Good Day! Volume 8, Issue 1 - April 2024

Good DAY!

™

Future Leaders in Ag Student leaders from the National Grange, FFA, 4-H, AFA, and MANRRS attended National Ag Day events in Washington, DC, advocating for a stronger future for agriculture.

Also inside: • National Grange Virtual Legislative Fly-In • Grange Foundation's 1-in-1000 Club • A new Junior Grange passport • Recipes featuring seafood

A quarterly publication of the National Grange

Vol. 8, Issue 1 l April 2024

PROCLAMATION

GRANGE MONTH 2024

WHEREAS, The Grange’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy, and agriculture awareness; and WHEREAS, for 156 years The Grange has played an essential and lasting role in building rural and small-town America, and ensuring its resiliency through advocacy and direct service; and WHEREAS, The Grange today is growing because it is an active, rooted, resilient, and united organization in thousands of communities across the country; and WHEREAS, The Grange continues its unique role in connecting rural America to urban America through agricultural appreciation and education, and by advocating for strong, common-sense, best-for-everyone public policy; and WHEREAS, The Grange emphasizes civic responsibility and the involvement of citizens in the legislative process; and WHEREAS, The Grange offers opportunities for civil discussions among people of all viewpoints and opinions, serving as a safe space for exploring important social and legislative issues of the day; and WHEREAS, even through a worldwide pandemic, The Grange continued to promote service to the local community and volunteerism to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of its members and residents across America; and WHEREAS, The Grange is proud to be “Grange Strong: Rooted, Resilient and United,” and encourages Granges and community members to come together in celebrating hometown pride and sustainability; and WHEREAS, Grange members everywhere desire and deserve to celebrate and express their pride in the legacy of such a highly-respected organization; therefore be it RESOLVED, I, Christine E. Hamp, President of the National Grange, do hereby proclaim April 2024 as Grange Month, and further, I encourage the participation of every Grange and Grange member in this celebration by planning and executing programs and activities that will highlight the Grange in every American community, that will guarantee the Grange is stronger tomorrow than it is today, and that ensures we always stand Grange Strong!

PRESIDENT National Grange

WWW.NATIONALGRANGE.ORG

Good DAY!

N & V

GRANGE NEWS & VIEWS

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LEGISLATIVE

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FOUNDATION

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S RA

THE STATE OF RURAL AMERICA

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IDEAS FOR GRANGE PROGRAMS & ACTION

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS & RECOGNITION

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JUNIOR GRANGE

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GRANGE YOUTH

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H & L

F & R

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HOBBIES & LIFESTYLE

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FOOD & RECIPES

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THE LAST WORD

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PERSPECTIVE The Future of Ag

On the cover: The 2023-2024 National Grange Youth & Junior Leadership Team were among student leaders advocating for a stronger future of agriculture in Washington, DC, during National Ag Day. Photo by Philip J Vonada

Follow us on Social Media National Grange @nationalgrange @nationalgrange National Grange @nationalgrangeofficial @national_grange_youth @national_junior_grange

Good Day! Magazine is a quarterly publication of the National Grange located at 1616 H St. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006.

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

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

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

®

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

John Benedik, NJ,

Vice President jbenedik@grange.org 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, Executive Committee Member boverstreet@grange.org Tom Gwin, WA,

National Lecturer

Christopher Johnston, MI, National Steward

Christine E. Hamp, Publisher National Grange President President, Grange Foundation President, Grange Advocacy champ@nationalgrange.org Philip J. Vonada, Editor Communications Director pvonada@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Manager IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Membership & Leadership Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate abrozana@nationalgrange.org

Walter Hartley, RI, National Assistant Steward

Loretta Washington Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org

Kathy Gibson, MA, National Lady Assistant Steward Kay Hoffman Stiles, MD, National Chaplain Joe Goodrich, VT, National Treasurer Debbie Campbell, PA, National Secretary

HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507 HEADQUARTERS ADDRESS: 1616 H ST NW SUITE 200 WASHINGTON, DC 20006

David Allen, NC, National Gatekeeper Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres Barbara Foster, WV, National Pomona Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora

lecturer@nationalgrange.org

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Staff

Burton Eller, Advertising Partner Legislative Director Executive Director, Grange Advocacy beller@nationalgrange.org

Officers

Christine E. Hamp, WA, President champ@nationalgrange.org

OUR

www.nationalgrange.org

PRESIDENTIAL Perspective Christine E. Hamp

Strengthening individuals, families and communities through service, education, nonpartisan grassroots advocacy and agricultural awareness. In the absence of your own, I encourage you to utilize the updated National Grange mission statement as a measuring stick for your member engagement, membership development, programming, and projects throughout the year.

Engage.

Involve.

Connect.

These three verbs are keys to strengthening individuals, families, and communities and as a result, will help you grow your Grange. If at the same time your Grange is recruiting new members it is engaging, involving, and connecting your current members and your community you are fully on the path of success.

I find magic happens when we can break down the goal, any goal, into manageable, identifiable, bite-size pieces. For example, it is hard and can be defeating to try to go from 12 members to 20, 30, 50, or 100. So, take a breath and set your goal to be the recruitment of one couple, two people, by the end of the quarter. You can probably identify members of your community who would be receptive to your ask – start with this hand-picked group. Success! Do it again. You will soon find that your cumulative efforts multiply exponentially. Why? Because it is human nature to want to be a part of something exciting and fulfilling. To be a part of a winning team. To have fun!

Remember also that Grange is not a spectator sport but should be a lively

place where active engagement takes center stage – a dynamic organization that thrives on participation rather than passive observation. The true essence of the Grange lies in the shared commitment to mutual growth, meaningful connections, and a handson approach to building strong, vibrant, and interconnected communities.

The importance of this interconnectedness cannot be overstated.

Interconnected communities foster collaboration, enabling members to pool resources, share knowledge, and collectively address challenges. This collaborative spirit promotes resilience, as diverse skills and perspectives converge to find innovative solutions. Beyond personal benefits, interconnected communities contribute to societal resilience, creating a network that can withstand and adapt to change.

flexible and open-minded, the Grange By being

can evolve with the changing landscape, securing its position as a and force within each community.

impactful

vital

Adapting to new situations and ideas helps us stay relevant, learn, and grow. Indeed, change is essential for the Grange’s continued relevance and effectiveness. Embracing change is about accepting that it’s a natural part of life, and by doing so, we not only

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cope better with transitions but also set the stage for positive transformations in ourselves and the world around us.

Each of us must ensure the Grange is dynamic and responsive to the needs of its members and the community and that it fosters innovation, encourages growth, and enhances our ability to address current challenges effectively.

By being flexible and open-minded, the Grange can evolve with the changing landscape, securing its position as a vital and impactful force within each community.

My challenge to every community Grange, for this the 2nd quarter of 2024, is to identify a couple of goals, to break them down into doable tasks, and to hold yourself accountable for making the effort to reach said goals.

Write them down. Share them with your members. Assign tasks. Track your progress. Make it fun. Celebrate your success!

I look forward to hearing your success stories.

Read President Hamp’s 2017 Good Day! article on writing a mission statement on pages 13 & 14.

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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!™ 2024-25 PRESS DATES Issue

Due Date

Hits Mailboxes

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August 31

October 2024

February 28

April 2025

V8, I2 V8, I4 V9, I1

May 31

November 30

July 2024

January 2025

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 Philip Vonada by email at pvonada@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (814) 404-7985 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.

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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.).

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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 pvonada@nationalgrange.org.

From the desk of the PHILIP J. VONADA In his book The Great Good Place: Cafes, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons, and other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community, author and sociologist Ray Oldenberg introduced the concept of the Third Place.

If home is your first place, and your workplace is your second place, what’s a Third Place?

According to Oldenberg, “your Third Place is where you relax in public, where you encounter familiar faces and make new acquaintances.”

The Third Place can be a place of worship, a gym, a community garden, or a place where people engage in hobbies (music, theatre, art) – where likeminded people come together for a common goal. For others, it’s a coffee shop (you know those people who are always sitting at Starbucks), a library, or a public park – places they can come and go, recognize people, but also have some privacy and comfort.

In pop culture, consider the bar in Cheers, Central Perk in Friends, or The Max in Saved By the Bell. It’s a place away from home and work (for most characters) where they are able to relax, make plans, and just be themselves for a while.

The Third Place has a few characteristics: • Neutral Ground – everyone has a choice to be there • Leveler – nobody’s background or social status matters; there is no prequisite or discrimination • Conversation – this is one of the main activities, but not necessarily the only activity.

• Accessibility and accommodation – open and easy for people to get to and use, and those who are there feel that their needs have been fulfilled • The “regulars” – you are able to recognize the people who help “set the mood” of the Third Place, but it’s also open to newcomers, who are made to feel welcome • A low profile – a wholesome, unpretentious location, with a low barrier to entry – in other words, a place with a low cost (financially, physically, and emotionally) to enter • Playful mood – Third Places should be free from tension and hostility, but instead be playful and community-focused • A home away from home – In a way, it’s an extension of the home – people feel rooted and regenerated by being there.

Do you know what this sounds like to me? It sounds like a Grange.

Our Declaration of Purposes states “We propose meeting together, talking together, working together, and in general, acting together for our mutual protection and advancement.

We shall constantly strive to secure harmony, good will, and brotherhood, and to make our Order perpetual. We shall earnestly endeavor to suppress personal, local, sectional, and

Editor

national prejudices, all unhealthy rivalry and all selfish ambition.

Faithful adherence to these principles will insure our mental, moral, social and material advancement.”

Since the Covid pandemic, having a Third Place to get out of the house and connect has been especially important for mental and social wellbeing. There is a growing realm of virtual “Third Places” – from massive multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs) like World of Warcraft and videogame streamers on Twitch, to Reddit chatrooms and Pokemon Go. So how can we bring people back to actual reality and inperson Third Places – especially in the Grange?

For me, the Grange is certainly one of my “Third Places” – I also have my gym and the local community theatre – different Third Places engage different parts of my well-being. I don’t necessarily mean the Grange Hall, either. To me, the Grange is wherever Grange members and friends are gathered – whether it’s at a meeting, performing community service somewhere, at a baseball game in the summer, or hanging out around a fire pit in the early fall.

If you view “going to Grange” as a chore instead of a pleasurable experience, maybe it’s time to evaluate whether your Grange and its members live up to the characteristics of a Third Place, and determine if there’s something you can do about it.

Is your Grange welcoming and open to new members; are your meetings tension-filled or is there abundant laughter and playful, encouraging discussion; are you meeting in an accessible location?

One way to encourage the growth of the Grange as a Third Place is to occasionally consider purely social activities – not every meeting of the Grange has to be a meeting. Organize Grange outings on off-nights from your regular meeting nights.

Consider a Grange meet-up at a local winery or pottery class or minor league baseball game or bowling alley. If you have a Grange Hall, consider hosting a bimonthly game night or movie night – open to the community-at-large to encourage newcomers. It’s a very low barrier to entry for them to learn the social aspects of the Grange.

The idea of sharing a meal – breaking bread with strangers and friends with great conversation – can be the perfect way to break the ice and invite the community in. Beyond advocacy and service, many Granges are known for their potlucks and meals. Use what you’re already doing to your advantage!

For many, Grange is already an unintentional Third Place.

With a little effort and evaluation, it can become intentional – by encouraging people to be their true selves at Grange functions, share in conversation and service, and find where they belong outside of their home and workplace.

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Meet US at the River - plan to attend the 2024 Convention

by Karie Blasingame 2024 National Grange Host Committee Senior Communication Fellow The Midwest Host Region is excited to invite everyone to “Meet US at the River” in the Quad Cities, showcasing the Mississippi River. The Quad Cities is a unique Midwest region, ripe with local traditions and exciting places to explore. The Midwest Host Region will host the 158th National Grange Session at Isle Casino in Bettendorf, Iowa, from November 12-18, with pre-Convention activities starting on the 11th.

Our Community Service partnership this year is with Wreaths Across America; you may donate online or inperson during the National Grange Session. When donating online, indicate that you heard about it from the National Grange. Wreaths Across America will distribute this year’s wreaths on December 14, 2024. Their mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom is one that we all share.

New this year, all members and friends are invited to join us on Monday, November 11, 2024, to check “traveling down the Mississippi River” off their bucket list. Together Grangers will enjoy a unique experience aboard the Celebration Belle Riverboat on a narrated lunch cruise Limited seating available. Join the National Grange on Monday evening for a networking event that you may be able to model in your home Grange.

Plan on working on your “Grange Toolbox” by attending

Join Grangers from across the country for a Mississippi River cruise lunch aboard the Celebration Belle.

Photo via Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

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one of many different workshops on goal building, accountability, leadership, or mission statements.

Other workshops include regional seedballs based on where you live, cracking geodes (Iowa’s State Rock), cookie decorating, and more.

The Host Committee will be offering different experiences and excursions each day along with workshops for members in both the hotel and conference center. Workshops and tours will begin on Monday and be offered multiple times throughout the week, schedule of presenters permitting. The committee will also be hosting Grange Roundtables throughout the week - information on these will be distributed via the Patron’s Chain and other National Grange channels after confirming Granges and topics that will be discussed at these.

Start checking out our workshop schedule when registration opens on May 1 to find out the best time for your family to attend the National Grange. Hopefully, you will be able to join us for the entire event to grow and learn, then share what you gained and experienced with other members from your Grange, or better yet - bring them to Bettendorf with you to enjoy the fun and help us be Grange Strong.

Some of the host tours may include but not be limited to a robotic dairy farm, Family Museum for those 8 and under, John Deere Pavilion, John Deere Harvester Works, and more. Tours or excursions will be offered each day to different places and at different times; most will have limited availability based on transportation. You will want to register for these early to secure your spot. Some tours may have a nominal fee to cover entrance to the location and possibly a meal. Our hope by doing this is to allow everyone to enjoy the Quad Cities area and explore the landscape outside the hotel while being able to come back to our home base and learn more about how to make your Grange the best Grange it can be. More locations and ideas will be available as we learn what our members’ needs are.

We might be able to take in a hockey game if the local team is in town. Visit Quad Cities will also be onsite to help you search for something that is not on one of our lists. If we are able to take you there, we will.

Please, Meet US at the River.

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“Home on the Grange” theme used for museum exhibit

by Sherwood Williford Grantham Grange, North Carolina The Wayne County Museum (North Carolina) focused on the Grange for their quarterly exhibit from October to December. The exhibit was such a success they extended the exhibit for the month of January.

Grangers from all across Wayne County were contacted and asked to share memorabilia and artifacts for the display, includin current Grange members as well as family of past members.

Hundreds of items were collected and shared through this effort. These items covered Grange history and artifacts Presentations were given during these months by current

The Wayne County Museum hosted and displayed an exhibit on Grange history from October through January.

Photo provided

Grange members Sherwood Williford, Edward Luttrell and

brought a lot of attention for the Grange, and was a great

past youth Granger Gregory Peele.

way to publicize the current involvement of the active

for National, State and local Granges.

Several publications printed information regarding this

Granges in Wayne County.

exhibit, including the Goldsboro News Argus, Mount Olive

The following article was written in October 2023 for

Messenger, and The Buzz newspapers as well as the Wayne

dissemination to the Wayne County Museum’s members.

County Historical Newsletter.

This was in connection to the Museum’s desire to highlight

This event was viewed by a large number of attendees,

and educate the public as to the goals of the organization and of its positive benefits to mankind since its beginning in 1867. With the help of Linda Crawford and others, the exhibits and stories proved to be a wonderful success.

The article is available on the next page.

(left, above, next page) Portions of the Grange exhibit at the Wayne County Museum.

Photos provided

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Grange remains strong on a National, State, and Local Level article by Sherwood Williford for the Wayne County Museum The Grange, also known as The Patrons of Husbandry, was founded in 1867. Its initial goals were to advance methods of agriculture, as well as to promote the social and economic needs of farmers in the United States. The term husbandry is defined as “the care, cultivation and breeding of crops and animals.”

Thus one might interpret it as the art and learned skill of a segment of society (farmers) to insure survival of the human race. The goals today remain the same as when proposed by early founders under the direction of the “father of the Grange,” Oliver Hudson Kelley.

The Massachusetts native received a commission from President Andrew Johnson to survey agricultural conditions in the Southern states because there was a dearth of reliable information following the Civil War. In 1954 the Brogden Grange, under the direction of Worthy Lecturer Mrs. L. W. Person, honored the memory of Mr. Kelley. The ceremony was held in conjunction with a forestry project of the Brogden Chapter of the Future Farmers of America.

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The Grange is a family community organization. Members are given the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential as citizens and leaders. The foundation is the Community Grange, which can be found in rural, suburban and urban communities.

Faith, hope, charity, and fidelity are the basic lessons taught. Though not a political or religious organization its tenets are basically parallel to those taught in scriptures. The Holy Bible is displayed during opening ceremonies and an invocation and closing prayer is offered by the Chaplain. The Pledge of Allegiance is also a part of the opening.

The family is the base of the Grange.

Fraternal organizations have been formed for centuries, mostly male dominated. From the beginning the Grange has required that membership be open to men, women and children.

The Grange has four levels, Community, County or District, State, and National.

Nonpartisan legislative advocacy, educational programs, service projects, and social interaction and networking are just a few of the ways local Granges

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serve their communities and members.

Members give thousands of hours in volunteer work for their communities and raise millions of dollars for important causes. They stay informed of local, state and national issues and speak for the rights of all Americans, especially those who work in agriculture, producing our food and fibers.

Local Granges generally hold monthly business and planning meetings. A guest speaker shares thoughts on topics that affect the lives of all citizens and particularly those in rural areas.

The North Carolina State Grange, under the direction of President Jimmy Gentry, holds a state-wide yearly convention which is rotated between Durham in the east and Charlotte in the west.

Members from across the country gather for the National Grange Convention each November. Members from Wayne County Granges, Brogden and Grantham, will be in attendance.

Combined membership between the two units numbers around one-hundredseventy-five. John Crawford serves as president of the Grantham Grange and Jimmy Martin heads the Brogden unit.

One of the most talked about events of the year is an annual spring-time Family Conference held near an oceanfront location, often on the Outer Banks.

With financial support from the State Grange, members pay a very nominal fee to attend the three-day event.

Our local Grange leaders and members express their appreciation to the staff of the Wayne County Museum for currently highlighting and displaying its history. Thus showing its continued relevance for the nation, state and community.

Grange membership is open to all.

Consider joining us in fellowship. Annual membership fees are surprisingly low.

Along the Way... A visit to Grangeville, Idaho

By Norman Houser

and the Grangers went in

Author, The Pennsylvania Rambler www.thepennsylvaniarambler.com Pennsylvania Grange Member

While Brown was initially

Note: I want to thank Eileen Javaux, Idaho State Grange President, for providing information about Grangeville and Charity Grange.

Many years ago, I passed through Idaho on the way from Portland, Oregon, to Yellowstone National Park. It was a time before GPS units were common and we traveled by maps. My mother, who was copiloting at the time, was scanning the maps, looking at the names of the communities.

As we approached the Idaho border, she mentioned Grangeville and wondered aloud if it was connected to the Grange. At the time, I did not know if there was a connection or not, but years later I learned the answer to my mother’s question – the community of Grangeville, Idaho, was named in honor of the Grange.

The Grange expanded into the Idaho Territory in 1874 with the organization of the Nez Perce Grange #1 in January 1874. In August 1874, Charity Grange #15 was organized by Henry Spaulding, the son of a Presbyterian minister at Mount Idaho with William C. Pearson serving as the first Master/President.

The members initially met at the King Schoolhouse but were in search of land to erect their own meeting place. Originally, they sought land near Mount Idaho, located to the southeast of present-day Grangeville.

Loyal P. Brown, the founder of Mount Idaho, refused to give them land

search of land elsewhere. against the Grange, in his later years he was noted to have changed his opinion of the organization and appreciated their work.

In 1875, John M. Crooks, who owned a ranch on Grangers a parcel of land

Grangeville, Idaho is about 200 miles north of Boise and 200 miles south of Coeur d’Alene.

Editorial photo courtesy of AdobeStock

consisting of five acres and

this growing community. At a Grange

Three Mile Creek, gave the

the water rights for the property.

meeting in 1876, members voted for

That same year the Grangers erected

a name. Names offered in suggestion

the Grange Flouring Mills, which

included: Millville, Wheeling (after

consisted of a flour and grist mill.

Wheeling,

West

Virginia),

and

By 1876, the Grange Hall, a post

Grangeville. By a majority of one

office and a couple of buildings

vote, Grangeville was selected as the

covered the five-acre lot. This lot

name of the fledgling community.

would become the center of the new

The Idaho Semi-Weekly World

community and was located on the

(Idaho City, ID) described the new

northeastern corner of present-day

community in its May 25, 1877,

Main and Hall Streets.

edition: “Grangeville is the beginning

There was now a need to name

of a new town, with I think something

Charity Grange Hall #15, Grangeville, Idaho County, Idaho Drawing in public domain Originally printed in the Idaho Statesman (Boise, Idaho), June 26, 1955

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more of an outlook. It already has a magnificent hall, seventy feet in length, the upper story of which is used for Grange meetings.”

“There is a good flouring mill, post office, blacksmith shop, store etc. The Patrons of Husbandry own the hall and mill and are in sympathy with the new town.”

“The particular object to my visit was to prospect for a graded school, and we think all the preliminaries are arranged for opening a superior school in Grangeville next September. The Grangers have kindly tendered the use of their lower story, and we have secured the services of a number one educator from Ohio, who brings talent, experience and reputation.”

In 1877, the Columbia River Conference (C.R.C.) Academy was organized and given free usage of the Grange Hall as a school. It started with 55 pupils and had at one point there were 100 students regularly attending classes in the Hall. By 1884, the academy had outgrown the hall and erected its own school building.

The Grange Hall would be a part of the Nez Perce War (1877-78). It was fortified – complete with a stockade – and was occupied by the U.S. military for a short period of time, but the fortified hall was never attacked.

Unfortunately, newspapers report that by 1901, the mills and the former Grange Hall were privately owned.

By the time fire razed the community in September 1905, Charity Grange had disbanded - the original hall was destroyed in the fire.

On February 17, 1914, Grangeville would become a

part of American history. On that day, Charlotte May Pierstorff (age 5), would be mailed from her home in Grangeville to her grandparents’ home in Lewiston, Idaho.

With May weighing less than 50 pounds, it would only cost 53 cents to mail her, which was cheaper than the train ticket. 53 Charlotte “May” Pierstorff would cents postage was become part of Grangeville history, attached to her as the last child ever mailed clothing and she through the U.S. Postal Service.

Portait in Public Domain traveled the 73 Gerald Snipes, originally in a news article miles in the mail car recently after 1914-02-19 - Precious Packages-America’s Parcel Post Service. of the Camas Prairie National Postal Museum.

Railroad. May was not the first case of children being mailed, but she was the last, as the U.S. Postal Service put an end to the practice.

For many years, there was no Grange in the community named after the Grange movement.

Reorganized on October 27, 1931, Charity Grange #294 saw the return of the Grange in Grangeville. It would remain active in the community until September 2007.

Grangeville continues to thrive and serves as the county seat of Idaho County. Every summer it celebrates “Border Days”, the oldest rodeo in the state, having started in September 1912.

While the Grange may no longer be in the community, the name remains as a reminder of the origins of the community for residents and Grangers across the nation.

Located in Eimers Park in Grangeville, this historical marker gives more of the town’s history and significance. See more at https://hmdb.org/m.asp?m=141247

Photograph by Barry Swackhamer. Courtesy of Historical Marker Database.

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CREATING A

Mission Statement

This article was originally published in Good Day! Volume 1, Issue 2 - Spring 2017

By Chris Hamp

For years, savvy leaders have stressed the importance of a mission statement.

This exercise serves to bring people together under one unifying vision. It also helps inform future decisions. The payoffs for developing a mission statement include a clearer vision and purpose, a more cohesive team, stronger planning for future events, and a powerful tool for welcoming new members.

