| May 3, 2021 -- Hopefully as you are reading this you have received your second dose of the vaccine and feeling some relief from the added layer of protection from the virus. The vaccines do not provide 100% protection but they do spare us from the most severe effects of the disease. With more and more of us getting vaccinated the possibility of re-opening our Grange halls and meeting places begins to appear on the horizon. Quite a few of our Granges are already meeting in-person while others continue to meet on Zoom. Still others have not had a meeting since this whole thing started last year. I hope all of our Granges are working towards re-opening safely.
The Connecticut State Grange has been planning for its own reopening as well. Contracts for our annual convention are always in place well in advance of October and this year is no exception. We are now under contract with the Holiday Inn Norwich for October 21, 22 and 23, 2021. As always, we are monitoring COVID conditions state and nationwide and always have alternative plans should an in-person meeting become difficult. I can tell you the room rate with the Holiday Inn will remain at $105 (plus taxes and fees). I am also working with the hotel staff on plans for holding our meeting as safely as possible. This may mean altering the way in which we have meal functions. If there are buffets, they may be served rather than self-serve or meals may need to be plated or boxed. The safety and well-being of our members will always be in mind as we finalize plans for the convention. It seems each year in this job brings a whole world of new challenges to overcome. Let’s all hope we get to our “new normal” soon!
It’s been slow going but the annual 990N ePostcard filings are progressing and Granges should be receiving their receipts of filing in the mail. Please file these away for safe keeping. It is your only proof of filing with the IRS and can be required for any number of financial transactions your Grange may make during the year.
There are still a few Granges that have not sent in their Bonding insurance payments for 2021. If your Grange is one of them, please get it in to the State Grange office as soon as possible.
In assembling this issue of the Granger, it was heartening to see the number of Granges that are getting into gear with meetings and activities, adapting to the challenges this pandemic presents. Keep up the great work!
Until next time…. Stay well and be safe.
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