E-Newsletter July 2014
Food for Thought
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This program went so well with our members I went through 3,000 kits in one month. I am happy to announce that I was able to get more “Food for Thought: Eating Well on a Budget” kids created by Sesame Workshop and material produced with United Healthcare and Merck Company Foundation. These packets are available to all Grange members and Granges who would like to distribute these to the communities. This is a great to get the Grange name and help people in your community to make the best meals out of the food they have in their kitchen. At this time I am capping requests at 100 kits at a time, so more Grangers have access to them. As some of you know the packet includes a CD/DVD, recipe cards, and a mini comic book. All of this material is available in English and Spanish. The booklet and other material is a way to show kids how to eat on a budget but eat nutritiously and getting them to try new foods The DVD has a presentation on a local farmers market, so kids can understand where food comes from. I would love for our members to send me stories about how they were able to use these kits in their Granges. You can get your kits and send me stories by contacting me at sj******@************ge.org or 202-628-3507 ext. 109. |
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First artifacts of ‘Justi Collection’ donated, to be digitized
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Mary Justi Sheppard, of Chesapeake Bay, Va., delivered framed photos, scrapbooks, audio recordings, pins and other memorabilia along with boxes of Wib’s personal collection to the headquarters. “These are things that he had begun marking and told my mother [June Justi] were specifically to come to National Grange,” Sheppard said Friday as she opened a box to show Luttrell. Luttrell said the addition of the Justi materials were incredible. “These boxes tell an amazing story of the organization and the things our youth were able to accomplish,” Luttrell said. “And they’re just the start of what Mary expects to find as part of her father’s well-kept collection.” Luttrell said much of the materials would be digitized in the coming months and years and would be stored as the Justi Collection at the National Grange building. “Historians will look through this material and get a much better sense of the great things Grangers took part in and initiated thanks to Wib’s dedication to preserving this history,” Luttrell said. As materials are digitized and released, Luttrell and Sheppard said they hoped those who supported continuation of youth programs in the Grange would take time to review materials and donate to the Youth Fund through the National Grange Foundation, a 501(c)3, tax-deductible charity, that supports things like leadership training and youth officer participation at National Session. “He would just be over the moon with knowing his collection could help today’s Grange Youth,” Sheppard said. “He’d be delighted.” |
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Patriots Program
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The certificates used to recognize your Korean War vet, can be ordered from me, and are ready now. To request the certificate, please make sure to include the following information: name of veteran, name of the Grange they belong to or who is giving it out, the name of the local master and lecturer, the city and town the Grange/Veteran is located in and a shipping address. There is no cost to you or your Grange for program material or the certificates. This program is sponsored by Potomac Grange #1. If you missed out on our program information for WWII, it is still available to receive while you’re requesting your Korean War CD. All you need to do is contact myself, Samantha Johnson, at sj******@************ge.org or call at 888-4Grange ext. 109. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. |
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New National Grange member benefit offers the perfect get away
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Global Travel for Business is excited to earn your business. As one of the nation’s largest booking engines, our aim is to slash your travel expenses, while giving you the amenities that will make your next trip plush. For our clients, we offer:
All you have to do is click on nationalgrange.globaltravel.com and our pin number is already in place but if you want to call, 800-254-4493, all you have do is simply give them this pin number 4011615 and they will make sure you get your discounts. |
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Is your Grange hall busy? |
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Pat put into words one of the things I tell every Grange group I speak with. We have to make our meeting places and Grange Halls inviting in order to attract new members. So, with her permission, I’m sharing this message. Nothing Ever Happens…. It has long been one of those aphorisms that you can always tell if a restaurant is good because of the number of cars in the parking lot. People look at an empty parking lot and think “nothing ever happens there”; so if people are looking for a place to hold a community event they think “people don’t know where this is or maybe its unpleasant inside, or it must be pretty small or even that it is not available at all.” Work to change that perception. Start by hosting events that won’t cost much. Host a candidate forum. Serve coffee and drinks and put out a donation can. Host a Boy Scout or Girl Scout Troop. Host a 4-H club. Ask the Fire Department or the Marines to use your Grange as a collection point for a toy or school supply drive. Host swap meets, put on a play, or a music night to raise money for