Grange Notes by Tim Swartz, Grange President (with everyone’s help), June 12, 2020

The robin’s nest on the old entrance porch is in full swing, and the flowers are blooming in the beds we made around the new entrance!

Graffiti?  What graffiti?

A little paint makes a big difference…besides avoiding our building look like “a good place to put some more graffiti”, the new coat covered up the old paint patches on the concrete basement wall.   The purple spray paint at the bottom of the ADA ramp also got painted over.  Since I didn’t get any offers of help, I had to enjoy painting in the sunshine all by myself…

And Kids Trade & Play is back–Different and Yet the Same       

The kids’ clothing/games/toys/gear exchange, sponsored by the Grange is starting up again.  Grange member and organizer Erin Barry asked interested families to donate (clean and in great shape!) last Saturday, and to pre-order items that they want, for pick-up this Saturday, June 13th.  Orders were even taken for games & books as well as clothing–and even requests for a “surprise toy” from the KT&P stock.  Volunteers will do their best to match requested sizes, colors, etc., and will pack bags with “customer’s” names on them, which will be available for pick-up outside the Hall.  Only volunteers will be allowed inside the Hall–and they will be wearing masks & gloves, and following proper social distancing.  
       Erin points out “you may not love everything you get, but this is only temporary”.  Items that you don’t like can be brought back the next time this event is held.
      The Grange appreciates the hard work that Erin and her corps of volunteers does to keep this excellent event going, and making such a positive difference in the lives of families with kids!   We look forward to when the “in-person” event can resume function in the lower level of the Hall.
       For the latest news on KT&P, check out their Facebook Page.

Rural Vermont’s Policy Director

gave us the inside view of the organization, its history and its response to current situations.   Graham Unangst-Rufenacht, who has worked as an organizer for Rural VT for several years (as well as co-owning his own agricultural businesses) was introduced by Grange Lecturer Carl Etnier, who had signed him up as this month’s speaker in our series of one-hour Programs about local issues–all with larger connections.  Carl also hosts “Relocalizing Vermont” on WGDR weekly, and hosted Graham, as well as the head of the Finnish Food Safety Authority on June 4th.  The interviews with both of them are available until June 18th at http://www.wgdr.org/relocalizingvermont/

Local Agriculture: Our Current Situation and Its Roots

Graham started out with an overview of the history of Rural VT, and quickly moved on to a discussion of the differential impact of agricultural policies on small farmers–and in particular on African-American farmers.  He quoted Malcolm X on the importance of land ownership as a basis for black economic prosperity.  Instead of increasing since those days, we currently have the lowest percentage of black-owned agricultural land since the Civil War–98% is owned by white farmers.  This represents the opposite of progress. 
       Rural Vermont has always worked on being part of a national and global farming culture; it is part of the National Family Farm Coalition.  Graham attended their recent Board meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, where he learned more about the history of white supremacy in the South and in the U.S., and about the history of loss of black land ownership. 
        The organization is currently working hard to make sure that benefits from the COVID-19 assistance from the federal government are shared among farms of all types and sizes–and to make sure that the undocumented migrant farm workers who are vital to the operation of dairy farms in particular get aid in these difficult times.  Rural VT has always worked closely with Migrant Justice, the Vermont organization of those workers and their supporters.  Rural Vermont is also speaking out for all farm workers as part of the “essential workers” who keep Vermont going.
        Beyond the current preoccupation with the pandemic, Rural Vermont continues to work on its long-term projects to enhance local agriculture and connections between farmers and consumers.   One of these is improvements to the ability of farmers to slaughter meat animals on-farm, rather than having to use the limited  number of USDA-approved slaughtering facilities in VT. 
       The movement to allow direct sales from farms grew from the desire of a local pizza maker, who wanted to buy chickens from his neighbors’ farm for its pizza.  Following the forbidding of this sort of local deal by the State of Vermont, the pizza-maker, the farmer and Rural Vermont  began campaigning for changes in the laws regarding on-farm slaughter.  This culminated in the passing of the 2007 “Vermont Chicken Bill”, which allowed farmers raising less than 1,000 birds per year to sell whole birds (also including turkeys and ducks) at farmers’ markets and directly to restaurants, as well as direct from the farm.   The cap has since been raised to 5,000–or even to 20,000 per year if USDA sanitary standards are followed.
        Rural VT has also worked to promote mobile, USDA-approved slaughtering trucks, which could come to farms to process poultry even for interstate sale.  More information on all of these initiatives is available at www.ruralvermont.org  In another meat-raising campaign, they have successfully lobbied for the right of farmers to sell the meat from whole animals (including cattle, pigs and more) to a group of purchasers, rather than just one.   The difference this sort of real-world provision can make for small-scale farmers is clear.
       Other major initiatives that have led to legislative changes include the required labeling for dairy products from cows given rBST (also known as BGH), legalization of hemp cultivation, GMO labeling requirements for foods, and legalization of on-farm sales of raw milk.   Before the advent of the Coronavirus crisis, they were lobbying for classification of chicken-processing of compost as a legal option that satisfies the state requirements.  They were also working to get compensation for farmers to recognize the positive eco-system services they provide–everything from carbon sequestration to recycling of compost materials to storm-water containment.  They are part of the Ag Department working group on this issue.  At this point, Rural Vermont is a recognized major player in Vermont agricultural policy, and is often involved in drafting and testifying on farm legislation. 
       Graham also talked about larger-scale issues that impact farmers.  An excellent example of the intersection of “agricultural” policy with other issues is our U.S. health-insurance “system”.   The vast majority of farmers (in a nationwide survey) have to get health insurance through off-farm employment by themselves, or a spouse or other family member; this is because for most people, employer-provided health insurance is the only affordable option.   If we had a national health insurance system that covered everyone, not tied to employment, farmers would be freed from a major budgetary worry–as well as being more able to stay healthy!  Similarly, the difficulties of finding affordable, quality child-care is a major worry for farmers, as it is for most parents. 
       When the issue of “what can the Grange do to help farmers” came up in the discussion–some of the answers Graham gave may be obvious:  we have already been advocating for a universal health insurance program, supporting migrant workers’ rights, and promoting locally produced food through organizations like the Food Bank, the Farm-to-School program and more.   Continuing to put our energies into these causes is helpful to everyone in our mostly-rural state, definitely including farmers.  The Covid-19 pandemic has only increased some of these stresses–the state has seen around 17 dairy farms close during this period.  Graham also praised the Grange for maintaining our community Hall as a meeting place for all types of local organizations (including Rural Vermont), as well as hosting social events, everything from contra dances to baby showers. 
         For the latest info on issues that Rural Vermont is advocating on, and to find out what you can do as an individual, Graham recommended checking the Action Alerts page on the Rural VT website.   Here’s the link:  https://www.ruralvermont.org/action-alerts.  We thank Graham for joining us in our Zoom meeting–he has just come “back to work” after paternity leave, by the way!      

