Day 2: National Grange 148th Annual Convention

Hospitality room place for fun, food

BY KATHERINE BLASINGAME
DCI Communications Fellow | kb***********@***il.com

Grangers know if they want a snack or just to catch up with Grange friends at convention, the place to go is the hospitality room.

This year the hospitality room, located in 2503, is being overseen by the Indiana State Grange.

John Neff, Overseer and Youth Director, of the Indiana State Grange, with the assistance of Lucille Groves, Family Activities Chair, and Ross Smith, Executive Committee and Legislative Director are the coordinators.

“Each state was given the opportunity to create their own menu featuring products from their state,” Neff said.

Throughout the week Grangers will enjoy a wide variety of foods from each of the states in the Midwest region.  Sub sandwiches, soups, chili, sloppy joes, cheese, and cookies are all on the menu. Coffee will always be available while they are open.

Ohio served sloppy joes and chicken sandwiches in the hospitality room on Sunday.

Daryl Flowers from Ohio was found in the hospitality room. “Easy to find, food was good, great company,” Flowers said.

For the remainder of the week hours in the hospitality room vary. On Monday, the room will be open from noon to 6 p.m., with Indiana as the host. Subs are the star of the show for the day.

On Tuesday, Iowa and Minnesota are sharing duties in the room from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Illinois takes over the room on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Get ready for a sugar high, because Grangers in Illinois have been making cookies by the dozen.

Thursday, Michigan will have the hospitality room from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Soup is expected to be the hot item of the day along with other snacks.

Ohio will revisit the room on Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wisconsin will round out the week on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. before seventh degree and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. after the Seventh Degree.

“With all of the phone calls and speaking with all the representatives from each state, our Grangers have stepped up and we will not have any problems providing food and fellowship in the hospitality room,” Neff said.

Trademark a success in 2014

In 2014, the National Grange Trademark Protection program resolved 17 trademark infringement cases.  We executed six new trademark licenses and six new or pending CHE trademark use agreements. We saw a decrease in outstanding cases from 57 last year to 43.

We sent two donation appeal letters for the Grange Foundation and the National Grange, to cover trademark
costs. We received donations totaling $15,640! Thank you to each Grange and Grange member that contributed to our appeals, for their tremendous vote of confidence!

In 2014 we re-registered four of our trademarks: NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY; NATIONAL GRANGE; P OF H GRANGE & DESIGN LOGO and THE GRANGE FOUNDATION.

We successfully resolved the trademark litigation with Fare Grange Law, a start-up law firm in Minnesota. Both parties met with the presiding federal magistrate for settlement negotiations. The case was resolved to the mutual benefit of both parties.

This year, we instituted a new program to address trademark usage by closely held Grange entities (CHEs), such as foundations, cooperatives, service companies, fair associations or businesses, that were formed by a Grange at any level. Trademark use agreements provide CHEs with legal certainty regarding their use of Grange trademarks. They also provide direct, legal association with the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. These agreements strengthen our trademark protection efforts.

In 2015, the lessons we learned from trademark management will promote growth and development for the entire Grange.

Delegates have a busy day in committees

The first day of committees meetings went well according to comments made by the delegates as they left their committee rooms for the day. Citizenship had reported that they were done by lunch time and a member of the agriculture committee said they were “through their resolutions and were working on their policy statement,” but would not be able to finish up until after the Master’s address. This appears to be true of many of the committees whose policy statements will take into consideration the words of our Worthy National Master. Committees will meet again Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.

“We’re really happy that the committees worked hard and fast through the material,” Eller said. “They were very thoughtful and there was wonderful debate in the rooms. I expect there to be lively discussion on the floor tomorrow and excellent policy in place as we close the 148th session.”

Minnesota Granger serves as Trimble Youth

T.J. Malaskee, of Minneapolis, Minn., has been a Grange member for three years and was the organizer and a charter member of Oliver Hudson Kelley Grange #834. In his Grange, he holds the office of Master.

Malaskee was also recently elected Overseer of the State Grange of Minnesota.

Malaskee said he enjoys “continuing the amazing long tradition of support for agriculture and community within the Grange.”

