| AUGUST 1, 2023 -- While observing birds at the Bent of the River Audubon Center the other day, I was passing through the area known as the Cedar Field and chanced to look up into a snag (dead tree) and saw a blip on a thin branch. I pass through here frequently and was about to ignore it but upon reflection knew deep down it had to be something as I hadn’t noticed that blip before. Checking with my binoculars, it turned out to be a tiny hummingbird courtship display by a male Ruby-throated hummer in this area, so it made sense they had nested nearby. I would have missed it had intuition had not sent me back to observe more carefully what I chanced to notice. This brought to mind part of Pomona’s charge in the Second Degree: “That life may be profitable, laden with good fruits, let all endeavor that youth be studious and virtuous, replete with the blossoms of observation and study – the promise of future wisdom and usefulness.” Two days later, I observed a hummingbird in the same location a little earlier in the afternoon, likely the same bird, because I looked for him.
Thanks to the impetus of Jody Cameron and Todd Gelineau, our first Leadership Academy continues with great thought provoking sessions as we have completed session five as I write this. Attendance has been great and the program well-received by enrollees. Sessions are kept to about an hour and discussions and input by attendees are very valuable. The presenters have been fantastic, knowledgeable Grange people (Chris and Duane Hamp from Washington State among them). I hope to see more sign up for future iterations of the course. National President Betsy Huber has tuned in as well.
The 139th Annual Session of the CT State Grange is coming up quickly and I hope to see many of you there.
National Grange representatives have been requested. Hopefully, you are writing resolutions for the delegates to consider. Please understand that the rising costs of everything have forced an increase in the prices of registration and rooms for the session. This is unavoidable.
Resolution number 10 from the last session about the use of alcohol in Granges has resulted in the adoption of an Alcohol Policy by the State Grange Board of Directors. It outlines the specific procedure to follow in order to have consumption of alcohol on Grange premises for Grange events and non-Grange events hosted by the Grange. All Secretaries have received this written policy and it must be followed to protect the Grange at all levels. The State Grange does not advocate for or against the use of alcohol in our facilities but realizes this gives our Granges another option in terms of fundraising with the increased risk that it entails. A resolution will be presented at our 139th Annual Session to amend the by-laws in regards to the adoption of the alcohol use policy (resolution printed in the July issue).
Another important matter regarding the meeting forms taken by various Granges, varying from full traditional ritual to informal gatherings, concerns the IRS requirement to maintain our non- profit status. Per those regulations, we are required to keep the rituals of the Order. I know there are a variety of meeting styles and don’t mean to imply the IRS is going to demand pulling your charter but be advised of what is LEGALLY required for that non-profit status to be valid.
Terri Fassio does much to help us publicize our events, and I would like to remind you all to be respectful of her by allowing reasonable lead time with your requests for her services. She has much on her plate with her full- time job besides Grange work and personal issues, and while happy to assist you, cannot do it at the last moment. Do not ask her to make brochures, etc. a few days before events.
Another issue of confusion has been with Granges requesting grant money which is then forwarded to the Connecticut State Grange Foundation, our 501(c)3 non- profit. Granges are getting grants and they are arriving at State Secretary Todd’s desk without any information to connect them with a specific Grange because the Granges applying for them in some cases haven’t informed Todd that the money was applied for and that he should be expecting these checks. Unattributed checks cannot be processed, and funds distributed until they are linked to the grantee Grange (and the funds properly requested for payment to the Grange from the Foundation). If your Grange is applying for grants that will go through the Foundation, please let Todd know of such or you will not see your money promptly.
As I am memorizing the Master’s part of the Sixth Degree for the October Session, I am struck by some of the ritual and forced to reflect on it as I observe activities and goings on in various Granges I have been made aware of some conflicts of personality among Grangers. As our numbers have grown some as of recent, that is positive, but our State Grange is a shadow of what it was when I joined in 1988. Shrinking numbers tend to force us into closer proximity and stresses increase as less do more work. In the sixth degree Obligation, candidates pledge to promote the welfare of the Order and advance the interests of all members. While we can’t all agree all the time, I would plead with all to seek common ground and compromise on issues, especially contentious ones. This means no strong-arming of one’s will as a Grange leader on the other members. Anything coming before a Grange as business should be discussed and voted on if it concerns your Grange and its property. We are after all a democratic organization. By the way, even if you haven’t taken the sixth degree, this is still a good maxim to follow, and the sentiment can be found in other degrees as well.
As I continue to visit Granges, I am touched by the dedication of our Grangers and all that you do for your communities and the Grange in general. Even those Granges struggling to keep open are fighting hard to carry on. I hope that our Membership Committee can help these Granges to procure new members and become stronger. It is easy to become discouraged and give up, but I hope for a better tomorrow with gains in membership continuing. The Committee has some very capable people on it with proven track records. Thank you all for your dedication!
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