Honoring Grangers - Pennsylvania State Grange

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February/March 2016
Grange News
Honoring Grangers
Pennsylvania Grange News
20 Erford Road, Suite 216
Lemoyne, PA 17043
1-800-552-3865
www.pagrange.org
Elizabeth Downey
PA State Grange President
[email protected]
Stacy Bruker, Editor
PR/Membership Director
[email protected]
Follow the PA State Grange
Twitter - @PAGrangePR Facebook – PaStateGrange
A portion of members' dues is paid as a subscription.
Pennsylvania Grange News is published bi-monthly by the
Pennsylvania State Grange.
Table of Contents
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5
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From the President
Youth News
Grangers Helping Others
Scenes from the Farm Show
Membership Contest
The Pennsylvania State Grange and the
National Grange offer numerous benefits
and savings programs to their members. In
each issue of PA Grange News we are going to
highlight one or more of these benefits.
As you make your travel and vacation
plans for the coming year, remember these
important discount programs.
Grange members
save 20% at over
4,000 Comfort
Inns, Comfort
Suites, Quality Inns,
Sleep Inns, Clarion
Hotels, MainStay Suites, EconoLodge, and Rodeway
Inn hotels worldwide. To make reservations please
call 1-800-258-2847 or visit www.choicehotels.com
and provide the National Grange ID code number
00211660.
As a Grange member,
you will receive
discounted rates as well
as other promotional
offers such as a one
class car upgrade, $10 off a weekly rental or $15 off a
weekend rental.
Please call 888-447-2643 ext 107 to request your free
Hertz Member Savings Cards. To make reservations,
please visit the hertz website, www.hertz.com or call
800-654-2200. The Grange CDP# is 1516203.
Honoring Grangers
Cover Photo Credit:
Brian Ebersole
Community Grange #1767
Perry County
Page 2
Benefits of Being
a Granger
Deadline
Items for the April/May Issue
are due by March 16. Send to
[email protected] or to
the State Office via US mail.
From the
President’s
Desk
Elizabeth Downey
PA State Grange President
[email protected]
Welcome to another New Year! While I’ve never made
resolutions for a new year, I find myself contemplating
health as we begin 2016. Sure, I’d like to get rid of forty
pounds, and while I continue to work on that, let’s look
at some realistic health goals.
The Bible instructs us to take care of our bodies, I
interpret that to mean from head to toe and everything
in between. January is National Eye Exam month;
check to see when you had your last eye exam and make
an appointment if it’s been over a year. God blessed
us with eyesight to see his marvelous creations, it’s
important we take care of our eyes. Don’t have vision
insurance? The State Grange offers great coverage and
rates; call Sandy at the State Office to learn more. When
was your last complete physical exam? What about the
dentist or other specialist?
At our Farm Show Legislative Meeting, PA Physician
General, Dr. Rachel Levine, presented information
on immunizations. If you did not get your annual flu
vaccine, go now, it’s not too late! Have you had the
pneumonia vaccine, a tetanus booster and are your
kids vaccinated? Dr. Levine also talked about the
necessity of adults having an updated whooping cough
(pertussis) vaccination. With the arrival of our seventh
great grandchild, daughter and RN, Susan, suggested
the adults in our family get this vaccine. Make sure all
your children keep updated with vaccinations. If you
ever had shingles, you know how painful it is. Now
there is a vaccine (Zoster) for that as well. Go to www.
immunize.org for more information on vaccinations.
Dr. Levine also discussed the extremely critical
issue of heroin and opioid addiction and overdoses.
This is the number one cause of accidental death in
Pennsylvania and a growing medical crisis across
the county. Every single one of us has been or will be
affected by this problem. Let’s get our heads out of the
sand and acknowledge it. EVERY home should have
Narcan (Naloxone) and training on its use to save lives
in the event of an overdose.
