| MAY 1, 2011 -- This month, the Connecticut State Grange has been celebrating its 125th anniversary during National Grange Month in concert with its theme, “Connecting Communities Through Service.”
Founded in 1885, the State Grange was established to help farmers recover from the ravages of the Civil War and through the efforts of its members, has grown to encompass 60 rural and non-rural communities throughout Connecticut.
Today, the State Grange is the oldest rural community service, family-oriented organization in the country with a special interest in agriculture.
The National Grange, established in 1867, now has more than 3,000 local and state chapters and 240,000 members in 40 states.
Over the years, the Grange has evolved to incorporate the interests of farm and non-farm families in rural, suburban and urban communities.
During the past few weeks, the Grange hosted several events throughout the state. Most recently, the State Grange held its first official online chat on its Web site, www.ctstategrange.com, on April 27. Participants were required to sign on to the Web site for the event, which included discussions on ritual, agricultural and legislative initiatives and events.
“Grange Month is an excellent opportunity to introduce the public to the positive influence and impact it has on the communities it serves,” Jody Cameron, State Grange President said.
In Redding, the Grange is at 399 Newtown Turnpike. It was organized in 1875 and reorganized in 1939.
Ronald Gunther, current Grange Master, said the organization has 71 members. Meetings take place on the second and fourth Monday of each month and are open to the public.
During their meetings, Mr. Gunther said the organization participates in singing, making crafts, sharing recipes, needlework and various contests.
“Anyone is welcome to join us during our meetings,” he said.
Mr. Gunther said each year, the needlework and other crafts created by the organization’s members are displayed at the Big E in West Springfield, Mass.
He added that a very big part of what the organization does involves community service, and members volunteer at soup kitchens in the region.
“I enjoy doing it and it is always a lot of fun,” he said.
Robert Sendewicz of Danbury, past master of the Redding Grange and current vice master/president, said while the local organization has not planned any activities for Grange Month, it remains active year-round advocating for farmers and the environment, and it participates in philanthropic activities in the community.
Mr. Sendewicz said the organization promotes the use of locally grown food and sponsors farmers markets in addition to supporting local agriculture. It advocates for the Connecticut Land Alliance, the Connecticut Farmland Trust, and makes donations to the Future Farmers of America.
“That way we still have Connecticut-grown products and can keep the local farms going,” he said.
Mr. Sendewicz said the organization also supports education and annually donates dictionaries to third grade students at Redding Elementary School.
Earlier this month, Gov. Dannel Malloy officially acknowledged the state grange’s anniversary and its commitment to agriculture. He recognized the Grange for serving the state with “distinction.”
“I would like to commend the members of this fine organization for their hard work and commitment,” he said. “This milestone is a testament to the Grange’s dedication to the State of Connecticut.”
Mr. Cameron said the gubernatorial honor comes at a time when the Granges across the state are experiencing a heightened level of enthusiasm.
“It is exciting to see Grange members become more involved in activities, community and membership development,” he said.
The Redding Grange currently holds two fairs and two tag sales a year to share its activities with the public and to encourage new members to join.
The organization’s next event will be a fair on May 7 at the Grange. Mr. Sendewicz said the fairs provide a chance for residents to see what the organization does and to bring in new members.
“It is a time to get the community familiar with what we do,” he said.
For more information about the Redding Grange, call 203-748-0463, or visit www.ctstategrange.org. |