Grange meeting report              

Our “executive session” Zoom meeting filled the half-hour before the program described above.   After a few minutes delay due to tech issues with signing in, we started with a reading of a “Land Acknowledgement”, which Merry & I heard read at the beginning of “kneel-in” gatherings in Montpelier during the previous week, in response to the killing of George Floyd.   This Land Acknowledgement is suggested as a way to begin all meetings; I will put the text below, separately, and will be interested in feedback.
      Our short meeting discussed the rental situation, and those present approved the rules which Merry and I have agreed on for use of the Grange Hall during this beginning of Vermont “opening up”:

• Use of the upstairs “Main Hall” is limited to 12 people or less, based on the guideline of 1 person per 200 sq. ft..
• Use of cloth masks and maintaining “social distance” of at least 6 feet between people or between household groups are required.
• Users should open windows and use the ceiling fan to increase ventilation during use.
• No one who has a fever or a cough, or has been exposed to COVID-19 is to enter. 
• The lower level of the Hall (including the restrooms and the kitchen) is off limits to renters, due to the limited ventilation.  Only the upstairs restroom is to be used, to reduce the burden of disinfecting the Hall.
• Gatherings outside the Hall are limited to 25 or less; people attending outdoor gatherings must wear masks and follow the same “social distance” guidelines.

       We also looked at the Treasurer’s report for the end of May; as we expect, rental income is way down; at this point our monthly expenses are also very low.   Projected lower usage will reduce costs somewhat even into the winter, as less snow-plowing/sanding (our biggest winter expense by far) will be required; nevertheless we are expecting to show a significant loss over the foreseeable future.   We have a total of approximately $15,000 in total reserves (savings account, CD and loan to the VT Community Loan Fund), but of course we do not want to use up too much of that cushion.  Our savings are meant to back-stop us in case of major expenses to maintain the building, as well as for meeting “unforeseen circumstances” like the ones which have certainly showed up this year!
       It is certainly unclear when the social dancing which has been a mainstay of our rental market will be able to re-start.   Based on my reading of the national dance community discussions, no one has much confidence that it will be safe to do this sort of close-contact, aerobic event, with multiple partners and much sweating, until a vaccine is in wide use. 
Alison Forrest suggested one possible fund-raising rental we might try to arrange:  a private couples dance, with live music in the Grange Hall.   This would require social distance and mask-wearing for musicians, and mask-wearing for the couple(s).   If we could set this up for some couples who love the Grange Hall and waltzing together (or other couples dances–swing, Scandinavian, etc) this could work.   We would sure like some help setting events like this up!   Email Merry or Tim if you want to help out!
       We all agreed that our next meeting will not be one with a program, as summer is not a good time to get people to take part in the interesting serious discussions we like to have.  We would like to have more time to look at finances and rentals, so will plan a meeting to focus on these areas for July.   Since the first Saturday is July 4th, it seems best to plan for a 3rd Saturday/July 18th meeting–likely still by Zoom.   Carl Etnier has set up a recurring Zoom meeting, which will be available on that date.   I will get the log-in information in the Calendar listing on the Grange website well before then.
We are continuing to pay close attention to the guidance given by the VT Dept. of Health and the Governor’s weekly briefings.   While we don’t fit exactly in the buckets of “business re-start” or “retail spaces”, the general advice given is very helpful.  Our first priority must be to protect the health of everyone who uses the Grange Hall.