Mental health should be given equal importance
and consideration when determing our health goals
for the coming year. Many people want to hide this
health topic under the rug, but it’s too important and
affects too many families. SAD — seasonal affective
disorder — affects many people this time of year, with
the cold weather and extended darkness. SAD can be
very serious and is a leading cause of suicides. If you
or someone you know might suffer from SAD, please
seek help from your primary care physician (PCP)or a
mental health specialist.
And to keep all this health information organized,
consider keeping a sheet of medical information for
each family member. Include immunizations, allergies,
important surgical procedures, medications, insurance
and your PCP. This kind of information is especially
useful when travelling.
The Good Lord gave us only one body to last our
lifetime; take care of it so you can do good Grange work
in 2016! May God bless each of you with a prosperous
New Year and good health!
Mid-Atlantic
Lecturer's
Conference
May 13-15, 2016
Hosted by Ohio
Registration forms will be included
in the annual Lecturer's mailing.
This conference is for any Grange
member who wishes to attend.
Please consider assisting your
Lecturers/Program Directors with
the cost of attending.
Page 3
Welcome New Grange Members
Baileyville #1991, Centre Co.
Joshua Butler
Big Knob #2008, Beaver Co.
Kaitlyn Daniel
Kaylee Dean
Jacob DiCenzo
Hailey DiCenzo
David Eisenbrown
Sara Graziani
Alyssa Grunnagle
Damian Grunnagle
Evan Larrick
Jordon Leonberg
Hannah Leonberg
Jarrod Leonberg
Mia Leonberg
Big Knob #2008, Beaver Co. (cont’d.)
Allison Mueller
Tyler McCoy
Jacob Miles
Ronald Miles
Shelby Vales
Taylor Wright
Noah Yeck
Josh Yeck
Sarah Yeck
Landen Young
Trenton Young
Landon Zeiber
Richland #1413, Venango Co.
Vicky Ostenson
James Runninger
Carmichaels #1389, Greene Co.
Beverly Sonden
Karen Taylor
Virginville #1832, Berks Co.
Rebecca Zinn
Union City #89, Erie Co.
Nancy Burnett
Kayla Hoffman
Teresa Reitano
Steve Waldmann
Victor #159, Centre Co.
Barbara Poorman
Scott Dreibelbis
“As we enclose you within a circle of friendship, so does the Grange pledge to you pure friendship, enduring through life.”
- From the New Member Welcoming Ceremony
D O
Y O U
N E E D
V I S I O N
I N S U R A N C E
The open enrollment period for Vision
Insurance through the State Grange
is June 1 - June 30 each year. If you
wish to change the insurance plan you
currently have or you would like to apply
for insurance, it must be submitted in
writing using an Enrollment Change Form.
The form is available on our website or
by contacting the State Grange office.
Please call Sandy Herman, 800-552-3865,
if you have questions or need additional
information. Change forms must be
postmarked by June 30, 2016.
Page 4
Government
Relations Update
The PA State Grange is currently accepting
appllications for a part-time government
relations director. The position reports directly
to the president and is the primary legislative
representative for the PA State Grange.
A full job description is available at
www.pagrange.org.
The Grange has contracted with Vince Phillips,
president of Phillips Associates, to fill in as
our interim government relations director until
someone is hired.
Vince has extensive lobbying experience and
works with numerous agriculture organiazations
in Central PA. We’re glad to have Vince working
on our behalf in Harrisburg.
S
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The PA State Grange Youth and Young Adults Committee is busy working on
plans for the coming year! Details on all our events will be in PA Grange News, on
the State Grange website and our Facebook page: Pennsylvania State Grange
Youth and Young Adults. Watch for these upcoming events:
* Youth/Junior Lock-In
* Grange Invasions
* Eastern Regional Youth Conference, 8-10 April in Atlantic City, NJ
* Youth Camp
* And other exciting events.
If you have any ideas, questions or want more information, please contact Ellen
Wadsworth, Youth Director at: [email protected] or 417-967-6474.
