A significant part of the new Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is to increase our Granges’ membership across the state. The goal has been set for three (3) new members per Grange which would give us an increase of almost 100 new members statewide. We felt this was reasonable and attainable.

As your CSG Vice President Ted Powell visits Granges around Connecticut, he has been talking up this membership recruitment program, and its importance to our very survival. We cannot survive at the current rate of attrition unless we act to reverse the trend. So while Ted has let the cat out of the bag, so to speak, I must admit that early reports coming back to me from various Granges are promising. Riverton #169 has a possibility to take in some new plus one members. Granby #5 has one new member, Cheshire #23 has five new members, and Harmony #93 took in three new members last night (March 20) and has one more in the pipeline as well as a new affiliate, both of whom couldn’t make it last night.

Since the passing of the President Rich Franzino of Oxford #194 on February 18, a call has gone out to the town for new members and I understand seven people expressed an interest in joining. These are a few successes and I’m sure there are others.

Spring is finally here after a cold and snowy winter and the Granges are starting to hold special events: Harmony #93 and its Spring Fair, Greenfield Hill #133 had its corned beef dinner, Bridgewater held its annual Easter egg hunt, and Granby #11 held a chili contest, to name a few. Consider a new event to bring people to your hall. After the snowy winter, folks want an excuse to go out and have fun. Carry on a tradition like Bridgewater or start a new one in your Grange.

Ag Day at the Capital has once again come and gone. It was held Wednesday March 18 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Ted Powell, Noel Miller, Dave Roberts, Patrick O’Brien, and Aili McKeen represented the Connecticut State Grange by hosting a display and talking to visitors at the event and I thank them all heartily for their dedication in representing us to this annual event that represents the face of agriculture in our state.

There has been some discussion in the state about our State Grange Annual Session and cost cutting measures. As you may well be aware, our Session costs over $30,000.00. Your Board of Directors has been addressing this topic for some months now. State Secretary Todd Gelineau has attacked the issue by re- organizing meals at Session with less costly alternatives, how we count  numbers  of  attendees  for meals, and restructuring of banquet prices. Several other things such as flowers and piano rentals are being reviewed to save money. Overall, the Annual Session is an expensive venture, and it has been decided that drastic changes to how we do things, such as the venue, might cause logistical problems that would discourage more from attending instead of encouraging an increase in numbers. A large stumbling block is the high cost of lodging in the state which limits our choices. We the Board of Directors want a convention of which we can be proud and feel like that is being done. Another issue is that because planning starts a year ahead of time, sudden or last minute changes are not possible. We continue to encourage discussion on the topic and welcome member input.

From the Grange Heirloom Program: Even though it’s for March, still apropos: “Courage then, and patience, when gloom broods over your pathway.” (First Degree, Vice President)

For April: “Our Fraternity, being agriculturally based, family oriented and dedicated to the pure principles of equality under Constitutional Law, we appeal to all good citizens for mutual cooperation and assistance toward reform that we may remove from our midst the last vestige of inequity and corruption. We believe that harmony, equitable compromise and earnest cooperation are essential to future success.” (Grange Declaration of Purposes)

These statements have always been wise and true but seem to apply evermore in today’s world.

I would like to have some sort of program on grants and writing them. Perhaps those of you whose Granges have received grants could reach out to me to share your experiences on sources of grants, application processes for them, and types of grants with which you have had experience (matching, non- matching). Many Granges have expressed interest on this subject. Some have had great luck with it while others don’t know quite where to go looking for money for hall repairs and projects.