What is a Land Acknowledgment?

A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.  Here’s a link to more information:  https://nemanet.org/nemn/spring-2020/guide-land-acknowledgements/#.  Below is the one I read at the June 6th Zoom meeting:               Land Acknowledgement        We are on the land which has long served as a site for meeting and exchange among indigenous peoples for thousands of years, as is the home of the Western Abenaki People.  We honor, recognize and respect these peoples, especially the Abenaki, as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters on which we gather today.  In that spirit, today we will begin by acknowledging that we are guests in this land.  We need to respect and help protect the lands within our use.

The Grange Hall is great, and grated…       

Patty Giavara sent me some more photos of Kurt and I installing the grate on the accessible main entrance porch–see below.
And there is still more indoor painting to do:  we still have some trim from the renovation project which need a final paint coat, and some wall areas too, specifically the bathroom and kitchen walls.   This will put the final touches on our spruced-up look of the lower level, in preparation for its eventual opening for rentals.  I am happy to spend time doing this, but would very much like some company!  It’s especially nice to be down in the cool basement when the weather is hot and humid outside.  We can easily keep at least 6′ apart; we’ll supply rollers and brushes and paint.   Call  or email me to let me know if you can help:  802-225-8921 –Tim

Grange Notes by Tim Swartz, Grange President (with everyone’s help), June 3, 2020

Local farmers, healthy communities, healthy food–fostering connections      

Rural Vermont has had these as guiding principles since dairy farmers founded the organization in 1985.   Following these principles, they have brought farmers and consumers together.  They have lobbied for better ways for consumers to purchase farm products–milk, meat and vegetables–more directly from farmers, for involvement of small farmers in the development of agricultural regulations, for GMO and rBGH labeling and much else.  You can find out more about their history and advocacy on their website:  RuralVermont.org
       On Saturday, June 6th from 5:00 to 6:00, we’ll be hosting the Policy Director of Rural Vermont, Graham Unangst-Rufenacht.  Graham will be talking about ways that the current Coronavirus Pandemic has shone a light on the weaknesses of our food system and its dependence on food from far away.    And he’ll be discussing the ways that empowering local agriculture and local consumer connections can make Vermont a stronger and more resilient community.  This discussion will build on what we discussed with David Zuckerman on May 4th.
      To join the Zoom meeting, starting at 5:00, from your computer or smart-phone, use this Zoom link.
       To join the meeting from your phone (audio only, of course!), dial this number:  646 558 8656       For either way of joining:Meeting ID: 875 0792 3076Password: 624628
        Following Graham’s presentation, there will be time for questions and discussion, as always.   We hope you will join us!  Please spread the word to others, too!  Grange Lecturer Carl Etnier arranged this program, and will be the moderator for it.
       See below for more information about our speaker:

Having grown up in East Montpelier, and currently living in Plainfield, Graham knows this part of Vermont well.   He co-owns a seasonal grass-fed and finished beef operation (Robinson Hill Beef), and also a home-to-farm scale agroecology design-build business (Walking Onion).   He works with youth in a a variety of settings and organizations in Vermont, including:  ROOTS School, Earthwalk, The Maplehill School and Community Farm, and the King Street Youth Center.   He has degrees from UVM in Religious Studies and Plant and Soil Science, has a Permaculture Design Certificate from Yestermorrow, and attended the 3-year clinical herbal training program at the VT Center for Integrative Herbalism.   

1/2 hour Grange meeting before the program             

Our “executive session” Zoom meeting will start at 4:30, to discuss the state of the Grange regarding finances, rentals, and whatever else we have time for.   Merry, our Treasurer, will present her usual monthly financial report, and we’ll discuss how the finances look in this time of extremely low cashflow.   We will also be discussing the early beginnings of rentals to some of our long-term regular renters:

