By Sue Gray

The December meeting was on the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the Grange (Dec. 4th, 1867-Dec. 4th, 2017). Our new Program Director, Jai Izzarelli, did an exceptional job with the program, which featured not only the Seven Founders of our Grange, but Caroline Hall, as well. Jai, herself, represented Caroline Hall. Jai wore a beautiful, gold evening gown that positively glittered! The seven gals who each had a candle, honoring a Founder, gathered on our south wall for a picture. Co-incidentally, they stood in front of the framed hand crocheted Grange emblem that the late Barbara Cameron made and donated to our Grange. Next to that is the picture of Oliver Hudson Kelley, Father of the Grange, whose framed picture was a gift from Alton and Marie Exley. We enjoyed decorated birthday cake and ice cream for dessert. State President, Noel Miller and his wife, Marcia, were our special guests. Brother Miller presented our Grange with its 6th annual Distinguished Grange certificate and 3^rd prize award in the National Grange Community Service contest! He also brought home Junior Grange awards for several Juniors. They were thrilled to win at the National level. Special congratulations to Arielle Bessette, who won an amazing $100.00! The Juniors did an amazing job in their Christmas Pageant. Each Junior had a display about the country they had studied, complete with Christmas customs and a food item popular at Christmas from their country.

We continue providing monthly food donations to seven families who appreciate a hand up. The non-perishables come mainly from donations brought to our suppers. Special thanks to Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, who donates a Gift Certificate to every supper for one lucky winner. For each item brought, the person gets a chance to win the Gift Certificate.

January 26th will be our annual Family Game/ Casino Night at 6:00 p.m. We added two more members at our December meeting. Special hello to our Snowbird Chaplain, Paulette Craig, who is getting an awesome tan in Florida. Her niece, Brenda Craig, is doing a fabulous job as Chaplain Protem. Finally, Link Cooper, President, was unable to attend the December meeting, due to illness! He was seriously missed, although Ned Sebastian, Vice-President, did a super job!