March Agenda

2/15/2015

Opening the Grange

Committee Reports

Communications

Bills

Old business

New member initiation
Hall rental charges
Custodial work
Aurora Colony Days

Other

New Business

Grant Applications for Hall
Potluck marketing
Annual Cleaning
Other

News and Special Events

NOTE!
January meeting still early, 3:30 on January 22.

Pomona 5th degree at Maplewood September 23, Dinner by Youth Grange at 6, Lecture program at 7 and 5th degree starts at 7:30.

ZUMBA is again in session. Shake it up! - Call Cristina for details at 503-984-8193

As always, Maplewood Grange is looking for community minded folks willing to get involved and leave the world a bit better than they found it. Open to all since 1867.

From Patrons Chain Newsletter

What? Did I hear that correctly? Did National President Betsy and Membership/Leadership Development Director Amanda both just report at this year's National Grange session that our organization had an increase in fraternal membership?

Well, they did and we did have an increase in fraternal membership of over 700 members. This is the first time in several years (okay… decades!) that we can make that statement. This got me thinking - what is the reason, especially with all we have gone through in the past three years? You could argue that we should have either stayed the same or had a decrease in membership.

I firmly believe that it is in a large part because of what you as Grangers have done in your communities. You exemplified our core values of faith, hope, charity, and fidelity by not giving up and just going through the motions. You did the opposite and did what Grangers do best.

Granges opened their doors when allowed, and welcomed the community in. Granges adapted programming or thought of new programs to help the community get back to some type of “normal.” I cannot begin to count the number of Granges who changed the way they did dinners and went to drive-thru style. Communities responded, and the dinners were mostly selling out because you offered something that they were missing. Granges offered outdoor events of a wide variety which gave people a chance to socialize and be around others. Grangers put together seed and plant swaps because of the renewed interest in growing their own and farm-to-table.

Our hometowns and local areas responded in so many ways to the community service you provided, not only by supporting Granges in your endeavors financially. Instead, people wanted to be part of an organization that gives back and helps in so many ways. I truly believe our increase in fraternal membership is because of everything Granges did no matter how large or even the smallest gesture.

Our Founders would be extremely proud of all the work you have done. Your community service shows why the Grange is still relevant today as it was 150 years ago. Do I think this increase is a “fluke?” No, I do not.

In the words of Cade Howerton, a Junior Granger from North Carolina, “Have a Grange Day”.

Keep up the good Grange work!

March Agenda

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