| SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 -- ‘It is delightful to acquire knowledge and much more so to diffuse it.’ Thus says the Lecturer in the Third Degree. This is so true. On Saturday, August 24, I helped out at the Greenfield Hill Grange Fair with a table of some of my birding references and talked about birds. I shared my ideas of the mental process I use when birding in to identify what I see in two separate talks. People seemed to enjoy this and asked questions and shared their ideas.
In the meanwhile, during calmer moments, I have been reading “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars” by Col. Eileen M. Collins, USAF (Ret.) who was the first woman to command a space shuttle mission. Wow, what an energetic and driven individual. Reading this makes me feel like a slouch! If each of us had this drive, imagine where the Grange could go with this type of energy. It certainly gives one a goal for which to aim.
On the subject of acquiring and diffusing knowledge, to go one step further, I have relearned the Sixth Degree and rehearse it daily in order to share it with the assembled delegates and candidates at our 140th Annual State Session soon. As I go over it, I come to appreciate the beauty of the ritual and the meaning of its lessons more and more.
On that subject, our convention is coming up fast. I encourage as many of you as are able to register and attend even if not a delegate to see the workings of your Connecticut State Grange. Make sure that your Grange is represented. Submit your resolutions on any topics of importance to you or your Grange. There are guides on resolution writing available. Ask any state officer and I’m sure they will be glad to help you with how to compose a resolution if you are unsure. This is your chance to have an effect on our world starting from the grassroots and working upward. There will be much good socializing and work done at the Session.
The Big E or Eastern States Exposition may well be started by the time you read this. Thanks to Noel and Ted for their work on preparations being made for the fair. The vaccine booth will be hosted by the New England Grange Building again this year. A new platform has been built facing the New England state buildings for the vaccine booth. Supplies for the booth are being retrieved from storage in New York. Volunteer to help in the Connecticut room, in the Grange store, or selling quilt raffle tickets. Thanks to all the crafters who made items to sell in the NEGB. Dawn Percoski has been busy getting the store set up and items priced as well as organizing cleaning days.
The 1 in 1000 year flood from the storm that hit Oxford, Southbury and surrounding towns with 12-16” of rain in four hours on August 18 deposited two and a half feet of water in the basement of Oxford Grange #194. It was down to 10” by the time the fire department pumped it out. Our new toilets are covered in silt, bathroom vanities ruined, front doors on the lower level warped beyond repair, and leaving much to be thrown out. New padded chairs were soaked and ruined. Much clean up needs to be done. We hope the refrigerator and furnace will dry our and still work. At least the damage was restricted to the basement.
On the topic of 1 in 1000, but more positive, have you ever considered joining the 1 in 1000 Club by making a $1000.00 donation to the National Grange Foundation? This can be done in one payment or installments. The NGF is a worthy cause and helps to fund various Grange projects. The idea was to have 1000 numbered members which would mean an infusion of $1,000,000.00 to the NGF. Membership stands at 62, so there is a ways to go. Consider joining! It’s a good way to support the Grange.
If re-elected at State Session, I will be going to the National Convention in Bettendorf, Iowa this year. I have been busy with the Citizenship and Taxation Committee under the leadership of Michigan State Grange President Chris Johnson. It has been quite interesting going through the Present Policy and recrafting the Policy Statement. We have yet to receive resolutions for consideration as state conventions are still underway or upcoming.
Please try to complete and submit the Grange Member Satisfaction Survey. This will help National Grange with knowing what you like and don’t like in Grange so that positive changes for the good of the order can be had. Links have been distributed in the State Grange electronic newsletter put out by Terri Fassio.
Fair season is under way, so get out and visit a Grange or other agricultural fair. If you don’t see me on visitations, it is because I have been catching upon farm work. I am currently clearing 200’ of the north property line and area surrounding the riding arena from overgrowth stimulated by too much rain. I do hope to get out to see you all sooner or later. Esto Perpetua.
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