| May 3, 2021 -- As we approach the month of May and the weather is warming up, we should begin to plan our Spring and Summer events. I know a lot of our Granges are having plant sales and tag sales scheduled for May and June. Let us all hope the events are a great success! This is also the time to start planning our Agricultural Grange fairs. As we are planning these events; we must remember to follow the COVID-19 guidelines to make it safe for our members and our customers. If your Grange is planning to serve food at these events you must check with your Health District. I understand that some Health Districts do not allow food to be served unless you are a restaurant.
The Connecticut State Grange Membership Committee has been working hard to come up with a program for the Granges to increase their membership. They have been meeting every month to come up with ideas to help our Subordinate Granges. The committee has also sent out letters to each Grange Membership Chair and would like to set up a date to meet with you either in the form of an in-person meeting or on Zoom to go over ideas. Please let Faith Quinlan, our Membership Director, know when there is a good date to meet with your Grange.
In March, I sent out a questionnaire concerning what it costs to run your Grange this last year. By mid-April the date that I am writing this article; I have about 2/3 of the survey’s return. If your Grange has not filled it out and returned this questionnaire; please do so as soon as possible. You can even email me the survey. We will be setting up a Zoom meeting sometime near the end of May/early June to go over these surveys with the Masters or Representative from your Grange.
Unfortunately, in March we had two Granges that have turned in their Charters. They are Meriden Grange #29 and Redding Grange #15. We have lost six Granges in this last year, which is way too many. We must work with the Membership Committee to make our Granges stronger. This is so we do not continue to lose these Granges in our community.
As I am writing this month’s article, your State Grange is planning on having an in-person Annual Meeting in October! So, save the dates of October 21-23. I am encouraging all Grange members to get vaccinated for COVID-19 for your safety. Stay healthy and well and hope to see you soon.
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