Planning continues for the 2007 Lecturer’s Conference
By Marge Bernhardt, State Lecturer/Programming Director
MARCH 2007 -- It’s March and the ground hog said we’ll have an early spring. Let’s hope he is right. To everyone who is Irish, whether it is all year round or just on March 17th – “HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY’.
Lecturers’ Conference plans are proceeding well. Remember, Connecticut is hosting this year. Please plan ahead and save August 6-9 for the conference. And, if you can only get there one day, why not come for our program on Monday evening. Plans are falling into place. Volunteers are still needed, however. Our program is on History. Do you have or know of a number that would fit into the program? If so, please let me know.
As for 2008, a suggestion has already been made that it be on the weekend. A questionnaire went out the 1st of March asking for your opinion. If you didn’t get one, and have strong feelings, either for or against changing to the weekend, please contact me and let me know how you feel. I know that the last time this was tried Connecticut’s attendance was way down. Please voice your opinion and so I can accurately let the other State Lecturers know how you feel.
Easter will be here before you know it. The cards are already in the stores. And, while we remember our loved ones here in the States why not take a moment to remember a member of our Armed Forces serving overseas. You need to get it in the mail ASAP. Or, write a letter and let them know how we feel about them. I already received several letters from Southington Grange and by the time you read this they should have arrived in Iraq and Afghanistan. For those not familiar with this project — this is how it appears in the Blue Book.
A WORD FROM HOME - New this year. Write to a service man or women serving overseas or someone who has served and is now recuperating in a military hospital. Let’s let our troops know that we care. These can be sent to someone from your area, you can get addresses at anysoldier.com, you can bring them to the State Office or get them to me. Let’s aim for 10 letters from each Grange.
A Word From Home is an ideal project for members who want to help the Grange but are confined to their home. Please, let’s all start writing.
At a recent meeting of the New England Grange Lecturers a change was made to the Talent Contest. Instrumental numbers may now have an instrumental accompaniment. If you want a complete copy of the new rules, let me know or see your Pomona Lecturer. The Pomona Lecturers met the end of February and will have all the latest information.
With the good weather returning, I hope I will see more of you around the State. Visiting and helping other Granges is an important part of our work. What seems like the same old thing to your own Grange will be new material to someone down the road. I know a lot of people don’t like to drive after dark, but let’s all double up and take that extra person along when we visit. Together we can help our State Master stabilize Grange membership and help get our attendance figures up to where they were a few years ago.
Enjoy the warmer days of Spring. See you around the State.