PA STATE GRANGE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Pennsylvania State Grange is now accepting applications for the following scholarships:
• PA State Grange Foundation - available to any Granger in good standing entering their
Junior or Senior year at any institute of higher learning studying any subject.
• Rhone Scholarship - eligible candidates must be pursuing a degree in agriculture or
human development and family services at Penn State and be a Grange member in good
standing.
• Deaf Interpreter Scholarship - applicants must be a Grange member in good standing
and enrolled in a credible program leading to certification as an interpreter for the deaf.
• Santee Student Loans - interest free loans available to Grange members and their
children.
Additional information and applications are available at www.pagrange.org or by calling the
State Grange office at 800-552-3865.
Deadline: Applications MUST be postmarked by May 1, 2016.
Page 5
Grangers Helping Others
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In October 2014, during her senior year at Pine Grove Area High
School, Michelle was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
She received treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, at
Hershey Children’s Hospital. During her stays, she recognized the
importance of many charities that support patients of the hospitals. Left to Right: Richard R. Kieffer, Virginville promotion
committee co-chair; Brenda E. Lengel; Lee W.
Michelle, the eighteen year-old daughter of Donald and Brenda
Gougler, Virginville community service committee
Lengel, is a lifetime member of Virginville Grange #1382 in Berks
chair; Michelle B. Lengel; Henry L. Seidel, Virginville
County.
treasurer; Donald D. Lengel; Elaine N. Miller,
With Michelle on the road to remission by the middle of summer,
Virginville promotion committee co-chair
the idea of Virginville Grange fundraising for her had surfaced. The
Community Service Committee of Virginville Grange approached Michelle and her family about holding their
annual Fall Benefit Bingo in her honor to benefit the charities that supported her through her journey to cure her
Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Michelle accepted and as they say — “The rest is history.” The Promotion Committee of
Virginville Grange stepped up and the Benefit Bonanza idea was born.
Festivities of the Benefit Bonanza included a raffle boasting 78 prizes and selling more than 5,000 tickets, a soldout bingo event with 165 players, and a benefit night/dance/hoedown with 250 supporters attending. Michelle came
home from college and greeted everyone who participated in the bingo event and benefit night. At the benefit night,
an inspirational greeting from Michelle received a standing ovation “It is truly the dedicated Grangers, generous
local businesses, and thoughtful individuals working together that made this such a success,” remarked Elaine N.
Miller, Secretary of Virginville Grange, “We can all accomplish so much more when we work as one.”
As part of the Christmas program festivities held Wednesday, December 16, 2015, Virginville Grange presented a
check for $25,000, for distribution to local charities, to Michelle and her parents. Michelle
told members present, “The outpouring of
support has been amazing and has
spiraled beyond my wildest dreams. This
donation is going to provide immediate
assistance to pediatric patients just like
myself. Words can’t express the level of
appreciation and gratitude that I feel right
now.”
The first week of the new year may have
been cold and blustery, but Michelle
warmed the hearts of many by handdelivering the following donations:
$16,000 to Four Diamonds Fund, $7,500
to Make-A-Wish Foundation, and $1,500
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Page 6
Grangers Helping Others
Stony Point #16
94
Stony Point Grang
e #1694 members,
(left to right)
Ken Ammann, Kat
hy Ammann, and
Sh
erry Bortz,
stand in front of th
e 400 grocery bags
they helped
pack for holiday di
stribution by a loca
l food pantry
to those in need.
Growing a community Grange is not necessarily an
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easy or particularly gratifying task. At best, results
ou
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can be slow but hopefully reasonable. A Korean
Go Y
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v
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&
help to people without verified
ty Plumsteadville #173 humanitarian
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needs.
,
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iamond
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Once upon a time a monkey and a fish were caught up in a great flood. The
By: Dr. J
monkey, while agile and experienced, had the good fortune to scramble up a tree to safety. As he looked
down into the raging waters he saw a fish struggling against the swift current. Filled with a humanitarian desire to help his less
fortunate fellow, he reached down and scooped the fish from the water. To the monkey’s surprise, the fish was not very grateful for
the aid.