In early 2016, the Five Mile Prairie Grange #905 in Spokane, Washington decided that after years of slowly declining membership, it was time to change the way they presented themselves to the community they served. Members were eager to begin offering regular programs and activities, but were somewhat disjointed in the approach. In order to come together, members took the time to develop a mission statement to help bring their ideas together under one umbrella.

First, members shared their thoughts about what their Grange meant to them and what they hoped to see in the future.

This discussion helped bring them to the same place emotionally, and reminded them why they had chosen to be members in the first place. Each member was given a homework assignment to write their own mission statement and bring it to the next meeting.

At the second meeting, members each read their mission statements aloud. One member offered to take all the statements home and work on putting them together as best she could. She then sent her rough draft out to the members via email for their

feedback before the third meeting. Some members replied right away, and others waited until the next time they met.

At the third meeting, members offered suggestions for improvement on the drafted statement, and as a group, the wording was finalized. Some words were changed, the order of the sentences was adjusted, and the overall meaning was discussed. This final statement was then printed, framed, and hung in the Grange hall as a reminder. Visitors are now able to quickly understand what the members of the Grange do and why.

As a result of this lengthy process, the Five Mile Prairie Grange had an amazing year in 2016. With the focus on welcoming the community to “wholesome and educational family-oriented activities,”

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the first Monday of every month has been reserved for activities that welcome everyone. Some of the activities have included potlucks, talent shows, bingo nights, an inter-generational quiz night, and letter writing to the veterans and servicemen. “It is easy to think of things to do when you consider our mission,” says member Heidi Scott. “We point it out regularly during events and ask visitors what they’d like to see us offer next. People are excited when they learn who we are and what we do.”

Heidi Scott joined Five Mile Prairie Grange in 2013 and is the current Overseer.

Eight steps to develop a mission statement: 1. Nominate or find a volunteer to be the leader.

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2.

3.

4.

In the first meeting, ask the group, “What is the Grange to you?” Provide an opportunity for discussion in an honest and open format.

At the end of this meeting, assign every member to draft their own mission statement. Share a few strong examples to help inspire the process. For ideas, go to: https://topnonprofits.com/ examples/nonprofit-missionstatements Emphasize that the drafts don’t need to be perfect or short. They will serve as the foundation of the process, so it’s ok to be messy and disorganized.

At the next meeting, ask everyone to read their drafted statements to the group. Keep track of the

5.

6.

7.

patterns that you see. If a word or phrase is used more than once, discuss why.

Have the leader take all the mission statements and put them together. Do not worry if it’s too long at this stage. Editing and polishing takes time.

Share the draft with the group at the next meeting or via email.

Allow the group to provide feedback on the statement and adjust accordingly. There will likely be differing ideas about how to make the statement better. Allow these ideas to be voiced, but emphasize that this step is an exercise in compromise.

When everyone has been given a chance to voice their thoughts,

MEMORIAL NOTICE ARCHIE DEE KNIGHT

8.

Three things to keep in mind when developing a mission statement: • Keep it short and specific. One or two sentences are usually sufficient.

• Make sure it defines who you are and what you offer.

• Don’t be in a rush to come to a final statement. Rather, allow the time it takes for everyone to agree on the wording, if possible.

Store

GRANGE

GRANGE STORE CLEARANCE

1926-2017 Texas Grange member for 75 years Archie Dee Knight left this earth and joined his wife, Barbara, on Thursday, March 23, 2017.

He was born on November 22, 1926 on the Knight farm in south Bexar County in Oak Island, married Barbara Ullrich, from Zuehl, TX on June 23, 1956 and together, they built their home and life on that farm. He exhibited for his children the importance of relationships, unconditional love, and the value of putting forth your best effort in all you do.

Grange Cookie Cutter Item #946 Package of 3 cookie cutters: the Grange Emblem, flag and Grange hall with recipe card with 2 recipes from the Grange Cookbook was $15.00 Sale price was $8.00 Final Markdown price is 3 for $10.00

Commitment and dedication were important to Archie as evidenced by his 33 year employment with the State of Texas, and membership in the Masonic Order for 65 years, Texas Grange for 75 years and Oak Island United Methodist Church for 77 years, serving in leadership roles in each.

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the leader will present the final draft of the mission statement for a last review. Ensure grammar and punctuation is correct.

Print your new mission statement and hang it where everyone can enjoy it!

N & V

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Virtual Fly-In connects members to advocacy process

by Philip J Vonada National Grange Communications Director On Monday, March 18, the National Grange presented the Virtual Legislative Fly-In, hosted live from the National Grange offices in Washington, DC. The event was presented on YouTube this year.

Burton Eller, Legislative Director, said that by offering the annual Fly-In in a virtual format, more Grange members and legislators would have the opportunity to take part in learning about the Grange’s advocacy process.

Each year, the National Grange and Grange Advocacy hold the Legislative Fly-In to connect Grange members to the work that is being done on their behalf in Washington, DC, and issues that are important to the Grange.

Nearly 100 Grange members and leaders from around the country tuned in for the 3-hour event. Participants were able to send in their questions ahead of time to give presenters some guidance on what Grange members wanted to hear, and others sent in questions via YouTube.

The event started with updates from Grange leaders, including Eller and Christine E. Hamp, National Grange President. Each presented updates on where the National Grange is currently positioned, with Hamp giving a “30,000foot view” of what is trending in the Grange and where she hopes the Grange will continue to grow.

“Grassroots advocacy is not just a term, but is part of the Grange’s DNA,” said Hamp. “It’s the process of neighbors coming together to discuss issues; to discuss issues civilly, of finding what is best for all of us.” She encouraged Grangers to “hog the center” of the road, to continue being wellvetted and using common sense in proposing policy.

Updates were presented on the National Grange’s programs and projects that have been undertaken in the last year, including the National Grange’s vaccination efforts – to educate the public and provide free immunizations at several events – as a part of a grant from USAging; the Reaching Rural Surgical Seniors program, which is an ongoing project supported by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI); and the “Roots of Connectivity” grant program, which is currently winding down. Amanda Brozana-Rios, the Grange’s Roots of Connectivity program manager urged Grange members to continue pushing the federal government to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program.

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Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Chairs of the Senate and House Ag Committees, respectively, each sent in videos to give updates on how the government is working for rural Americans.

Senator Stabenow spoke on her upbringing in rural Michigan, saying, “We all want to see our rural communities... thrive. We want young people to go off to college and choose to come home, work on the farm, start a small business, raise their family in the community where they grew up. We want our small towns to have strong schools and quality health care and child care, high-speed internet, and vibrant Main Streets.” She followed by saying that there is a need for investment in rural America to create new opportunities “on and off the farm.” She spoke on the successes of the investing in infrastructure in rural America, but admitted there’s still more to be done.

“The Ag Committee is blessed with incredible opportunities to support our farm families, the backbone of rural America, by strengthening rural communities and rebuilding a robust rural economy,” said Thompson, introducing the ongoing discussions surrounding the Farm Bill. “If you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu,” he said, encouraging Grange members to be a part of the discussion and efforts to ensure funding gets to the people who need it most.

Both Thompson and Stabenow highlighted the need for stronger and more reliable internet in rural America, an issue which the National Grange has been working on for over two decades.

Their videos were followed Senator Debbie Stabenow (top) and by members of Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson each provided video remarks for the Virtual their staff giving a Legislative Fly-In. broader view and

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Screenshots from National Grange YouTube

Internet for All, and the NTIA’s B r o a d b a n d Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, and encouraged Grange members to get involved.

His presentation is available for download at http:// www.grange. biz/NTIAslides – this can be a valuable tool to National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller stands help educate your at the podium during a question-and-answer session with Grange about the Charlie Cook (pictured on the television) during the Virtual ways they can be Legislative Fly-In. Photo by Philip J Vonada involved in the process. answering members’ questions.

The final speaker was Charlie Cook, Randy Rutta, CEO of the National a political analyst and founder of the Health Council – of which the National Cook Political Report. Renowned for Grange is a member – provided his nonpartisan analysis of the current information on how Grange members political landscape in DC and across can protect their own health and also the country, Cook served as editor and work to protect the health of others in publisher of the Report for 37 years. their communities.

Cook presented an analysis of current Lukas Pietrzak, Special Policy election trends in order to educate our Advisor for the Office of the members about the political process Assistant Secretary, National and outlook. With the Grange priding Telecommunications and Information itself as a nonpartisan organization, this Administration (NTIA), presented segment was aimed to help make our information regarding the NTIA’s members as informed and educated ongoing work to keep getting rural as possible leading into this year’s America connected. He highlighted

Presidential election cycle.

Throughout the afternoon, the Virtual Legislative Fly-In reminded Grange members, friends, legislators, and issues partners, that the Grange’s grassroots legislative process is what helps the National Grange advocate for not only Grange members, but for everyone living in rural and small-town America.

The Fly-In is available to view on the National Grange’s YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube. com/@nationalgrange/streams) or by scanning the QR code below.

Members are encouraged to share the information with other Grange members and those who are interested in the Grange’s ongoing advocacy work in Washington, DC, and beyond.

Scan this QR code to access the Virtual Legislative Fly-In on YouTube.

No Winners Circle Under New Labor Regulation

By Julie M. Broadway, CAE President, American Horse Council & Horse Council Foundation The equine industry is coping with a trifecta of challenges— lingering effects of inflation, weather patterns that jeopardize forage and feed supplies, and now a new regulation issued by the U.S. Department of Labor which will cause hardship to many workers and employers.

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What’s at stake is how the government defines employees versus independent contractors. Many stables and equine-related businesses employ a mix of the two worker categories. Successfully. That may not be the case after March 11, 2024, when the Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, kicks into effect.

The regulation replaces the previous, simpler, process of employee classification with a complex, confusing and subjective six-point checklist to determine if workers should be reclassified as employees or independent contractors.

For employers this means significant increases in payroll costs to cover overtime pay, minimum wage, unemployment

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insurance and Social Security benefits.

For workers, it means a loss of flexibility, portability, and training opportunities.

The Department of Labor believes employers were taking advantage of workers under the prior regulation.

They claim the new standards will reduce the risk of misclassification of independent contractors while providing a consistent approach for businesses that engage with individuals who are in business for themselves.

Perhaps a well-intentioned concern, it is a solution in search of a problem. The fact is, federal and state governments currently have the ability to adjudicate labor disputes. What they seemingly don’t have is a grasp of how employers and workers can sort out compensation and benefits in a mutually beneficial manner without government interference.

Take for example, our industry.

According to the 2023 American Horse Council (AHC) Economic Impact Study, the equine industry added a total value to the U.S. economy of $177 billion and accounts for 2.2 million jobs. Within the recreational sector, our footprint is significant. The Bureau of Economic Affairs ranks equestrian recreation in the top 10 conventional outdoor recreation activities by current dollar value added for 2021-2022.

Independent contractors are a major part of this equation. Some of the jobs that would be most affected by this new regulation include farriers, trainers, jockeys, braiders, veterinarians and others who provide services to stables and the small businesses that support the industry.

It is impossible to predict the burden of this regulation on all segments of the equine industry, but there’s no doubt it will result in additional compliance costs and financial expenditures. There are also indirect costs for re-organizing business operations.

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AHC reached out to several sectors asking employers and workers about their expectations of how this regulation may impact them. We came back from these conversations with a great deal of concern. For example, what will this regulation mean for apprenticeships? The farrier sector relies heavily on apprenticeships, where aspiring farriers learn the trade by observing and assisting under a watchful eye. If farriers are compelled to re-structure apprenticeships, the number of opportunities for critical on-the-job training will dry up. As one farrier said, “There are also consequences for horse welfare. If we have to limit apprenticeships, it’s the horses that will suffer.”

Another unintended consequence is how the reclassification would impact employment opportunities for small and family enterprises. A barn owner in Ocala, Florida responded, “I think this law will encourage small farms to hire more undocumented workers. It’s no longer possible to hire someone for part-time work or by the job. We have a hard enough time paying our own health insurance, let alone retirement benefits.”

There are ramifications for younger workers. Training barns rely on working students to help condition and care for horses. These programs offer opportunities to gain knowledge and skills to decide if working with horses is a suitable career path. Often, part of their compensation is access to top trainers for themselves and their horses.

These are wonderful opportunities that may be denied to a new generation of young equine professionals. AHC is also concerned about how it might impact vocational training programs offered by community colleges and other preparatory educational organizations that place students in paid internships.

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A study by the CATO Institute, Empowering the New American Worker, puts it into perspective, with the observation that “complex federal, state, and local rules governing employee compensation can deny workers the ability to determine the mix of pay and benefits that best reflects their priorities. Even worse, these laws and regulations can result in less total compensation, less schedule flexibility, fewer employment opportunities, and decreased mobility—thus harming the very workers the policies are intended to help.”

Opposition to the regulation is growing. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions announced he is pursuing revocation of the regulation through the Congressional Review Act. Businesses have formed a coalition and filed a legal challenge seeking to block implementation.

The starting gun has been fired in our race to obtain relief from this regulation. Hopefully, we’ll soon return to the winner’s circle of providing employment opportunities that make sense to both employers and workers.

The

American

Horse

Council

represents individual members, small businesses, and more than 130 equine organizations

before

Congress

federal regulatory agencies.

and

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

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We’re working to drive patient-centered progress in innovation, affordability and access to life saving prescription medicines.

Learn more at PhRMA.org

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For the longevity of the Order, Foundation’s 1-in-1000 Club seeks new members The Grange’s first motto was “Esto Perpetua” – to make it perpetual. Today more than 60 members and growing are making that promise through their donations to the Grange Foundation of $1,000 or more and becoming part of the 1-in-1,000 Club.

In 2017, the idea of the 1-in-1,000 Club was presented to the National Grange Foundation as an incominggenerating opportunity for the Foundation. Should the Club reach its limit of 1,000 members, the Foundation would raise $1,000,000 for the longevity of the Grange.

Unfortunately, the goal has not yet been reached, so there is plenty of opportunity for individuals or Granges at any level to become members and help meet the goal.

Over the past year, about a dozen new members have joined the ranks of the Club.

The Grange Foundation, the National Grange’s 501(c) (3) affiliate, “supports youth development, promotes agriculture education and research, improves communities, and fosters culture, heritage, citizenship and charitable activities,” according to its mission.

Amanda Brozana Rios, Grange Foundation Development Associate, said there is a goal of 100 members – one-tenth of all memberships available – by the close of 2024.

“My favorite story of 1-in-1,000 Club membership came last year when a husband bought his wife a membership for Christmas,” Brozana Rios said. “It’s truly a good feeling to know you’ve provided funds that will help to secure the future of the Grange’s youth leadership development, outreach to Grange members and Grange-served communities. It’s an extension of a Granger’s everyday good works.”

The aim of the Club is to take donor recognition further and offer a voice for members who wish to see the Grange thrive for future generations. That voice comes through the recently held 1-in-1,000 Club annual meeting, where members hear about ongoing initiatives of the Foundation and help to plan upcoming public educational programs.

The first project for the 1-in-1,000 Club was to finance the cost to digitize the historical records of the National Grange. At present, the Club is waiting to see where the home of the National Grange will be before deciding on the next project. The projects that are selected are outside of the immediate operating budget of the National Grange but are extremely important to the Grange.

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1-in-1000 Club members * 1. Betsy Huber

35. Michigan State

2. Marty Billquist

Grange Foundation

3. Christine Hamp

36. George E. Thomas III

4. Duane Hamp

37. Lillian J. Booth

5. Susan Noah

38. Eugene Fletcher

6. Mark Noah

39. Norman D. Peterson

7. Joan C. Smith

40. Clay Snyder

8. Nancy Hardtla

41. Lynette Schaeffer

10. Carol Everman

42. Gwen Eidsmoe

11. Dr. Charles William

43. Nicholas Eidsmoe

Dimmick

44. Clint Weirick

13. Gloria Paddock

45. Leroy Watson

14. Roger J. Halbert

46. Cheryl Watson

15. Bruce M. Croucher

47. Katie Squire

16. Brian Ebersole

48. Ellen Wadsworth

17. John Plank

49. KayLynn Booth

18. Brian Carr

50. Donna Keeton

19. Roland Winter

51. Dr. Jerry Billquist

20. Elizabethtown Area

52. Tina J. Reynolds

Grange #2076

53. Riley T. Reynolds

21. Amanda Brozana Rios

54. Roberta O'Dell

22. Marilyn A. Reiher

55. Amanda Booth Thorne

23. Tricia Edismoe

56. Philip J Vonada

24. Naomi Fletcher

57. LaDonna Champion

25. Maurice Wiles

58. Thomas A. Gwin

26. Kay Merritt

59. Errol C. Briggs

27. Yvonne Merritt

60. David Roberts

28. Shirley J. Johnson

61. Elaine S. Smith

29. David Bryant

62. Robert Buck

30. Mary Bryant

63. Cindy Greer

31. Jacqueline Bishop

64. Harry Greer

32. Stephen C. Coye

65. Emalee Colver

33. F. Phillip Prelli

66. John Benedik

34. Maureen Prelli * As of February 29, 2024

The 1-in-1,000 Club also hosts an annual Zoom about estate planning and planned giving, and is looking for other opportunities to serve Grange members nationwide.

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Marty Billquist, Foundation Board member, is personally challenging past and current National Grange Officers and Delegates to step up and support the Grange by becoming a member of the 1-in-1,000 Club.

“We, or someone we know, have benefited either directly or indirectly from the many activities, opportunities, programs, events, support, etc. that have been provided by the Grange Foundation since it came into existence,” Billquist said. “It is time for us to return the favor and give back to the organization that we all love.”

According to Billquist, the Foundation is “very

flexible” and will work with those who wish to join through a payment plan if a lump sum contribution is not possible.

Those who are members of the Club have expressed their feeling that the $1,000 contribution is small in comparison to how much they or their families have benefited from being a Grange member.

The 1-in-1,000 Club is part of the Grange Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Donations may be taxdeductible – please consult with your Thetax advisor.

1 in 1,000 Club of the Grange Foundation

Join the 1-in-1,000 Club

Grange

Foundation

Only 1,000 numbered lifetime memberships for the 1 in 1,000 Club will be available for a one-time buy-in of $1,000 each. All funds raised will be used for the good of the Order. Individuals may make a pledge to hold aOnly space (provided thelifetime maximum of 1,000 memberships has not already 1,000 numbered memberships for the 1-in- wish to hold membership in the Club will require a renewal been attained), but will not be provided a member number until their finalevery payment is received.

1,000 Club will be available for a one-time buy-in of $1,000 payment of $1,000 10 years in orderMemto keep their bership is for individuals and groups.

We apologize in advance, however, upon advice of nonprofit each. membership. professionals and legal advisors, couple and family memberships are not available. Established, auIndividuals may make a pledge to hold a space, but will Members will receive a special pin and certificate and be tonomous Groups (such as State Grange Foundations or non-Grange organizations) or local or State notGranges be provided member until their final payment entitled to invitation-only events throughout the year and are aeligible fornumber membership with special requirements.

is received. Membership is for individuals and groups. during National Convention.

We apologize in advance, however, upon advice may of be This your in the 1-in-1,000 When the member passes away, the membership first form madereserves available toplace an individual desig- Club. You nonprofit and legal advisors, and family will bepayment providedoffull paperwork to to complete nated professionals by the late Club member, but couple will require a “renewal” $1,000 in order keep thethe full and membership ShouldEstablished the designated wish not to renewof thethe membership, it will bedocuments memberships arenumber. not available.

Groupsindividual (such proper transaction donation including offered to the person at the top of the waiting list (or general membership if 1,000 are not already as State Grange Foundations or non-Grange organizations) related to deductibility for your tax profession. assigned).

Autonomous Groups, local and Statewith GrangesAll who wish to hold membership in thetoClub or local or State Granges are eligibleorfor membership contributions must be made payable the nonprofit, will require a renewal payment of $1,000 every 10 years in order to keep their membership. special requirements. charitable Grange Foundation.

When a member of the 1-in-1,000 Club passes away, the Members will receive a special pin and certificate and be entitled to invitation-only events throughout membership may be first made available to an individual To join, checks and the form below can be sent to: the year and during National Convention. designated by the late Club member, but will require Grange Foundation a “renewal” payment your of $1,000 order keep theYou will 1616 St. NW, Suite 200 This form reserves place ininthe 1 in to 1,000 Club. be Hprovided full paperwork to complete membership number.

Washington,related DC 20006 the full and proper transaction of the donation including documents to deductibility for your Autonomous Groups, or local and StateSHOULD Granges BE whoMADE OUT TO THE NONPROFIT, CHARITABLE tax profession.

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS

Grange Foundation.

INDIVIDUAL/GROUP NAME: _______________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ IF APPLICABLE: My primary membership is held in ____________________________________________ Grange # _______________, ______________________(state).

Email (and/or phone): ______________________________________________________________________ I anticipate: ______ Enclosing a check for $1000 with this application. ______ Making payments equaling a total of $1,000 within 12 months.

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________________________ FOR ADMINISTRATIVE USE Final Payment Date: ________________________

Member #: _______________

Connecticut State Grange receives Foundation’s deaf awareness grant

By Dave Roberts Lecturer, Connecticut State Grange Connecticut State Grange was honored to receive a $1,000 deaf awareness grant from the National Grange Foundation for 2023. Following months of planning, the two day event was held on the campus of the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford.

The Planning Committee included ASD Staff and school resource librarian, as well as Judy Doyle from Riverton Grange, Carol Innes from Granby Grange, and Dave Roberts.

In order to expand the relationship between the American School for the Deaf and the Connecticut State Grange, we decided to host two events that could unite the two communities and also help the surrounding community understand the special relationship between these two organizations.

Day #1 was held on Monday, October 30, and included an outdoor campus-based Trunk or Treat event for ASD students, their siblings and family members. Grangers from Granby, Riverton, Winchester, Mountain Laurel Pomona, and Rhode Island State Grange participated in this event by decorating their car trunks with special displays and passing out goodies. Over 45 vehicles participated in this event, despite the rain. Over 100 kids enjoyed the event and were presented with a specially designed Connecticut State Grange drawstring backpack designed by Terri Fassio. In

addition, Grange stickers, pens, note pads, comic books, sign language books and other items were distributed.

Day #2 was held on Tuesday, October 31, and included an indoor costume parade and maze through the ASD resource center. Based on five children’s Halloween books, students, teachers, parents and invited guests were able to journey through the maze of five handcrafted sets with live Grange actors playing parts in the books. Grange themes were emphasized.

Granges represented included Granby, Simsbury, Riverton, and Mountain Laurel Pomona. Special thanks goes to the creative talents of Granby Grange Lecturer Judy An ASD student receives Doyle who helped design all five their special drawstring sets in the library. backpack for Trunk or A video of this event was Treat. created and edited by Terri Photo provided Fassio, Connecticut State Grange Communications Director, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/1wC3hELfV6U. This video is also available on the Connecticut State Grange Facebook page.

The best part of this collaboration with the American School for the Deaf was building bonds and relationships for years to come.

Bringing Communities Together: ASD Collaboration with the Lions Club and Connecituct Grange originally printed in American Era - a publication of the American School for the Deaf reprinted with permission

Character actors from the Library Maze included (L to R): Raine Pedersen, Jackie Martin, Carol Innes, Dave Roberts, Debbie Roberts, and Judy Doyle.

Photo provided

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ASD is grateful for the support of two very special organizations who have partnered with us and supported our mission for decades.

For over four decades - since 1980 - the Lions of

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District 53B have been faithful friends and supporters of ASD through their philanthropic support. In their loyal generosity to ASD, the group has truly lived out its mission of “strengthening communities and supporting those in need.” For several years, this has included an annual Lions dinner on the campus of ASD - a fun and festive evening!

Each year, ASD welcomes over 120 Lions from across Connecticut, who often present a donation to our school during the event. Since 1980, the Lions have contributed over $375,000 in support to ASD! The Connecticut State Grange also pursues a mission of community service and partnership, and ASD is grateful to report that this year, they applied for and received a grant from the National Grange Foundation to promote a Connecticut State Grange Deaf Awareness event at ASD. In a wonderful collaborative spirit, they worked to join ASD’s celebration of Halloween through a Trunk or Treat event for our students on October 30 and a fabulous Halloween maze during our Halloween parade for our Elementary students.

