| DECEMBER 1, 2023 -- The Connecticut State Grange was honored to receive a 2023 deaf awareness grant from the National Grange Foundation for $1,000. Following months of planning, the two day event was held on the campus of the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford.
The Planning Committee included ASD Staff and school resource librarian, as well as Judy Doyle from Riverton Grange, Carol Innes from Granby Grange and me.
In order to expand the relationship between the American School for the Deaf and the Connecticut State Grange, we decided to host two events that could unite the two communities and also help the surrounding community understand the special relationship between these two organizations.
Day #1 was held on Monday, October 30, and included an outdoor campus-based Trunk or Treat event for ASD students, their siblings and family members. Grangers from Granby, Riverton, Winchester, Mountain Laurel Pomona, and Rhode Island State Grange participated in this event by decorating their car trunks with special displays and passing out goodies. Over 45 vehicles participated in this event, despite the rain. Over 100 kids enjoyed the event and were presented with a specially designed Connecticut State Grange drawstring backpack designed by Terri Fassio. In addition, Grange stickers, pens, note pads, comic books, sign language books and other items were distributed.
Day #2 was held on Tuesday, October 31, and included an indoor costume parade and maze through the ASD resource center. Based on five children’s Halloween books, students, teachers, parents and invited guests were able to journey through the maze of five handcrafted sets with live Grange actors playing parts in the books.
Grange themes were emphasized. Granges represented included Granby, Simsbury, Riverton, and Mountain Laurel Pomona. Special thanks goes to the creative talents of Granby Grange Lecturer Judy Doyle who helped design all five sets in the library.
A video was created and edited by Terri Fassio of this event and can be viewed at https://youtube/1wC3hELfV6U . This video is also available on the Connecticut State Grange Facebook page.
The best part of this collaboration with the American School for the Deaf was rebuilding bonds and relationships for years to come. If you are interested in helping on future projects with the American School for the Deaf or on deaf awareness initiatives, please let me know. Riverton Grange actually
recruited new member Margot Fischer from our deaf awareness activities and Margot portrayed a witch on the Harry Potter set during our event.
Please let me know if you need any help for your Grange or a speaker, as I enjoy visiting other Granges as your State Grange Lecturer.
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