To grow the Grange in communities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is necessary that “felt” needs
of the people are identified and properly addressed through Grange member efforts. What may appear to Grange
members to be a dire need by certain segments of society, and efforts are made to offer assistance, may result in
ungrateful feelings. The Grange should not “monkey” around trying to be a good samaritan based on “fishy” opinions.
The intended benefactors may not be grateful for the assistance.
Before Grange members make decisions to support beneficial community projects, the needs must first be
documented and verified by involving community leaders and the people to develop a plan that focuses on “helping
themselves.” There is a 2000-year old Chinese poem that best describes how this point can be achieved:
To the people
Learn from them, love them
Start with what they know
Build on what they have
But of the best leaders
When their task is accomplished
And their work is done
The people will remark
“We have done it ourselves.”
No matter what phase a community’s economic development may be at, its people have their pride, dignity and
integrity. People’s perceived lifestyles often have a powerless or bleak destiny. Grange members who help people help
themselves generally results in solving needy issues far beyond planned expectations.
Patrons, go ye into the world of your local communities to identify needs and help people help themselves. Don’t
fret about the pay! No pay is worth the joy of hearing proud people in your communities say, “We have done it
ourselves.”
Page 7
Scenes from
the 2016
Farm Show
PA State Grange Royalty at the Blue Ribbon Reception
tate
Dr. Levine, PA S
ral
Physician Gene
The Prize
The Reybu
r
children v n
isiting
the Grang
e Booth
Volunteers in the Grange Booth
Vince Phillips, interim Government Relations Director,
presenting to attendees at the Farm Show meeting.
Page 8
Wheel!
2015-16 Grange Membership
Recruitment Programs
The PA State Grange is giving away THREE $1000 GRANTs to
the Granges that Recruit the Most New Members.
Program Guidelines:
1. The winning Granges will have the highest “percentage increase of new members” between July 1 (beginning of
the 3rd quarter) and June 30 (end of the 2nd quarter). For Example, the 2015-16 contest includes membership
recruitment from July 1 2015 — June 30 2016.
2. Initial membership count for each Grange will be based on the ending membership numbers reported on their 2015
2nd quarter report.
3. One $1000 grant will be awarded to the top recruiting Grange in each of the following membership catagories:
a. 20 or less members
b. 21 - 49 members
c. 50 or more members
4. Winning Granges will be identified after 2nd quarter reports of the community Granges are received by the State
Office. Winners will be announced at State Session.
5. To take advantage of any media, event, and photo opportunities, the PR/Membership Director of the PA State Grange
should be informed if the funds are being used for a specific project or event.
Each One Get One
In addition to the $1000 Grant for your Grange, individuals can earn
the following membership awards.
Recruit 13 NEW Members - earn a LIMITED EDITION Grange
watch AND $50 cash
Recruit 7 - 12 NEW Members - earn a LIMITED EDITION
Grange watch and be entered into a drawing for one of FIVE $50 cash
prizes (one entry for each member recruited)
Recruit just one new member and be entered into a drawing for
one of FIVE $50 cash prizes (one entry for each member recruited)
(Contest dates are the same as the Grange Grant program above. Recruitment
report forms are due to the State Office by August 31. The form will be available
on the Grange website, www.pagrange.org, or by contacting the State Grange
Office.)
Stacy Bruker, PR &
Membership Director of
the PA State Grange, is
available to help YOUR
GRANGE RECRUIT NEW
MEMBERS!
She can present a
program to get MEMBERS
excited and prepared to
GET ONE!
Page 9
Chaplain’s
Corner
Jennifer Nauss
PA State Grange Chaplain
[email protected]
Greetings from South Central PA! I hope you and your
families had a joyous Christmas season and a happy,
healthy start to 2016.