charity. Just make yourself visible. Advertise, advertise, advertise. If your Grange has a reader board, use it. Put up flyers all over town, the café, the store, the school, churches, and the library. Most members can find at least two places to post it. Send it to your non-Grange friends on Facebook. Pass it out at community events you are already hosting. And if you have access to radio, TV and newspapers you can usually get it onto the community event pages for free. Make sure your phone number and Grange name are highly visible both on the sign out front and on any advertising you do. But, you say, we have tried all these things and nobody comes. Well keep trying. Remember that empty parking lot? The more things people see going on, the more people will think that the things going on are worthwhile, and exciting…..and that includes joining the Grange. Many thanks to Pat Heard for sharing her article from the May 2014 Oregon State Grange Bulletin. |
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National Grange welcomes new Controller
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On June 30, the National Grange welcomed Andrew Sampson to the D.C. headquarters as the new Controller for the 147-year-old nonprofit, fraternal advocacy organization focusing on rural America and agriculture. Sampson, a native of Neenah, Wisconsin, believes that the National Grange’s work in community support and development are important to growing responsible, engaged adults. “I am excited to be part of an organization that is focused on family and community in rural areas,” Sampson said. “I look forward to being able to use my skills in operational management and human resources to help every state and local Grange achieve their goals.” National Grange President Ed Luttrell said the organization is happy to welcome Sampson to the staff. “I believe Andrew brings an exceptional skillset to the position and we are lucky to have him with us,” Luttrell said. Sampson graduated from Wesleyan University and is currently a resident of Tysons Corner, Virginia. He is a member of Potomac Grange No. 1 and will soon be a member of Fox Valley Good Earth Grange No. 776 in Wisconsin. |
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National Grange presents Maryland woman with National Ag Advocate of the Year Award |
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Wilcom, who was not raised in a rural environment, became a champion of agriculture and ag education after marrying and moving to a dairy farm where she and her husband, Mike, raised their three sons. Wilcom is a retired nurse and has spent countless hours volunteering for organizations that introduce the general public and students to agriculture at shopping centers, fairs, festivals and in schools. She worked to get children’s books about agriculture into Maryland schools, created and fundraised for Frederick’s “City Streets, Country Roads” fair, and assisted with teacher training for agriculture in the classroom. She is past chair of both the Frederick County and Maryland Farm Bureau Women’s Committees, past board member of the Frederick County Farm Bureau, and current chair of its Education Committee. She also serves as chair of the Elementary Education Committee for the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation. She was also recently recognized for her work with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maryland Farm Bureau. Huber, during her remarks at a breakfast honoring Wilcom, said education is a key priority of the Grange. “Think of rural America in the 1860s. Farm families were spread over the wide open spaces, with little or no opportunity for educational advancement or even social interaction,” Huber said. “The Grange founders recognized this need and created the Grange to serve as the social center of rural communities and source of information about happenings in the outside world. The Grange also was a forum for discussions and learning about scientific advancements and new farming methods. “Huber said this focus on education remains a cornerstone of the organization, introducing those who do not come from farms to agriculture in many ways. The National Ag Advocate Award, she said, allows the Grange to recognized individuals like Wilcom, who inspire children and adults alike and bring to them information and awareness about agriculture. Huber said she was especially proud to present the award to a fellow Grange member. Wilcom is a member of New Market Grange #362, New Market, Md. “She is a model for our members who have dedicated themselves to our educational principles,” Huber said after she learned Wilcom would be the award recipient. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to present her with this very fitting tribute.” |
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Memorial Notice – Wib Justi
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Wib was a graduate of Berlin Heights High School and The Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II on Saipan and Guam in the Pacific Theatre. Wib was the first appointed National Grange Director of Youth Activities serving from 1949 to 1966. Part of his responsibility was to direct the National Grange international youth activities. June was often on hand as a volunteer. One of his assignments was the Grange/Germany/USA Friendship Program. He Served for 18 years. During this time Wib found his life calling. He remained active with international youth exchange programs and was responsible for placing 1,918 young people in homes throughout the USA. He was a member of Blendon Grange #708, Franklin County, where he had served many years as the Secretary. Wib was a great source of nearly endless Grange history and other information. He was elected to the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame and the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame. Wib remained active in the 50 Year Club of the Ohio State Fair (a past president), 4-H, National Junior Horticultural Association, and the Ohio Junior Horticultural Association. He worked as a courier for State Savings Bank. Wib was a member of West Berlin Presbyterian Church. A private family graveside gathering will be held at a later date in North Jackson, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to the National Grange for future youth exchange programs at National Grange Headquarters, 1616 H Street NW, Washington DC 20006. June has ask that due to the problems with her eyesight, no cards be sent to her. She knows that Grange members all over will have her in their thoughts, and that is all she needs. |
