| September 4, 2022 -- As the summer ends and our kids/ grandkids head back to school and college, I wanted to share memories of Sunday, Aug. 14, when our Family Activities Dept. chaired by Dawn Percoski and our Lecturer’s Dept. chaired by me, co-sponsored the 2022 Connecticut State Grange Family Festival at Hillstown Grange in East Hartford. The day featured food, exhibits, contests and fun for all ages. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out over the two set-up days and to all our judges who had to make some extremely tough decisions over which entries were worthy of first, second or third prizes. And thanks to all who attended!
Our Connecticut State Grange Lecturer’s Department sponsored three contests at this year’s Family Festival: Photography, Talent and “A Number.”
I am pleased to report that the Connecticut State Grange Lecturer’s photography contest had over 40 entries in fi separate categories this year. And the winners selected by the judges are:
My America - 1- Michelle DeDominicis, Hillstown; 2- Shirley Moore, Riverton; 3- Dave Roberts, Riverton.
Animals - 1- Dawn Percoski, Vernon; 2- Dave Roberts, Riverton; 3- Barbara Foskett, Cheshire.
Flowers - 1- Judy Doyle, Riverton; 2- Angelina DeDominicis, Hillstown; 3- Dave Roberts, Riverton.
Grange Activities - 1- Dave Roberts, Riverton; 2- Dawn Percoski, Vernon; Susan Belle-Isle, Riverton.
Family Activities - 1- Barbara Foskett, Cheshire; 2- Susan Belle- Isle, Riverton; 3- Irene Percoski, Vernon.
Congratulations to all our winners and to all who entered their special photographs this year. First place winners received a newly designed Blue Ribbon and $10; second place winners received a newly designed Red Ribbon and $7; and third place winners received a newly designed White Ribbon and $3.
All winners have been paid their prize winnings and the winning photos will be displayed in the Break Room at Connecticut State Grange Convention this October 20-22 in Norwich. We certainly have many talented photographers among our Grange members!
The “Best in Show” GRAND PRIZE for Photography went to Dawn Percoski of Vernon Grange for her terrific award-winning photo in the Animal Category that I have affectionately titled “Dog kissing Girl!”.
The 2022 Talent Contest came roaring back to life following the pandemic and happened on August 14th and the First Prize winner was Lorraine Paul (“Raine Sings”) of Riverton Grange. Lorraine has agreed to perform at our Connecticut State Grange convention during the Friday, October 21, Celebration Banquet. You will surely want to attend this banquet and hear what a talented Granger we have within our midst! The “A Number” Skit Contest was won by Hillstown Grange ($50 gift card, plaque and blue ribbon) and second prize was awarded to North Stonington Community Grange ($26 gift card, certificate and red ribbon). Congratulations on the great skits!
Finally, I would like to appeal to all Community Granges in Connecticut to submit a simple one-page letter to Loretta Washington at lwashington@nationalgrange.org to be recognized as a Grange in Action 2022. Riverton Grange has already submitted their nomination and if five other Granges submit a nomination, Connecticut State Grange will be named a State Grange in Action 2022 and recognized at our National Convention in November. The Grange in Action program is designed to encourage all Granges to be active in their communities and complete events or projects, no matter how small. Any member of the community Grange can submit a 1-page letter with photos and a brief caption of a least 3 various events/activities with no more 6 pictures. The events should have been held between Sept. 1, 2021 and Sept. 1, 2022. You can e-mail you nomination to Loretta by MIDNIGHT on September 25, 2022. Here are the details: www.nationalgrange.org/grange-in-action/
As I close this month’s report, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of help or you would like for me to come visit your Grange.
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