Our world today is full of turmoil — full of trials
and tribulations for each of us as individuals, for our
communities, our nation and our world. Rarely a day
goes by without hearing of tragic events happening in
our local or global communities. Now, more than ever,
our differences divide us and often prevent us from
working together to find solutions to the world’s many
problems.
It is difficult not to feel demoralized and frustrated
at times about the state of our world. However, in our
times of worry and fear, we should remember that God
has not abandoned us. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “Fear
not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will
uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
In John 14:27, Jesus told His disciples, “Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as
the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid.” In John 16:33, Jesus again told
His disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in
me you may have peace. In this world you will have
trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Even in the bleakest of times, the light of hope shines.
We should look for God’s blessings in our lives. As a
well-known hymn reminds us, “Count your many
blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise
you what the Lord hath done.” God has blessed us with
many gifts — our families, our friends, our health —
and many small gifts we often take for granted.
So, even in times of despair and distress, always
remember that God is with us and will take care of us.
Deuteronomy 13:6 tells us, “Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the
LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you
nor forsake you.”
Page 10
In
Memoriam
Harold Cotner
California #941
Montour Co.
Margaret Goodwin
Forkston #1153
Wyoming Co.
Alice Denison
Forkston #1153
Wyoming Co.
Joyce Kotzen
Valley #1184
Montour Co.
Shirley Dreibelbis
Virginville #1832
Berks Co.
LeLa Smith
Beech Flats #336
Bradford Co.
Jean Wagoner
Chippewa #1592
Beaver Co.
We have a significant inventory
from the recent sale of Grange
buildings that we want to offer to
other Granges.
Items include: furniture, kitchen
acessories, regalia, song books and
much more.
Contact the State Office for a
complete list of items. Items are
located throughout the State and
you/your Grange will need to make
arrangements for pick up.
New Year
New Goals
Debbie Campbell
PA State Grange
Secretary
It's great to celebrate the birth of our Lord, but greater
still is the realization that He is born every day within
the temple of our heart and lives with us eternally.
As we start this New Year and consider resolutions to
make, let us keep this thought at the center of our life
and think how we can live it
every day.
The New Year
I found the following
stands before us,
information on New Year’s
like a chapter in
Resolutions and think it
a book, waiting
would give us all something
to think about when
to be written. We
making a resolution.
can help write that
Make New Year's goals.
story by setting
Dig within, and discover
goals.”
what you would like to have
— Melody Beattie
happen in your life this
year. This helps you do your
part. It is an affirmation that you're interested in fully
living life in the year to come.
Goals give us direction. They put a powerful force into
play on a universal, conscious, and subconscious level.
Goals give our lives direction.
What would you like to have happen in your life this
year? What would you like to accomplish? What good
would you like to attract into your life? What particular
areas of growth would you like to have happen to you?
What blocks, or character defects, would you like to
have removed?
What would you like to attain? Little things and big
things? Where would you like to go? What would you
like to have happen in friendship and love? What would
you like to have happen in your family life?
What problems would you like to see solved? What
decisions would you like to make? What would you like
to happen in your career?
Write it down. Take a piece of paper, a few hours of
your time, and write it all down - as an affirmation of
you, your life, and your ability to choose. Then let it go.
Happy
y
a
d
h
t
Bir
William Davis
February 28, 1925
Carmichaels #1389
Greene Co.
Dr. Donald Goetsch
December 27, 1923
Mt. Nebo #1872
Allegheny Co.
Frances Sones
March 6, 1920
Canusargo #27
Lycoming Co.
Betty Ulreich
February 8
Burgettstown #1502
Washington Co.
Adam Wambach
January 13, 1920
Sanatoga #25
Montgomery Co.