In a note to the Grange Community, Connecticut State Grange Lecturer David Roberts remarked “Our planning committee worked hard over the course of many months with the American School for the Deaf and we think our preparation paid off for two outstanding events to promote

A Winchester Grange member braves a rainy night to create Trunk or Treat fun for ASD students.

Photo provided

deaf awareness... Grange themes and images were worked into this fun event to help (students) celebrate Halloween and learn about the importance of agriculture to our daily lives.”

ASD is grateful to the Grange volunteers who helped to organize this amazing learning and awareness event!

APPLY FOR A DEAF AWARENESS GRANT

DEADLINE: MAY 1 AWARDS UP TO $1,000!

All details and application available at grangefoundation.org/deaf

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CONNECTING AMERICA’S HEARTLAND

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ormed in 1952, CTC delivers fast and reliable internet, phone, and TV services along with business solutions throughout

central and northern Minnesota. As rural homes, businesses, and entire communities rely more and more on connectivity, CTC remains committed to its members’ current and future demands by providing high speed, reliable, and affordable internet services for communication, education, remote work, entertainment,

“Through technology leadership, smart growth, and community engagement, the CTC team demonstrates extraordinary focus to transform the rural communities we serve.”

KRISTI WESTBROCK, CEO, CTC

telehealth, and economic development activities.

Providing connectivity to unserved and underserved communities presents a unique set of challenges. That’s why CTC prioritizes partnering with municipalities, electric cooperatives, community-based organizations, and tribal entities to build and maintain broadband networks that meet everyone’s needs.

CTC is dedicated to expanding broadband and connecting our communities. Learn more at goctc.com.

USTelecom.org

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Climate change is shifting the zones where plants grow – here’s what that could mean for your garden

By Matt Kasson Associate Professor of Mycology and Plant Pathology, West Virginia University Originally published in The Conversation

Comparing the 2023 map to the previous version from 2012 clearly shows that as climate change warms the Earth, plant hardiness zones are shifting northward. On average, the coldest days of winter in our current climate, based on temperature records from 1991 through 2020, are 5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 Celsius) warmer than they were between 1976 and 2005.

In some areas, including the central Appalachians, northern New England and north central Idaho, winter temperatures have warmed by 1.5 hardiness zones – 15 degrees F (8.3 C) – over the same 30-year window. This warming changes the zones in which plants, whether annual or perennial, will ultimately succeed in a climate on the move.

As a plant pathologist, I have devoted my career to understanding and addressing plant health issues. Many stresses not only shorten the lives of plants, but also affect their growth and productivity.

I am also a gardener who has seen firsthand how warming temperatures, pests and disease affect my annual harvest. By understanding climate change impacts on plant communities, you can help your garden reach its full potential in a warming world.

The 2023 USDA plant hardiness zone map shows the areas where plants can be expected to grow, based on extreme winter temperatures. Darker shades (purple to blue) denote colder zones, phasing southward into temperate (green) and warm zones (yellow and orange).

Courtesy of the USDA

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This map shows how plant hardiness zones have shifted northward from the 2012 to the 2023 USDA maps. A half-zone change corresponds to a tan area. Areas in white indicate zones that experienced minimal change.

Map from Prism Climate Group, Oregon State University, CC BY-ND

Hotter summers, warmer winters There’s no question that the temperature trend is upward.

From 2014 through 2023, the world experienced the 10 hottest summers ever recorded in 174 years of climate data. Just a few months of sweltering, unrelenting heat can significantly affect plant health, especially cool-season garden crops like broccoli, carrots, radishes and kale.

Winters are also warming, and this matters for plants. The USDA defines plant hardiness zones based on the coldest average annual temperature in winter at a given location. Each zone represents a 10-degree F range, with zones numbered from 1 (coldest) to 13 (warmest). Zones are divided into 5-degree F half zones, which are lettered “a” (northern) or “b” (southern).

For example, the coldest hardiness zone in the lower 48 states on the new map, 3a, covers small pockets in the northernmost parts of Minnesota and has winter extreme temperatures of -40 F to -35 F. The warmest zone, 11b, is in Key West, Florida, where the coldest annual lows range from 45 F to 50 F. On the 2012 map, northern Minnesota had a much more extensive and continuous zone 3a. North Dakota also had areas designated in this same zone, but those regions now have shifted completely into Canada. Zone 10b once covered the southern tip of mainland Florida, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but has now been pushed northward by a rapidly encroaching zone 11a.

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Many people buy seeds or seedlings without thinking about hardiness zones, planting dates or disease risks. But when plants have to contend with temperature shifts, heat stress and disease, they will eventually struggle to survive in areas where they once thrived.

Successful gardening is still possible, though. Here are some things to consider before you plant: Annuals versus perennials Hardiness zones matter far less for annual plants, which germinate, flower and die in a single growing season, than for perennial plants that last for several years. Annuals typically avoid the lethal winter temperatures that define plant hardiness zones.

In fact, most annual seed packs don’t even list the plants’ hardiness zones.

Instead, they provide sowing date guidelines by geographic region. It’s still important to follow those dates, which help ensure that frost-tender crops are not planted too early and that cool-season crops are not harvested too late in the year.

zones 4-8, an area that includes most of the Northeast, Midwest and Plains states.

Raspberries are hardy in zones 3-9, and blackberries are hardy in zones 5-9. This eliminates a lot of guesswork for most gardeners, since a majority of U.S. states are dominated by two or more of these zones.

Nevertheless, it’s important to pay attention to plant tags to avoid selecting a variety or cultivar with a restricted hardiness zone over another with greater flexibility.

Also, pay attention to instructions about proper sun exposure and planting dates after the last frost in your area.

Fruit trees are sensitive to temperature fluctuations Fruit trees have two parts, the rootstock and the scion wood, that are grafted together to form a single tree.

Rootstocks, which consist mainly of a root system, determine the tree’s size, timing of flowering and tolerance of soil-dwelling pests and pathogens. Scion wood, which supports the flowers and fruit, determines the fruit variety.

Most commercially available fruit trees can tolerate a wide range of hardiness User-friendly perennials have broad zones. However, stone fruits like peaches, hardiness zones plums and cherries are more sensitive to Many perennials can grow across temperature fluctuations within those wide temperature ranges. For example, zones – particularly abrupt swings in winter hardy fig and hardy kiwifruit grow well in temperatures that create unpredictable freeze-thaw events.

These seesaw weather episodes affect all types of fruit trees, but stone fruits appear to be more susceptible, possibly because they flower earlier in spring, have fewer hardy rootstock options, or have bark characteristics that make them more vulnerable to Plants like blackberries, with broad hardiness zones, can help take the guesswork out of planting.

Photo licensed via AdobeStock winter injury.

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Perennial plants’ hardiness increases through the seasons in a process called hardening off, which conditions them for harsher temperatures, moisture loss in sun and wind, and full sun exposure. But a too-sudden autumn temperature drop can cause plants to die back in winter, an event known as winter kill. Similarly, a sudden spring temperature spike can lead to premature flowering and subsequent frost kill.

Pests are moving north too Plants aren’t the only organisms constrained by temperature. With milder winters, southern insect pests and plant pathogens are expanding their ranges northward.

One example is Southern blight, a stem and root rot disease that affects 500 plant species and is caused by a fungus, Agroathelia rolfsii. It’s often thought of as affecting hot Southern gardens, but has become more commonplace recently in the Northeast U.S. on tomatoes, pumpkins and squash, and other crops, including apples in Pennsylvania.

Other plant pathogens may take advantage of milder winter temperatures, which leads to prolonged saturation of soils instead of freezing. Both plants and microbes are less active when soil is frozen, but in wet soil, microbes have an opportunity to colonize dormant perennial plant roots, leading to more disease.

It can be challenging to accept that climate change is stressing some of your garden favorites, but there are thousands of varieties of plants to suit both your interests and your hardiness zone. Growing plants is an opportunity to admire their flexibility and the features that enable many of them to thrive in a world of change.

View the original article and full-size maps at https://theconversation.com/ climate-change-is-shifting-the-zoneswhere-plants-grow-heres-what-that-couldmean-for-your-garden-222108

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Rural Counties Dependent on Recreation Industry Show Best Recovery from Pandemic Employment Loss Rural recreation counties added to their pre-pandemic employment numbers, but other rural economies struggled to recover.

By Sarah Melotte Originally published by The Daily Yonder Rural counties where the recreation industry is a big part of the local economy are more likely than other types of rural counties to have regained the jobs they lost during the pandemic, a Daily Yonder analysis shows.

Rural America overall still hasn’t regained the jobs it lost in the first months of the pandemic in 2020, as we’ve reported. But rural recreation-dependent counties – whose economies rely on businesses built around natural amenities, tourism, and activities like hiking and skiing – have 1.1% more jobs today than they did three years ago.

Rural counties that depend on governmental employers like prisons, universities, or public agencies were also in positive territory with jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels, but just barely.

Government-dependent counties had 0.4% more jobs in September than they did the year before the pandemic.

Rural mining-dependent counties were the hardest hit, with 2.4% fewer jobs in September than they had before the pandemic.

Rural counties where manufacturing was the primary industry were down 1.1% from pre-pandemic employment.

Farming-dependent counties were down a quarter of a percent in employment for the same period, while “nonspecialized” counties – ones where there was no single industry that predominated the economy – were down a third of a percentage point.

The county economic types are based on categories created by the Economic Research Service (ERS), a branch of the USDA.

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Two women hike through Glacier National Park in Montana. This area, with roughly 111,000 annual residents, sees upward of 3 million visitors each year.

Photo by Alisha, licensed via AdobeStock Rural Recreation Communities Did Better than Other Rural Places, but Fell Behind Urban Places

Monroe County, Florida, a rural recreation county with the third largest growth in employment among rural areas, gained 6,100 jobs by September of 2023, a 14% increase since September of 2019.

Key West is the county seat of Monroe, a coastal destination that attracted 3.5

million visitors in 2022. That’s a lot of tourists for a community of only 82,000 full-time residents.

Flathead County, Montana, is another rural recreation county that boomed after the pandemic. Glacier National Park, which spans both Glacier and Flathead counties in northern Montana, is home to about 111,000 residents and sees about 3 million visitors annually. Over 90% of the

Every month is compared to the corresponding month in 2019.

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Between 2020 and 2022, 169,000 people moved to a rural recreation county.

These counties had the highest in-migration numbers of any other rural economic type.

land area in Flathead is in a national or state park.

Between September of 2019 and September of 2023, Flathead County saw a 13% increase in employment, adding about 6,000 more jobs to the economy.

Flathead isn’t the only Montana County that saw that much growth. The eight rural recreation counties in Montana experienced a 9% increase in employment, adding 7,400 jobs to the state’s economy.

Montana’s recreation jobs accounted for 22% of the total employment growth in rural recreation counties nationwide, even though they only comprise 3.5% of the recreation counties in rural America.

But despite these economic success stories, fewer rural recreation counties were back up to their pre-pandemic job numbers compared to their urban counterparts. Fifty-four percent of rural recreation counties fully recovered from the pandemic, while 73% of urban recreation areas recovered.

Urban recreation counties also added half a million new jobs to the market by September of 2023, a 4.4% increase since September of 2019, compared to a one percent growth in rural places.

The Relationship between Growth and Job Growth

to relocate for those who can afford it, but challenges associated with increased demand for housing and natural resources make it hard for long-time residents who could face displacement.

Job growth might therefore be a reflection of rural recreation migrants and not necessarily increased employment rates of the long-term residents. A rural county that shows a one percent change in job growth could see no decrease in outcomes like unemployment if the increase in the number of jobs were just due to in-migration, for example.

This seems to be the case in rural recreation areas. As the population grows in rural recreation areas, so does the number of jobs (in general). And recreation areas saw the biggest gains in population growth via in-migration between 2020 and 2022, according to the latest census estimates.

Government Dependent Counties Do Well, Others Fall Behind Other than recreation, the only other type of rural county that gained jobs between 2019 and 2023 were those with economies dependent on government.

(These are communities where 14% of the labor earnings come from government employment, or where at least nine percent of the workers are employed by the government.)

By September of 2023, government dependent rural counties had 12,000 more jobs compared to September of 2019.

But rural counties dependent on mining, manufacturing, or agriculture, (along with those without any economic specialization) lost jobs during the same time period.

In September of 2023, areas dependent on mining showed the most job loss as a percent of total 2019 employment. Mining economies in rural areas lost 32,000 jobs, a 2.4% decline in their total employment compared to September of 2019.

Among mining communities, the gap between metropolitan and rural percent change in employment was almost seven percentage points.

Rural areas dependent on manufacturing, meanwhile, lost 51,000 jobs, the greatest employment loss in terms of raw numbers.

But urban manufacturing counties saw a one percent increase in employment.

Every month is compared to the corresponding month in 2019.

Population

Previous reporting from the Yonder showed that rural recreation counties vote more Democratic, grow faster, and have higher costs of living than other rural places. They might be appealing places

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JEWELRY

Vintage Hall Dedication Plaques Designed in 1947, these wooden hand-carved plaques have felt backing. 11.5”x13”, with space to add an engraving for your Grange.

Limited number available.

Sold as-is. $25 each, including shipping.

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Junior Grange pin - $5 4th Degree pin - $10

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Member recognition pins are

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All Past Office (Master, Lecturer, Secretary, and Past Junior Master) pins, and various Degree charms and ties bars are on sale!

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Own a part of history commemorating the National Grange’s Headquarters in Washington, DC. These limited-edition pins are sure

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.

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On sale: $15.00 + shipping Belt Buckle Solid pewter with antique finish, fits most standard belts. Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.

to be collector items! Each pin includes a card with details about the Grange Building. Available in bulk at major discounts!

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4 ways to get involved this Global Volunteer Month Courtesy of Statepoint

engage in their communities. As part of the campaign, they are sharing four great ways to participate: Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout 1. Stay Local: While volunteering with any type of April, is a time to recognize people who actively support mission can help to better the world, people tend to be their communities through volunteerism and active civic more impacted by volunteer opportunities from which they engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. can observe the fruits of their labor. Collaborate with local However, if you’re like many people, you may not know nonprofits to affect change in the place where you live, where to begin. work and play. Visit Points of Light Engage, https://engage.

Research from Points of Light, a global nonprofit pointsoflight.org/, to find an opportunity today in your city organization dedicated to inspiring, equipping and or zip code and based on your interests. mobilizing people to take action that changes the world, 2. Volunteer With Friends and Family: Families can shows 73% of people believe that volunteering is more support their communities by volunteering together. important than ever, yet 66% think they can’t make a big Consider working at a local food bank, participating in impact in their communities. Global Volunteer Month can community clean-up initiatives, or organizing donation drives help point people in the right direction. for local charities. Volunteering as a family not only provides “April is an annual opportunity for companies and a chance for quality time together but also encourages nonprofits to inspire individuals to action, share stories of children to develop empathy and social responsibility. By those doing good, and create a pathway for continued volunteering, families can strengthen relationships, build engagement,” said Diane Quest, interim president and community connections, and make a positive impact in their CEO, Points of Light. “Over the past four years since our communities. inaugural Global Volunteer Month, we have seen people 3. Recognize and Expand What You’re Already Doing: increase their commitments to creating a just and equitable While many of us think about volunteering in a formal world.” way with longer time commitments and structures, civic This year, Points of Light is partnering with leading engagement comes in all forms. Informal actions like helping sponsor Phillips 66 and supporting sponsor UPS to a neighbor and leveraging your purchase power all make up encourage individuals, nonprofits and corporate partners to civic action. Ask yourself: how could I take three to five actions around one cause area that’s important to me to make greater impact? Find out how through the Points of Light Civic Circle https://www.pointsoflight. org/civic-circle.

4. Say a Simple Thank You: At its core, Global Volunteer Month is about thanking those already volunteering and making an impact.

Take a minute to send a thank you to a special volunteer in your life or an organization that is giving its time and talent to make your community stronger.

“There are many paths to living a full, civic life. Now is the perfect time to make a plan to join the celebration, today and every day,” (c) Hero Images / iStock via Getty Images Plus says Quest.

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Building Hope: 9 Essential Steps to Reducing Youth Suicide Courtesy of BrandPoint Adolescence is a critical time in everyone’s development - teens and young adults learn to make decisions, manage emotions, create deeper connections with peers and their communities, and build resilience. Young people’s developing brains are well suited to these tasks, but too often the systems that serve them are not. And the unique pressures they face today have fueled escalating rates of mental health challenges and the number of youth who die by suicide.

The Jed Foundation (JED) - a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide among our nation’s teens and young adults - recently issued “Youth Suicide: Current Trends and the Path to Prevention,” which highlights suicide trends among youth. One of the report’s key findings was that 10% of high school students attempted suicide in the past year.

“Over the past few years, young people have been significantly impacted by society’s greatest challenges, including the pandemic, war, climate change, racial disparities and school shootings. They do this without the context, experience and resilience that adults possess,” said John MacPhee, JED’s chief executive officer.

Although overall suicide rates have continued to increase, there is reason for hope and actions to be taken. The report highlights provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that found that suicide rates for youth ages 10-24 declined between 2021 and 2022, including a significant drop (22%) for girls ages 1014. With knowledge and resources, parents, educators, communities and policymakers can help reduce suicide rates among teens and young adults.

“We have an opportunity to actively protect teens and young adults by compassionately providing them with

the skills and care they need to succeed while also working to reduce the barriers and risk factors in our society,” said MacPhee.

Supporting youth mental health and preventing suicide requires a systemwide, evidence-based approach.

As part of the report, JED outlined nine essential steps to reducing youth suicide that offer solutions to support all youth - including specific recommendations for groups of young people who face additional stressors - improve youth mental health, and prevent suicide.

1. Take a comprehensive approach Adopting a comprehensive approach is the first step in reducing suicide risk.

A great example is JED’s Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention, which focuses on developing life skills, promoting social connectedness, identifying and supporting students at risk, increasing help-seeking behavior, providing mental health and substance misuse services, establishing and following crisis management procedures, and promoting means safety.

2. Create connection and community In U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s 2023 advisory “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” he points out that youth are especially disconnected and isolated, which can fundamentally affect mental, physical and emotional health. Designing communities of care in schools, creating opportunities and spaces for young people to meet and gather organically, and supporting intergenerational connections can help address youth loneliness.

3. Meet basic needs and address trauma There are strong links between poverty, societal and racial inequity, trauma and mental health struggles.

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That’s why it’s important to strengthen social safety nets to meet students’ basic needs - like housing, food, education and health care - and expand access to trauma-informed care.

It’s also critical to use community- and family-based, trauma-informed approaches for reducing youth involvement in the criminal legal system to address important root causes of suicide. Youth (ages 10-24) involved with the criminal legal system die by suicide at rates two to three times higher than the general youth population.

4. Increase coping and emotional support skills

8. Advocate for safe online spaces More and more young people are engaged in online activities in a largely unregulated space. Policymakers and other stakeholders must take a pro-safety approach to apps and platforms where young people spend time, centering youth in any efforts to improve them.

9. Leverage technology to support youth mental health Although technology can pose risks for young people, it also offers more ways to connect with each other and access mental health care. By leveraging technology, we can provide youth with access to professional help through telemedicine, connect to young people where they are in digital spaces, and use the virtual worlds of gaming, the metaverse, and extended reality to offer resources and support in real time.

Self-awareness and interpersonal skills help young people better solve problems, manage emotional stressors, and control impulses, improving their ability to move through challenges. Trained, caring adults and young people can play a vital If you or role in helping youth develop and access emotional support and coping skills, someone you know including how to identify and reach out needs to talk to to someone who may be struggling and someone right now, connect them to professional support.

Everyone can do their part “Suicide rates for young people have been rising for over a decade due to factors that include isolation, text, call or chat 988 increasing access to firearms and for a free confidential 5. Meaningfully increase access to care difficulty connecting to mental health conversation with Too many young people reach out for treatment. Particular groups of youth are a trained counselor professional help and run into barriers. disproportionately impacted because 24/7.

We must support the implementation of the effects of social determinants of and enforcement of the Mental Health health,” said Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, Parity and Addiction Equity Act, require JED’s chief medical officer. “Our firstinsurance coverage of mental health of-its-kind report aims to provide a services delivered in schools, ensure that provider networks nuanced perspective on how these influences are driving adequately serve diverse populations, and design crisis services suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and deaths among to meet the needs of communities. different groups of youth, and identifies strategies that can help parents, educators, public officials and policymakers 6. Make widespread use of proven suicide prevention mitigate these trends to improve young people’s mental treatments and interventions health and save lives.”

There are underutilized treatments that meaningfully However you’re involved in the life of a young person reduce suicidal thoughts and attempts. Prioritizing the use - as a parent, educator, coach or any other type of mentor of proven approaches like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), you can be the support they need.

Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone (CAMS), cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention right now, text, call or chat 988 for a free confidential (CBT-SP), attachment-based family therapy, brief safety conversation with a trained counselor 24/7. planning interventions, and pharmacological interventions can You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting help lower suicide rates.

“HOME” to 741741.

If this is a medical emergency or if there is immediate 7. Reduce access to lethal means danger of harm, call 911 and explain that you need support Reducing access to lethal means is a powerful way to reduce for a mental health crisis. suicide. This is especially true for firearms. Firearms are the Download “Youth Suicide: Current Trends and the Path leading method of suicide death overall, and approximately to Prevention” at jedfoundation.org/youth-suicide-current90% of suicide attempts by firearm are fatal. Everyone from trends-and-the-path-to-prevention. To learn more about families to gun owner groups to legislators can play a role in how you can support the young people in your life, visit advocating for and implementing responsible gun storage to jedfoundation.org. meaningfully reduce suicide risk.

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How to pick plants that will thrive in your climate Courtesy of Statepoint When choosing what kind of plants to put down in your yard, you likely focus on the what and the where. After all, a beautiful plant in a prime location enhances curb appeal and even bragging rights.

You may pay less attention though to understanding your plant hardiness zone and all the ramifications that come with it. To help ensure your plants don’t just survive, but thrive, the experts at lawn care equipment manufacturer Exmark are sharing the following insights about plant hardiness: What is Plant Hardiness?

The secret to growing healthier plants is called plant hardiness. Plant hardiness is the ability of a plant to survive adverse growing conditions such as drought, flooding, heat and cold. Ever watched with frustration as a late-season temperature dip leaves your beautiful buds with a serious case of frostbite?

That’s why plant hardiness zones were developed.

American farming contributes billions of dollars to the gross national product every year, which is one reason why the USDA has long monitored weather data.

If determining when the average final frost may occur for every region in the country is worth billions, what could that same knowledge mean for your garden? Well, choosing plants with hardiness levels appropriate to specific planting zones gives you the best chance of gardening and landscaping success.

What is My Growing Zone?

The United States is divided into 13 zones. Zones 1-6 being the coldest, and 7-13 the warmest. Zone 1 averages -60 degrees F while zone 13 never drops

Hardiness zones can help you decide which plants will thrive in your climate.

Graphic provided

below 70 degrees F. A general guideline is to plant anything designated for your zone or lower, but never higher. Know what zone you live in, and be sure to always check the tag on the back of the plant or seed pack before planting anything.

Perennials Versus Annuals

There’s a reason you see palm trees in Miami, not Minnetonka, Minn. In the case of perennials, it’s not about when the first frost is, but how cold it gets, and whether that plant can survive and thrive through winter.

Plant hardiness zones are less important however when it comes to annuals. Because these plants are only meant to last the length of one growing season; waiting until after the average first frost date will save you from having to re-plant. Know that even if your plant survives the frost, it may never match the photo you saw advertised at the nursery.

Planting Zone Rule of Thumb

Plant hardiness zone maps are,

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well, all over the map. Consider the number assigned to your zip code as a starting point. You may live right at the break between one zone and the other.

Remember that it’s better to guess too low, than too high. In the South, the heat can put real stress on a plant not made for it. Your particular geography can also affect your hardiness zone, like if you live on a hill or in a valley.

For more insights, check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and watch “Find Your Plant Hardiness Zone,” a recent episode of “Backyard Smart,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces. There you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.

