| FEBRUARY 1, 2026 -- I’ve just returned from the Northeast Leaders Conference held in Colchester, Vermont, and I’m pleased to report it was an energizing and productive gathering. Thirteen Connecticut State Grangers attended this year’s conference at the Hampton Inn in Colchester, joining fellow Grangers from across the region for learning, networking, and inspiration.
One of the highlights for me was the quality time spent with my fellow State Grange Lecturers from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. Together, we continued planning for our upcoming North East Lecturers Association (NELA) Conference, which will take place April 17–19, 2026, in Cortland, New York. I’ve written previously about this exciting, all-are-welcome conference, but I’d like to share a few additional details this month.
Conference attendees will be staying at the Quality Inn Cortland, located at 188 Clinton Avenue, Cortland, NY, conveniently next door to New York State Grange headquarters. To reserve your room for Friday and Saturday nights (April 17 and 18, checking out April 19), call 607-756-5622
and be sure to mention “Grange Conference.” Reservations must be made by April 1 to receive the reduced nightly room rate of $110 plus tax, which includes a complimentary full breakfast both mornings.
The weekend will be packed with opportunities to learn and connect. The conference theme is America
250. Attendees will participate in five seminars and workshops, all led by State Grange Lecturers. One of the many highlights will be a tour of the New York State Grange Museum, and we’re also planning a fun side trip to round out the experience. Food will be provided by New York State Grange members, so the cost for attendees will be very reasonable for the two lunches and one dinner. All attendees will receive a reusable bag full of goodies and a complimentary Lecturer’s Handbook to take back home.
On Sunday morning (April 19), following the church service, I’ll be partnering with Massachusetts State Grange Lecturer Deb Goodrich to co-host a 90-minute workshop focused on Project Sustenance and the Rural Life Initiative—two vital efforts shaping the future of our organization and our communities. You won’t want to miss it. If you would like to be part of this workshop and help in its planning, please contact me.
If there is sufficient interest, I would like to host a van to transport Connecticut Grangers to and from Cortland. There will be no charge to ride, but we do need to gauge interest. Please contact me by April 1 if you would like to travel with fellow Connecticut Grangers.
Finally, a friendly reminder: Connecticut State Grange’s color is ORANGE, so please wear something orange on Friday during our opening ceremonies to show our state pride.
This is truly a low-cost, high- impact event, open to all Grangers and even potential Grangers. Since NELA conferences are held only once every other year, I hope you will choose to take part in this special 2026 opportunity. I look forward to seeing many of you in Cortland this April.
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