate Member category, so if your state has not, write a resolution or speak
membership is rewarding and they are welcome to take the next step toward fraternal membership?
to your State President who may urge the State’s Grange Law or Good of the Order committee to review and write a section that may be adopted at your State Session.
While it can sound daunting to go through this process, the rewards for your Grange could be great.
Once you are sure your State bylaws include the Associate
For more than six decades, “check writing” organizations
Member category, and you’re aware of any rules related to it,
– those that require little of “members” other than making
then you can move forward with proposing an addition to your
payment to support their work – have soared in popularity.
local Grange’s bylaws.
Grange can never and will never become solely an organization
Before you do so, request that your President appoint a
with disconnected donors, but your local Grange’s financial
committee to investigate the Associate Member option. Make
health – and the mental health of your most dedicated
sure your committee considers the dues structure for Associate
members who are burned out on constant fundraising just to
Members – potentially adopting a different fee for businesses
“keep the lights on” – may depend on taking advantage of
than individuals, or the option to pay dues monthly through
every pathway to membership.
an online system like PayPal. This could make a difference for
If you have questions or would like to implement an
people who are used to monthly subscriptions and supporting
Associate Member program but need some help, don’t hesitate
causes through small, regular contributions.
to reach out first to your State Grange and if necessary, to the
When your committee brings to your membership a
National Grange office, for more guidance.
recommendation, if favorable, write it as you would like it to appear in your bylaws, and note any other changes, such as numbering, that should occur when adopted.
Associate Member Brochures
Your bylaws should indicate the required notice to members and adoption procedures for amendments and additions. In many cases, a notice to all members should be sent at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which changes will be voted upon, and should include information on the proposed changes. A two-thirds majority vote of the members present is needed to adopt any bylaws change. After you’ve ensured this category of membership is available for people in your community through your bylaws, establish a plan for your Associate Members before recruiting them.
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Once your Grange has its Associate Member category in place, the Grange Supply Store has Associate Membership brochures available to help grow your Grange. These brochures include a membership application, information about member benefits, and more. Order through the Grange Supply Store at GrangeStore.org.
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Life on the Homestead...
The Creative Homesteader
By Suzann Gilliland Peterson High Desert Grange, Nevada Homesteading today is very different from homesteading in the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s. In 1976, upon the repeal of the Homestead Act of 1862, homesteading took on different characteristics. Gone were the requirements of plot size, head of household or minimum age, residency, size of home, land improvement, attestation, or title. Basically, homesteading in our current environment means anyone who grows produce or raises livestock on their own property in order to support themselves and to sell in that effort. Homesteading in today’s world is as varied as the homesteader. And homesteaders are among the most creative people. Audra Borders, Battle Born Stockton Well Grange (NV) Take, for example, Audra Borders, Secretary and Homestead Instructor for Battle Born Stockton Well Grange in Silver Springs, Nevada. Audra hates waste, everything from “junk” on the side of the road to missed opportunities to help someone in need. Finding ways to creatively use waste is what drives her. “Everybody’s creativity takes different forms. I can take throwaway stuff and repurpose it,” she explained to me. Her almost five-acre property is legally homesteaded in Lyon County and she manages it with her mother. Her boyfriend lends a hand as needed. Being selfsufficient is Audra’s main goal. Repurposing everything she has on hand supports that goal. She preserves much of her garden produce. To help maintain the homestead, her mother and Audra Borders making potting soil. boyfriend run a
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cleaning business. Through that business, they are able to work with estate agents to help close houses, thereby affording them the opportunity to remove unwanted items for use at home. Finding furniture, equipment, wood, machinery and more on the side of the road has allowed them to build the roof of their rabbit hutch from parts of a walk-in freezer. Their chicken house is an old camp trailer; the buck shed is made from garage door panels. Waiting for a future project are 150-year-old rough-cut Tahoe cedar 2x4s from an old house whose owner bartered with a family member - wood in return for work. Because of Audra’s commitment to homesteading, her three children can go anywhere in the world and utilize the survival skills she has taught. Those skills come in handy for Nykolas (Army National Guard), Jasmyne (Naval Reserves), and Jaclynne (Coast Guard) who have taught those skills to some of their supervisors and peers. With all that she has learned and taught, what does Audra think is the most creative thing she has done? It remains, she says, “Taking a pile of junk and turning it into something useful.” Sandy Specht, Yucaipa, California For Sandy Specht of Yucaipa, California, creativity was all the things her dad did for her and her mother to ease their somewhat solitary life on their farm in Rupert, Idaho. At the age of four she and her parents left Los Angeles for Idaho, where her father had purchased 175 acres of dirt and legally homesteaded it. That was 1958, and Rupert’s population was 5,000. Crops failed their first two years which meant no income. Sandy’s mother missed her mother, city friends, and the amenities of Los Angeles. What does a creative person do? Spend the winters in Los Angeles, of course! Each December through February found the Spechts living with Sandy’s grandmother while Sandy’s father worked at various aerospace companies to recoup any losses. To make farm life more bearable, Sandy’s father found ways to uplift his family’s spirits. He made a playhouse out of cardboard and one out of haybales He taught Sandy how to ice skate on their irrigation pond. He built a raft for her and her mother out of used telephone poles. Those simple “gifts” went a long way in making a plot of land a loving home. Sandy’s father sold the farm in 1985 and moved his family to Yucaipa, and her parents have since passed on. I asked her what the ‘funnest’ thing was about living on the farm. She replied, “The wide open space. I’d ride my bike every day.” Would she like to live the farm life again? “Someone else’s farm on vacation!” she exclaimed. “Probably not under my own responsibility. It is a lot to care for. It was challenging.” But a creative mind, willingness to adapt, and creative hands carved out a satisfactory life and a joyful existence.