Understanding what plants will thrive in your climate is essential to having a healthy lawn and garden. Fortunately, free resources abound to help you garden and landscape successfully.

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7 steps to start growing produce at home Courtesy of Family Features Growing your own produce is an allaround smart practice, from the money you’ll save at the grocery store to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet.

Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it’s a project even a beginner can tackle with ease. Consider these tips to start growing your at-home garden: 1. Select a perfect spot. You’ll want to place your garden in an area where you see it often so you’re reminded to weed and care for it regularly. Find a flat area you can access easily, where erosion and other pitfalls (including hungry wildlife) won’t be a problem.

2. Choose between ground and containers. There are pros and cons to gardening in containers vs. the ground, and there’s no universal right choice.

Rather, the best garden depends on your goals and preferences. A ground garden usually offers more space

and may provide a better growth environment for roots. However, a container garden is often easier to maintain and may be all you need if you wish to grow just a few plants.

3. Understand the importance of quality soil. You may think any dirt will do, but keep in mind the soil you plant in will be the primary source of nutrients for your produce. Not only that, but quality soil provides stability so plants can root firmly and grow healthy and sturdy to support their bounty. Quality soil also allows for ample drainage. Organic matter like compost, leaf mold or aged manure all help improve soil quality.

4. Keep water close. Lugging water can quickly eliminate the pleasure of tending your garden, so be sure you’re situated near a hose. You’ll know it’s time to water when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface.

5. Plan for plenty of sun. A bright, sunny spot is a must, since most vegetables, herbs and fruits depend

on six or more hours of sun every day.

Remember the sun’s path changes throughout the year, and as trees and foliage grow, they may produce more shade with each growing season.

6. Consider what you’ll grow.

Starting with veggies you know you like is a smart starting point since you’ll be pouring sweat equity into making them grow. Over time, you might add new varieties, but early on, keep your focus on foods you know you like so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste. You’ll also need to consider what you can grow to maturity within your area’s growing season. If necessary, you might want to start transplants you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the temperatures allow.

7. Plant according to a calendar.

Knowing how long it takes different foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar. You don’t want to harvest everything at once, and if you stagger planting and replant what you can, you’ll have a garden that produces food for your family for a longer period of time.

Find more helpful tips for managing your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.

As you plan out your garden, consider entering the National Grange Lecturer’s Garden Design Contest!

Learn more here: www.nationalgrange.org/ lecturer-contests/ Photo by Nicola Jovanovic on Unsplash

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Talking with Your Primary Care Provider About Brain Health: An Interview with Dr. Bonnie Burman

By Jennifer L. Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America Does your primary care provider check your heart?

Does your primary care provider check your lungs?

When was the last time they checked your brain?

I often talk with groups of people about brain health and dementia, and, when I do, I almost always start my discussion with those three questions. The response to the first two questions is generally a unanimous “yes” or “of course.”

Unfortunately, the answer to the third question is almost always “never.”

Many health care experts are hoping to bring brain health to the forefront to ensure that primary care providers routinely screen for cognitive change, particularly during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. Among them is Dr. Bonnie Burman, President of the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health, member of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) brain health workgroup, and a champion of change. Dr. Burman works tirelessly to bring people together to view the world of brain health differently and pushes all of us to transform services and supports for older adults. I recently sat down with her to talk about why a brain health discussion and an early diagnosis of dementia are so important, and I am pleased to share our conversation with you in this column.

Jen Pettis: In their 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and

Dr. Bonnie Burman, President of the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health. Photo provided

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Figures (see Alz.org), the Alzheimer’s Association reported some alarming statistics around primary care provider, such as doctors and nurse practitioners, kickstarting brain health conversations with their patients. Specifically, they reported that only four in 10 Americans will talk with their primary care provider right away when experiencing some memory loss or thinking problems (known as mild cognitive impairment). The Association went on to report that most primary care providers wait for patients to raise concerns about how their brain is working before talking with them. We recognize in the GSA KAER Toolkit for Primary Care Teams (available at geron.org/ brainhealth) that Kickstarting a Brain Health Conversation is a vital first step in early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia. Dr. Burman, can you share why it is so important for people to routinely have brain health discussions with their physicians?

Dr. Bonnie Burman: It is important that we address brain health throughout the entire lifespan. What we now know is that many of the same lifestyle changes and common practices that prevent or delay other chronic illnesses also have a positive impact on brain health. There is no magic pill that can prevent memory loss, ward off cognitive decline, or keep us young and healthy forever, but we can help to maintain our brain health by reducing stress, having a positive attitude, getting plenty of sleep, engaging in social activities, being more physically active, and challenging ourselves mentally. All these things affect our brain health as we age, and exercise and diet are very important for brain health as well.

In fact, if I was to make just one suggestion for supporting mental health and memory it would be, “Exercise!” Exercise helps the body release hormones that make us feel great and aid in providing a nourishing environment for the growth of brain cells. We know that physical exercise is crucial for maintaining good blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, but it also helps protect against the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It is also important to eat well. Eating well helps your entire body as foods that are good for the heart, are also good for the brain. The best current evidence recommends a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, which includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish, and nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats.

It’s very important that people share with their primary care provider when they have changes in their memory or thinking.

Many people think that cognitive changes are normal aging,

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which they are not. When I mention cognitive changes, I am referring to things such as memory loss that disrupts daily life; difficulty planning complex tasks or working with numbers, such as paying monthly bills; difficulty concentrating or taking much longer to do things that used to be considered easy; confusion with time and place; and trouble following or joining in on conversations, among others. All these things may indicate that a person has dementia and should be explored further with their primary care provider.

It is also important, though, that we keep in mind that there are normal agerelated changes that aren’t worrisome.

For example, repeating questions or stories might indicate dementia whereas forgetting someone’s name and remembering it later is a normal age-related change. Similarly, someone getting lost when returning home or returning to their childhood home rather than their current residence is a warning sign of dementia but being confused as to the day of the week and then recalling the correct day is normal. The Alzheimer’s Association has a great resource called 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia (https://www. alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs) that compares the warning signs to normal age-related changes. It is very helpful.

Most people think of dementia as an actual disease and not a term that’s used to describe a range of neurological conditions that affect the brain and that will worsen over time. Since Alzheimer’s disease is the most common time type of dementia, many people think that those terms are interchangeable - that Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same - and they are not. I’d also like to mention a condition called mild cognitive impairment or MCI. This is a condition in which people have more memory or thinking problems than other

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Editorial image via AdobeStock

people their age. People with MCI may remain stable for some time, or they may progress to dementia. In some cases, people with MCI improve. In any case, early detection of changes in brain health is vital as it allows people to access the supports they need to be able to continue to thrive in the community. If more people were aware of community support systems, then they would want to receive an early diagnosis, which would give them the support they need to continue to live with meaning, purpose, and joy allowing them to live their best lives possible. They can also take all those steps to promote brain health that I mentioned to help preserve their brain health even after a diagnosis of MCI or dementia. Additionally, certain people with MCI or early Alzheimer’s disease may be eligible for new treatments.

Jen Pettis: Can you address why conversations about brain health aren’t happening the way we’d like them to occur?

Dr. Bonnie Burman: The first barrier is the narrative or the frame. We should reframe the discussion and understanding about brain health and dementia.

Right now, most people think of the

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dementia narrative as one of tragedy.

We need to help people understand that there’s much more to the person than dementia and that, with an early diagnosis and care, they can continue to live a purposeful and engaged life in the community. With the current declinist view of aging, we don’t think about how we can help people retain their strengths and live well with dementia. In addition, since the primary care team see patients at all stages of the life journey, they can encourage patients to keep their brain healthy throughout the life span while also helping individuals impacted by dementia understand that there’s so much we can do to improve the lives of those living with dementia.

The second barrier is that people honestly don’t know what dementia is. There are widespread misunderstandings about what dementia is. I think the biggest misunderstanding is that people think that dementia is all about memory loss, but, depending on the type of dementia, the symptoms are far reaching, for example, personality change. Similarly, people are not familiar with what brain health is, and they don’t know that they have many options and

actions to take. And thus, the greatest barrier from a brain health perspective is that people may wait to bring up the topic until they are facing concerns, rather than thinking proactively.

The third barrier is the image. When most people think of someone with dementia, they visualize or imagine someone who is at the later stage, perhaps in a memory care unit. They don’t realize that between 70 and 80% of people who are living with dementia live in the community, not in a shared residential setting.

The fourth barrier is stigma. Just last week I was at an event where I asked an older adult if he would like some information on brain health and dementia and he responded, “I don’t need it. I’m not crazy yet.” I think that is one stereotype that people can relate to.

Also, while it is integral to focus on both the patient and their care partners, we must remember that about 30% of people who are living with dementia live alone and about 50% don’t have an identifiable caregiver. People who live alone are at a much higher risk for many things including malnutrition, not getting needed services, and lack of transportation. The final barrier is that people who live alone with dementia are far less likely to be diagnosed than people who have active care partners.

Jen Pettis: Dr. Burman, what can you share that might encourage all people to engage in earlier discussions about brain health with their primary care provider?

Dr. Bonnie Burman: Some people are afraid and may think “what’s wrong with me?” when they experience changes in thinking. Similarly, care partners or family members may be afraid that their loved one may have something wrong with them. Fear is not healthy, and it can be eliminated or reduced through an early and accurate diagnosis.

An early diagnosis of MCI or dementia allows them to have a conversation with their clinician about what matters most to them. What matters most is not only about the big things like end-of-life decisions, but also about day-to-day life. Having an early diagnosis allows an individual time to plan how they want to spend their days, who they want to see, and where they want to go. An early diagnosis encourages and allows people to let their wishes be known. An early diagnosis is also key because care partners, whether they’re paid or family members, can build on the individual’s strengths. There’s always something we can do to help them live their best lives and to slow the decline. What we find with an early diagnosis, is that we’re able to identify the resources in the community that can help people with dementia and their care partners so that they don’t have to do it alone. There are allies throughout communities to help people live their best lives.

Care partners are also impacted by dementia. With an early

I

diagnosis, they will also experience less fear. They’re able to figure out a plan, they’re able to learn more about what it means to be a care partner before it becomes an overwhelming task.

That time also lets them prepare and learn what they need to do to take care of themselves. Self-care for care partners is incredibly important.

The bottom line is that the care and medical interventions work especially well during the early stage, allowing an improvement in somebody’s quality of life. It is also important to note that some new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are only available to people in the very early stages of the disease.

Jen Pettis: Dr. Burman, I understand that in Ohio communities work together to support people with dementia, and that your organization, Ohio Council for Cognitive Health (www.ocfch.org), leads the Dementia Friendly Ohio initiative (www.ocfch.org/dfc/dementia-friendly-communities/). Please share a bit about this work in Ohio.

Dr. Bonnie Burman: I’ll start by defining a dementiafriendly community. According to Dementia Friendly America (www.dfamerica.org), a dementia-friendly community is a village, town, city or county that is informed, safe and respectful of individuals living with dementia, their families and caregivers, and provides supportive options that foster quality of life. Along with Dementia Friendly America, we are helping communities throughout our great state become dementia friendly. Just as we have worked hand in hand with people living with dementia and their care partners, we are continuing our efforts by collaborating hand in hand with many local, regional, and national partners, by developing resources and programmatic activities to assist communities as they nurture and sustain dementia friendly initiatives - the Ohio way! We recommend that every community in Ohio working to become Dementia Friendly use the KAER Toolkit (www.geron.org/ brainhealth) as part of their work.

Jen Pettis: Dr. Burman, tell me about how some of your community-based allies, like people working in libraries or businesses or other community settings, can use parts of the KAER Toolkit to raise awareness of brain health and encourage that early detection.

Dr. Bonnie Burman: By broadening the reach of the KAER Toolkit it can have an even greater impact. Let us put it in the frame of dementia-friendly communities or communities that are considering becoming more dementia friendly. Our first “aha!” moment here in Ohio with this approach happened when you, Jen, came up and gave a presentation about the KAER Toolkit at a caregiving conference. In attendance was a woman from the library system who was caring for her mother who had dementia. I believe she was also caring for a sister as well. After the presentation, she said to all of us, “I’m going to

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take this to my primary care provider and tell them I want to be assessed!” She didn’t say, I think I’m going to ask them if I should be assessed. She said, “I’m going to tell them I want to be assessed.”

From that one experience, Jen, we realized that by sharing parts and parcels of the Toolkit throughout the community, we could empower families and others with concerns to be the soldiers in the field to help make a difference. They can take the Toolkit to their PCPs and ask, “have you seen this?”

Here in Ohio, as communities think about becoming dementia-friendly or dementia-inclusive, we introduce the importance of sharing the Toolkit with all sectors. In addition to the folks learning about early diagnosis from trusted sources, for example their library, it also gets people thinking about what role they can play. Hopefully, over time they will become a resource in their community. They may run a business, yet they learn about it from the library. They may want to share something about the KAER Toolkit in their business, thus creating a domino effect.

I believe that the KAER Toolkit is the secret sauce that will bring the medical community and the various sectors together to ensure that those who are living with dementia in their communities can continue to live with purpose, meaning, and joy. Another example involves the business community. If employers who have increased their knowledge through the KAER Toolkit, knew more and thus were able to have an earlier diagnosis for their family members, their ability to continue their employment has been enhanced. They would have a better understanding of care partner support, respite, and decreased burden. As I mentioned, we go as far as to recommend the use of the KAER Toolkit in several different capacities as part of every dementia-friendly initiative. That is our goal here in Ohio, and we hope to spread it nationwide.

Jen Pettis: This has been a great discussion, Dr. Burman.

I appreciate your taking the time and your wonderful insights.

It’s always a joy to listen to you, and I always learn something from you. You are such a wonderful champion for this cause.

Dr. Bonnie Burman: Thank you, Jen, it was a pleasure.

Hopefully our conversation has spurred people to engage in conversations about brain health and brain healthy behaviors with their primary care provider. There are many actions people can take throughout their lifespan to enhance their brain health. They’re no different than the things that they can be doing to prevent other chronic diseases. And, I want people to remember that these behaviors - such as exercising getting the right amount of sleep, eating the right foods, staying social, keeping their blood pressure in check, etc. - can help preserve brain health, even after they have received a diagnosis of cognitive decline or dementia. There are many wonderful

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resources addressing brain healthy behaviors in the KAER Toolkit.

Jen Pettis: I think that’s a great note on which to end our discussion: We can indeed take action to make our brains healthier! Thank you again, Dr. Burman.

Eisai, Genentech, Lilly, and Otsuka provide GSA with support for The GSA KAER Toolkit for Primary Care Teams.

About the Gerontological Society of America: GSA is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. GSA’s principal mission — and that of our 5,500 members — is to promote the study of aging and disseminate information to scientists, decision makers, and the general public.

Founded in 1945, GSA is the driving force behind advancing innovation in aging — both domestically and internationally.

Our members come from more than 50 countries.

The Vision of GSA is Meaningful Lives as we Age. Learn more at www.geron.org.

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41

Honoring THE BUILDERS OF OUR

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES ®

80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

Massachusetts • Claire Williams, Stockbridge #295

Ohio • Janet Anderson, Bath #1331 • Hazel Broughton, Bath #1331

Michigan • Doris Buehrer, Mosherville #1351

Washington • Duane Olson, Adna #416 • Glenn Rassmussen, Terrace Heights #586

50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Massachusetts •

William Juda, Ware #164

•

Elizabeth Sosnowish, Community #382

•

Pauline Sosnowish, Community #382

New York •

L egacy

Steven Payne, Ravena #1457

Ohio •

Larry Bates, Perry #2729

•

Connie Beatty, Miami #2158

•

Lundy Hooten, Little Muskingum #2621

•

Chris McBurney, Perry #2729

Oregon • Darold Moore, Pine Grove #356 • Annette Ward, Pine Grove #356 • Elizabeth Ward, Pine Grove #356 • Jerillyn Watson, Lake Creek #697 Washington • Ben Hauck, Terrace Heights #586 • Joann Otten, Rome #226 • Steve Rasmussen, Terrace Heights #586 • Duane Sartain, Adna #417 • Richard O. Strom, Cedar Valley #306 • Joe Wiggs, Bee Hive #385

Anniversaries listed on this page are collected from certificates requested by local and State Granges. If you want to ensure your members are recognized for their continued service, you can send in their anniversaries to Philip Vonada at pvonada@nationalgrange.org.

We also highly suggest that local Granges request anniversary certificates, Silver Star and Golden Sheaf recognitions and jewelry, or commendation letters from the National Grange. If you have questions about how to do so, contact Loretta Washington at lwashington@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (202) 628-3507 x109.

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Welcome New Members TO THE Grange Family Addy #603 (WA) Carrie Anderson Elissa Anderson Koddi Anderson Jamie Baskin Becky Brazeau Josh Brazeau Taylor Brazeau Terrie Cooper Ross Cooper Nayali Dodson Sarah Graham Molly Jackson Katie Judd Kevin Judd Brittney Lamica Cole Lamica Lane Lamica Renee Leibfried Willian Lilly Elissa Lutz Charlene Mullen Jim Mullen Darla Nez Ashley Perry Kaali Sill And 15 Junior members Adna #417 (WA) Roselie Gud Albright #440 (NY) Carl Dean Gaffney Altona #127 (CO) Travis Barrett Jennifer Barrett Evan Garber Melissa Garber Dale Hatfield Patricia Hatfield Elize Helgans Robert Helgans Chris Janeczko Mike Janeczko Travis Ochs Ammadamast #379 (ME) Frank Taylor Androscoggin #8 (ME) Jeanne Gagne Andrea Lyonsv Arcadia #607 (NC) Nancy Buchanan

Risa Jarman Allen Johansson Debbie Johansson Brenda McKeel Bobbie Waddell

Shirley Kaszer John Munroe

Ausable Valley #973 (NY) Catherine Clark Gregory Coleman Helen Allen Nerska Matthew Plouffe Robyn Pray Andy Prescott Kathy Prescott Avon #125 (MT) Doug Sather Azalea #786 (OR) Holly Spires Barberton #571 (WA) Everett Jeter Grant Jeter Lisa Jeter Robert Jeter And 1 Junior member Bee Hive #385 (WA) Evan Berdan Holly Berdan Jeff Berdan Olivia Berdan

Bingham #237 (ME) Jeffrey Pepi JoAnne Pepi Blanchard #440 (ID) Jennifer Lang Mary Powell Mike Powell Janet Robb Nancy Ropp Rick Ropp Brogden #967 (NC) Alice Adams Scott Gurley Stephanie Stallings Bryant #791 (WA) Brenda Bartee Evonne Carlson Sara Fenlin Eldora Sundin Sarah Walker Burbank #630 (WA) Ivan Kirkelie Mary Kirkelie Burns #160 (MI) Senator Sam Singh Camden #687 (WA) Laura Ast Sandy Coelho Molly Lewis

Belleview #759 (OR) Carol Browing Lillian Chapdelaine Victor Novick

Cedar Valley #306 (WA) Mark Scott

Benton #458 (ME) Michael Fernald Amy Gagnon Corey Martin Kevin Stone

Central Community #22 (MA) Alexis Lovely Kayley Gibson

Bethel #404 (WA) Brian Brozevic James Clements Selena Clements

Champion #18 (NY) Sandra J. Hubbard

Bethlehem #137 (NY) Edward R. Grande Matthew Miller Joe Slish

Chimacum #681 (WA) Pamela Gill Laurae Hughes Guy Wehr

Big Knob #2008 (PA) Tanee Booker Jennifer Fishovitz Renee Gerber

Colonel Harper #1508 (NY) Andrea Hara Gary Hara

Charlton #92 (MA) Sean Connolly

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Columbia #87 (WA) Tracy McCune Burl Zielinski Melynsa “Lyn” Zielinski And 1 Junior member Columbia #267 (OR) Karen Horn Copake #935 (NY) Scott Altman Stephen Coleman John Dietz Barbara Gallicano Jane Peterson Stephanie Sharp Barbara Walton

Cowlitz Prairie #737 (WA) Phil Aupperle Liz Do Kimberly McVay Kyle McVay Michael McVay Crescent #1123 (WA) Carolyn Anderson Kevin Harkins Susie Sanders And 1 Junior member Creswell #496 (OR) Cassie Ashley Libby Carpenter Mark Carpenter Dan Cullen Joanna Draper Larry Kovarik Ellyn Mole Breanna O’Brien Chans O’Brien Noleen O’Brien Shane O’Brien Shelly Pierce Dena Umbriaco Cyrstan Waller And 2 Junior members Danville Junction #65 (ME) Rick Grotton Nicole Nickerson Bill Tardif Darrow Street #751 (OH) Tammie Menke

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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Dawson #419 (PA) Kayla Leichliter Deer Lagoon #846 (WA) Alissa Bonnell Isaac Bonnell Dan Frone Wanda Frone Steven Myres And 1 Junior member Divide #142 (MT) Lucas Phillips Jessica Phillips Mike Radovich John Schlegelmilch Dry Creek #646 (WA) Bruce Delgado Deidra Delgado Sophie Delgado Christina Heistand Jeff Heistand Madison Heistand Gina Luellen Jana Roening And 2 Junior members

Eastside #109 (MT) Bradley Hooley Melissa Hooley Gary Kalberg Sandy Kalberg Elk Plain #782 (WA) Julia Dawson Elma #26 (WA) Timothy McCourry Tracy McCourry Gail Nash Rob Wollman

Florida #306 (CO) Cindy Marten

Enterprise #489 (OR) Ruth Bailey Brian Lockshaw Dona Morales Tauma Townzon Rea Watson

Florissant #420 (CO) Karen Currier

Eureka #46 (NY) Mazlyn Fuchs Stephany Fuchs Evening Star #183 (ME) Joan Tognacci

Eagle #1 (PA) Sara Jane Aucker Patty Peterman

Ewing #2082 (OH) 4 Junior members

East Hill #786 (WA) Brietta Felker Judith Felker East Madison #228 (ME) Dan Frank Ben Levine Julia Schultz East Spokane #148 (WA) Jennifer Devine David Dobyns Peggy Geddis East Wenatchee #1012 (WA) Colby Holday Rozanne “Rozie” Holady Chelsea Morris Stefan Morris And 1 Junior member

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Fertile Valley #1094 (WA) Viola Christoph Bonny Olson Larry Olson

Enterprise #48 (ME) Doug Chess

Dudley #163 (MA) Joanna Szymczak

Eagle Valley #659 (OR) Clifford Heck Marlene Heck

Fern Prairie #866 (WA) Bailey Mae Goins Jason Goins Jennifer Goins Magnolia Goins Oliver Goins Ruth Goins And 1 Junior member

Fairview #342 (ME) Jason Curtis Shannon Curtis Cindy Giroux Jeff Giroux Bonnie Jones Fargher Lake #853 (WA) Linda Marsh Tanna Ramage Tim Ramage Elijah Stoller And 2 Junior members Farmington #12 (ME) Willow Embry Karen Paul Mary Pickart Thomas Pickart Ferguson #809 (NC) Mitch Smith Fern Hill #592 (OR) Robert Rudolph

Fords Prairie #33 (WA) Betzy DeSpain Derwin Goddard Jessie Goddard Orina Goddard Jeffry Hixson Marjorie Hixson Alicia Silva Forest #153 (WA) Kim Box Edith Mojica Amber Valentine Nicholle Valentine Kaylee Valentine Tony Valentine Fredonia #545 (WA) Mary Celia Russell Celia Basil Hauser-Anderson Debbie Rigel-Yates Steve Yates Freedom #1152 (WA) Zack Faulk Audrey Reeves Jacob Rosenau Krystal Rosenau Freedom Plains #857 (NY) Bridge Boccini Manuel F. Boccini Amisha Hitt Richard Ryan Fruitland #999 (WA) James Gibson Valerie Gibson

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Welcome New Granges!

The following Granges were newly-chartered or reorganized since our last issue.