• The Montpelier Church of Christ has started to hold Sunday morning services.   They came to us making a commitment to meet as safely as possible, and following safety guidelines   We appreciate their pro-active approach!
• The West African Dance class held its first class in the parking lot on Tuesday, May 26th–see the  photo below.   As they told us they would, they kept 10′ distance from each other while dancing and wore masks at breaks.
• Erin will be holding Kids Trade and Play in June–but with some differences.   Donations will be accepted only on Saturday, June 6th, in the morning, on the porch.  People can fill out an “order form” for items they want to pick up on the second Saturday, June 13th–sizes and types of clothing requested, and even books! games! and surprise toys!, which they will do their best to fill.  Orders will be placed in labeled bags on the porch for pickup on the 13th. 
• AVP Detail, our usual cleaning service, has been doing a disinfectant cleaning of door handles, railings, bathroom fixtures, water fountains, etc. once a week.   
• We are keeping the kitchen off-limits for obvious reasons; we also do not want any groups to meet downstairs, which has much less ventilation than the upstairs Hall.
• We are limiting the use of the Hall to established renters, rather than one-time events.   We want to work with the people who have been a regular part of the Grange community, with whom we share the long-term interests of keeping the Grange Hall a welcoming–but safe–space. 

We are paying close attention to the guidance given by the VT Dept. of Health and the Governor’s weekly briefings.   While we don’t fit exactly in the buckets of “business re-start” or “retail spaces”, the general advice given is very helpful.

We’ll be discussing all of these questions in our Zoom Grange meeting on June 6th, from 4:30 to 5:00.  Note–this is a separate Zoom event from the Program meeting with Rural VT.  For this one, use

Link to meeting:  https://zoom.us/j/91894580413

Meeting ID:  918 9458 0413

Call-in number for phone access to the audio:  646-558- 8656Log-in info will also be in the Grange Calendar listing for the meeting.

West African dancers, joyous in the outdoors!

The Grange is twice as grate now!

And much more graffitied…The good news:  Kurt and I installed the second grate, in the entrance porch for the ADA entrance this week.  Like the first one, installed in front of the old entrance, this will remove much of the parking lot grit which otherwise would get tracked in on people’s shoes.   We appreciate the grant from the VT Arts Council which allowed us to purchase these grates, as well as funding 1/2 of the cost of the basement renovations.  See the picture below…
The bad news:  we found new graffiti on the Grange Hall last week–the first time this has happened to us.  We know that lots of people have had extra time on their hands–and the Grange Hall has been much less busy, so easier to deface in private.  See the pictures below…
Covering up the graffiti:  in addition to asking the Berlin Police to randomly patrol the Grange Hall, I am purchasing paint to cover the graffiti on the foundation and the clapboards.   If someone wants to help me put it on (rollers on the foundation), I plan to start on Thursday afternoon.   We can easily keep at least 6′ apart; we’ll supply rollers and brushes and paint.   Call me to let me know if you can help:  802-225-8921 –Tim

Grange Notes by Tim Swartz, Grange President (with everyone’s help), May 25, 2020

Rural Vermont started as a group of dairy farmers, getting together to “amplify their voices in the face of falling prices, rising costs, and increasingly burdensome regulation”.  Since then, they have worked:

• to improve the Current Use program
• to legislate mandatory rBGH labeling
• to create the Northeast Dairy Compact
• for town resolutions against GMOs
• for allowing direct sales of milk and poultry from farmers to consumers
• for legalization of hemp cultivation
• for involvement of small farmers in development of agricultural regulations
• and many other campaigns–find out more at RuralVermont.org.  

       Starting at 5:00 on June 6th, a representative from Rural VT will be speaking with us about the organization and what the Coronavirus has shown us about the vulnerabilities of our national food supply system, and the value of being able to get produce, meat and other farm products from local producers.  We’ll hear their story, and then have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the many aspects of our food systems–local, regional and national–and how they affect our lives.
       Once we get information about the speaker, I’ll send out another Grange Notes with the information, and the Zoom meeting info you will need to watch and listen to the program.   This info will also be posted on the Grange website calendar:  here!
       Grange Lecturer Carl Etnier arranged this program, and will be the moderator for it.  

1/2 hour Grange meeting before the program              

Our “executive session” Zoom meeting will start at 4:30, to discuss the state of the Grange regarding finances, rentals, and whatever else we have time for.   Merry, our Treasurer, will present her usual monthly financial report, and we’ll discuss how the finances look in this time of extremely low cashflow.   We will also be discussing the early beginnings of rentals to some of our long-term regular renters:

• We have started allowing the Montpelier Church of Christ to hold Sunday morning services.   They came to us making a commitment to meet as safely as possible–using social distancing, wearing masks and having only a small number of people–see the photo below which they sent us.   We appreciate their pro-active approach!
• The West African Dance class will try out a class in the parking lot this Tuesday.   These dancers keep space between people (very unlike contra dancing, for example!), so we think this is a reasonable event to try outdoors, even for a sweaty activity!  
• We have asked AVP Detail, our usual cleaning service to do a disinfectant cleaning of door handles, railings, bathroom fixtures, water fountains, etc. once a week.   
• We are keeping the kitchen off-limits for obvious reasons; we also do not want groups to meet downstairs, which has much less ventilation than the upstairs Hall.
• We are limiting the use of the Hall to established renters, rather than one-time events.   We want to work with the people who have been a regular part of the Grange community, with whom we share the long-term interests of keeping the Grange Hall a welcoming–but safe–space. 