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Memorial Notice – Ted Doane
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Ted graduated from Oklahom A&M in 1952 and received his M.S. and Ph.D. from Kansas State University. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. On July 18, 1954, he married Alice Lee Watt. In 1955 he began his career with the University of Nebraska in Dawson County as assistant county agent. Throughout his career he advised nearly 1,200 and taught over 10,000 students. A 4-H club leader for 20 years, he also worked with youth in 4-H and FFA at county and state fairs as superintendent for the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Sheep Show and the State Fair Sheep Show for more than 30 years. Through the Doane Undergraduate Scholarship in the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Ted and Alice annually help an animal science student. He served as a lead teacher from 1967-1972 when the winter 12 weeks Japanese Agricultural Training Program began on East Campus. Ted retired from UNL in 1996, but returned to the program in 1997-2007 as professor and then program coordinator. In 1964, Professor Doane and his family spent two years at Ataturk University in Turkey and in 1975 spent two years at Kabul University in Afghanistan lending their expertise to university teaching and extension programs. They’ve led student study tours to Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, and many more counties. Ted’s honors include: the UNL Distinguished Teaching Award, the Parents of Student Teaching Award-four times, the Gamma Sigma Delta Teaching Award of Merit, the LK Crowe Outstanding Student Advisor Award, the Walnut Grove Livestock Service Award, The National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Fellow Award, the CASNR Alumni Association Legacy Award, the UNL Alumni Association’s Doc Elliot Award, and the Award of Merit from the Nebraska Agriculture Youth Council. He was an active contributor to numerous university committees, adviser for Block and Bridle Club, Nebraska Registered Sheep Association as well as a member of the Waverly Methodist Church, Waverly Grange and Nebraska State Grange Master. Survivors include his wife, Alice; daughters and spouses, Bonnie and Mark Lemke of Walton, Amy and Scott Kica of Omaha; grandchildren and spouses, Valerie and Adam Hunt of Lincoln, Bryce Lemke of Clermont, Fla., Connie and Michael Bridges, Ashlee and Lee Kica-Johnson, Kortnee and fiance Kyle Lechtenberger and Zyree Kica of Omaha; four great-grandchildren; brother and spouse, Ben and Betty Doane of Lawton, Okla.; sister, Harriet Doane of Fairview, Okla.; and many nieces and nephews. The viewing is Saturday 3-5 p.m. at Roper & Sons Funeral home, 4300 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Burial is at 1 p.m. on Sunday with a service following at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Waverly at 14410 Folkestone, Waverly, NE.Family will greet friends 3-5 pm Saturday at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ St., Lincoln. Memorials to Waverly Methodist Church elevator fund, 14410 Folkstone, Waverly NE, 68461; UN Foundation Doane Scholarship, mail to Animal Science UNL, P0 Box 830908, Lincoln NE, 68583-0908. Cards and condolences can be sent to: Alice Doane |
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Junior Grange is celebrating 125 years
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 This year, the Junior Grange is turning 125 years old! We want your help ensuring it lasts another 125 years by having you make a donation to the Grange Foundation. For all donation’s $10 or more, you will receive a Junior Grange sticker celebrating this historic milestone. Even better, the Grange Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and contributions to it should be tax deductible. Make sure to consult your tax advisor.The Grange store also has plenty of great Junior Grange apparel in stock. Make sure to stock up today! http://www.grangestore.org/ |
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Michaela Pearl Martin birth
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 On July 5th, National Grange Leadership and Membership Director Michael Martin and his wife Wendy welcomed Michaela Pearl, a beautiful baby girl, into the world. She arrived at 7lbs. 3 oz. and 19” long. Both mother and daughter are doing well.Cards and well wishes may be sent to:
Michael and Wendy Martin |
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Christmas comes early to North Pole Grange #6 |
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 HO! HO! HO! Merry… April? On April 24th, North Pole Grange #6, in North Pole, Alaska, welcomed a new member into its halls; Santa Claus. Mr. Claus (and yes that’s his real name) is a resident of North Pole and serves as the President of the North Pole Chamber of Commerce. |
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How well do you know the Grange’s history?