“If I could go back in time and visit one of the seven Founders, it would be Oliver Hudson Kelley.

“He is a huge inspiration for me,” Malaskee said. “He was one of many heroes of the Grange who have pushed through adversity to help the Grange and make the Grange grow. He solidified the Grange and was able to make changes on many levels within the organization and the country for the better.”

Malaskee said one thing he would like to see changed is the belief among some of our members is that ritual work is irrelevant to today’s  society.

“It’s what makes our organization unique from other organizations,” Malaskee said. “It gives us the ability to bond in a fraternal way.”

Outside of Grange, Malaskee is a historian for the Minnesota Historical Society. He has worked at the Oliver Hudson Kelley Farm and the Milly City Museum, both operated by the Historical Society.

Legislative speaker electrifies with talk of advocacy and recap of midterm elections

Brian Cavey, the Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), was the keynote speaker at the Legislative Luncheon held Monday. Cavey is an accomplished legislative operative with over 20 years experience on Capitol Hill, in state capitols and in corporate government affairs and trade association management.

He shared significant information about the recent midterm elections.

He told a crowded room of Grangers that turnout dropped in 38 states from 2010-14. Republicans will take control of the Senate in January and he relayed some relevant Senate committee changes that will be happening.

Cavey told the group that many committees will get new chairmen including agriculture, appropriations, budget, commerce, energy and finance.

One of the likely things that will happen, Cavey said, is a reform in the telecom industry.

Making rural broadband accessible and affordable for everyone has had a lot of opposition in the past, Cavey said, but he firmly believes that access to affordable and high speed broadband internet is something in which we should be advocating.

“Your zip code should not dictate what quality of broadband you receive,” Carey said.

Likening it to the Grange’s historical fight with the railroads, the fight for rural broadband is about pitting the interests of big business against the need for fair treatment of consumers, Cavey said.

Republicans also will continue their control of the House in January. Again there are many committee chairman changes to include agriculture, budget, energy and commerce, natural resources and ways and means.

Cavey told the group to look forward to a flurry of bills, tax reform and Farm Bill implementation. There are also many things happening in the natural resources committee that may affect Grange members including regulations on waters in the U.S., coal ash and 111d regulations. He urged Granges to join with the NRECA and TellEPA.com how to move these issues in directions they want.

Grassroots actions are more important than ever in the current political climate, Cavey said.

According to Cavey, there are four ways to help bring about the changes we seek: stay involved in grassroots activism; meet your  congressional delegation and introduce them to issues that are important to you; collaborate with other groups that share your values for a united voice; and come to Washington, D.C. and work for your issues at the Capitol.

Agriculture in 2014: Taking a closer look

Agriculture is an incredibly important aspect of human life. For some people it provides their livelihood, for all it provides sustenance.

What does agriculture look like in 2014?

Over the next few days we will be exploring different aspects of modern agriculture.

In Tuesday’s edition, we will focus on the economics of and progress within the industry. From pricing and exports to the Farm Bill and funding for research, we will strive to better understand the underlying economics of agriculture.

On Wednesday, we will look at public understanding of agriculture, what people think versus what is reality.

In Thursday’s paper, we will focus on agricultural education and how Granges can be better involved in facilitating these experiences.

Finally, on Friday, we will look at ways Grangers strive to educate their communities and themselves about agriculture and suggestions for providing a voice for agriculture and a platform to speak to its relevancy in modern America.

This series seeks to bring greater understanding to all people, whether they are employed in agriculture or just appreciate the work of  farmers throughout this nation.

Grangers explore Ohio before convention

From halls of fame to rubbing shoulders with exotic animals, many delegates explored highlights of Ohio before the start of the 148th Annual National Grange Convention.

Marie and Scott Nicholson from Corvallis, Mont., flew into Ohio and visited the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton.

“The molds of hands and thighs were really cool to see because we could compare them to a non-pro football player,” Marie said.

In the museum, there were also many interactive videos and films.

Barbara and Chip Narvel, Del., along with Betsy Huber, Pa., and Pete Pompper, S.C., traveled on Friday to a drive through Safari Park.

“All of the animals could come right up to the truck and we could feed them out the window,” Chip said.