Van Duzen River #517 (CA) WCC #1303 (NC)

Scarlett James Virginia King Cheryl Saiz Joe Uliana Renee Uliana Garden City #280 (WA) Mary Hendrickson Glenwood #94 (WA) Aimee Waddell Goldson #868 (OR) Charles W. Cox Granite #192 (ME) Barbara Doyle Penney Rae Grantham #968 (NC) Dennis Edwards Robin Pate-Edwards Sandra Shirley Christy Straughn-Haley Granville #857 (WA) Darin Jackson Mili Mendez-Rojas Silvia Muro-Escalante Joey Novatney Laura Pound Michael Scribner Corey Whitfield Grassroots #2112 (PA) Jody Harris Green Bluff #300 (WA) Lisa Bonnett-Douglass Harley Douglass Steve Lynn

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Greenwood Park #590 (WA) Heather Caldwell Madison Caldwell Greg Howard Stephanie Richardsen Jason Oberdorfer Kalli Oberdorfer Marvin Veelle Mary Wolfsen Guildford #1036 (NC) Jennifer Tangredi Happy Valley #322 (WA) Shirley Davis Highland Lake #87 (ME) Karen Usher Holden #78 (MA) Joanna DePatsy

Junction City #744 (OR) Rachel Chase Kettle River #1120 (WA) Irvin Hay Sharon Hay Sherry Hayes

Lake Hubert #735 (MN) Brad Arnold Lambert #439 (CO) Stephen Gauden Pam Jackson Brenda Jensen Linda McVehil Sarah Perez-Sadler Vincent Perez-Sadler Andrea Rice Mike Straub

Lincoln Creek #407 (WA) Luca Balbuena Joaquin Balbuena Aaron Pannkuk Sarah Pannkuk

Hurricane Creek #608 (OR) Dede Lavezzo

Jonesboro #357 (ME) Faith Foss Pam Steele

Lake Creek #697 (OR) Carol Patrick Ross Simmens

Leedy #339 (OR) Wendy Audie

Humptulips #730 (WA) Marlys Arthur Anna Brenneman Daniel Brenneman Joseph Brennamn, Jr. Damon Mayo Tina Mayo Ethan Shaddox

Inland #780 (WA) Ruth Beescher Edwin Walker

Helen Mooney Nick Mooney

Linganore #410 (MD) Georgia Ann Zirkle Little Deschutes #939 (OR) Dimy Van Der Velton Live Oak #655 (OR) Tina Runyan Logan #109 (PA) Colleen Kennedy Long Beach #667 (WA) Nicolas Boer Tresha Dodson Blaine Gunkel Gustave Paxtian Dolores Jean Stout Paul Wood Paula Wood

Lorane #54 (OR) Videlte Anson Tracie Deboer Gloria Edwards Sheila Heley Lummi Island #925 (WA) Ricky Bousman Beth Salas Ricardo Salas Patricia Wifler And 1 Junior member Manchester #172 (ME) Sandra Thomas Manor #1101 (WA) Julia Heldman Philip VanAntwerp Mansford #710 (WA) Drora (Dee) Bernache Jenna Ducharme Julia Gepner Elizabeth Gough Joanne Ruth Harrington Kerry Higgins Alan Johnson Melissa Johnson Chayla Raffesperger Savannah Richter Sara Rodgers Coreyann Rossi Glenn Rossi Andrew Teesdale Andrew Teesdale, Jr. David Teesdale Elizabeth Teesdale Kristy Teesdale William Teesdale Kari Thul And 1 Junior member Maplewood #662 (OR) Sheri Chandra

Marion #276 (WA) Brayden Agnew Autumn Coughlin Tanner Coughlin Dennis McLeod Meaghan Rhoades Marys River #685 (OR) Suzanne Cutsforth Hali Gary Matlock #357 (WA) Matt Badgley Chad Sweitzer And 1 Junior member McIntosh #1001 (WA) Alyson Dashiell Scott Dashiell Tiffany Dashiell Brayden Dau Jeremy Dau Michelle Dau Ryan Dau Brayden Ennis Cole Ennis Roc Ennis Erica Larson Amanda LaShaw Jeff LaShaw Joseph LaShaw Marley Pratt Chris Primmer Jaycee Primmer Trent Primmer Briley Snyder Justus Snyder Misty Snyder Alycia Warnecke Jesse Warnecke Michael Warnecke And 4 Junior members Menastash #1054 (WA) Keith Allman Donna Becker

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! by emailing Philip Vonada at pvonada@nationalgrange.org or by calling (814) 404-7985. ®

NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: MAY 31, 2024

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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Jenna Bissonette Lucas Bissonette Eva Calderon Mia Calderon Jack Case Julia Case Lily Case Tim Case Will Case Terry Clartt Brandee Coates Cathy Comfort Jeff Comfort Black Cooper McKinlie Cooper Mike Cooper Shannon Cooper Kim Davis Shane Davis Andy Dirks Rylan Dodge Larry Gipson Anna Graham David Hammond Ronnie Hammond Brent Harwood Brooke Harwood Carter Johnson Shelly Lounsbury-Griffin Stephanie Lounsberry-Griffin Morgan Mandeville Lauren McCormick Jennifer Muratore Michael Muratore Bryan Nelson Jennifer Nelson Travis Norrbom Sarah Novotny Steve Novotny Allis Orejudos Jaxom Orejudos Ali Owens Jerrod Peek Andrew Ramerman Elizabeth Ramerman Matthew Ramerman Mylie Ramerman Aspyn Sandnes Elisabeth Sheeley Kyle Sherman Brandi Stevenson Corrin Stevenson Kai Stevenson Jerry “Buddy” Stewart

46

Cara Thayer Kyle Thayer Danette Thomas Jackson Thomas Jesea Thomas Matthew Thomas Kerri Tilton Joe Tyson Kaitlyn Tyson Reba Tyson John Undercoffler Sherri Undercoffler Tami Van Buren Alyssa Walker Cara Yost Paul Yost Wheel Line Cider And 30 Junior members Mica Flats #436 (ID) Brenda Berry Jason Berry Abbey Meyer Gabe Meyer Julie Meyer Middletown #684 (PA) Bruce Awckland Justin Awckland Tracey Awckland Paul Davis Mark Scheetz Mason Scheetz Molly Scheetz Monica Scheetz Mark Schmidt, Jr. Mackenzie Umana Madeline Umana Mingo #1084 (NC) Kenneth Edward Nate Wrench Minnehaha #164 (WA) Michael Kersteter Sharon Kay Stewart Mohawk Valley #922 (OR) Kalen Halter Molson #1069 (WA) Randy Dart Sasha Dart Moses Lake #1151 (WA) Kim Barclay Kayla Tilson

Mosier #234 (OR) Juliet Yanko Mount Lookout #339 (CO) Kathy Hands Mountain Valley #79 (WA) Julia Heldman David Stiles Multnomah #71 (OR) Matt Smith Netel #410 (OR) Amy Boyovich Regina Caffery Jack Fricken Teresa Fricken Cathy Lazzen Jan Mitchell Ann Ornie Shawn Ornie Timothy Ornie Katelyn Staecker North Bayside #691 (OR) Jonathan (JJ) Looik North Cameron #355 (NY) David Littlejohn North Carolina State Grange Associate members Russell Angell James Bennett Barbara Britt Talmage Brown David Correll Cynthia Cox Troy Futral Daniel Jenkins Robert Jenkins Dustin Jernigan James Kelley Jane LaRue Ricky Ledford Samantha Ledford Derrick Lewis Melissa Patton Anna Roper Charles Roper Adam Ross Frederick Small Brent Smathers Todd Stoddard North End #820 (OR) John Blom

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North Pacific #911 (OR) Rachel Gonzales Tiffany Heller North River #946 (WA) Daniel Carter Nyah #133 (MT) Taylor Arnott Dr. Nancy Dome Dr. Anita Dupuis John Wilson Oakview #311 (WA) Lisa Biladeau Jason Ford Shannon Gaudette-Thurman William “LB” Laughing Bear Jaannie Meister Jim Thurman Orcas Island #964 (WA) Hannah Parker Owahgena #1358 (NY) Eliza McCaulley Andrew Curtiz Szalach Oxford #526 (WV) Ann Nestor Pat Nestor Pacific #413 (OR) Cathy Courtwright Jonathan Huffman Matthew Jackson Cindy Kirby Painter Creek #1923 (OH) Annyka Barth Theresa Gillfillan Scott Gillfillan Paradise Valley #389 (ID) Connie Woodworth Larry Woodworth Parkdale #500 (OR) Judy Zimmerman Phoenix #779 (OR) Mathew SHelton Pine Grove #115 (WA) Wiley Hollingsworth Adele Lyle Libby Lyle Pioneer #219 (ME) Sophia Popli Pittsfield Union #882 (MI) John Lattuca

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Joet Reoma Siuchu Reoma Pleasant Grove #475 (OR) Lisa Bushman Julie Farnam Ian Gordon Edgar Hughes Susan Hughes Jamie Hukill Marcus Lester Cheryl Walsh Pleasant Ridge #135 (ID) Deanna Davies Benny Goforth Donald Heuer Nicole Bruneel Zimecki Prosperity #315 (WA) Angel Beaulier Roger Ramsell Gail Sheikhizaden Quimper #720 (WA) Pamele Bartlett Frances Fawcett Brent Vadopalas Racine #2606 (OH) Bryce Carter Crockett Carter Nate Carter Ralston #943 (WA) Cheyelle Galen Ron Greenwalt Jon Krieger Debra Lloyd Rexville #815 (WA) Lori Buher Todd Lenning Elijah Price Talea Price Rickreall #671 (OR) Eric Gardner Mark Hollingsworth Tisna Wardle Trysten Wardle And 1 Junior member

Stephen Bull Michael/Boscoe Cembalski Alyssa English Naomi Gary Alex Hibala Wade Holmes Joel Lawson Mara Luther Ben Morse Kathy Ponto Tricia Scanlon Olivia Soller Josh Soller Craig Stirling James Striebel Leslie Striebel Tyler Tucker John Weyhrich Rome #226 (WA) Valerie Bynon Cole Gates Karen Hansey Heather Katahdin Jessica Maassen Sherwood Pidcock

Heidi Corbett Isobel Davis Robert deGavre Kellie Jordan Kristin Lauter Nikki Lewis Juniper Maas Matthew Moss Marianna O’Connor Tom Reynolds Kelly Robotham Jeff Scarberry Jeff Seitz Allie Smith Nancy Spalding Audrey Stewart Maliki Tara Jeff Thompson Sanatoga #25 (PA) Robert Bombund

Rose Valley #953 (WA) Heather Fowler Stacie Mangan Roxy Ann #792 (OR) Johan Anseldo

Santiam Valley #828 (OR) Tiffany Porter Amy Shield Billy Shield And 2 Junior members Sauvies Island #840 (OR) Suzanne Degroot Jane Ann Jeffrie Amber Powell

Roy #702 (WA) Jeri Carrano-Setzer Beth King Johnathen Kinsland Amy Mottl Leanne Oxborough And 1 Junior member

Schley #710 (NC) Joanie Bowden Randy Emmitt Kate Millard Meg Millard

Russellville #91 (PA) Becky Conner Mark Conner Bobbie Jo Delp Butch Fonefield LaVern Fonefield

Scrubgrass #1705 (PA) Margaret Hawkings William Hawkings

Rimrock #941 (WA) Justin Beck

Samish Valley #926 (WA) Randy Hamilton Terry Hamilton Hannah Knutzen Mark Sniffin

Rocky Mountain #116 (MT) Paul Belanger Dulcie Belanger Marky Blankenbaker

San Juan Island #966 (WA) Kristin Arnim Craig Bleeker Caitlin Blethen

Scholls #338 (OR) Jennifer Chamberlain

Sequim Prairie #1108 (WA) David Granum Gabe Granum Rachel McDougall Karen Stein Stephanie VanWinkle Sharon #800 (WA) Elizabeth Brockman Nick Brockman Steve Brockman

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Shelburne #68 (MA) Lillian Giguere Silver Lake #105 (WA) Carla Chism Melinda Grooms-Unruh Karen (Kay) Pleak Steve Unruh Silverton #748 (OR) Nicole Gilchrist Matt Toth Skyline #894 (OR) Kim Higgins Shawn Looney Colleen Thompson Eric Thompson Smith Valley #130 (MT) Cathy Bauer Danny Groves Jolene Groves Alex Ramos Jolene Ramos Reyes Ramos Mindi Thomas South Camano #930 (WA) Zachary Abbey Penny Abbey Bhima Breckenridge Brian Flescher Shandi Kirova Naradi Lee South Fork #605 (OR) Julie Chrisman Michael Jenkins Joe Lathrop Kathy Lathrop South Union #860 (WA) Arielle Allard And 1 Junior member St. George #421 (ME) Jenny Hall Maltais Sandra Hall Shara Hilchey Joanne Lembo Lee Lembo Jon R. Maltais Bonnie Musial Marge Winksi Stanford #808 (NY) Roderick W. Link, Jr.

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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Star #9 (NY) Michael Denehy Sterling #53 (MA) Alice Lefebvre Eugene Lefebvre Barbara Ptak Stranger Creek #374 (WA) Andra Carrigan Meagan Dunn

Tioga #1223 (PA) Jessica Barron Aimee Barton Greta Foster Trenton #550 (ME) Joan Vienot Beth Warner Trexlertown #1755 (PA) Louise Schultz

Sunnydale #877 (OR) Don Gambocarto Pamela Gambocarto

Tri Community #1108 (WA) Lolita Wolker Wayne Wolker

Sunnyridge #898 (OR) Forrest Epperson

Triangle #533 (OR) Pam Alley David Parker

Susquehanna Valley #1552 (NY) Jean Colwell Theresa DeNiro Keith Wilber Brenda Wilber Cole Wilber Jared Wilber Swauk Teanaway #984 (WA) Jenny Hollingsworth Matthew Lundh Claudette Maybo Sam Maybo Lauren Rhoads Joy Rucker Manord Rucker Terrace Heights #586 (WA) Hannah Cadigan Heidi Case Jabes Robbie case James Ryuan Case Hayden Ostrander Ryan Tjarnberg Matt Weaver Naomi Weaver The Agate #275 (WA) Robin Pittack Thurmont #409 (MD) David Shriver Denise Shriver Cadin Valentine Tigard #148 (OR) Saideedi Askol Sharin Moznette Marc Turley Phoenix Turley

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Twisp Valley #482 (WA) V. “Tink” Tinkey Tyler #610 (WA) Bruce Havens Unity #1761 (OH) Priscella Beachler Warren Leipply Upper Rogue #825 (OR) Denise Wilkinson Helen Willis Upton #125 (MA) Jan Lewis David Ross Dominique Ross Valley #1360 (PA) Hollis Zimmerman Van Duzen River #517 (CA) Colt Amen Griffyn Alexander Mavis Amen Wyatt Amen Rick Barry Amber Bowlds Cody Box Craig Brownfeld David KC Burns Michelle Bushnell Georgia Calvo Todd Calvo Penny Calvo Layton Calvo Savannah Calvo Angela Campbell Carl Campbell Chantal Campbell

Chuck Card Connie Card Sierra Carter Bernadette Church Cindy Collard Izabella Cruz Clyde Dalton Crystal Dalton Erin Detamore Jeffrey Detamore Harry Dibble Lani Dibble Terri Dillingha Kory Dismore Sandra Dominguez Madeline Dotson Mike Dotson Tami Dotson Gary Elmore Jessi Elmore Roby Erickson Ryan Erickson Melissa Essig Jason Farley Connor Gadek Michelle Gallaway Eric Gurney Reshell Gurney Desirae Hadley Kathy Hall Matthew Hartman Rebecca Hartman Debbie Henrikson Leanne Henrikson Brian Holt Carolina Holt Cody Holt Craig Holt Josh Holt Timber Holt Ben Jacobsen Mary Johnson Kasidy Johnston Lauren Johnston Makenzie Johnston Emmit Lumpkin Robert Lumpkin Sabrina Lumpkin Theodore Lumpkin Brice Luster Matthew Luster Lily MacMillan Melody MacMillan Randy MacMillan

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Ryann MacMillan Michael McEnry Michael McEnry, Jr. Brenda McKenzie Brian McKenzie Connie McKenzie Robert McKenzie Kris Mohorovich Renee Morgan Kenia Mungia John Newman Lucretia Newman Shelby Newman Connie O’Neal Michael O’Neal Shannan O’Neal Jadun Osenbaugh Regina Osenbaugh Bonnie Parker Laura Petersen Ryan Petersen Angela Petrusha Michael (Rick) Petrusha Lindsi Reback Ryan Reback Matthew Reveles Tasha Reveles Jadene Reynolds Michelle Runk Adriana Salgado Beatriz Salgado Emily Salmon Joshua Samuels Melissa Stansberry Debra Strahan Stephanie Strahan Kimber Timmerman Alyssa Wallace Thomas Wallace, Jr. Leonard Ward Clintina Waters Heather Watkins And 17 Junior members Victor #49 (ME) Toby Martin Paul Musheno Violet Prairie #966 (WA) Venjurlie Chapman Waller Road #1111 (WA) Lisa Olson Allison Richardson

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Walton #1454 (NY) Janet Budine Heather Miller Waterford #231 (OH) Ralinda Stiers Waterford #479 (ME) David Nelson Wayside #590 (ME) Emily Adams Phillis Cramer Joni Slamm WCC #1303 (NC) Molly Baldwin Kenlee Benton Brandon Black Frank Blevins Nicolette Byers Trace Chaton Hannah Cheek Cheyenne Childers Zach Ferguson Tanya Fox Zoey Fox

Emma Goodman Daniel Handy Malbrie Hemric Savanna Jennings Rachel Johnson Sawyer Johnson Rebecca Morrison Abby Mullins Lane Nickels Olivia Rhudy Epiphany Roten Amber Russ Jake Shoemaker Kaitlyn Shuonate Madison Starnes Tristan Talley Gauge Walker Peyton Wesson Zeke Wiggins Whelan Ewartsville #114 (WA) 1 Junior member White Trail #1143 (WA) Steve Noah

Whitepine #102 (MT) Ruby Aldrich Jan Aumiller Craig Campbell Melissa Campbell Tristan Campbell Kerri Cobb Terry Cobb Sue Cooperman Patricia (Patty) English Nancy Fields Elaine Goertzen Roland Goertzen Carrie Greene Kevin Hill Pat Hill Renee Hofeldt Christine Munday Chase Sauter Colton Sauter Jeff Sauter Sunday Dutro Sauter Claude Scott Sue Scott Sharon Thompson David Yeargin

Linda Yeargin Wickiup #722 (OR) Tammy Burnette Willamette #52 (OR) Laura Duncan Kerry Hanson Williamsburg #225 (MA) Barbara Estes Mary Young Winona #271 (OR) Janet & Dave Dalton, Inc* *Associate member Winthrop #209 (ME) Gary Mann Tina Mann Mary Richards Wolf Creek #596 (OR) Debby Schoeningh Michael Schoeningh Zumbro Valley #765 (MN) Jerry Suhr

Save the Date !

REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1

Learn more: www.nationalgrange.org

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MEMORIAL NOTICE

WAYNE ARTHUR MILLER

Past National Junior Grange Director

Wayne Arthur Miller of Washington State, Past National Grange Junior Department co-Director (with his wife Peggy) passed away at the age of 76 on January 1, 2024.

Wayne Arthur Miller was born September 10, 1947, to James Arthur & Doris Blakley Miller in Chehalis, Washington. He graduated in 1966 from W.F. West High School, Chehalis and left his hometown to attend Washington State University in Pullman. He married Peggy Miller in Chehalis on February 9, 1974.

Wayne worked in quite a few professions, but his favorite was as a floral designer. Out of college, he became a short-order cook and bartender for Bodes on I-5 in Napavine, and then Country Cousin in Centralia.

From this job, he began to help his father as an insurance agent

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for Grange Insurance in Centralia.

He continued to be a bartender at Country Cousin. After the Grange Insurance business was sold he started helping his friend with floral design and later retired from House of Roses in Olympia. In retirement, after they moved to LaCrosse, he managed the food bank and thrift store for the town.

Fraternal organizations and rituals were his passion. He was a member of the Catholic Church, Masons, Jaycees, and his greatest love The Grange. His favorite role was as an advisor for the ritual of the 6th degree. He was a special deputy for ritual as appointed by the Washington State Grange.

Wayne & Peggy spent many summers at Junior Grange camp as a leader, cook, adult help, and eventually camp directors. Wayne was also a district youth director.

They traveled throughout Washington State with the title of Junior Grange Director for 20 years.

They enjoyed inspiring those who worked with our young Grangers, their parents, and leaders. From Washington State to National Grange Wayne and Peggy became the National Grange Junior Directors in 1988. Again, they enjoyed traveling the states meeting new people and making more lifetime friends.

In 2010, Wayne and Peggy received the Washington State Grange Leadership Award, the highest award

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bestowed on members.

Wayne Miller (or Grumpy as his grandkids called him) is survived by his children Codi Titus, Kelly Voie, Keith & Sara Titus, Greg & Arminda Miller, Jennifer Webb, and David & Jean Miller. Grandchildren: Erik Voie (Children: Lilly & Riley), Skyler & Brittany Voie (Children: Owen & Hank), Jessica Voie, Krista & Scott McIntyre (Child: James), Caleb & Rady Titus (Child: Silas), Miranda Panuska, Megan Palmer (Children: Paxton & Emersyn), Lanna Svoboda, Jazlynn Webb, Terrell Webb, Jordanne Webb, Nickolas Webb, Dakota Miller, Brittany Gordon, Jazzmyn & Garrett Blauert, & Wyatt Miller.

His sisters Elaine & John Stemkoski, Children: Jody & Sonya Stemkoski (Children: Tanner, Blake & Gracie), Jamie (Children: Rayder & Miller Jo), and Katie Stemkoski & Mike Steele.

Also Tami & Flint DeKoker, Children: Chancy (Children: Violet & Thiago), and Kolten (Son: Gannon). And a special Aunt Irene Miller Tripp who turned 100 this summer.

Wayne Arthur Miller was preceded in death by his wife Margaret (Peggy) Miller, his parents James & Doris Miller, and grandson Bryan Voie.

A memorial was held on February 3 at 2:30 pm at Newaukum Grange Hall.

Cards and condolences can be sent to: Codi Titus 705 E. Sprague Street Washtucna, WA 93371

Fellowship First Fridays kick off, bring people together

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director

Fellowship is one of the best and most central parts of the Grange experience, but some of our members miss out on that experience because of health or mobility concerns, busy lives, or moves that have taken them away from their home Grange.

“It’s one of our best membership assets,” National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios said about fellowship in the organization.

That desire to connect people across the country while leaning into our fraternal, family spirit sparked the idea that has turned into Fellowship First Friday – a monthly Zoom program on, as the name suggests, the first Friday of each month starting at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, that sees Brozana open and introduce a guest expert speaker to provide a virtual program, similar to a Lecturer’s program at a Grange meeting.

Then the fellowship truly begins. Breakout rooms with a “start here” topic are opened and attendees can choose any room to go in, meet new people and talk about a topic related to the theme of the evening but are encouraged to let the conversation go where it may naturally. Rooms are open for as long as people want to gather and individuals can log off whenever they want.

For some attendees, gathering has not just been virtual.

“We, as the tiny Roy Grange #702, wanted to intentionally create ‘family time’ outside of the official structure of the Grange but still do ‘Grangey things,” Assistant Steward Victor Stevens said. “This is now our monthly tradition where we congregate in the living room to watch FFF on the big screen while we fellowship, cook and eat dinner as a family. It’s like our version of Sunday dinner at ‘mamaw’ (grandma’s) house.”

The group brought their own bowls of soup to the inaugural Fellowship First Friday gathering held January 5 with past National Lecturer Ann Bercher as the expert guest talking about all things soup. She provided tips and tricks for making homemade soups and sharing a recipe and techniques for making homemade cream of mushroom soup.

Several attendees also submitted their favorite soup recipes that were shared with the group and are available online in a back-issue of the Patrons Chain. Find those recipes at http://grange.biz/FridaySoups.

In February, Brozana Rios leaned on family, booking her younger brother, Tyler Weller, a linguist with the US Air Force, as the featured expert. The topic was Lunar New Year, often referred to as Chinese New Year, and Weller – a Chinese language specialist – detailed the connection of the holiday to

its agricultural roots, talked about traditions and provided a few phrases that attendees could learn to wish those celebrating a happy new year.