We are paying close attention to the guidance given by the VT Dept. of Health and the Governor’s weekly briefings.   While we don’t fit exactly in the buckets of “business re-start” or “retail spaces”, the general advice given is very helpful.

We’ll be discussing all of these questions in our Zoom Grange meeting on June 6th–check the Grange Calendar listing for the meeting link and log-in information to log in.  Or contact me, and I’ll send you an invitation!   Note–this is a separate Zoom event from the Program meeting with Rural VT, see the separate Calendar listing for log-in info to that event.

Montpelier Church of Christ–taking care of each other and the rest of us!

Compost program–even more information!       

On Dec. 7th of 2019, back when we could meet in person, we had an excellent presentation on the mandatory disposal requirements for food waste, which take effect on July 1st.  Two presenters from the Central VT Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) gave us good information about options for dealing with food waste–including composting at home.
       Last week, I was able to “attend” a longer, on-line workshop by CVSWMD on “Compost Basics”, including food waste of all types.   With more time, more specifics about the best ways to compost for garden soil enrichment and for disposal of food scraps was presented.  I learned a bunch of useful info, and I’ve been composting for years (just not very expertly, it turns out)!
       Attendees were sent a link to a recording of the Zoom presentation, and all the discussion, which I am sharing–just click this link and use the password “C0mp0st!”
       CVSWMD offers quite a few participatory, on-line, meetings using Zoom, including more Compost Basics sessions, plus workshops on how to dispose of household waste, and specific recycling guidance.   You can see the dates and register–for free!–using this link.

Wi-fi is free at the Grange Hall!      

Since 2014, we’ve offered Free Wi-fi there, and it’s available without a password outside the Hall as well as inside.  I found the best signal on the driveway on the West side of the Hall, that is the side closer to Rt. 12.  
       For Grange Notes readers in other parts of the state, the State Dept. of Public Service has posted a map of public Wi-fi hotspots all over Vermont.  You can get to it via this link:  https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/public-wifi-hotspots-vermont.  We are listed there, along with hundreds of other locations.
        If you have kids who need broadband access, or you need it for working “from home”, these are all resources that will help.
A little history:  We got our Wi-fi router installed for free, as part of the “Vermont Digital Economy Project”.  The VDEP arranged for hotspots like ours and Wi-fi zones to be installed for public use all around the state.   The intent was to help communities stay connected, especially in cases of emergencies–like our current one!–which require good communications and strong community institutions. 
       The VDEP was funded by federal grants through the VT Council on Rural Development, in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.   That statewide disaster revealed which communities recovered fastest–it was those with strong connections, strong communications and strong community institutions.   The Grange’s mission fits very well with these criteria, and the help we got through the VDEP made us a stronger community partner.   Besides the Wi-fi, we got help rebuilding our website, and were introduced to MailChimp as a tool to send these Grange Notes!  
         We greatly appreciate the help we got, and are eager to do our part to help those who need it in our current crisis.
        To learn more about the VDEP, visit https://www.vtrural.org/programs/digital-economy

Grange Notes by Tim Swartz, Grange President (with everyone’s help), May 8, 2020

With his wife Rachel Nevitt, Dave Zuckerman has run Full Moon Farm for decades.   As an organic farmer and also as a politically involved Representative, Senator and Lt. Governor, Dave has been involved in our “food system” in many ways.  In the May 2nd Zoom program, he shared farming facts, thoughts on how the system could change, and ideas for making those changes a reality.

If you missed the Zoom meeting, here’s a recording: I’ve posted an audio recording made by Carl on the Grange website Calendar listing, just click on this link to the 5/2 program, and click the “Play” arrow.

Starting off the program:       

Dave was introduced by Carl Etnier, our Grange Lecturer, who set up the program, provided the Zoom platform from East Montpelier, where he is a Selectboard member, and moderated the meeting.   We had about 25 poeple, by my count–a decent turn-out given the beautiful weather that tempted many others outside!  The attendees included a mixture of Grange members and friends, plus a variety of “new” folks–a sign that our publicity was working. 
       Carl introduced our guest speaker, noting that Dave had said, back when he was a representative, that VT could conceivably make a transition to food self-sufficiency in one growing season.  Dave elaborated on that statement from 20 or so years ago.  Looking at the situation today, he said that sort of shift would require a “major cultural shift”, as well as significant reconfiguring of our infrastructure.   While farmers could probably ramp up production that quickly, other changes would take time, planning and incentives to achieve.  Some of the ideas he cited for changes we could make:

• Change the food expectations of consumers to match the products which can be produced in VT–a long-term proposition.
• Use the food-processing we already have in the form of restaurant kitchens (currently many closed) to provide prepping/freezing/canning of farm products.
• Build storage facilities for produce and meats, to allow year-round food supply, not just during the growing season.