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Michele North, North Star Farm, Norwell Grange (MA) Like most homesteaders, Michele North faces constant opportunities to adapt and overcome. Making ends meet with increasing costs, along with locating educated buyers who will spend a little more money on her locally grown and processed products, causes her to lament that there are only 24 hours in a day. Michele is a new member of the Norwell Grange in Norwell, Massachusetts. North Star Farm, a name designated by her father in 1966, was originally located in Marshfield as a small backyard farm. Eight years ago, it was relocated to its current site and now provides produce, meat, lobster, and homemade products to the local area around South Shore. The farm is run by Michele and her boyfriend. She is the owner, trainer, instructor, and head decision maker. Her boyfriend owns and operates their commercial lobster boat. Together, they own a small flock of registered Natural Colored Wool sheep and Shropshire sheep, selling wool, wool products, lambs, and fresh lamb along with chickens, ducks, rabbits and a small variety of herbs and vegetables which they sell mostly to private chefs. To farmer’s markets, she brings items she makes, including leather balm, bird houses, candle holders made from old barn boards, seasonal herbs and vegetables, fresh eggs, sand dollars, and sea shells. Additionally, they take lobster orders, and their equine
facility offers boarding, training, lessons, and summer horse and farm programs. She has also hosted interns from the local high school. What does Michele consider to be the most creative things she has done? “Developing new products from what I have available and crossbreeding my sheep for a better fleece for wool, and at the same time developing a meaty carcass,” she responded. There is no lack of creative endeavors. Her advice for beginning homesteaders: “Don’t just focus on the wool or the meat, have a combination of both. Then, develop products from there. For example, making and selling products from the wool, or selling special sample boxes of meat to gain new clients, and processing the sheep skins after the butchering process.” Michele lives by an old saying: “Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without!” She adds, “That sentiment fits homesteading and small farming perfectly.”
Marissa Ames, Ames Family Farm, High Desert Grange (NV) As the Editorial Director of Ogden Publications, which includes Mother Earth News, Countryside, and Backyard Poultry, among others, and the owner of Ames Family Farm, Marissa Ames has very little time for anything other than work... work on the farm and work at her job. Stories of what she grows, how she grows it, how she processes it, what she makes from it, and how she stores it often end up in her publications. She also raises small livestock, including the rare San Clemente Island goat. Marissa was the first person to bring them into Nevada and now has established breeders and a system where they can work together to exchange breeding stock and keep genetics good. Additionally, she leads the Homesteading Club for High Desert Grange. She and her husband work hand-in-hand on the farm. According to Mother Earth News, Marissa spends her free time eating lunch. I recently asked her what she considers to be the most creative things she has undertaken on her Michele North at the Vermont Morgan Horse Show with her Jack Russell Terrier, Fernando.
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
Marissa Ames with her purebred La Mancha goat, Dulcinea homestead. Without hesitation, she listed three: • I Am Zambia. She and her husband are part of an organization that teaches sustainable farming methods to rural villages and schools in Zambia. She trials crops here that grow well in Zambia so she can demonstrate them or understand what the farmers are going through. Each year, she grows seedlings that she sells to raise money to feed the children of those farmers. • Raising endangered San Clemente Island goats. • Maximizing human and animal feed throughout her garden. Everything she grows is carefully considered so that all parts of her plants are utilized. For example, this year she planted Painted Mountain corn for human consumption. After each ear matured past the milk stage, she cut the stalks off right above the ears and fed them to the goats. In this way, the corn could keep maturing but the feed still had nutrition. She has saved hundreds of dollars utilizing this method. Creativity and Marissa are inseparable. She says she lives and breathes homesteading. “I’m even working on a new fiction series where the protagonist is an urban homesteader and many issues surrounding food sustainability become a driving force in the plot. There’s really nothing I do that isn’t homesteading – except maybe when I relax at the end of the night to a few superhero movies.” So let your creative juices flow!
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We must reap for the mind as well as for the body, and from the abundance of our harvest, in good deeds and kind words, dispense Charity. - Steward, Grange Ritual