Breakout rooms included had prompts like “learn Chinese” where Weller provided a few common words or phrases, discussion about China and what it’s like to be in the Air Force, and some personal exchange with a couple whose daughter was adopted from China. There was also “all things dragon” and “make dumplings” with Bercher. Finally, a staple each month – the Claims and Grievances room, which each month is hosted by Brozana Rios and a national officer, where members are encouraged to go to request guidance or ask questions about concerns in their Grange or membership experience.

National Grange Vice President John Benedik participated as a co-host of the room for several of the events, and said, “Being part of First Fridays has taught me things about the Grange I didn’t know, and participating in the Claims and Grievances group has allowed me to help other Grangers and look at issues in a new light.”

“Connecting our members with resources and just making sure they feel heard is an important cornerstone of this program,” Brozana Rios said. “Come in, talk, get some guidance or feedback and then jump into another room to enjoy time with other members; that’s the goal for anyone who drops by this room.”

In March for Women’s History Month, the program focused on the less obvious “founding woman” behind the success of the Grange – Temperance Kelley – with Grange member and historian Dr. Carolynn Ostrander whose dissertation focused on women in the Grange.

“My favorite thing about this program has been meeting all of the people that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” said JC Junkman, Oregon State Youth co-director. “I really enjoyed being in the ‘Women of the Grange’ breakout room because I learned stuff about the start of our organization that I never would have otherwise.”

Brozana Rios has enjoyed another aspect of the program, too – delivering little gifts to participants who pre-register and offering door prizes some evenings.

In February, people who RSVP’d received a Lunar New Year-themed digital gift card from Amazon from Brozana Rios and there Each month you can were a few small dollar RSVP for Fellowship amount gift cards given as First Friday by going to door prizes to attendees http://grange.biz/ in the main session and in FridayRSVP breakout rooms. In March, all attendees were mailed a (case-sensitive) waterproof sticker featuring

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various women in profile and reading: “In our Fraternal Circle, Equal & Empowered Always. Grange since 1867.” Prizes have been sponsored by member-owned businesses Dragonfly Collective and Rural View Consulting respectively.

As for RSVP’ing, she said it’s not necessary in order to attend, but it does help with planning to ensure there are enough rooms to make the event something where attendees can feel “cozy and connected.”

The calendar of topics are set for 2024, speakers and guests are lined up and a few more door prizes or gifts for all registrants and attendees have been secured, Brozana Rios said.

“Within the Grange, fellowship is not merely a concept or a notion, but our essence – it’s the camaraderie, the shared laughter, and the unwavering support that connects us together,” said National Grange President Christine Hamp. “Fellowship enriches our experiences, amplifies our voices, and propels us toward our collective goals with strength, unity, and unwavering resolve.”

Join us for future Fellowship First Fridays First Fridays of the month at 8:30pm Eastern • • • • •

• •

•

•

April 5 – Strengthening Your Core (Physical and Faith) May 3 – Pets: The rise of “pet parenthood” + Introduce us to your pet friends; how to make a fun dog/pet treat June 7 – A story of Bringing Back the Family Farm and Some tips for your own adventure with growing Blackberries July 5 – S’mores: History, How-To make homemade marshmallows and 2-3 door prize of s’mores kits August 2 – Back to School Lunches – Challenges for the 2024-25 school year in rural areas/Grange and school lunch history and fundraising ideas for school lunch debt September 6 - Sunflowers October 4 – Dinosaurs (Super special “bring a Junior” evening hosted by 2023 National Junior Grange Ambassador candidate Lilly Giguere) November 1 – Land acknowledgments and identifying the indigenous people who once lived in your area; and a trivia game identifying famous native Americans and their achievements.

December 6 – Holiday traditions/Grange

Cream of Mushroom Soup 2 Tablespoons butter (use grapeseed oil to reduce saturated fat) ¼ cup onion, chopped ½ cup celery, chopped 2 Tablespoons parsley, finely chopped ½ pound mushrooms with stems, chopped 2 Tablespoons flour 2 cups unsalted, white stock (chicken or vegetable) heated 1 cup hot milk (may use whole, 2%, 1% skim or milk alternative) Salt and pepper to taste

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Ann Bercher – President, State Grange of Minnesota

1. In a large skillet, sauté onions, celery, parsley and mushrooms in butter to sweat, but not brown.

2. Add the flour to make a roux. Cook for a few minutes, but do not brown.

3. Gradually whisk in the stock. Bring to a boil, stirring while it thickens.

4. Simmer until vegetables are very tender.

5. Skim soup carefully, as needed.

6. Puree with an immersion blender. Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

7. Add enough hot milk to bring to the desired consistency.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations:

Replace mushrooms with any of the following: asparagus, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, watercress celery.

Replace mushrooms with any of the following but do not sauté them with the onion: whole kernel corn (add corn with stock), frozen green peas, fresh spinach that has been blanched and added with stock.

For cream of chicken soup, use 3 ounces celery, 3 ounces carrot and strong chicken flavored stock. Add 3 ounces of cooked chicken cut into julienne or fine dice after straining the soup.

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The Future ofAg

by Amanda Brozana Rios, National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director

Student leaders from the Grange, 4-H, FFA, AFA, and MANRRS met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack (back toward the camera) at the USDA on Ag Day. Photo by Chuck Zimmerman, ZimmComm

Perspective: Youth urge Granges to connect communities to agriculture, celebrate and support small farms What is your Grange doing to introduce people in your community to agriculture?

That is the question the National Grange Youth Ambassadors, Young Patron, and Junior Grange Ambassador would like to have answered.

The foursome, who gathered in Washington, DC for the March 19th National Ag Day celebration and the surrounding events, spent time raising the profile of the Grange while mulling how Grange can be part of the solution to improving the understanding of farming and agriculture and encouraging people, especially students, to see their fit in the broad industry.

“I know for me, agriculture has always been an option,” said National Grange Youth Ambassador Garrett Phelps, who lives with his family on their small hobby farm in New York. But he also knows that’s not the case for many people looking to get into the profession directly as a producer.

Estimates on starting a farm vary wildly depending on the region, the type of farming one wants to do, and what assets the beginning farmer may already have - including veteran status, owning land in a properly zoned area, and a depth of knowledge about the basics

of farming and running a business.

Yet for the second time in a row, the 5-year Census of Agriculture from the USDA showed an increase in young farmers. From 2017 to 2022, the number of those under 35 who are farming rose from 290,000 to 300,000, but the number of farmers over the age of 65 rose, too, by 12%.

The group had a private meeting with US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, whose words resonated with Outstanding Young Patron Ashley Pedersen Holloman, an agriculture educator from North Carolina.

She said the Secretary spoke about the small number of Americans who work every day to ensure we have a safe and sustainable food supply.

“We have to be reminded that 2% of the population works hard to ensure the other 98% have the freedom and luxury of a safe and abundant food supply,” Holloman said, noting that for her, agriculture plays a huge role in our national security.

The young members said this is where Granges and organizations like us can come into play.

As people move to rural America from more urban settings, Granges can play a vital role in their integration

The National Grange Youth & Junior Leadership Team had the opportunity to speak about the future of agriculture with US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack (right), along with other leaders from student agricultural organizations on Ag Day in March. Photo by Philip Vonada

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and orienting them to the community and agriculture. However, the team said the need for education about farming and what is being produced locally does not just pertain to newcomers.

“Having Granges educate people about where [local farms] are, that is just one small thing that could have a big impact,” Holloman said.

National Junior Grange Ambassador Gayle Reyburn of Pennsylvania said her Grange hosts an annual Harvest Party open to the community.

“Everyone brings pie or corn that they grew or got locally, so you can do special events like that,” she said, noting that there are many ways Granges can use creativity to connect people to agriculture.

“Almost everything has to do with agriculture and it’s really important for everyone to know that.”

Holloman encouraged Granges to start farm tours or create a program that promotes locally grown items.

National Junior Grange Ambassador Gayle Reyburn (left) speaks with Mike Torrey, President of the Torrey Group, a DC-based food and agriculture lobby group, at the Crop Life America reception at the U.S. Senate on Ag Day in March.

Photo by Philip Vonada

Not just once, she said, but over and over find ways to connect the individuals in your community to what is grown in your community, especially to give small farms a boost and agriculture a local face.

National Youth Ambassador Asheton Medlin, also of North Carolina, echoed that sentiment and said it is especially important for

L-R - Samantha Wilkins, National Grange Junior/Youth Director; Christine Hamp, National Grange President; Gayle Reyburn, National Junior Grange Ambassador; Asheton Medlin, National Youth Ambassador; Ashley Holloman, National Young Patron; Garrett Phelps, National Youth Ambassador; and Zippy Duvall, President of the American Fam Bureau Federation pose at the USDA on Ag Day. Photo by Chuck Zimmerman, ZimmComm

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Granges to make learning about the agriculture industry fun and offer that opportunity to the whole community, young and old.

She suggested taking a specific group of teachers or administrators, local elected officials, or parents to farms in small groups could make a world of difference in the way agriculture is perceived and how it is integrated into education, respected, and better understood.

“Let them see where their food is coming from, let them see what it takes to farm, and then just keep the conversation going. Don’t just do it once a year and never talk about it the rest of the year. Do it once a year and then just bits and pieces start talking more about what they saw and the many other pieces that go into making that farm work,” Medlin said. “They’re going to start asking questions back… and that’s where everything changes for the better.”

Not only can Granges help people to appreciate the operations around them, Holloman said, but they may connect someone interested in farming to a farmer who is looking to take on an apprentice or create a

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succession plan to maintain the operation after they are gone.

When consumers believe everything is “big-scale farming,” the people of the farming community suffer, Holloman said. They forget that people are looking to continue that legacy in their communities, and it’s easy for laws to be passed that don’t take into account the realities of farm economics, mechanics, regulatory compliance, a global market and constantly evolving technology with hefty price tags.

Holloman said Granges should make sure to look back to their roots and include advocacy for farms, farming communities, and agriculture in their work. She encourages Granges to start small, making sure that advocacy happens at home not just through a national resolution and lobbying process.

“We really have to start advocating for agriculture and thinking about the future and making people aware of policies that are being implemented with the Farm Bill,” Holloman said. “I think it’s important that we start helping to put a face and name to the farmer, doing more advocacy in a way that people know [what we stand for], and supporting the smaller farmer and making sure that everything doesn’t go big scale farming and trying to break the stereotype that everything is big scale farming.”

Phelps knows farming for most is not “big” and on

what he called a “small hobby farm” with not much land, through supervised agriculture experiences in FFA, he’s added diversity including sweet corn, apple trees, pear trees, beef, chicken, dairy and maple.

For the team, Ag Day and the surrounding time together was full of opportunities to learn from one another, about the industry and its broad depth and reach.

“I didn’t know there were so many different ag organizations,” Reyburn said. “It’s very cool to see that all of us have something in common but it’s all different, too.”

The event helped to contextualize the impact of agriculture in a whole new way, Medlin said.

“It’s a wake-up call,” she said, after learning that we currently have the smallest percentage of Americans working on farms ever. She, too, believes talking about the importance of agriculture to everyone in the community, showing off farms and producers, and advocating for policies that make farming more attractive or attainable are ways the Grange can have the most impact.

“Grange is the only agriculture stuff that I know,” she said, but you may be surprised by the passion with which she talks about the importance of agriculture. “13-yearold Asheton didn’t think about agriculture at all. I thought it was farming for sure.”

Medlin said the Grange in North Carolina and her region does a really good job talking about farmers,

On Ag Day, student leaders from (l-r) Agriculture Future of America, 4-H, FFA, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) participated in a panel on what the future of agriculture looks like for students and youth.

Photo by Chuck Zimmerman, ZimmComm

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The National Grange Youth Team and President spent time networking with leaders in the agriculture industry and other student ag leaders, speaking about what the future of agriculture can look like for all Americans.

Photo by Philip Vonada

introducing them to agriculture generally, and offering farm tours at regional conferences of all varieties.

A student at the University of North Carolina, Medlin majors in biology and is in the pre-vet program, but she said hadn’t put the pieces together that her desired career is touching and could easily directly intersect with agriculture.

“All of these connections are being made and I think the sooner young people learn about agriculture, the better they are when they enter life; otherwise you feel like you’re limited to one path based on what you major in, what you want to do,” she said, but when you have your eyes opened to the many ways you can work in the agriculture industry, you

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see intersections with nearly every interest or passion area someone may have. “You need to know you have these options.”

For Phelps, his agriculture educator parents have always helped him understand the many careers that are part of the agriculture universe.

He is planning to go to college in the fall for an agriculture business degree, saying it can take you anywhere but the farm is not far from his mind and may be part of his upcoming plans.

Phelps said when he’s stressed, he finds himself doing farm chores and basking in the small farm life as an escape. “Agriculture has always been that side of me where I can step back and breathe.”

He said that while life on a farm can be tough, even for those entering agriculture should know that “God has a plan.”

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Exclusions like taxes & fees apply.

Check availability at T-Mobile.com/Wifi. Limited-time offer; subject to change. $40 Price with $20 monthly bill credit while you maintain a qualifying premium voice line. Qualifying credit and new unlimited Internet line required. $35 device connection charge due at sale. Regulatory fees included for qualifying accounts. Plus $5/mo without AutoPay; debit or bank account required. If you have cancelled Internet lines in past 90 days, you may need to reactivate them first. Credits may take up to 2 bill cycles; credits will stop if you cancel any lines or change plans. 1/account. May not be combined with some offers or discounts.

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STAMP CERTIFICATION

date approved my stamp on ______________________________.

state ___________________________________ Grange #___________ in ________)

(or, if a 1+ Junior member, my mentor is a member of

state of _____________________________ Junior Grange #_________ in _______,

name of leader/mentor My Junior leader, __________________________________________________,

date I completed this passport on _______________________________________.

Name of Junior ___________________________________________________

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_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

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NOTES ON STEPS/STAMP WORK

Junior Leader Signature ____________________________________________

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Inform others on the benefits and use of corn Inform others on different jobs that involve corn Inform others on different foods in which corn is an incredient Practice and expand cooking skills Practice and expand social and public speaking skills

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion, Junior Grangers will be able to:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Juniors will learn about the benefits of corn, different ways corn can be used, jobs in the corn industry, and different foods that use corn as an ingredient. Juniors will practice and expand cooking skills, social skills, and public speaking skills.

NECESSARY RESOURCES Internet access, camera, printer, an oven, cooking utensils, paper, poster board, a recipe, craft items, and corn husks, cobs, or dried corn.

AUDIENCE This passport is targeted toward 8-14 year olds, but can be completed by all Junior Grangers. May require the assistance of an adult.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

World Discovery #78

The A-maize-ing superfood

It’s Corn!

Step 1. Using the internet, find and list 5 nutritional or other benefits of corn.

Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 2. Using the internet, find and list 5 ways that corn can be used, in addition to eating.

Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 3. Using the internet, find and list 5 different foods that use corn as an ingredient. What’s the most unique food you can find?

Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 4. Using a recipe found online or in a Grange cookbook, make some corn casserole! (Take pictures to use on your poster in Step 7). Don’t know where to start? Try searching on this site: http://www.allrecipes.com/search?q=corn+casserole Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 5. Using the internet, find and list 5 jobs that involve corn.

Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 6. Talk to someone who who has a job that involves corn and ask them the following questions: 1. What is your job?

2. How does your job involve corn?

3. What’s your favorite part about your job?

4. What kind of training or education did you need to get your job?

Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 7. Using the internet, learn about how corn is used in different cultures around the world.

Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 8: Individually make a poster using all of the information you have learned and present it to your Junior Grange or at a Subordinate Grange meeting.

Alternately, design a trifold that can be used as an exhibit at an open house or a fair.

Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 9: Use the internet to find a biodegradable craft that uses corn, like corn husk baskets, corn art, corn husk flowers, or bird feeders using corn cobs. With your Junior Grange or friends, make the craft and have fun!

Date Completed: ____________________________

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Announcing the winners of the 2nd annual Literacy In Place Rural Teen Writing Contest personal essay “Brownish”. You can read Chandra’s piece on the Literacy In Place website.

By Chea Parton Founder, Literacy in Place and Reading Rural YAL This is the second year of Literacy In Place’s Rural Teen Writing Contest, and the submissions we got were fantastic! This year’s theme was “Eat, Dance, and Be Rural: Celebrating Diverse Rural Cultures”, and writers from all over the U.S. submitted poetry, personal essay, and short fiction pieces that represented and captured the diversity of rural experiences.

If you were here when I announced last year’s winners, you know that I started this contest because I was a rural writer who believed I couldn’t be a writer because I didn’t live in a city specifically, New York, L.A., Chicago. It seemed like all of the author bios I read on book jackets listed those places as home base. Sometimes another big city like Boston or Washington, D.C. would make an appearance, but not a single bio included one like my own which would’ve read something like, “Chea Parton is from a small town no one has ever heard of in East Central Indiana, called Gaston. It’s close to Muncie, where Ball State University is located, and is about an hour and a half Northeast of Indianapolis. She lives on 80 acres with her five siblings, border collie, Rascal, and the cash crops they plant every year.” I don’t remember ever seeing my experience in the stories I read or the bios of the authors who wrote them.

It turns out that was the case for the rural authors I interview for my Reading Rural YAL podcast too. Unlike me, somewhere along the way they realized that there was room for their rural voices and stories, and I wanted to create a space for young writers to learn that because I didn’t, and because we need more rural voices across the publishing industry.

Rural voices and stories; rural people and communities (in the USA and abroad) matter, and I’m hoping this contest and its associated prizes help young rural writers see that and encourages them to keep writing.

Without further preamble, I Introduce to you the winners of the second annual Literacy In Place Rural Teen Writing Contest.

WINNER – Deborah George, a Midwestern writer, for “Sweetest Memories,” a short story. You can read her work on the Literacy In Place website. Stay tuned for the Reading Rural YAL episode featuring her work. Her prizes include an author visit from Monica Roe and a class set of copies of her book Air. RUNNER-UP – Laurel Aronian of Connecticut for her poem “So Long, Schoolhouse”. Her prizes include a feature on Reading Rural YAL and a signed copy of a book of her choosing written by one of our judges: Kalynn Bayron, Terena Elizabeth Bell, and Pedro Hoffmeister.

HONORABLE MENTION – Riya Chandra from Florida for her

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Deborah George (winner), Laurel Aronian (runner-up), and Riya Chandra (honorable mention) were this year’s top placements in the Rural Teen Writing Contest.

Photos provided Thanks so much to Kalynn Bayron, Terena Elizabeth Bell, and Pedro Hoffmeister for judging this year’s contest. They used the criteria for the Whippoorwill Book Award for Rural YA Literature (https://whippoorwillaward.weebly.com) to evaluate their stories. Each one features a strong voice, effective use of literary conventions, and aspects of rural culture. Though I will say that, as with most discussions about what constitutes a rural identity, our conversations about what “counted” as rural were deep and sometimes contentious. Ultimately, we decided to land on the side of letting the rural identify itself. I hope you’ll make time to read these (or maybe even assign them if you’re a teacher in a rural classroom) and leave them some encouraging feedback for our writers.

Information on Next Year’s Contest The next contest is already in the works, and I’m hoping to see even more rural teen writers submit their work. The theme for next year’s contest is: Calling (Us) Home: Rural Homespaces, Languages, and Identities. We invite all genres written by students in grades 9-12. This year’s guest judges include Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr. (Gay Poems for Red States); Nasugraq Rainey Hopson (Eagle Drums); and Julie Rust and David Surface (Angel Falls). Prizes include a virtual class visit from Nora Shalaway Carpenter and class set of rural books for the writer’s teacher/ librarian sponsor as well as publication on Literacy In Place and a guest spot/interview on Reading Rural YAL. More information can be found on the Literacy In Place website contest page (https:// literacyinplace.com). The submission portal will open July 1, 2024 and close December 1, 2024 with winners being announced in February of 2025.

I hope you’ll encourage the rural teen writers in your life to submit their stories. I can’t wait to read them!

Reach out to readingrural@gmail.com with questions and follow @readingrural on Twitter (X), @literacyinplace on Instagram and Facebook for contest updates as well as other rural teaching resources and news.

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The Sweetest Memories

by Deborah George 2023 Winner | Rural Teen Writing Contest In a small town in southern India, a girl lay in bed, fast asleep. The world outside her bedroom window was dark and quiet. That is, until her family’s rooster crowed.

That was it. The girl had to wake up. But first, she savored the last few moments in bed, thinking about the day ahead.

She rolled over and looked at the other beds in the room.

They were empty; her siblings were already up and awake.

“Chinema, please get some eggs for me,” her mother said once the girl came downstairs. Chinema nodded and raced out to the chicken coop. A few minutes later, a basket of eggs was laid on the kitchen counter. And a basket her mother did need—with eight mouths to feed, Mum had her work cut out for her.

Breakfast, as usual, was made on a fire pit outside. But today, a celebratory mood hung in the air as Chinema’s mother cooked. “It is a special day today,” she said, smiling.

“Chinema is old!” chirped the girl’s youngest brother.

Their father laughed. “Not as old as me. She is only turning sixteen.”

Chinema laughed in her normal way, quietly and easily.

“Would you like to learn something, Thankachen?” she asked the boy. “When someone is younger than you, they will never be older. You are younger than me, so you will never be older than me. When you are sixteen, I will be….”

She thought for a moment. “Twenty-five. I will be twenty-five.

And when you finally reach twenty-five, I will be thirty-four.”

She smiled teasingly. “You will never catch up.”

Thankachen looked up at her. “I will catch up one day,” he said determinedly.

“You never will,” Chinema replied with a laugh.

“YES, I will!” he said, more frustrated now.

“Stop arguing about foolish things,” their father scolded.

After eating breakfast, seven of the children went to school.

It was a small school, founded by American missionaries.

But Chinema, the birthday girl, didn’t have to attend school today. She was allowed to do whatever she wanted for the entire day—provided it wasn’t against the rules.

Chinema was a voracious reader, so after breakfast, she settled inside with a book. She had only been reading for ten minutes, however, when her father came in. He looked upset.

“The chickens are unwell,” he said.

Chinema’s eyes grew wide. She loved her family’s chickens.

There were fourteen of them, and she knew each one by name.

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The chickens knew her, too. Chinema was sure of it. She could see it through the way they interacted with her.

Now, her father’s expression softened as he noticed Chinema’s concern. “It will be fine, dear.”

“Will it?” she asked doubtfully, before racing outside. She stopped at the chicken coop and stroked the animals.

She heard Papa’s voice in the background. “It will. The ailment is not severe, Chinema. The chickens will improve in a few days.”

“You are sure?” she asked again, turning toward Papa.

One of her hands was still stroking a chicken.

He nodded.

Indeed, the chickens did show signs of improvement throughout the day. Chinema stayed by them, speaking with them as if they were her friends. By the time her siblings came home, she was confident that the animals would become well.

The children headed off to do chores; it was part of their routine. School work was always followed by farm work. Chinema was exempt from both today, and none of the children objected. They knew they may lose their own “birthday rights” if they did.

Once the children worked up an appetite, they grabbed mangoes to eat. Chinema eagerly joined them. The mangoes were ripe now, and nothing tasted better to Chinema than a mango picked off the tree. Well, nothing except Mum’s payasam.

This sweet dessert, made by Mum’s loving hands, was served at every birthday. Chinema knew that her birthday would be no exception. Her mother was excellent at making payasam—though she never used a recipe, the dish never failed to taste perfect.

“When will you start making payasam?” Chinema asked around three, looking at Mum. The older woman smiled. “I’ll start on it later today. You won’t have to wait long.”

She was right. That evening, a sweet smell wafted into the air. Chinema immediately knew what it was.

“Thank you, Mum,” she said, giving her mother a hug.

Then she pulled away from Mum, looking deep into her eyes.

This lady had raised six children on a farm. She was strongand reliable, a sweet woman with excellent character. Chinema was so proud to be her daughter.

Chinema’s mother was also practical. “That’s enough, Chinema,” she said, gently pushing the girl away. “Enjoy your

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payasam.”