The group also toured Toft’s Creamery, the oldest dairy in Ohio, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky, the tour destination for the Junior Grangers on Friday.

In the museum there are all different kinds of horse carvings, and different horses from all over the world. The museum also restores many of horses.

“It was really nice to see. Might be one of my favorite places to visit because it brings me back to my childhood,” Barbra said.

Mark and Susan Noah, Springfield, Ore., also visited the Rock and Roll Museum. Noah said he didn’t have enough time to check out everything that was in there, but what he did get to see he was amazed with.

“I could sit there all day and listen to all the good music,” Mark said.

The Noah’s went to the Tower City Center (shopping strip), and ate at the Hard Rock Cafe.

“I’ve been to many Hard Rocks and this was one of the good ones,” Mark said. “There are many places to see in Cleveland which gives me a reason to come back and visit.”

Grange growth in Oklahoma turns heads

While each State Grange has committed to making growth a priority over the last several years, Oklahoma State Grange has been turning heads with their fast and furious explosion of new members.

In 2013, Oklahoma had a net gain of 711 members and in 2014 they added more than 900 more. They now have around 3,900 members.

State Grange President Donna Keeton said Oklahoma has added eight new Granges to the fold, bringing their total to twenty and most of these saw net gains in membership for 2014.

Keeton said she attributes much of the growth to having their own insurance company who only writes insurance for Grange members and whose board members must all be Grangers.

Additionally, Keeton said a major effort has been made to “increase communication with a quarterly newsletter, a web page and a Facebook page.”

They send out 2,300 newsletters to their members.

They have also increased both the number of scholarships they give and promoted them heavily as a way to recruit younger members and their families.

Keeton shared a story of one of the most effective members of one of their new Granges. He is a recently retired UPS delivery person and is well known and respected in the community. The kind of guy who people on his route would just give him a key to their house if expecting a package on vacation. Upon retirement he joined the Grange and is all fired up; recruiting everyone he knows “and he knows everyone”  Keeton said.

Membership database to make life easier

One of the most important tasks of a Grange secretary’s job is turning in the quarterly tasks in a timely fashion.

The National Grange has rolled out a new online database program that will help with these tasks.

Working with a company called Blue Tahiti, the National Grange has created a database that will soon allow online submissions of quarterly reports.

A representative of each local Grange has access to review and update Grange information. Doing so will allow the National Grange to have the most current information about each Grange, including contact information for important mailings or email blasts, information that  National can use to better target its advocacy efforts and more.

States may choose to do this for each of their Granges rather than provide the local Granges with access.

Local Grange may choose their representative with access should the secretary not be able or willing to use the online system.

Each local representative has the ability to review and update all member records and ensure that their member records match those of the National Grange. They will be able to add new members and make sure that the records are updated and complete.

This database is a “wonderful opportunity to make the job of secretary easier,” according to National Grange President Ed Luttrell. “It gives opportunity for our organization to serve our members in a timely fashion.”

“Considering that the quarterly reporting system that our secretaries are using is the same one as in Oliver Hudson Kelley’s time, our goal is to make life easier for the Grange secretary, while doing so in a fashion that Oliver Hudson Kelley never dreamed of.” Luttrell commented.

Luttrell said “we have begun the process,” and looks forward to seeing “every state fully engaged in the process.”

Duane Scott, National Grange Executive Committee said he is excited to see the database roll out.

“It’s long overdue,” Scott said. “We needed a way to know how many members we have.”

If anyone is having problems with their database, please contact Stephanie Wilkins in the national office via email at sw******@************ge.org or via phone at (202) 628-3507 ext.101.

‘Fashion Week’ comes to Kalahari

From tutu’s, sashes, buttons, jewelry, shoes, hats, and costumes, the Grange herd is all ready for National Session! Every member of the herd was showing off to the other members and the other Grangers.

Penelope the Prairie Dog (Penny) has had an amazing designer! Some wondered who she was at first as she entered the meeting area wearing her English inspired overcoat and hat. She also has sweater outfits she may wear later in the week.

Pierce the Elk is a big football fan and has no problem showing his support of his team by donning his Seahawks #12 shirt and was especially excited to celebrate when the Seahawks won the Super Bowl.