Page 11
Preventing Falls on the Farm
Last winter, Jason needed to make a “quick” repair to the barn roof. Thinking it would be quick and he’d be careful,
he grabbed a ladder and set about tackling his project. The last thing he remembers is the ladder giving way. After
a trip to the ER and two broken bones, he realizes he is lucky things weren’t worse. Simply thinking he’d be careful
wasn’t enough. Now, he’s committed to making sure he has a plan in place for preventing falls.
Learn from Jason. Think about the job being done and make a safety plan. Here are some tips to prevent falls.
• It will often be safer to use a platform on a forklift truck or a tower scaffold than a ladder. Ladders should only
be used when there is no safer way of doing the job.
• Never use makeshift alternatives to ladders such as buckets, boxes, or pallets.
• When using a ladder, make sure it is in good condition and tall enough for the job. Ensure the ladder is tied
or footed. Never set up a ladder on uneven ground.
• Check the location of roof-lights before crossing a roof and plan a path to avoid them. A roof-light won’t hold
a person’s weight.
• Check for corrosion of the sheets on a corrugated iron roof from below and above.
• Check that moss or accumulated dirt hasn’t made a roof slippery before walking on the surface.
If an accident happens, do you have disability insurance for yourself or injured workers? The Pennsylvania State
Grange endorses Gunn-Mowery for members’ insurance needs. The professionals at Gunn-Mowery will work with
you to find the right disability insurance. They can also help find the best options to protect your home, auto, farm,
business, Grange hall and more. In addition, Gunn-Mowery provides medical coverage for groups as well as life,
long-term care, and Medicare Supplement for individuals.
For more information and to receive a no-obligation quote for your Grange or personal insurance needs, call Linda
Willis or Dave Schlosberg at (800) 840-1243.
Have YOU Considered
Serving as a State Officer?
Officers of the PA State Grange are the leaders
of the organiazation. They play a major role in the
planning and implementation of the programs of
the State Grange. Everything from membership
recruitment programs to events and summer camps.
At our Annual Session in October we will be electing a full slate
of officers. If you would like to know more about the duties
and resposibilities of each officer, visit www.pagrange.org or
contact the State Office for the full listing.
Page 12
Attention ALL GRANGERS
Have you heard about the 1+ Junior Grange Program?
Lurae Benzio, PA State Grange Junior Director
I want all Grange Members to know that you do NOT have to
have a chartered Jr Grange in order to have Juniors in your
Grange! (That almost sounds like a tongue twister). Below
is a section from the National Jr. Grange website explaining
the 1+ JG Program that was adopted at National Session a
few years ago. I heard many times during my first year as
your State Director that, “We don’t have a Junior Grange, so
we can’t have Juniors”. PLEASE take the time to read the
info and ASK me questions on how you can provide a great
location for the young people in your community (maybe even
your own grandchildren, nieces & nephews etc.) to enjoy and
participate in Community Service projects, contests, and
State-wide events!
WHAT IS THE 1+ JUNIOR GRANGE PROGRAM?
At the 147th Annual Session of the National Grange, in
Manchester New Hampshire, the delegates adopted changes
to requirements for Junior Grange membership which allows
for individual Junior Grange membership in any Subordinate/
Community Grange. This means any Subordinate/Community
Grange can have a Junior Grange Program with as little as
one child age 5 to 14 years of age. That is the "1" part of the
Secretaries
Source
Sandy Herman
PA State Grange
Office Manager
[email protected]
A NEW YEAR
Happy New Year!
With the start of 2016 comes the beginning of mailings
from the State Office and Departments. With your
role as Secretary comes the vital task of distributing
information. During January we will be mailing the
Family Activities Packet (including tickets to the
Subordinate Granges) and the 2016 Quarterly Dues
Packet to you. Please pass the Family Activities (FA)
packet to your FA Director.
Please note that the new rates for Lifetime Membership
are in effect as of January 1, 2016. There is no change to
program. The "+" part of the program is that you don't have
to stop at 1, it is just the starting point.