“Happy Birthday, Aisha,” Mom says as I enter the kitchen. “My little girl is finally sixteen.”

“I know! I can finally get my license,” I reply.

Mom laughs, rolling her eyes. “Did you hear what she said, Steve? She interprets becoming sixteen as an ability to get her license.”

“Well, she’s not wrong,” my dad says. I look at him. He’s wearing overalls that are splattered with milk.

“What happened to you?” I ask.

He frowns. “It’s Petunia. She wasn’t doing too well earlier.” He sees my concerned face. “I think she’s all right now,” he adds quickly.

Petunia is the cow. She’s also a dear friend of mine. As a girl who’s grown up on a farm, I’ve made friends with just about every animal—the chickens, the cow, the ducks. I seem to have a connection with them. Even my parents know that I have a way with animals, that I love our animals deeply. I never like to see them hurt.

“You know what my mum used to make for birthdays?” Mom says, changing the subject.

“What?”

“Payasam, cooked over a fire outside.” She licks her lips. “It was perfect.

Seasoned with ginger, cardamom…”

“What’s payasam again?”

“A sweet rice dish,” Mom replies.

“I can make some today for you, if you like.” I nod.

“Okay. I’ll start cooking it this afternoon. When I was growing up, payasam was served at every birthday.

All of us loved it. But Mum would only make it on birthdays, so it was a special treat.”

Her eyes get a far-away look in them, the same look that appears in them when she speaks of life in Kerala. “And the birthday girl or boy would get to skip school. We’d get to do whatever we wanted—provided it wasn’t against

the rules. How amazing that was. A day without any schoolwork!”

“I can relate,” I say, a bit sarcastically.

“Hard work builds good character,” Mom says. That’s one of her favorite sayings. “I started learning to work the moment I could hold a broom. I’m proud of that. My parents never overworked us—they just taught us about the value of hard work.” She looks at me, eyebrows raised. “I hope I’ve taught you about it, too.”

“You have,” I say. “I think that’s a universal value among rural cultures.

Hard work.”

“You know,” Mom says, washing the dishes, “I think so, too.”

It’s not long before the morning has passed, and the afternoon is upon us.

Mom begins baking. I watch her stir flour with cocoa powder in one bowl, and then mix butter and sugar in another.

Once she puts the cake in the oven, she starts making payasam. A unique scent—the combination of chocolate cake and payasam–floods the kitchen.

The scent is almost like a combination of my family’s two cultures.

Dad speaks with me at around two.

“Petunia is doing better,” he assures me, looking tired but proud. “She’s a real fighter.”

I run outside and look at Petunia, peering deep into her eyes. Although she doesn’t speak, I can tell what she’d

say if she could. I’m okay, Aisha. I’m well. Go and enjoy your birthday.

The rest of the afternoon is filled with gifts and visits from family and friends.

I’ve decided to keep my birthday dinner a small gathering, however. By the time six P.M. rolls around, the house is empty except for my parents, my sister, and I. Once dinner is ready, we dig in.

After we have supper, Mom brings out the cake—-a beautiful, homemade masterpiece.

“Mom,” I say curiously, “I have a question.”

“Yes?” “You grew up in India. How did you learn to bake cake?”

She laughs. “I worked for an American company for a few years, remember? I lived in an area with some American workers. One of them taught me to bake cakes.”

We cut into the cake, after taking photos from just about every angle. And afterwards, Mom brings out steaming bowls of payasam.

It’s delicious. Sweet, but not too sweet. Creamy. Aromatic. It’s a wonderful way to end a birthday.

As I eat, I look up at Mom, smiling.

We grew up in two different worlds, but today, I can taste the sweetness in each one.

Deborah George is an author from the Midwest. She currently serves as the Director of Programs at SeaGlass Literary, an organization for young writers. Her stories have been published in the Blue Marble Review and the Persimmon Review.

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e v i ect

p s r Pe

I had a panic attack last Memorial Day weekend.

A grief attack, An anger attack. A moment of being absolutely sure ous m that I had no idea what was next. I felt paralyzed, out of breath, ony An Exhausted.

Now, as I think back I am amazed that I had the ability to reach out to my dear friend.

Can any of you relate?

One simple sentence saved my day. One simple sentence gave me perspective.

Panic comes from Loss. loss of a human, loss of a job, loss of idea of the future. Loss of the security that you have found in past traditions.

How many of you for a moment lost your car in a parking lot? Panic - a small amount sets in.

Your own logic kicks in to tell you, it's here somewhere and it will be ok. It seems clear.

Now imagine Panic that comes from loss that can never be redeemed.

You can never have them back, never work again, never, never.

This kind of Panic can freeze you in a moment of time.

When we focus on that Panic, We get stuck. and we need to be equipped with a way out.

We all need a simple sentence.

We need to be equipped to help others with a simple sentence and sometimes We need to help ourselves.

You can give yourself and others permission to quit.

To quit grieving, to quit working, to quit an old idea, to quit being stuck.

This idea is so foreign to us. we view ourselves as a loser, if we quit.

We have been told never give up- never quit.

I say, When panic attacks you. Fight back and say.

I give me permission to Quit.

I am more important than the stresses that are creating the panic in me.

I say reach out and call a friend, call for help or call from someone who will pray for you. call someone who will give you permission to quit.

I was amazed at how this idea of letting GO. quitting put my emotions in check.

As long as I hung onto the things stressing me out the longer I kept having panic attacks that kept getting bigger, and the crying just would not stop.

Until that day when my body, mind and soul got stuck.

I reached out and in one phone call. I was given permission to Quit.

To quit means. I can take back my life from the loss that took it.

Every person has a choice to Quit. To just stop, to start again.

We all must understand that when a human is having a panic attack or grief attack or anger attack. That person's perspective is in a fog.

When you're in the fog you need a voice to guide you back.

When in the fog no one can see clearly, but you can hear.

You can hear a voice calling to you.

Helping you out of the fog.

Listen to them, give you permission to quit.

This simple sentence was given to me by my dear friend. It changed my perspective.

It changed my Every Day.

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So now when panic tries to attack me. I give it permission to quit.

It was slow at first but now with practice I am an expert at quitting.

I walk away from an argument. I walk away from hate, I walk away from Loss.

You all know I am talking about the things in our lives that keep us sad, depressed, Unmotivated. These things are harming us.

I don't want that for myself and I don't want that for you.

I give you permission Quit.

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Foraging in Oklahoma springtime

By Ann Allen

delicacies sprouting from the ground. Follow the scent and let

Oklahoma Grange Member

your nose be your guide to the wild onion. To most, it may just

Communication Fellow

look like a pesky weed. But to the lovers of wild onions, it is a

When I hear the word “foraging,” I think of roaming the plains, hunting high and low for a rare delicacy that will tantalize your taste buds. When the season arises, just the thought of such deliciousness makes your mouth water with anticipation.

According to dictionary.com, foraging is defined as, “the acquisition of food by hunting, fishing, or the gathering of plant matter.”

There are many reasons to forage. Some use foraging as a source of income. Organizations may forage to present the free food as a fundraising opportunity. While others may be foraging to stay alive, looking for their next meal. You could also be like my household and forage on the rare occasion for a delicious treat.

Popular foraging goods are, but not limited to, mushrooms, berries, onions, nuts, and even flowers. If you find yourself not being the foraging type most of these can be found at a local Farmers Market or even your grocery store. But nothing I feel beats the goodness of harvesting your own bounty of foraged goods.

Wild Onions Although they are found all over the United States, here in Oklahoma before the grass even turns green, early Spring rains and the warm sun have one of our all-time favorite native

delightful treat.

Wild Onion Dinners and Fundraisers are popular throughout Indian Territory. You will find people online offering to purchase foraged goods, and diners will enjoy wild onions mixed with other native delicacies. A favorite in our household is wild onions mixed with scrambled eggs.

No matter the preparation, wild onions have a potent smell and put out an even bolder flavor. So on this foraging experience look to the ground and dig yourself up a heap of wild onions to prepare for your table.

Morels Springtime in Oklahoma brings us another delicious treat morel mushrooms. To get this treat, I have found that you have to do a little more searching. Unlike the wild onion, morels do not let off an aroma. With the sense of sight, by the end of February to the end of May here in Oklahoma, lovers of morels are walking the earth searching for a stash of morels to consume.

Morels by Region According to outdoorlife.com, if you live in the Deep South, your morel season will start in March and end sooner. If you’re in the Mid-South or Midwest, April through May is usually prime time. For the upper Midwest and Northeast, May through June is ideal mushroom hunting season.

You can find the most bounty of morels near trees. So put on your boots and grab your bucket. Depending on the weather you may have a full bucket of morels if you’re lucky. Here in Oklahoma - especially on days like we have had in recent weeks - we may experience every season in one day, so we pray for the rain and sunshine all in one to help nature’s delicacies sprout from the ground.

My family has been known to walk our country road with heavy tree cover, scouring the ditches for the hidden gem. It makes it easier to not have to maneuver the woods and on our road less traveled, we are bound to take home a five-gallon bucket to share with friends and family.

I encourage you now to look up your region. Then put away your phone and take your family and friends to bond on a little

Wild onions can pop up anywhere - even in your front yard. You just have to look! Photo by Ann Allen

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foraging adventure. Make sure you are not trespassing and enjoy the thrill of discovering your next meal.

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AGRITOURISM FEATURE

“Upper South” displays wide variety in agritourism offerings

By Elizabeth Hiner

Disclaimer: All of the locations and attractions written

Senior Communication Fellow

about in this column are open at the time of print. I have noticed recently that due to COVID and its repercussions,

We are on the road to the region known as the “Upper South,” escaping the humidity of the deep South on our last trip. We will be stopping in North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia and ending this trip in West Virginia. As with all the states we have visited so far, you can find farmers’ markets and wineries in every region – so stop in and visit those, too!

We start in High Point, North Carolina, with our first stop at the All-A-Flutter Farms. They feature habitat restoration for the monarch butterfly and other beneficial pollinators with the vegetation grown on the farm. They invite you to join them on their farm tours for a fun and educational experience.

Their tours include the flight house where you will find hundreds of monarch butterflies in a perfectly landscaped environment to facilitate their propagation and survival.

You have the chance to get up close and personal with the butterflies, from the time they are a caterpillar to becoming a butterfly, and even with an option to hand-feed them.

If butterflies are not to your liking, you can check out the nursery and learn about which plants are best for your pollinators like butterflies and bees. The nursery offers a spectacular array of perennial plants, each plant is grown, not only for its beauty but as a sustainable nectar source or host for the pollinators in your backyard.

I would not be able to get one of my daughters within miles of the butterflies and the other would spend all her time here.

And both love butterflies!

The farm also offers great photo opportunities either in the All-A-Flutter Farms offers you the chance to flight house or get up close to the butterflies in their flight elsewhere on the house Photo by Bailey Blackburn, courtesy of All-A-Flutter Farms farm, such as the

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some of the places previously suggested may no longer be in operation. As a rule of thumb, please verify before you plan your vacation around one of these activities.

nature trails, or at the picnic area and playground.

Our next stop is the 1870 Farm in Chapel Hill. Originally founded over 150 years ago, it has been reimagined into a freerange retreat for children. The farm has created programming around children and farm experiences. The farm offers a summer camp from June to August for up to ten weeks of day camp adventures. The three summer camps offered are the Junior Half Day Camp for 3-5 year-olds, the All-Day Camp for kids 5-13, and the Counselor in Training Camp for 14-16 yearolds. All the camps are drop-off and pick-up each day.

The farm also offers 2-hour tours Friday through Sunday, April to December. You will find an animal interaction area, a fishing pond, and have access to all the outdoor areas and picnic area.

A couple of the fun activities are feeding the animals, pony rides, and gemstone mining. You will find fun activities for the whole family. Reservations are required.

At Deep Woods Mushroom Farm in Mill River, NC, “FunGuy” Greg Carter leads tours and mushroom hunts for those interested in mycology.

Photo courtesy of Deep Woods Mushroom Farm

Now, we are off to check out a mushroom farm. I enjoy having mushrooms to add to sauces, salads, or just fried up in a bit of butter to eat alone. So off to the Deep Woods Mushroom Farm in Mill River to meet the “FunGuy” Greg Carter. He has

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been cultivating and foraging mushrooms quite successfully for around 20 years. He was taught and mentored by two of the local experts in the field of mycology and continues researching and learning so he can pass on his knowledge to others. Greg is certified through the state of North Carolina to provide wild edible mushrooms to local restaurants and chefs.

The “FunGuy” has been successful in transitioning his focus to agritourism from farming, enabling him to expand his ability to share his knowledge of growing and foraging edible mushrooms with others. You are invited to the farm to learn to cultivate, harvest, and hunt mushrooms.

The Farm hosts a diverse selection of educational events to learn about mushrooms. You can learn to cultivate and harvest your own or learn how to forage for wild mushrooms. They offer pre-registered individual, group, or organization tours such as: 1. Mushroom inoculation clinics – this is a hands-on clinic where you can learn to plant mushrooms on hardwood logs and see to their care. You can choose from the following types of mushrooms: shiitake, oyster, lion’s mane, nameko, and reishi.

2. Mushroom farm tours – Much the same as the clinic, you can learn about mushrooms and their care with this tour of the farm without the hands-on experience.

3. Wild mushroom hunt – This is a three-hour tour to get you started on how to identify the best edible mushrooms in the southern Appalachians, as well as the mushrooms that are better just to view. On this hunt, you will be looking for morels, chanterelles, chicken of the woods, and milky caps, just to name a few of the mushrooms that can be foraged in the wild. After the hunt, Greg will cook up the harvest for your enjoyment.

If you decide on this tour, be sure to wear the appropriate clothing for the weather as he goes out rain or shine along with a pair of sturdy shoes. Your first mushroom hunt will include a collection basket, a mushroom hunting tool, and “A Taste of Enchantment” booklet - which you can purchase more of.

After eating your fill of mushrooms, we are on the road again headed for Tennessee - the home of country music - and along the way check out the fun agritourism the state has to offer.

The Crabtree Farms is our first stop in Tennessee. This is an urban farm conceived in 1998 by the City of Chattanooga and visionaries of the community. They are enthusiastic about sustainable farming and how locally-grown food is key. This 22acre farm is located just outside of downtown Chattanooga, where they have become a hub in the community with their sustainable farming practices. They offer educational programs, community outreach with workshops, tours or field trips, and event rental space.

One of the workshops they offered in March 2024 was “beginning beekeeping”, which has become increasingly popular. Highlighted topics included the mental and physical benefits of honey - besides its great taste. Also covered was the basic biology of bees and the concepts of beekeeping.

Another workshop was held on raised bed kitchen gardens,

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which covered improving soil quality, drainage, and ease of access. Other workshops have been held on cooking with lavender, making sourdough bread and a Spanish speaking called Comida es Vida (“Food is Life.”)

The farm also hosts tours and field trips of the farm. The tours are for garden clubs, civic groups, and kids of all ages.

The typical tour lasts about an hour, during which you have an opportunity to observe farming in action as you explore the grounds with a member of the Crabtree Farm staff. Topics covered in the tour can be customized to your interests, and at the end of the tour, you can enjoy their outdoor space with a picnic.

Let’s take a quick stop for the kid in all of us at the Lucky Ladd Farms in Ashville, which is billed as an Ag-Venture Fun Park in Eagleville. This farm opens mid-March with this year’s Tulip Festival from March 16th through April 14th to coincide with the blooming of the tulips.

The tulip fields at Lucky Ladd Farms are not to be missed, offering photography and “U-Pick” experiences. Each summer, the farm also hosts a Sunflower Festival.

Photo from Lucky Ladd Farms

In addition to seasonal events, they operate a weekly themed day camp from June 3 through August 2. This year’s themes include Blast from the Past (prehistoric), Barnyard Palooza, Going Green, Rock Star, and Around the World (exotic animals).

The kids are divided into age groups with one counselor per ten kids.

You will also find adult tours with a special tour for seniors, event space for parties and group events and there are field

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on our road trip.

We will now head to the Cerulean Irish Draughts and Cerulean Farm Bed and Breakfast in Shelbyville, Kentucky, for a quick stay to rejuvenate for the rest of our “upper The Whiskey Barrel Warehouse at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in south” tour. This includes Lynchburg is one of the exciting (and delicious) stops on this tour. stop Photo via Jack Daniel’s Distillery one of the many horse stables for Kentucky’s famous trips for the local schools. This farm has racehorses. The B&B is a refurbished something for everyone.

Now we are off to Nashville to enjoy 1860’s farmhouse, offering relaxing views the sights and sounds of the home of of the surrounding countryside. This is a country music. While there, be sure working farm with stables and workshops to visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the for those who own horses. For the casual oldest in the US. They have bus tours tourist, they offer tours - one being the that run daily and include time on your retired racehorse tour - which are tailored to your interests along with an evening own in Lynchburg.

You should also check out Green Door meet and greet.

After our stay at the Cerulean Farm, Gourmet, a 350-acre farm just minutes we are off to Louisville, the farm tour from downtown Nashville along the capital of Kentucky. The Oldham County Cumberland River. They have a farm market that sells farm boxes monthly to Tourism Department offers thirteen their members to get more nutritional distinct tours to choose from. They have

all the data you need to book the tour you are interested in by following the links to each farm to schedule your tour 24-hour notice is all you need. Below is a partial list of the tours available: 1. Harvest Moon Dairy Farm & Cheese where you can learn to make cornmeal or ice cream, milk or feed the animals, take a fully customized tour.

2. Hermitage Farm (historic thoroughbred farm) – group or individual tours. Queen Elizabeth II visited this farm during her tour in 2007.

3. Woodland Farm – You can hang out with the bison.

4. Rootbound Farm – Farm-to-Table tour 5. 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens Brewery & Mead – honey wine (mead) This was just a sampling of the tours offered in the Louisville area, there is certainly something available for everyone. Visit this site to check out the available options: https://touroldham. com/animal-farm-tours.

Our last stop in Kentucky is the Hidden Cave Ranch in Burkesville. This ranch is home to possibly the largest privately owned cave. The cave, Rich Wolff Cave, is named after Richard Wolff who had a small log cabin back in the early 1800s,

food out to the community, along with the co-operative and the farm store.

Green Door also hosts events like two wine tastings, each a bit different. The first is the Four Pour Honey tasting, which introduces you to the county’s best honeys and how to pair it with wine.

The second is March’s Wine and Book Club. They also advertise classes for Beekeeping, Wine, and Italian Cooking (these are offsite at neighboring farms or wineries.)

Our final stop in Tennessee on the way to Kentucky is the Head’s Farm in Cedar Hill. The farm is owned by Miranda Head, which she started in 2010 to show her daughter where her food comes from.

This is a seasonal you-pick farm with plenty of fun things to do, including a corn pit, tic-tac-toe, and four-wheeler The Historic Cerulean Farm breeds and raises thoroughbred Irish Draught horses, train rides. This is a good “rest” stop which you can see while you stay at their bed & breakfast. Photo from Cerulean Farm

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The entrance to Rich Wolff cave offers exploration opportunities at Hidden Cave Ranch in Burkesville, Kentucky. Guests can also visit the many animals living on the farm.

Photo courtesy of Hidden Cave Ranch which still survives to this day. The cave is deep, high, wide, and most importantly “hidden.”

In-house guests at the B&B can explore near the cave entrance at their own risk but are not allowed to go into the cave. However, there is a peaceful running creek and a little waterfall to enjoy.

The ranch raises American Bashkir Curly horses which are hypoallergenic. So if you are allergic to horses, this is the horse for you. They also offer guided tours starting at the barn (dress for farm and weather), where you will see Curly horses and Scottish Highlands cows - and sometimes calves. You can even hold and feed a lamb. The farm is home to alpacas, donkeys, and dogs, and the barn is also available as a venue for parties and events.

Now we are off to Virginia and West Virginia. We are going to start in Virginia as West Virginia is a good jumping-off place for our set of States for the next column.

Our first stop here was going to be the Falkland Farms; however, the ownership of the farm has reverted to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

DCR plans to restore the property to pre-colonization. They plan to save the biodiversity of the region as the farm is on a peninsula between the Dan and Hyco Rivers containing a vast stream network and wetlands. In the future, this may become a recreational area.

So, let’s head off to the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, on the hunt for a good craft beer. The nineteen breweries along the trail are within an easy hour’s drive of each other. The Trail is split into three zones; Zone A has ten breweries – with five in Harrisonburg alone; Zone B has six breweries between Staunton, Waynesboro, and Spottswood, and Zone C has three breweries around Lexington.

The Trail not only offers craft beers but other activities and agritourism. One example is the Frontier Culture Museum

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in Staunton. This is an open-air living museum representing German, English, and Irish settlers, indigenous tribes, and slaves. The costumed staff represents the culture from the times of the tribes to the first settlement to slavery. You can interact with the blacksmith at the Irish forge, the tradesmen and tradeswomen and learn how the early colonists cooked and tilled the land. Throughout the year they host guest lectures to speak on a variety of subjects; First Peoples’ stories, the Region’s Cuisine, and the rise of Slavery to name a few.

Another stop is the Point of View Alpaca Farm between Harrisonburg and Staunton. During your visit to the farm, you can learn about alpaca fleece and how it has been used to make clothing for royalty; you can even buy alpaca fur apparel at the farm store. If you want an adventure, you can walk an alpaca!

Our last stop in Virginia is the Richdale Farm, which is a fifth-generation farm, founded in 1876 and still in the family.

Located in Wytheville, this is a diverse operation with cattle, sheep, pigs, a dairy, and farming to sustain their animals and specialty crops such as sweet corn. The farm supports Ag in Classroom and provides field trips for the local schools. They are only open to the public for the fall season with their Fall

Although the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail primarily highlights nineteen local breweries, they also encourage visiting other natural and agricultural sites, like the Natural Bridge State Park, south of Lexington.

Photo via AdobeStock

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At Riffle Farms in Terra Alta, West Virginia, you can go book a camping stay near their herd of holistically-raised bison.

Photo via Riffle Farms on Facebook on the Farm with you pick pumpkins and activities.

The activities include the corn maze with a flashlight after dark. This year, they plan to add a tractor tug-of-war, hayfield football, and giant bubbles to the duck races jump pad, and much more.

West Virginia is the final state in this tour and I found some locations of interest. Of course, there are the usual farms that offer similar agritourism amenities to most of the farms we have visited so far in our trip across the United States, but here are the three I would like to visit.

Gritt’s Farm in Buffalo is our first stop.

This family farm was established in 1920 and offers seasonal events starting with their Spring Festival, featuring tasty food, and limited attractions (they have 30+ at the fall festival) with tulip fields in bloom. In late March, they offer garden workshops where you plant, they grow, and you pick up when the flower blooms.

You can also pick your own flowers from spring through fall.

Monthly from April through August, they offer farm-to-table dinners. These

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are four-course dinners made up of fresh produce from the local farms.

The “West Virginia Living” magazine voted the Gritt’s Farm as first runnerup in the “Best Farm to Table” contest in 2021.

Lastly, they hold a Fall Festival which runs in September and October, offering all their 30+ attractions which include some of the following: apple cannons, ziplines, and an adventure course, as well as giant puzzles and pumpkin bowling -just to name a few.

This would be fun for all the kids and the

kid in you and me.

After all that fun, let’s stop by to see bison in West Virginia - not where you would normally think to find them, as they are more of a Great Plains animal.

On opening weekend, Riffle Farms in Terra Alta hosts a camping weekend, then from mid-May through early October, the farm hosts a walking tour on Fridays (except for the June 14th when they run concessions at the Pretzel Arena Rodeo.)

Their season culminates with the Bison Roast (this year on October 12), where they host a farm-to-table dinner with roasted bison and local craft brews. The day before, you can go on a tour with the pit boss to see the entire process of where your food comes from. I am not sure I would go on that tour… I might not eat meat after, and I love my meat!

For our last stop on this adventure, I thought we should go somewhere relaxing as we have been busy having fun and enjoying the scenery.

