MAY 21, 2013 -- For the first time since the the 1950s, Connecticut has added a brand new Grange to their ranks. Groton Community Grange executed their Charter Application on Monday, May 20th at 7:45 PM, with 14 members and newly initiated members present.
Connecticut State Grange President Jody Cameron, along with Connecticut State Grange Vice President (Overseer) Jeff Barnes, presided over the founding of the new Grange chapter. Barnes was the Organizing Deputy behind the formation of Groton Community Grange.
Anne-Marie Knochenhauer has been elected to be the new Grange's first President. The complete slate of officers is as follows:
Master (President) -- Anne-Marie Knochenhauer
Overseer -- Susan Kenny
Lecturer -- Donna Victoria
Steward -- Natasja Jurgensen
Assistant Steward -- Michael Doyle
Lady Assistant Steward -- vacant
Chaplain -- William Knight
Treasurer -- Clarissa Mathewson
Secretary -- Jenny Knight
Gatekeeper -- John Knochenhauer
Ceres -- Jacqueline Goddard
Pomona -- Della Cusati
Flora -- Mary Mingo
Executive Committee -- Joseph Cusati
The first meeting of Groton Community Grange, which will include installing their new slate of officers, will be held on Monday, June 17th, at 7:00 PM, at the Poquonnock Bridge Firehouse, 373 Long Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340.
This is not the first Grange to be located in Groton. Groton Grange No. 176 was formed in 1909 but disbanded nearly 15 years ago. The new members voted to start as a new Grange instead of a reorganization on an existing Grange.
The Connecticut State Grange has been an integral part of rural and non-rural communities across the state for over 125 years, with currently nearly 60 local Grange chapters in Connecticut. Local Granges are committed to bettering their communities through service projects and family orientated activities.
More information on the Granges across Connecticut is available by visiting the Connecticut State Grange website at www.CTStateGrange.org. |