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 Do you consider yourself a trivia buff? Do you impress your friends with your knowledge of the Grange? Then why not show your skills over at the National Grange Facebook page? Everyday, at 7:00PM Eastern, we ask our followers a new Grange Trivia question. It’s a great way to hone your skills and make you remember what makes the Grange great. And the more the merrier! Make sure you invite your friends to like the National Grange Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/nationalgrange. Challenge each other to see who knows the most Grange Trivia! |
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Toy Drive
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 Join the National Grange and the Midwest Rgeion in a stuffed toy drive this year at the 148th National Session in Sandusky, Ohio. The stuffed animals should be no more than $12.00 and will be displayed in a kid’s swimming pool at the National Convention. All toys will then be given to Children’s Hospital and other children charities throughout the Midwest Host Region.We would love to have all states participate in this drive. This is a great gift for children so near Christmas. You can bring your stuffed animal with you, send it with your delegate, or mail it to Edythe Walter.A great site to check out is https://douglascuddletoys.com this is where the Grange Herd came from and would be a great place to get some stuffed animals for this drive.If you are mailing it to Edythe please do by November 4th to:
Edythe Walter Thank you for your support of this wonderful project. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at sj******@************ge.org or 888-447-2643 ext. 109. |
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Mulberry Valley Grange
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 The Grange welcomes back Mulberry Grove Grange in Ozone, Arkansas who recently reunited with their Grange family after an error in communication |
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Dunstable Grange
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 Dunstable Grange #31 enjoyed a 100th Birthday Celebration in honor of Sister Barbara Gilchrest. Many family, friends, and grange members were in attendance. Sister Barbara was recently presented her 85 year Grange Award in December 2013. Barbara joined Lunenburg Grange #169 in October 1928 until December 2009 and joined Dunstable Grange until the present. She still attends all Dunstable grange meetings and enters the State Lecturer’s book and poetry contests. We are proud to have her as our member!!! |
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National Grange Reveals Online Membership Database
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The National Grange Membership Database site has been designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Written instructions, complete with video tutorials are also available for your convenience. Log-In credentials have been assigned to every Local Grange and can be obtained from our State Grange.
The sooner we have up-to-date information, the sooner we can finalize the initial Subordinate Quarterly Report that you will be able to submit electronically going forward once it is implemented. If you have questions or comments on the site functionality or on the data loaded for your local Grange, please contact Stephanie Wilkins in the national office via email to sw******@************ge.og or via phone at (202) 628-3507 ext. 101 |
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Washington State Grange Herd promises to be Heard!
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 At the recently concluded 125th annual convention of the Washington State Grange, Pierce the Elk (Washington State Grange’s original herd member) gained a herd of helpers. These new herd members received introductory training and have been sent out into the world with the Washington State Grange officers to assist their efforts to raise Grange awareness and increase our social media presence in communities across the state. Several of the  new herd members already have their own FB pages and are getting right to work. Herd members include Ollie the Mouse, Junior the Moose, Goatee the Goat, Bartlett the Buffalo, Percy the Penguin, Truman the Otter, Omaha the Tiger, Manilow the Bear, Mr. Crabby the Crab, Scoop the Pelican, Bessie the Holstein Cow, Shep the Dog, Roam the Bison, Spike the Rhino, Fiona the Fish and Tracker the Basset Hound. Please give a warm welcome to these new members of the herd! |
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Instructional Degree Video: First through fourth
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 Does your Grange need a refresher course on the first four Degrees? Well then, you’re in luck! The National Grange, in conjunction with the Assembly of Demeter and Granges and Grange members in Oregon and Washington, has put together an Instructional Degree video covering the first four Degrees of the Order. This DVD walks you through the key elements that encompass up each Degree. This is a perfect addition to any Grange just starting out or for those Granges who might have forgotten a few things. A single DVD is on sale for $5 or, if you prefer to buy in bulk, 10 DVDs are available for $45. Orders can be placed by calling National Grange Sales Director, Samantha Johnson, at 202-628-3507 ext 109. Make sure to order yours today! |
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Distinguished Grange Reminder
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 Reminder that the 2013-2014 Distinguished Grange Application due date is closely approaching. Last year we honored 10 State Grange and 50 Subordinate Granges at the 2013 National Grange Convention. This year 2 State and 6 Subordinate Granges are eligible for their fifth consecutive honor which means they will receive a plaque for their hall. The deadline is due August 15, 2014; make sure to get it in on time so we can celebrate you at the 2014 National Grange Convention. |
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125 years of continuity and character-building cornerstones of Junior Grange
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| By Lillian Booth National Junior Grange Development Director 
Many people we meet ask us “What is the Grange?” There are so many answers to that question subject to where we live and where we are in our Grange journey. Then we may be asked: “What is the Junior Grange?” One response is “Continuity.” Continuity — a special organization for the children of the next generation and the next. This concept was recently experienced by the family of National Grange President Ed Luttrell. Recently, President Luttrell had the honor and privilege of obligating his 5-year-old grandson, Mason, into the Junior Grange. According to Luttrell, Mason was a little overwhelmed with all of the adults in the room, so First Lady Celia Luttrell, carried their grandson to the Altar for the obligation. Secure there, he relaxed and enjoyed this special time with his grandparents. At his age, Mason does not know he is a third generation Junior Granger, and when he turns 14 he will become a fifth generation Grange member in the Luttrell Family. That is a lot of history for a little boy. We identify generations in the workplace as the Veterans, the Baby Boomers, the Gen X, Gen Y, Millennials, and various other names. The Grange encompasses all of these generations within our Halls. However, it is always the newest generation that is the best and brightest. Those are our Junior Grangers. What an opportunity these children have of constant contact with all generations, and what an opportunity for us to learn from our contact with these children.
