My last two columns have been commentaries on the state of things in Connecticut Grange-dom, as it were. While some of you don’t like to read this, I felt certain things

needed to be said. I have received some feedback, going both ways, and appreciate your comments. It is not my intention to be a tyrant and can only form opinions of what is going on from those of you that shared your side of certain situations with me. There are always two sides to every conflict. Some sharing came after the article went to press. Consequently, some may have felt their side was not properly represented. Fair enough, but I would remind everyone of one principle: whether you remember it or not, we all took an oath from the Subordinate Manual or Welcoming Ceremony (or should have) when we joined. Secondly, we are all adults, and should come together and discuss issues AND listen to each other’s concerns. Votes taken should reflect the will of the majority and hopefully have concessions for VALID concerns of the minority. Votes of the majority should be respected.  Thirdly, it would be nice to see less drama. Fraternal relations do imply cooperation people.

This weekend coming up (06/29), we will travel to the New England Grange Building for clean-up day.  After the winter, we open the building, clean everything and get things in shape for the Big-E. As product is received, the shelves will be stocked after items are priced for sale. We look forward to a successful sales year as this is what enables us to maintain the NEGB and use it as a tool to help advertise Grange. Thanks to Noel and Dawn for all their hard work managing aspects of the NEGB. Also thanks to the many volunteers who give their time to the Big-E including Vice President Ted Powell and other volunteers. I hope you plan on coming to the Big-E perhaps to volunteer and enjoy the fair.  As I continue my travels with Hank the Burro, we enjoyed a Mystery Ride in Vernon, and the Beacon Valley Grange 136th Anniversary where Sister Joanne Cipriano was given her 75 year Membership Certificate and honored not only for years of service, but many offices held.

In my own Mountain Laurel Pomona #15, we have new officers at the helm with Dave Roberts replacing me as President and Patrick O’Brien of Winchester as Vice President, as well as other ‘newbies.” Maggie was overjoyed that I didn’t win the election and gave up the office. I wish them all well in their coming terms as I watch from the sidelines!

While we’re in the midst of a heat wave with 95 degree daily temperatures, I was struck today by the fact that the humidity stood at 40% for much of the day. I took a mile walk at the Bent of the River Audubon to birdwatch in this heat (yes, I am that dedicated) and am amazed that the animals deal with this now and also extreme cold in the winter as well. While hot, drier heat is a bit easier to take, I do marvel at people visiting the west where temperatures exceed 100 with dry heat (God bless you Jody and Jodi-Ann). I don’t wish to see that. My curiosity for weather extremes is very limited in that respect.

Soon it will be time for State session again and I anticipate starting soon to relearn the ritual. I wish you all a good and productive summer with a nice vacation somewhere pleasant. One of our Bethlehem Grangers is off to Maine with her family and I know they will have a nice time in each other’s company.

With deadlines and schedules as they are, get your resolutions on topics of concern to you and your Granges through you Community Granges, on to Pomona and then to State Session. We want to have some good discussions on topics of concern.