       He also used the example of his & Rachel’s Full Moon Farm, which employs 5 people year-round, plus 6 seasonal employees, growing vegetables on about 15 acres, plus about 100 chickens and 40 pigs.  Their peak storage need in October/November is for about 100,000 lbs. of food, in 4 storage rooms.  This is about the equivalent amount of total food which is consumed in one day in Chittenden County.  This will be the sort of storage we would need to scale up to self-sufficient food production for VT.        Dave also commented on the “Defense Production Act” which the President invoked to “require” meat processing plants to re-open–he pointed out that this order can only force the owners to open the plants.   It will be economic necessity which may cause the actual workers to return and risk their lives–the owners will not be the ones facing those dangers.   This highlights what the COVID-19 crisis has shown us–that “essential workers” are those on the front lines–and not just medical workers.  Now, the “new” essential folks are recognized to include the farmworkers, food processors and retail workers, all at the lower end of the payscales.   Their working conditions put them at higher risk at the same time they are being deemed “essential”.

Farming/gardening suggestions:      

Knowing that Grange members and friends are interested in growing food (as well as eating it!), Dave talked about some of the issues and decisions he and Rachel are dealing with on their farm in Hinesburg, in the farthest southern end of Chittenden County.   They have been pushing planting earlier, hoping for the best as farmers must, planting lettuces, spinach, beets and radishes about April 5th, about 2 weeks earlier than they used to–in hoop houses, not uncovered.   They have been “hardening off” brassica transplants–cabbages, broccoli, brussel sprouts, etc.–in preparation for planting them.  They are using colored plastic mulches, including red for tomatoes to speed ripening, silver for alliums (onions, leeks, scallions) to reduce thrips in the root ends.  He recommends that early-planted zucchinis have some flowers pinched off to reduce the number of early fruits developed,before the plants develop completely. 
       Dave also discussed the difficulties of frost at this point in the season–at their farm, it was very close to freezing in the week before our May 2nd meeting.  (Note–in Northfield Falls, it was in the low-mid 20s this week)  He related stories of covering strawberries, plus spraying water (which releases heat as it changes from liquid to ice), and seeing ice on top of the covering, and liquid water dripping off below.   There are limits to how much you can raise the warmth for the plants, unless they are in a heated greenhouse!

Questions and discussions:      

Following Dave’s presentation as summarized above, Carl opened the discussion section of the meeting–as we expected, the attendees had a wide range of questions they wanted to bring up; here are a few:

• How to change the dairy farming “culture” to consider ways to reduce milk production to keep prices higher and more profitable?  Dave discussed the VT “dairy culture” as an expression of pride, farms maintained by the same families for generations, providing a strong identity.  He would like to see a conventional (not organic) “VT Milk” brand established, with higher standards for quality, good treatment of farm workers, etc., as a way to get higher prices in the larger, southern New England markets.  He also talked about how he had to convince farmers at an American Farm Bureau conference that a young “hippie farmer” like him could be a “real farmer” by showing that he understood the business aspects of selling his produce, citing pricing and quantities produced and sold at the Burlington Farmers’ Market, for instance.
• How can the Grange, Grange members and others support an increasing local food supply?   Dave says about the most useful thing–besides buying local food of all types–is to work with existing local groups, like Rural VT for instance, who have been working on this problem for years.   A significant project of theirs is promoting on-farm, small-scale animal processing capacity, to make it easier for farmers who raise animals for meat.
• How can local farmers increase their ability to make a livable wage and sell food at prices which “normal” people can afford to buy it?  Dave agreed that this is a dilemma, one which will require structural changes. For example, switching to a single-payer health care system which cuts the cost of health insurance could free up income for people to buy more produce and other nutritious, fresh foods, which in turn will help maintain better health.   He also discussed the role of personal choices about how people spend their money.
• Another attendee asked about the prospects of getting more organic grain grown locally–especially having heard that VT was part of the “breadbasket” of Northern New England before the “west”–at that time Ohio–took over growing wheat.  Dave said that our climate is not ideal, and climate change is leading, it seems, to wetter springs and falls, which present problems for harvesting wheat in particular.  Winter wheat and rye seem more likely possible crops to him.  [Note:  check out northerngraingrowers.org to find out what people are doing to re-learn how to grow grains.   The Northern Grain Growers Ass’n is working with UVM Ag School to spread info about these types of crops.]
• Alison Forrest, who as many of you know is the head of the Food Service for the Huntington school, told us that she has been sending out food from the school to students and their families, a service that is now extended through June.   She strongly urges families to apply for free or reduced-price lunches, especially those who have lost income due to the pandemic.  This program will provide a special EBT card for $5.50 per child per day–7 days a week to supplement food purchasing.  PLEASE SPREAD THIS INFORMATION to all families you know!