By using the Junior Grange 1+ Program, any Subordinate/
Community Grange, anyplace in the Nation, can start with
a single Junior Grange-age child and build a Junior Grange
program from there. The process to start a Junior Grange 1+
Program is easy.
The Junior Granger completes an application, submits it to
a Community/Subordinate Grange, and receives the Junior
Grange Obligation from the Subordinate President.
At that point, the Junior member may participate in any and
all of the age-appropriate contests and activities open to
them.
As your Junior membership grows, make plans to charter a
full Junior Grange in the future. All Junior Grange 1+ members
will automatically become members in the newly chartered
Junior Grange.
So don’t wait for 13 kids to show up at your door, start today
with that one kid and before you know it, you’ll have enough
for a Junior Grange!
the deduction for Lifetime Memberships on the 2016
Quarterly Report. The Youth deduction has decreased
by $.50 to $7.50. This is the result of Delegate action
at the 2015 State Session where the Delegates voted to
increase Youth Dues from $12 to $14.
We are also trying to collect more data on new
members (including email addresses) so you will notice
some changes to the Member Update Form. Whenever
possible, please also include a copy of the original
application. Don’t forget about the State and National
Membership Contests! It is up to you to report the
recruiting efforts of your members!
As always, please know that we are here to be a resource
for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Here’s to a
successful 2016 for all our Granges!
Page 13
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Goshen Grange
The members of Goshen Grange #121 recently hosted an Open House
to honor their new dignitary — newly elected National Grange President/
Master Betsy Huber.
Sister Huber was elected and took over as Master of the National
Grange at the National Grange Session in Lincoln, Nebraska on November
13,
2015.
Her home Grange, Goshen Grange #121 in West Chester,
Chester County, wanted to demonstrate how proud
they are of Sister Huber. She has been a member of
Goshen Grange since she was 5 years old. Almost 100
guestsfrom across the region made the trek to West
Chester to congratulate Sister Huber.
There were many Grangers from Pennsylvania as
well as New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia.
Relatives, personal friends, and local elected officials
also stopped by to congratulate Sister Huber. The
guests were treated to finger foods, punch and
a beautiful cake depicting an agricultural theme.
Congratulations Sister Huber! We are all so very
proud of you!
Page 14
Diamonds Named
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PA State Grange President, Beth Downey
(pictured left), recently attended the annual
Christmas party at Plumsteadville Grange
#1738 in Bucks County to present the Friend
of the Grange Award to Dr. James (pictured
right) and Betty Diamond. With the recent
passing of Betty, it was a bittersweet moment.
The Diamonds were recipients of this award in
recognition of their extensive work with the
Grange, Penn State Cooperative Extension, the
Peace Corps, his professorship at Deleware
Valley University and numerous contributions
to many other organizations. Dr. Diamond has
written many books on both scientific research
and memories of the their work in Africa and
other travel experiences.
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Elizabethtown Area Grange #2076 recently
honored Sara Shank (pictured left) with thier
Granger of the Year Award. “Sara’s service
to Elizabethtown Grange has been invaluable
over the years,” said Grange president Matt
Espenshade. The presentation was made during
their annual Holiday party in December. The
Elizabethtown Junior Grangers were also
recognized for their community service work.
Windfall Grange #257 recently
honored Grangers for their years
of service. Pictured left to right:
Larry Fleming (50 years), Kathy
Fleming (50 years), Beth Downey
(Grange President), Clif Fleming (25
years), Elwin Fleming (25 years),
Robert Storch (50 years - Beech
Flats #336), Ellen Foust (65 years).
Page 15
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Pennsylvania State Grange
Pennsylvania Grange News
20 Erford Road
Suite 216
Lemoyne, PA 17043
April is Grange Month
Is your Grange making plans?
Open Hous e
Famil y
G am e Night
Can didates Forum
Free Bingo
Free Public
Dinner
Community Night
No matter what the event - we’d love to see it in “PA
Grange News”. Submit your story and photos to Stacy at
[email protected].