Even with a focus on continuity, changes to the structure are important to keep the program vibrant. A chartered Junior Grange requires 13 children to begin, but the National Grange Delegates took a new look at the framework of the organization over the past few years. At their annual convention in November, 2013, delegates ratified a By-Law change allowing a Community Grange to have individual Junior Grange members participate in the Junior Grange programs. The new “One Plus Program” for Junior Grangers is relevant for the current time, encouraging an opportunity for all children to have a Junior Grange experience. With the One Plus Program, the Junior Grange continues to grow, one member at a time. Mason’s mother, Charlotte Taylor, said after watching her son become a Junior Granger, “I’ve always wanted to have my children participate in the Junior Program because it helped me so much to grow into the adult I am today. A good Junior program not only is about having fun with other kids, but it challenges its participants to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. It also teaches kids the importance of being a good person and helping others.” In just a few years, she knows her daughter, Anne, will also take the obligation and join her brother as a Junior Granger. Mason’s grandmother, Celia, said she wants to share with Mason “an organization that meant something to me and my children and now will mean something to my grandkids.” She also emphasized the bonds created in Junior Grange as a lifelong benefit. “It’s the friends you make. Some of the people that I know today were my friends in Junior Grange.” President Luttrell agrees that there are many opportunities the Grange can give to the children in any hometown across America. “I know there are so many children in need of what we have in the Junior Grange program,” Luttrell said recently. “Since 1888, our organization’s goal for the Junior Grange program is to serve as a well-rounded leadership development program, one that allows every child reach their full potential and to prepare them for that moment when they are eligible to join a Community Grange as a young adult. We understand that the way to help people and children is one at a time.” The Junior Grange has a rich heritage, built on looking forward. This opportunity is extended to Mason. What will he take from it? What will any Junior Granger take from it? That is not a question we can answer. But for today, to Mason we simply say “Welcome to the Junior Grange. It is so nice to see you. Let’s go have some fun!” Grangers around the nation stand with the Luttrells in urging parents and grandparents to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun through the Junior Grange. Find a Grange, or start one, in your community and open your hearts to children whose potential you want to foster by bringing them into this national family as a Junior Granger. Lillian Booth may be contacted at ju****@************ge.org for more information about the program, how a child may become a Junior Grange member or how you can join or start a Grange in your hometown. |
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Action Alert – Waters of the United States
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 The advocacy work continues here at the National Grange and we hope you can take a few minutes out of your day to help let the EPA know what we think about the proposed rules to Waters of the U.S. This is an important issue in the United States and one that affects Grangers, farmers, ranchers and all landowners.
The EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have published their proposed regulations and are attempting to and expand the scope of “navigable waters.” According to the National Grange Conservation Committee and the Legislative Policy and Priorities Booklet, the Grange recognizes the importance of and protection of all watersheds and the National Grange opposes any mandate that suggests all watersheds are to meet the same water quality standards. We need your help in making sure the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers know this. |
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Recipe: Banana Split Pie
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Pan size: 9 inch Yield: 6 to 8 servings Anita Bender, Sauvie Island Grange, Oregon From The Glory of Cooking |
Combine 2 cups milk, sugar and ½ teaspoon salt in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add ¼ cup cornstarch dissolved in ¼ cup milk. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in butter; cool. Combine pineapple, ½ cup sugar and ½ teaspoon salt in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add ¼ cup cornstarch dissolved in ¼ cup cold water. Cook over medium heat until thickened and clear, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool. Pour cream filling into pie shell. Top with pineapple filling. Arrange pineapple, bananas and maraschino cherries over filling. Chill until serving time. Garnish with whipped cream.
