| SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 -- It continues to be VERY busy at Winchester Grange and September will be no exception!
Before we get into coming events, we need to make members aware of developments regarding the Winchester Center Post Office housed in our Grange Hall. For more than 18 years, the Post Office has been located in our hall and the agreement reached at that time provided for a very small amount of rent with the heat and electricity paid for by the Grange. It has always been considered a community service of this Grange to make every effort to have the P.O. remain in Winchester Center, thus preserving the 06094 zip code. After reviewing actual expenses, it has been learned that it costs the Grange more than double what we receive in rent to maintain the P.O. We are now in negotiations to have an adjustment in their rent.
What started our review was a letter from the Compliance Dept. of the USPS asking the Grange to pay for extensive renovations to their space to bring them into compliance with the many handicapped accessibility requirements. Among many improvements are van accessible parking, railings, ramps, painting, resealing of the parking surface and new doors, locks and hardware. After discussing this with the USPS, it was agreed THEY would foot the bill for these improvements with the approval of the Grange. We will keep you posted!
The busy month of September kicks off with our Fall Tag Sale on Sept. 7 from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. at the hall. Come and get your treasures!
All four degrees will be conferred on Tuesday Sept. 10 and 17. Granges with candidates are encouraged to contact me if you would like to participate- (860) 626-0326.
Due to scheduling issues, Mountain County Pomona has asked to have their officers installed with ours at our Sept. 24 meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:30 P.M. and the installation will be conducted by Edith Schoell and her team.
On Sept. 14 Winchester Grange will again participate in Winchester Day, an event planned for more than six months by representatives of the Grange, Winchester Center Cong. Church, Winchester Center Historical Assoc. and the Winch. Center Fire Department. There will be a Car Show on the Green, Cider Pressing and woodworking demonstrations at the Chapel and the Grange will have a hot dog and apple crisp booth, craft vendors, an all ages Coloring Contest and continuous showings of the Winchester Grange 125th Anniversary video. Admission is free of charge from 10:30 to 2:30 P.M. Rain Date is the following day, Sun., Sept. 15.
Sept. 7: Fall Tag Sale, 8 to 2
Sept. 10: First & Second Degrees, Ref. Craig Leifert
Sept. 14: Winchester Day (Craft Sale, Food & Contests at the Grange)
Sept. 17: Third & Fourth Degrees, Potluck Harvest Supper at 6 P.M.
Sept. 24: Installation of Officers with Mountain County Pomona, 7:30 P.M. (Winchester Grange Hall)
Oct. 11: Fall Super Prize Party |
