| August 1, 2022 -- August is known for being the “dog days” of summer and many of our Granges are busy with their fairs. Most of the Granges hold their fairs in August with a collection of flowers, fruits, vegetables, crafts, photos and baked goods to be judged and receive ribbons. It’s a busy time for these Granges who work hard to put on these events.
This year we are honored to have Kathy Gibson, National Lady Assistant Steward, at our National Representative to State Session. Sister Gibson was elected Lady Assistant Steward at the last National Convention in Wichita, Kansas in November. Her husband, Glenn, the Master/President of the Massachusetts State Grange. I am looking forward to having Brother and Sister Gibson join us at our 138th Annual Convention.
As we are getting ready for the 138th Annual Convention, I have assigned the Granges to their Session Committees. The list of the committees is published in this issue so you will know which Committee you will be assigned to. These committees will be meeting by Zoom a week or two before State Session. This seems to have worked out very well last year and will save us time on Thursday night.
The Big E (Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA) will be here before we know it. The Exposition will be from September 16 to October 2. The New England Grange Building Board of Directors voted to have the rooms upstairs manned on the day that your State is celebrated and Grange Sunday. Connecticut Day at the Big E will be Wednesday, September 21 and Grange Sunday is on September
25. I am looking for volunteers who could help staff the Connecticut room on those two days. The building is open from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. (The State Rooms usually close at 5 P.M.). These rooms have been closed for the last several years because the New England State Granges couldn’t get enough members to staff them and they were being vandalized. If you are available on either one of those two days, let me know and I can put you on the schedule.
Wallingford Grange No. 33 has voted to surrender their charter. The State Secretary and I met with Daniel Lauttenbach (Wallingford President) last month and picked up the charter and the Grange regalia. The State Grange will be putting this property on the market to be sold. This is always a sad time when a Grange has to turn in their charter. It is the one thing a State President hates to do.
In ending this month’s report, let’s get out and enjoy the country fairs and stay healthy.
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