A lesson in self-defense at the Grange

By Betty Adams | Press Herald

Taking a good swing with her cane, 95-year-old Bea Campbellton knocked a plastic knife out of the hand of Karen Jones.

Minutes earlier, Campbellton had poked Jones in the stomach with the rubber-tipped end of the cane, and taken another swing, all at Jones’ request.

“Did you play softball?” Jones asked.

“No, I raised kids,” Campbellton said, getting a chuckle from fellow members of the Chelsea Grange on Saturday.

Part of the program was a demonstration by Jones in using a cane — and a few other common items — in self-defense.

The lesson was part of the regular meeting program, where members are treated to educational activities, said Jim Rogers, a member of the Chelsea Grange. They can range from presentations from firefighters — which they heard recently — and even a belly-dancer, who was part of a recent program at the Freedom Grange, Rogers said. April is Grange month. The Grange, also known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was founded in 1867 as a fraternal agrarian organization. Much of its work now is in public service.