By Marge Bernhardt, CT State Grange Lecturer

It’s that time of year again.  We should all be thinking about the Photo, “A Number” and Talents Contests.  Please don’t wait until the last minute.  Come May and June everyone wants to get outside and enjoy the nice weather.  And, this year I think we are all looking forward to it more than usual.

“Let’s Celebrate” will be held the 13^th & 14^th of June.  

The photo contest will be judged on June 13th at Cheshire Grange Hall.  The categories are America The Beautiful, Animals, Grangers In Action, Family Celebrations, and Historic places or Events.  Full details are in the Bluebook, plus all Lecturers have a copy of the rules.  If there are any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.  Early information says they have to be at the hall between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. but while I will be there at 9:00 I am extending the time to bring them in until 11:00 so you can bring your CWA entries and Photos at the same time.

Grange Sunday is June 14^th.  It will begin with the State Chaplains Service at 11:00 followed by a luncheon served by the Youth Committee.  I’m told they will be serving Shepherds Pie this year.   At 1:00 we will hold the Judging for the “A Number” and Talent Contests.

You don’t have to sing or play an instrument to enter the Talent Contest.  There are all kinds of talent.  Numbers are limited to six minutes.  It can be less, but not more.  The winner will have their expenses paid at the 100^th Annual North East Grange Lecturers’ Conference.  Maine is a great State to visit and I am sure everyone will enjoy the conference this year.  Here is your chance to have your fees paid for you.

Every Pomona should have an entry in the “A Number” Contest.  The title this year is “Animals”.  Use your imagination.  Any number suitable for a Grange meeting is eligible.  Time limit is six minutes.  In this contest that includes set-up and performance.  Subordinate Granges within a Pomona can combine their efforts.  If the Pomona does not have an entry it is the Pomona Lecturers duty to prepare a number.

Hopefully when you get this the sun is shining and spring has arrived bringing warmer temperatures.  I know a lot of Granges have had to cancel or postpone meetings due to all this lovely white stuff that has been falling this winter.  In the meantime I hope to see lots of you around the State.