| JANUARY 2026 -- Mountain Laurel Pomona held its annual holiday luncheon and meeting on Sat., Dec. 13th, bringing together more than 40 members from across the region at Riverton Grange Hall. Pianist Mary Lou Keefe was our very special guest, filling our hall with holiday music!
Members from Bethlehem, Riverton, Winchester, Vernon, Whigville, Simsbury, and Granby joined in person. In addition, others participated by Zoom, ensuring that all who wished to be part of the celebration could do so.
The catered luncheon featured a hearty menu of pasta with homemade meatballs and sauce, a fresh garden salad, snowflake rolls with butter, and a seasonal favorite—pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream—all of which were warmly received by attendees.
Lecturer Debbie Vail coordinated this year’s holiday service project, organizing the collection of 23 new hats, 27 pairs of gloves, seven pairs of mittens, one sweater, and 13 scarves for local schoolchildren. Mountain County Pomona No. 15 selected Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen Inc. as the recipient of these donations.
This nonprofit organization, supported by volunteers—including many Grangers—uses donated food, goods, funds, and volunteer labor to provide free, nutritious meals once a week to individuals and families facing food insecurity. In addition to its weekly meal service, the Kitchen also distributes emergency food and essential items throughout the week as needs arise. Through its community-driven model, Waste Not Want Not works tirelessly to ease hunger and support the well-being of neighbors in need.
Executive Committee member Rob Buck installed our Vice President (Patrick O’Brien) and Treasurer (Carol Innes).
The Lecturer’s Program, coordinated by James Mele of Riverton Grange in partnership with Debbie Vail, added festive cheer to the afternoon. Members enjoyed a lively gift exchange. In addition, following dessert, attendees received a special holiday treat—a dramatic “reading” of “The Night Before Christmas” by St. Nick himself, portrayed by Riverton Grange member Colin Wright. Colin is autistic and has memorized the entire book from heart, having heard his parents read it to him. Colin was presented with two gift certificates by the Pomona President.
The next meeting of Mountain Laurel Pomona Grange No. 15 will be held on Saturday, February 28th, at Bethlehem (Grange) Memorial Hall beginning at 2:00 PM. All members are encouraged to attend as we continue our work together in the new year.
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