I have chosen Capon Springs as our last entry for this trip. Located in High View, Capon Springs is an old-fashioned

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getaway destination that was once a 19th-century resort but now is a thirdgeneration family-run business. The inn sits on 4,700 acres that you are welcome to explore.

If you like the outdoors, you can go golfing, swimming, fishing, or hiking. If you prefer, you can do nothing but enjoy the view from the veranda or take a nap in a hammock. For indoor enthusiasts, there is a library and escape room, or you can just play cards, work on puzzles, or spend some time at the spa.

Twice a year, they hold retreats for artists, weavers, writers, and bridge players. All guests are welcome to attend.

If you travel in the fall, you can come for the weaving workshop from October 9th through 12th. If none of the above is of interest, then there is the treasure hunt.

So, maybe not as relaxing as I hoped and not really agritourism… but I do like to throw in just a vacation spot now and then.

Join us next issue as we travel to Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan!

Support some of the locations mentioned in this article: • All-A-Flutter Farms - all-a-flutter.com • 1870 Farm - 1870farm.com • Deep Woods Mushroom Farm deepwoodsmushrooms.net • Crabtree Farms - crabtreefarms.org • Lucky Ladd Farms - luckyladdfarms.com • Green Door Gourmet greendoorgourmet.com • Head’s Farm - headsfarm.com • Cerulean Irish Draughts Farmceruleanirishdraughts.com • Cerulean Farm Bed & Breakfast ceruleanfarmbedandbreakfast.com • Oldham County Tourism Department touroldham.com/animal-farm-tours • Hidden Cave Ranch - hiddencaveranch.com • Beerkwerks Trail - beerwerkstrail.com • Richdale Farm - richdalefarm.com • Gritt’s Farm - grittsfarm.com • Riffle Farms - rifflefarms.com • Capon Springs - caponsprings.net

NOTES FROM A SMALL TOWN

Some Thoughts about a Seagull

By Christopher Dean

they turn on each other. They have a cry that sounds like a

Massachusetts Grange Member

human scream, only a really weird human scream, unearthly but beautiful, a sound that still manages to be wild from the largely

There’s a lot to be said about seagulls, some good, some bad. They have a tough image that’s entirely deserved, but they’re something exquisite to watch, maybe even kind of sublime, in their way. Not that they’d care.

First off, they’re really beautiful. They’re perfectly designed for flight, and watching them in flight can be very calming. They like to survey their surroundings by hovering on a warm updraft of air, just hanging there, floating on the breeze, keeping an eye on things. They have incredible eyesight and very little that’s edible escapes them. If they see something they want, nature has designed them to swoop down practically out of nowhere (as far as their prey is concerned) and grab it, totally fearless, just scooping whatever it is that they want off the surface of the water.

No small fish is safe and no chunk of a small fish is safe either as they follow in flocks after fishing boats grabbing whatever they can that falls overboard. Any stray French fry is a target, they grab it in their beaks then toss their head back and gobble it down, just like a small fish. They’ve been known to grab the sandwiches of tourists right from their hands. There will be a sudden disorienting and frightening flutter of wings, beak, and claws and then you notice that your lobster roll is missing when it’s all over. They’re not loved and locals everywhere think of them as “rats with wings”.

If you cross a seagull, be prepared to regret it. They’ll turn on humans (even though we’re much bigger) as viciously as

tamed coast. And they turn on their own young as soon as they’re able to fend for themselves. Once the feathers turn from fluffy (and very cute) grays and browns, designed to camouflage the babies against the local granite, to their handsome pristine adult white with gray wings there’s no sense of their own offspring as anything other than more competition for the rich resources that make up the coastal environment in which they live.

I still love watching them though, they fear nothing and they swoop and glide on the air that makes me want to be one of them, just to fly like that with such ease would be wonderful.

They live, in the wild, from ten to twenty years depending on a lot of factors, but they live entirely free of bills and other gulls’ expectations, just eating, sleeping, hanging out. Not a bad life, overall, I’d say.

Almost every Sunday for the last four years I walk with a small group of locals and some tourists on the Atlantic Path, a pedestrian route that follows the line where the ancient local rocks abut the expensive summer properties of humans. There are dips and turns, the path peters out at times and we have to climb over the rocks themselves instead of the foot-beaten easier route. There are little side routes that one can take, just to take in the stunning views of the New Hampshire and Maine coasts, which make up the western and northern sides of the Gulf of Main that I live on.

On one of these little side routes, early last fall, I came upon the dead body of a seagull, it was just lying there, it’s wings spread out. It looked like it might just recently have died as there was - as yet - no sign of decay or any kind. What always surprises me about gulls is how big they are close up and this one was huge. I respectfully walked past it, just in case it might’ve been sleeping, which I knew wasn’t really the case; if I’d startled it, I would’ve known it.

Over the months since, I’ve taken that route because the view of the gulf was so amazing. Living by the sea means that you encounter the bodies of dead animals here and there, being cleaned away by nature. The gull was never a welcome sight, but I always knew where I’d find it; I was always ready for it. Bit by bit, nature worked its wonders, they’re by no means beautiful but they are always reassuring as nature’s way of

Photos accompanying this story provided by John Marshall

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recycling everything for potential reuse. Nothing is discarded in the natural world that can’t be put to use by something. The

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long bones are perfect struts.

They

were useful, they kept the gull upright, facilitated

its

flight

through

those

breezes and updrafts, perfectly designed to support the bird in flight, to make its wings beat. They’re so elegant and they lie there in the sun, exposed and pristine, a small monument to the life of an unnamed bird who rests next to the salt water that sustained it and helped it thrive. The ocean that once covered the land and will cover it again in the endless cycle of life and death, brushes against the rocks of my hometown. Rocks that were once off the coast of Africa have

cycle of life is very real and very natural

The last earthly remains of the gull

whether we like it that way or not. So

are still in the same spot where they were

I grew accustomed to finding the gull’s

pushed by the winter storms, protected

body, even checking out how far along

on three sides by solid granite.

The

something that those rocks have always

its recycling had progressed, and even

bones are pretty much all that’s left,

witnessed, and we just walk on their

learning a little bit about the way such

along with a few unexpected white

surface for a little while and marvel at the

things work in the world.

feathers, now neglected and yellowing

world that surrounds us. It seems that

from the sunlight.

we’re only here for a little while and only

As the gull slowly decayed, its bones fell to the rocks, the feathers

But it’s the bones that fascinate me:

were scattered all over though some

they’re so light and thin, but strong, the

stayed nearby by some trick of the air patterns and the microclimate. This past winter was the warmest ever recorded in Massachusetts. There was almost no snow, though there were several violent rainstorms, and very few days were actually below freezing; winters here get warmer every year, always breaking records, the full-moon tides get higher and higher, the beaches are being rapidly eroded by the changing currents, low-lying properties now routinely flood during storms. The freeze-thaw cycle no longer works in the manner that it used to, in fact, all the dependable cycles of weather and nature are up for grabs now.

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moved over the unimaginable eons to the North Atlantic.

the Earth endures.

The ocean is

Delicious

By Ann Olson Bercher

Fish in the Sea

President, State Grange of Minnesota Certified Culinary Specialist Living in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, fresh fish is never very far away. I am fortunate enough to have several sources to purchase fresh fish including friends, neighbors, and the local farmers’ market. And there is nothing as wonderful as frying up some freshly caught crappies or sunnies over a campfire in the summer.

But there are more fish in the sea that aren’t readily available fresh for me, and those are the fish from the oceans.

Perusing the seafood department of a local grocery store, the fish case is filled with fish steaks and fillets that include several varieties of salmon, halibut, cod, tuna, and sometimes others such as swordfish and tilapia.

These are beautifully displayed over crushed ice, sometimes with a whole fish nearby, and some greens dispersed to maybe look like seaweed.

Over time, having purchased

fish from the fresh fish counter, I have made a few discoveries. All of the ocean fish laid out before me is not fresh but has been frozen and thawed for sale. This comes as no surprise, being that I live 1,432 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 1,768 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

I also know that the fresher the fish, the better the quality and the better the flavor. What is a Midwesterner to do? I have discovered that purchasing fish that is frozen as soon as physically possible after harvesting, the better the texture, flavor and quality. This takes some trial and error, but comparing grocery store “fresh” to ”freshfrozen-thawed” is an eye-opener.

There is another factor to consider when purchasing ocean fish; wildcaught or farmed fish. What is the difference? It turns out there are many differences, and the differences may be somewhat controversial. With the changing climate and the changes in ocean temperatures, the seafood industry is learning to adjust with it.

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Wild-caught refers to fish that are harvested directly from the ocean and have never lived in captivity. This type of fishing has been happening for thousands of years. Farm-raised fish are fish that are raised in floating net pens near the ocean shore.

There are pros and cons for each method.

The pros for wild-caught fish have to do with their diet and lifestyle.

They have a more diverse diet, and they have to work to get it. Constant movement means they are leaner fish and have more flavor. Cons of wild-caught fish are the endangered population numbers. Some wildcaught fish have higher mercury levels, such as halibut. They are pricier because of the consumer demand and method of harvesting.

For farmed fish, the pros include being more available year-round.

They are less expensive because they cost less to harvest, process and ship.

The cons of farm-raised fish is that they tend to be fattier and have lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. Some fish farming operations can harm the environment due to chemical waste.

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Whether

rock cod or Pacific Snapper, it’s a versatile fish and can be

farm-raised or

used in almost any recipe. It has a firm texture and easily

wild-caught,

adaptable flavor.

the

choice

is up to you.

I

suggest

purchasing some of each to compare.

My favorite ocean fish is salmon, but there are several types of salmon. Most commonly found in stores are Sockeye and Coho Salmon.

Sockeye, also known as “red salmon” has vibrant red flesh. It has a robust flavor and firm texture. It works great on the grill and

These are just a few of the many ocean fish readily available.

Cooking fish may be the original “fast food” as most cooks up very quickly. Because the fish is leaner, wildcaught fish cooks faster than farm-raised fish. Thicker cuts of fish will also require more cooking time. Generally, gentle cooking temperatures will be beneficial, and keeping an eye on the fish while cooking is necessary.

Don’t leave your kitchen while the fish is cooking! A digital, instant-read thermometer will be handy, as the finished cooking temperature for most fish will be between 120 and 140

stands up to marinades,

degrees

rubs and a variety of spice

Fahrenheit.

is

Keep in mind that fish

“silver

will keep cooking after

salmon” because of its

it is removed from the

silvery skin. It has a lighter

heat source.

combinations.

Coho

also

as

known

On

pink flesh and is milder

the

following

pages are some recipes

in flavor than Sockeye. It works well with tender herbs and is easily steamed or

to try! Remember, you can replace the noted fish in

poached.

each recipe with another type if you wish. Some of these

Cod is a mild protein with tender flesh. It can take on

recipes are adapted from the Wild Alaskan Company

several flavor profiles from herbs, spices, marinades and

(https://www.wildalaskancompany.com), where I have

rubs.

purchased fresh frozen fresh a few times.

Halibut is another mild-flavored white fish option with large, meaty flakes when cooked. A fish higher up on the food chain, halibut may contain higher levels of mercury, so moderation in consumption is recommended if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Rock fish is also known as red snapper,

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Mediterranean

Baked Halibut

Serves 4-6

24 ounces halibut fillets 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup feta cheese 1/3 cup pitted kalamata

olives 2 large cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh thyme 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Juice from 1/2 lemon

1. Preheat oven to 375 2. Pat dry halibut fillets and place on a baking sheet, leaving space between. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Scatter tomatoes, feta, olives, garlic and thyme on top of the fillets.

4. Drizzle olive oil over the fish followed by a drizzle of lemon juice.

5. Place baking dish on center rack of oven and bake 10 minutes.

Halibut is done when the internal temperature is 130 degrees. Bake longer if needed.

6. Serve hot or at room temperature.

President’s Recipe

shared by President Christine Hamp

Chris says this recipe comes from a good family friend, Bill Davisson, who just happened to be Duane & Chris’ wedding officiant.

King Salmon with pesto Serves 4-6 Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds of King Salmon filets cut in 1” thick slices 1 pound of pasta, such as linguini Flour ¼ cup butter

¼ cup white wine ½ cup pesto 1 cup whipping cream Garnish: parmesan cheese, lemon wedges, fresh parsley

Instructions: To assemble dinner; bring to a boil enough water to cook 1 pound of pasta.

Lightly flour the salmon pieces. Melt the butter in a saute pan and when it bubbles, add the salmon. Saute for 1 minute, turn the fish and saute 1 minute more. Remove the fish to a plate and cover with foil.

Add the pasta to the boiling water along with a teaspoon of salt.

Now add to the pan the wine and when the pan is deglazed, add the pesto and the cream. Continue to cook this mixture until it will coat the back of a metal spoon.

Return the fish to the sauce and cook over low heat for 3 more minutes. Remove from heat.

For final assembly, remove the fish from the sauce.

Drain the pasta and toss it with the remaining sauce.

Remove to a platter and arrange the fish around the edge.

Garnish with lemon wedges and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley.

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Salmon Pesto Panko Crust

Baked

with

and

Serves 2-3

12 oz. sockeye or coho salmon fillets Olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper

1–2 Tablespoons prepared pesto 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs Lemon wedges, optional

1. Place top rack in oven 4 – 6 inches away from broiler and preheat to 375 degrees.

2. Pat salmon dry, place skin side down on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, coating on all sides.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Spread pesto generously over the top of the fillet(s).

5. Top with panko breadcrumbs, pressing them lightly to adhere to the pesto. Drizzle with a little more olive oil.

6. Place on center rack of oven and bake for 5 – 7 minutes until flaky around the edges.

7. Turn on broiler and move salmon to the top rack and broil until the panko has browned, about 2 minutes, and internal temperature of the salmon is 120 degrees.

8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Rockfish with

Blueberry Mango Salsa Serves 4-6

1 mango, peeled and diced 1 bell pepper, diced 1–2 jalapeno peppers, diced 3 green onions, diced 1 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon lime juice Salt to taste 24 ounces rockfish fillets 1 1/2 tablespoon paprika 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 2 tablespoons butter or oil

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1. In a large bowl, combine the mango, bell pepper, jalapeno, green onions, blueberries, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Pat dry rockfish fillets.

3. In a small bowl, mix all seasoning together. Season fillets on both sides with the seasoning mix.

4. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter or oil. When the pan is hot, add the fish fillets.

5. Cook fish 3-4 minutes per side.

6. Serve immediately, topped with salsa.

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Cod

Chowder with Winter Squash & Sage

Serves 4-6

12 ounces cod 1 yellow onion, finely diced 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 cups winter squash, diced into 3/4-inch cubes (may use butter nut, winter crookneck, etc) Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup white wine or apple cider vinegar 1 cup water 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup cream

1. Heat butter in a large saucepan and add onion and garlic. Cook until onions are transparent.

2. Add squash and season with salt and pepper. Cook for two minutes then add wine or vinegar and cook until the alcohol dissipates.

3. Pour in water, reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until squash is tender.

4. Stirring constantly, slowly add milk, so that it doesn’t curdle. Add sage and mix to combine.

5. Pat dry cod and lower into the chowder to poach for 5 minutes or until flaky.

6. Turn off heat and flake fish into desired chunks.

7. Stir in the cream and season to taste.

Easy

Fish Tacos

Serves 4-6

2–3 halibut fillets, thawed and patted dry Unsweetened coconut flakes Coconut flour (or allpurpose, quinoa, almond, or amaranth flour will work) 2 eggs, beaten Tortillas of your choice 1 small avocado, chopped Fresh greens of your choice (arugula, baby greens, cabbage, etc) Ghee, butter, or any other frying oil of your choice Cilantro for garnish Salt and pepper

1. Cut the halibut into 2–3 inch pieces and place in the beaten egg.

2. Cover a large plate with choice of flour and coconut flakes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Dredge halibut chunks in the four mixture and coat all pieces evenly.

4. Heat a skillet on medium-high and add oil of choice.

5. When hot, add halibut chunks and fry lightly to just a few minutes on each side, sides will become golden, and flesh is firm.

6. Warm tortillas in oven or stovetop for a few seconds and transfer to a serving plate.

7. Assemble tacos by placing fish, greens, avocado, a squeeze of lemon juice and cilantro inside each tortilla.

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Baked Fish Cakes Ann says this is a great way to use up some leftover fish.

12 ounces of cooked fish (salmon, cod, halibut, tuna) 1 egg ¼ cup celery, finely chopped ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

3 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup almond flour or dried breadcrumbs

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees 2. Flake cooked fish into a large bowl to desired consistency.

3. Add egg, celery, bell pepper, onion, mayonnaise or yogurt, mustard, olive oil, garlic and parsley. Mix until well combined.

4. Add the almond flour or breadcrumbs and mix well.

5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Form fish mixture into cakes, 3 – 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Place cakes on prepared pan.

7. Bake for 18 – 20 minutes until lightly browned.

8. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days or frozen, wrapped individually, for a month.

through the Grange e l b a l i a v Store Now a for digital download

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1986

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THE LAST

Word

By Randy Rutta CEO, National Health Council For most of my career, rural communities and rural health have been top priorities, promoting public policies that enable people with disabilities to live full and healthy lives. Growing up in Central Wisconsin and being surrounded by family farms, my family was grounded in rural traditions. My father’s parents came from large farm families, and my sister’s involvement in 4-H inspired her to create a successful home décor business.

During my many years at Easterseals, I partnered with the National Grange, National Rural Health Association, USDA, Farm Bureau, and commodity groups to promote policies and programs that are right for rural America. I have always found the National Grange to be a respected and effective voice for rural residents and a great partner to policymakers and patient advocates. I am delighted to count the National Grange as a valued member of the National Health Council (NHC).

For more than 100 years, the NHC has advocated for and with people with chronic conditions and disabilities to ensure that patients are at the center of decisions affecting their health.

The NHC has nearly 180 national organizations in membership, representing patient groups, healthcare providers, research and academic organizations, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, insurers, and employers.

The NHC is deeply committed to a fully equitable, accessible, and affordable health ecosystem that serves rural residents of all ages. Burton Eller, the National Grange team, and other NHC membership facets are core to shaping and advancing our policy priorities.

Congress and the Administration recently completed work to fund federal agencies through the remainder of the fiscal year. Significant healthcare priorities included extending authorization for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education programs, all of which are essential to

serving the needs of rural and underserved communities.

Unfortunately, the final funding law omitted a number of health care priorities that we were promoting, including addressing copay accumulators, system-wide public transparency in health care costs and coverage, reforms to utilization management such as prior authorization and step therapy, and steps to improve affordability — lowering the costs of care across the board including prescription drugs and hospital fees which are increasing in rural areas as health systems consolidate. Health care restructuring, generally and in rural areas, are a concern, as there are often gaps in patient access to emergency and specialty diagnostics and treatment destabilizing communities. So, our public policy advocacy to achieve these priorities continues.

Access to telehealth can be a good option for individuals in rural communities, patients living in rural areas, and patients who may live far away from their primary care providers, specialists, and other vital services. Telehealth can also be a viable option for those with transportation and mobility issues. The COVID-19 pandemic specifically demonstrated the importance of telehealth by highlighting how it can increase access to care.

The NHC recognizes that telehealth is a great alternative for many patients, so long as it reflects individual preference and is clinically appropriate. Telehealth should not be deployed as an automatic replacement for in-person care, but used to increase access, promote affordability, and reduce disparities. Patient advocates caution against using telehealth to justify closing or limiting brick-and-mortar services in rural communities, especially in areas with inadequate broadband connection.

The NHC is promoting several telehealth measures with partners across the chronic illness and patient community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHC joined 34 national patient

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advocacy and health organizations in the creation of several principles that future telehealth legislation should meet, which include improving access through equitable coverage; easing technology barriers; preserving and promoting patient choice; removing geographic restrictions; protecting patients and provider legal rights; and increasing the evidence base for telehealth.

Additionally, the NHC seeks to ensure access to audio-only telehealth (i.e. talk therapy over the phone), which can be especially important in areas with unreliable broadband. One pandemic “silver lining” enabled providers to treat patients living in other states, which proved extremely beneficial for facilitating access via telemedicine. This accommodation has been a lifeline for people who previously may have had to drive across state lines to see a specialist for rare or complex diseases or for whom new telehealth interventions proved especially effective. Unfortunately, since the public health emergency ended, many states have disallowed this practice; the NHC is eager to restore this accommodation through policies addressing state licensure.

Key to the NHC’s campaign to highlight the importance of telehealth and make permanent telehealth flexibilities are bills, including the bipartisan Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2023. The CONNECT Act includes multiple provisions that would expand telehealth access such as: permanently removing all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expanding originating sites to include the home and other sites; permanently allowing health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services; allowing more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services; removing unnecessary in-person visit requirement for tele-mental health services; allowing for the waiver of telehealth restrictions

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during public health emergencies; and requiring published data to learn more about telehealth uses, its impacts of quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.

The NHC is mobilizing to understand and influence artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in health policy and practice.

AI is increasingly relevant in all sectors of society, including health care. For the patient community, conversations about AI are nearly always framed as a question of impact: “risk or reward” or “pitfall or promise.” For NHC members, promoting meaningful involvement in the development and use of health AI to engage, protect, and benefit patients.

Recently, the NHC joined the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) as a Founding Partner. CHAI is dedicated to developing standards for AI in health that are trustworthy, responsible, and patientcentric to drive high-quality health care by promoting the adoption of credible, fair, tested, and transparent models to support key health decisions and outcomes. CHAI is a diverse partnership of government agencies, technology companies, research and academic institutions, providers, and others with the patient voice at the center of its work on health care AI standards. With the National Grange and others, NHC will work to ensure that health AI is fully informed and inclusive of all geographic areas, improving health equity, access, and outcomes across rural and frontier America, Medicaid provides essential services for rural and underserved communities, which are paramount to protect. According to Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), almost a quarter of individuals living in rural areas — an estimated 25% — are covered by Medicaid. The NHC has been tracking developments surrounding Medicaid unwinding. As of March 12, 18 million people disenrolled, 70% for procedural reasons, leaving as

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many as 5 to 7 million people uninsured.

The patient community has been steadfast in holding the federal and state governments accountable, as we have seen significant numbers of people disenrolled because of red tape, such as not updating their address with the state agency.

MACPAC is also constantly under threat of budget cuts. Last April, the NHC worked in partnership with over 20 patient organizations to prevent Congress from adding more red tape for Medicaid recipients through so-called “work requirements.” We released a statement in which we argued that work requirements would increase worsened health outcomes and jeopardize the financial stability of hospitals, which patients rely on.

Workforce issues are challenging the health sector deeply and nationwide, and rural areas are uniquely affected. Postpandemic, many trained professionals are leaving practice, and traditionally underserved areas and populations are hit the hardest. And dramatic changes in the structure of business models in health care are putting pressure on rural providers, communities, and patients that must be top-of-mind for advocates.

For the National Grange and NHC, our shared priorities for a strong health ecosystem for all rural residents and communities means that we need to be diligent in our advocacy and collaboration with policymakers and practitioners. The recent virtual Fly-In is a great example of how and why rural leaders are wise to engage with lawmakers. Ultimately, the voice of the voting public, those with lived experience, can achieve far more together than any person or organization, such as the NHC or the National Grange, could achieve alone.

The National Grange envisions a future where rural and small communities thrive with vitality and pride, and the NHC will continue to ensure that rural areas and populations are considered in all of our advocacy and policy efforts.

Grange Membership

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

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

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SHOP

We have partnered with MemberDeals, ODP Business Solutions, Lenovo, and UPS Savings.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

HEALTH

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PHARMACY

INSURANCE

With discounts from Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Worldwide Hotel, and Avis and Budget rental car services, as well as RV accommodations with Harvest Hosts, these exclusive Grange benefits are sure to help you when planning your next vacation.

Our partnerships with Life Line, Hear in America, Start Hearing, Comfort Keepers, and eHealth Medicare are sure to give you peace of mind about your health.

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.

We have partnerships with American Income Life, Member Options, United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, AFLAC, Farmers Insurance, and pet insurance through Nationwide to give our members discounts on insurance rates and deals. Clouse Insurance Agency can help find the coverage you need to protect your Grange Halls.

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

Working together for stronger communities

April is Grange Month