Others wear the pride of their state like Beatrice the Cow and her cheese head hat. You may also find Bruce the Buffalo stomping around in red tennis shoes to support the Montana Jr. Grange with his friend Ernie the Mountain Goat right behind him.

And bling has also been in style. From Hannah the Black Bear to Allie the Llama and many others. These Herd members know how to wear it well.

Tell us some of the fashion your Grange herd is wearing!

Herd Happenings

Chuck the Badger (MI)
Chuck the Badger from Michigan has had a rough time this past year. After being held for ransom last year at National Convention, he found himself in the same predicament at his State Session. The youth and juniors benefitted from his abduction, but one is to wonder if his parents can keep him under control

Otis the Armadillo (FL)
Many of them had a great time on vacations and other trips like Otis the Armadillo from Florida. He has taken two cruises to Bermuda, climbed lots of lighthouses in Michigan and visited the Medenhall Glacier in Alaska.

Dusty the Bull (KS)
Dusty the Bull from Kansas took a ride on a riverboat down the Mississippi River. He also visited the geographical center of the 48 states. Pop quiz, where did he visit?

Noel the Hamster (NH)
Noel the Hamster met the governor of New Hampshire on one of his travels. He also went on a farm and forest expedition and to Washington D.C. all by himself.

Murray the Seal (AK)
Murray the Seal from Alaska has earned a lot of frequent flyer miles. While he understands the budgetary issues of the Grange and not being able to travel first class, he has on occasion bulked at riding in the overhead storage compartment on flights.

Look for more Herd updates in tomorrow’s Jungle Echo.

Meet your neighbors: Profiles of the new State Delegates

There are a total of 14 new delegates at National Grange Session this year, representing eight states and the District of Columbia. They bring with them fresh enthusiasm and nervous excitement for the tasks in front of them this week. Let’s meet these individuals as they begin their National Grange journey.

Elizabeth “Beth” Downey (Pennsylvania) is a member of Eagle Grange #1, and an affiliate member of Allegheny Grange #143, was recently elected Master of the Pennsylvania State Grange. Having previously served as second delegate for Pennsylvania when Betsy Huber was State Master, she looks forward to being part of Grange at the national level. She hopes to see pieces of legislation approved that have been sent from Pennsylvania and to see other legislative potential from other states. Downey has set a goal for her state to “make our Granges  stronger units, working together to build our membership and grow stronger Granges.”

Lawrence “Larry” and Celeste Spencer (Rhode Island) members of Exeter Grange #12, and Uxbridge Grange (MA) #200, were recently elected State Master and re-elected State Flora, respectively. Having never had the opportunity to attend the delegate session of National Grange previously, they are excited about taking part in the work of the National Grange this year. Spencer hopes over the next year that he will be able to work with his members to “maintain the Granges that we currently have and increase our membership.”

Noel and Marcia Miller (Connecticut) are active members of Coventry Grange #75, serving in a variety of different office positions. In October, Noel was elected Master of the Connecticut State Grange and the Millers are enthusiastic about participating as delegates as they want to network with other State Masters and meet Grangers from around the country. Miller wants “to bring back the harmony of Grange members and stop infighting within the organization.”

Brenda Rousselle (Vermont) a 26-year member of Blue Spruce Grange #574, is looking forward to her third year as a delegate but first as a State Master. She has enjoyed her time as a delegate in previous years but hopes for more opportunities to network and idea share with other State Masters as this session. Rousselle hopes to “work with Granges that are struggling and make them stronger. I also want to work to reinvigorate Junior Granges in Vermont.”

Chris and Kerriann Heath (New Hampshire) were elected State Master and Ceres, respectively, in October and are thrilled to learn more about National Grange and being a voice for Grangers in New Hampshire. Members of Centennial Grange #185, they have held many different offices on the local, Pomona, and State level. Heath would like to see the membership of the New Hampshire State Grange double within his term of office.

Kevin Cooksley (Nebraska), a member of Custer County Grange #103. since 1976, was elevated to the position of Master after the passing of State Master Ted Doane. He has enjoyed serving in the offices of Overseer, Executive Committee, and Master as they all have great  responsibility and consequences. Cooksley has set a goal of increasing membership over the
next year.