I’ve tried to capture a good bit of the discussion, please listen to the recording to get the whole story!

1/2 hour Grange meeting before the program              

Our “executive session” commenced with Grange Musician singing and playing piano, while some of us at home, at least sang along–at our April meeting we learned that it’s just not possible to sync-up group singing on Zoom!
       After a brief check-in on how we are all doing, we had a brief discussion of Grange finances.  With reduced expenses (no cleaning, no plowing and very minimal heat and electricity use), we are holding steady with contributions from a few renters who are continuing to pay some rent to support us.  We will gradually deplete our savings as this goes on, of course.  
       We did discuss the Gillespie Fuels options for heating oil payment for the upcoming year, and the group endorsed my recommendation that we sign up for budget payments, but no “protected” pricing, since that comes at a premium.   The group agreed that the current low prices may well continue due to the economic downturn and other market factors, and that our fuel use should be improved due to the excellent insulation added to the basement.  So it seems to make sense to “gamble” by taking the market price option.
        I reported that Northern Basements has completed the burying of the drain line from the sump pump, under the driveway on the West (Rt. 12) side of the Hall.  This is the last step, except for some painting, on the entire project!
       Patty Giavara, Chair of the Friends organization that funded and managed the project, reported that she is working on the final report to the Arts Council, the granting agency that will reimburse the Friends for 1/2 the cost of the project.  Since she is working more than full-time, this is taking some time, but she is making progress.
       Since the meeting, Merry & I have begun being contacted by the Montpelier Church of Christ about re-starting their Sunday morning services; at this point, we are advising them that under the Governor’s order we are not able to allow gatherings yet; we will continue to discuss the situation with them and other Hall users.   We have also reached out to our cleaning service about disinfectant cleaning, which we will certainly need to have done, as part of re-opening the Hall even for small groups who can maintain “social distances”.

For the short-to-medium term:  The Grange Hall is staying empty, and we can’t yet advertise our wonderful new lower-level for public use.   We can afford to stay closed, but we’ll be gradually depleting the savings that we have.   In that way, we are in the same boat as other organizations and individuals.
       Since we finished the basement renovations just before the shut-down, we have not been able to publicize our excellent “new” space.   While we have time, I am still asking for input about creating a marketing campaign that we can use when the very necessary restrictions are loosened, to advertise our facilities, including the lower-level with its new insulated walls, new carpet, new electrical outlets–and no more mildew!
       I would also like to publicize needs for volunteers for the work of other organizations, that people know about.   I believe we have a lot of readers of the Grange Notes who want to do community service work–and most have more time on their hands!   Let me know if you have a need our readers might be able to fill!
       You can also post this sort of info on the Capital City Grange Facebook page!  The link for this is also at the top of these Notes.
        On behalf of the Grange–Stay Home, Stay Safe and Stay Healthy!  

Wi-fi is free at the Grange Hall!      

Since 2014, we’ve offered Free Wi-fi there, and it’s available without a password outside the Hall as well as inside.  I found the best signal on the driveway on the West side of the Hall, that is the side closer to Rt. 12.  
       For Grange Notes readers in other parts of the state, the State Dept. of Public Service has posted a map of public Wi-fi hotspots all over Vermont.  You can get to it via this link:  https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/public-wifi-hotspots-vermont.  We are listed there, along with hundreds of other locations.
        If you have kids who need broadband access, or you need it for working “from home”, these are all resources that will help.
A little history:  We got our Wi-fi router installed for free, as part of the “Vermont Digital Economy Project”.  The VDEP arranged for hotspots like ours and Wi-fi zones to be installed for public use all around the state.   The intent was to help communities stay connected, especially in cases of emergencies–like our current one!–which require good communications and strong community institutions. 
       The VDEP was funded by federal grants through the VT Council on Rural Development, in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.   That statewide disaster revealed which communities recovered fastest–it was those with strong connections, strong communications and strong community institutions.   The Grange’s mission fits very well with these criteria, and the help we got through the VDEP made us a stronger community partner.   Besides the Wi-fi, we got help rebuilding our website, and were introduced to MailChimp as a tool to send these Grange Notes!  
         We greatly appreciate the help we got, and are eager to do our part to help those who need it in our current crisis.
        To learn more about the VDEP, visit https://www.vtrural.org/programs/digital-economy

Grange Notes by Tim Swartz, Grange President (with everyone’s help), April 30, 2020

Join us on May 2nd, from 5 to 6 PM–a discussion with Dave Zuckerman:  learning from the Coronavirus crisis about how to improve our food system

