| JANUARY 2, 2024 -- As I write this, the winter solstice and season are approaching in about three weeks. By the time you read this, it will be winter time. The trees have lost their leaves and migratory birds are mostly gone. While grass is still green, it won’t be for long. Our Grange ritual tells us in the Fourth Degree to picture a farm in winter season wherein we may rest from out toils of the year. One of the symbols is the feast which brings to mind family gatherings for the holidays.
As nature makes a regression of sorts as things go dormant, it reminds me of the sanctity of life and how we should be thankful for every day.
Respect the fraternal teachings of the Order that it may increase the harmony among us; let petty squabbles fall away and work together without disagreement. We don’t all agree all the time but let us work better together for the good of the whole.
The sanctity of life is made apparent as we mourn those who have left us. I had the opportunity to attend calling hours and funeral in early December for Brother Mark Prelli of Riverton Grange #169 who went to the Great Grange Above after battling health issues for a number of years. We can learn much from other people by observing those who have lived their lives well and what they have done for their family and others. Even though they have passed, we retain the memory of them and the lessons they have shared with us from the accomplishments of their lives.
A National Leaders’/President’s Conference has been scheduled for February 16-18 in Myrtle Beach, SC at the Sun-N-Sand Resort. Jody and Jodi Ann Cameron were asked by National President Chris Hamp to do a presentation on our Leadership Academy. This conference will be my first such event; the last having been held on Zoom.
Northeast Leaders’ Conference is to be held January 12-14 in Concord, New Hampshire. It will be great to share ideas and meet with the Masters/Presidents, and other leaders in our region. We have a good contingent from Connecticut
attending the weekend and I hope everyone brings home useful information to share. Pray for good traveling weather!
The Connecticut State Grange had a net gain in membership in two of the four quarters of 2023. This was quite a pleasant surprise to gain instead of posting membership losses. While small, I hope to see this continue.
Leadership Academy 2.0 will be announced shortly. It promises to be set up a bit differently than the 1.0 version with longer meeting times and fewer sessions. There will also be homework assignments for attendees to complete to reinforce principles presented in lesson sessions. In addition, keep posted for a program on Leadership Training which will be open to all interested in principles of leadership whether they are officers, committee members, or even interested members who want to learn more on this. All are welcome in both of these programs and we hope for good enrollment numbers. The plaque to mark the Grange Plot in People’s State Forest has been ordered and received thanks to all the donations made to this project. The boulder on which it is to be mounted has been properly oriented and land around it cleared to make it visible. Notice should be coming or will have come by the time you read this of the dedication ceremony to be held as this is revealed to the public. Thanks to Dave Roberts for spearheading this project.
The National Grange has received a grant from the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) for a program called Reaching Rural Surgical Seniors (RRSS). As you may know, those in rural areas lack adequate access to healthcare. Joan Smith of the National Grange Foundation will be traveling to Connecticut to present this program which we were introduced to at the National Grange Convention. The RRSS program involves sections intended to help guide people to better prepare them for needed surgery. Another section involves information about planning for the future as one is ageing. The State Lecturer is helping to organize getting Joan here and setting up the program.
Cawasa Grange #34 will turn in their charter soon. Whether we can reopen a Grange in that area remains to be seen. We are exploring options to aid Stonington Grange #168 and Groton #213. Whether this means commencing a membership development campaign or considering a merger of some sort, both preferred options to turning in a charter and closing the door on a Grange. State officers and the Membership Committee are involved and this will be discussed at an upcoming Board of Directors meeting. The Connecticut State Grange did post a small net gain in membership for the year, which is positive. We must keep on trying to attract new members to the Order. More on this as things develop.
Remember the Membership Matters webinars on the third Weds. of the month by Membership Director Amanda Brozana-Rios, and the Communications webinars by Communications Director Phil Vonada on the third Thursday. Links can be found in the National Grange website. These are great places to connect with Grangers across the country and get new ideas and share your ideas with others. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Let others share what could work in your Grange with you by just listening in and participating in these programs.
Watch National Grange as I am sure that with new leadership you will see some new ideas and philosophies presented. Change is a necessary entity if we are to succeed. As much as we all have our comfort zones, we must evolve.
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