| APRIL 26, 2009 -- When I was invited to attend a Grange meeting for the first time, I didn't think I would be interested in going. After all, what was the Grange? Now, seven years later, I have achieved the seventh degree or highest degree you can become in the Grange, I am an officer and member of two committees, and I look forward to attending our meetings and other functions.
On May 25, the Beacon Valley Grange will celebrate its 120th anniversary. Most people are not aware of the Grange and what it means to the community. When we saw an article in the paper about a crumbling World War I monument, we immediately voted to send $1,000 to help repair it.
This is just a small part of what the Grange does. We give contributions to many worthy causes in the community, give comfort to those ailing in convalescent homes in the area, supply clothing, toys and school supplies to foster children, and send boxes of comfort and treats to our servicemen and women in war zones.
Every year we name a Person of the Year award for people or groups for community service. Last year we honored Vets Who Care.
We also enjoy a great social atmosphere among our members with activity nights and other activities. The people in the Grange are friendly and helpful and represent all walks of life. We share recipes and techniques for household and yard work. We share travel experiences, and if we find a better way to travel somewhere or an obscure feature of a destination, we are quick to share it.
Many people think the Grange is just farmers getting together to discuss crops and cattle. This is far from what really happens.
We invite the people to come out and see who we are and what we are all about on our anniversary May 25: 1354 New Haven Road (Route 63), just up the road from Wal-Mart.
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