Bob and Joan White (Ohio), members of Painter Creek Grange #1923, hope to learn more about the inner workings of the National Grange having never experienced the Grange at this level before. The Whites have served the Grange at all levels of the organization serving as Junior leaders, and officers in their subordinate, Pomona, and State Granges. White seeks membership growth for the Ohio State Grange during his term of office.

Ed and Cynthia Komski (California) are members of Rainbow Valley Grange #689, and have served in various officer and committee positions. “Chosen by subordinate Granges in good standing in the state of California, I accepted that responsibility with great commitment to our members, to the national digest of laws, and California digest of laws to reaffirm and reconstruct the foundation of our fraternal organization,” Ed Komski said when discussing his election to State Master. The Komskis hope to meet fellow State Masters and delegates and interact, listen and inform.

Grace Boatright (Potomac Grange #1) is in the unique position of serving as a delegate after previously serving as National Grange Legislative Director. She is looking forward to seeing the delegate process from the other side and working with the Citizenship Committee and experiencing convention as a Grange member.

National Grange financial appeal: How have Granges responded?

In September, National Grange Master Ed Luttrell in conjunction with the Executive Committee, sent Granges throughout the country.

The letter detailed the financial challenges faced by National Grange due to the ongoing trademark protection litigation and the court battles with the former California State Grange.

The millions of dollars that National Grange has spent to fight these battles has taken a toll on the National Grange budget.

In order to remedy this, it was requested that Granges consider sending $10 for each member of their Grange. Individual members were also encouraged to send donations in amounts they could afford.

According to Samantha Johnson, Sales, Benefits, and Programs Director for National Grange, since September the National Grange has received $15,295 in response to the appeal.

Donations have varied amounts ranging from $10 to $3,000 and represent states from New York and Delaware to Ohio to Oregon and Washington.

Of those donations $255 have been directly earmarked towards the Grange Foundation.

Members are encouraged to continue to send donations in any amount.

“We look forward to more participation from Grangers and the continued support of our members,” said Andrew Sampson, National Grange Controller.

Donations can be sent to the National Grange office at 1616 H. St NW, Washington, DC, 20006.

Next generation Grange leaders

How many years have you been Master of your Subordinate Grange, or Secretary, or Lecturer? It is important to plan for your successor. The best businesses and other organizations plan ahead to identify and prepare the next generation of leaders to ensure the future of the entity.

The Grange should be no different from other forward-looking organizations. Too often, I hear Grangers talking about and sharing their very best experiences of their Grange journey, however they tend to be looking behind them to the glory days of their Grange experience. We need our most experienced leaders to share their skills with those who will lead our Granges in the years to come.

It feels wonderful and it is exciting to be in charge of a successful enterprise, be it a Grange or a farm or another business. However, I propose that it feels even better to watch a person you have identified as having leadership potential as you transfer your officer sash to
them and support them as they become, in many cases, even a better leader than you have been. Take pride in their success. You share it with them.

By recognizing that you cannot lead a Grange forever, and by identifying and training your successor while you still have the energy to do so, you are perpetuating our Order for future generations.

Please be aware that stepping aside while you are still in your prime and mentoring your chosen successor promotes an orderly transition and ensures a strong organization. When we hold on to our positions because “nobody else can do it as well” or “nobody else will do it properly,” we slowly realize that those we might have mentored have left for other places where their talents will be utilized. As a result, we may become bitter in our position of leadership because we cannot find anyone to take our place.

I encourage your Grange to review your membership roll and officer list. Does your Grange see a regular and orderly transition of officers? New blood and new ideas on a regular basis is generally healthy for any organization. Many organizations have term limits in their bylaws to insure there is transition. How often is “on a regular basis?” That is a relative term; for some Granges, changing officers every four or six years is the norm. For others it may be two years or it may be ten years. The important thing is to identify your successor while you still have the energy and good health to guide and mentor them.

As I look back over my Grange journey, I am very grateful to and thankful for my many mentors. Some of my mentors were my own age and others had several additional decades of life experience to share with me. I could not have become a competent Grange leader without their able and willing guidance.