| MAY 15, 2013 -- As our Grange year goes along we are aware of the Community Service records compiled by Granges and their individual members. Soon it will be time for each group to submit this annual report to our State Overseer Jeff Barnes and his wife, State Pomona Debbie. They (like the Community Service chairpersons who preceded them) can tell you of the outstanding record Connecticut Granges have accomplished over the years.
This brings to mind a couple whose service record has been a memorable one. Pat and Rudy McNeal belonged to Wethersfield Grange #114 where they served as Master and Lecturer among other offices and were active in Newington Grange #44 in later years. They were also members of Central Pomona #1 and affiliate members of West Hartford Grange #58. At the State level they were called upon to work on several committees. Their hours of service to the Grange, their church, and the community were countless! After Rudy left Chandler Evans and Pat “retired” from her job with the State, they became even more involved serving wherever there was a need.
They collected eye glasses for the Lions Club and used hearing aid batteries for several Granges.
Many miles were put on their car as they delivered “Meals on Wheels,” drove folks to doctor’s appointments, seniors to workshops or to help with shopping. When shut-ins were known to them, they would often take them out for long rides or for lunch.
Fund raisers were supported by them- mostly for dinners- and Rudy was well-known for the annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner he cooked and served on March 17th.
In December they appeared at homes for children or at convalescent hospitals as Santa and Mrs. Claus! At other times of the year there was a pair of clowns who looked very much like them who brought joy to little ones who otherwise had very little to smile about.
In 1991 they washed and dried thousands of dollars worth of coins that had been tossed into the fountain at Westfarms Mall. A messy job at best, but they made it into a fund time for all who were helping.
Special projects were done for Saint Elizabeth House when they went to tag sales picked up good used clothing and household items for folks. The men who chopped wood at the “Open Hearth” wood lot received work gloves and warm clothing thanks to their efforts- as did the children at the Cromwell Home who were given new jeans. White socks were collected for youngsters who needed them- always white so it was easy to match them.
On behalf of their Granges the town libraries were given books, they helped serve lunch to people building homes for Habitat for Humanity, and of course Thanksgiving baskets each season.
The “giving” tree at the mall each Christmas was something they loved to do- and often got friends to take part manning the tables with them. Wishes were hung on the tree by those in need and people took a wish from the tree- went shopping at the mall- and returned with the request so that those in charge of the project could see to it the wish was granted. One year a wish (from an older lady, no doubt) that Pat and Rudy granted was for a pair of “new bloomers”- size extra large!! That wish came true.
Do remember Pat and Rudy. |