Our 2nd “Virtual Program”, at 5:00 PM on May 2nd will feature VT organic farmer David Zuckerman, discussing the future of our food systems.   The COVID-19 crisis has made us all think more about how food gets to us.  Not everything is available on the shelves in our markets, and food is in the news.
       Now, grocery workers and farm workers are recognized as “essential workers”.   U.S. farms are having difficulties getting the immigrant workers they need.  Large food facilities like meat-packing plants are shutting down amidst spikes of COVID-19–and are being named as “essential businesses” under the Defense Production Act so they will be kept open.  Long distance supply chains seem more fragile than ever.   Millions of people are planting gardens–many for the first time.
       As a society, what are sensible policy responses to building a more resilient, self-sufficient food system?   As individuals, what are some of the best things for us to be planting to feed ourselves and help our neighbors?
       David Zuckerman has thought about food resilience for decades.  Besides being Lt. Gov., he is co-owner of “Full Moon Farm” in Hinesburg.  He’ll share his thoughts on these issues, and other questions people bring up in this hour-long Zoom meeting.
         To join this Zoom Meeting from your computer, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81592514215         (If you have not been involved in a Zoom meeting before, you will need to allow a few minutes to download & install the free Zoom connection.  Once you have done this, a window will pop up, offering a choice of “Phone Call” or “Computer Audio” for hearing the meeting.)
       With your computer, you will be able to see any visuals presented, plus the faces of others with webcams activated.  If you have a web-cam, we will be able to see you as well!

       To join this Zoom meeting from your phone, call this phone #: 
646-558-8656.  When prompted enter this “Meeting ID”: 815 9251 4215, followed by the # sign.

       It’s fine to try out these links before the meeting, you will just see/hear nothing before the meeting starts!  We will get to see how we like this program compared to the “GoToMeeting” set-up we used for the April meeting.   Zoom has made security enhancements since the problems experienced soon after many users started using it in the earlier days of the Coronavirus.

Spread the word:  please share this invitation with your friends, with your family, with the many people we hope you are staying in touch with!   These subjects are important to everyone!  This Program is completely free and open to the public!

Grange Lecturer Carl Etnier has set up this meeting with Dave Zuckerman, and will be the moderator for it.

1/2 hour Grange meeting before the programFrom 4:30 to 5:00: 

We will have a non-ritual Grange meeting, to discuss what is going on with finances and the Grange Hall, and to check in on how we are all doing.  GrangeMusician Matt Nunnelly will play and sing an opening song for us; we learned at the last meeting that we can’t sing along through the meeting app, but feel free to join in at home!
Treasurer Merry Shernock will present a Treasurer’s Report, and will discuss our minimal cash-flow; she’ll also be wearing her Rental Agent hat, and will report on our tenant relations.
       I will report on the Grange Hall; Patty Giavara will report on the final grant report that she has been writing up.
       Carl Etnier has set up a separate Zoom meeting for the Grange, separate from the Program meeting, to reduce confusion for people tuning in just for the David Zuckerman presentation.   Here’s how to connect:        To join this Zoom Meeting from your computer, follow this link: https://zoom.us/j/93075767470?pwd=OUZPS3N2VmUrUEJ5dXJzcCs5Mkpjdz09         (As noted above, if you have not been involved in a Zoom meeting before, you will need to allow a few minutes to download & install the free Zoom connection.  Once you have done this, a window will pop up, offering a choice of “Phone Call” or “Computer Audio” for hearing the meeting. 
       With your computer and an attached webcam you will be able to see the video

       To join this Zoom meeting from your phone, call this phone #: 
646-558-8656.  When prompted, enter this “Meeting ID”: 930 7576 7470, followed by the # sign.  You will then be asked to enter your “participant ID”–use the password:  508853.  When I tried this out, a couple of times the “meeting ID” number I entered correctly was not received–extra digits were “heard” according to the little voice in my ear, so be prepared to re-enter it a couple of times.

Send us feedback on this idea!  We will also be considering best ways to share this meeting and to moderate the discussion.  Please send us other suggestions for program ideas; Merry’s & the Grange Notes contact info is above, Carl can be reached at carl@etnier.net

For the longer term:  The Grange Hall is staying empty, and we can’t yet advertise our wonderful new lower-level for public use.   We can afford to stay closed for a while, but we’ll be gradually depleting the savings that we have.   In that way, we are in the same boat as other organizations and individuals.
      Our exemption from property taxes from the Town of Berlin will expire in March, 2021; we will have to campaign to keep this major savings in place.  We’ll be citing our service as a Wi-Fi hotspot, along with allowing Town organizations and residents to use the Hall for free–at least 46 times in 2019!  Can you help us with this campaigning when the time comes?
       Since we finished the basement renovations just before the shut-down, we have not been able to publicize our excellent “new” space.   While we have time, I would like to hear from people who can help us create a marketing campaign that we can use when the very necessary restrictions are loosened, to advertise our facilities, including the lower-level with its new insulated walls, new carpet, new electrical outlets–and no more mildew!
       I would also like to publicize needs for volunteers for the work of other organizations, that people know about.   I believe we have a lot of readers of the Grange Notes who want to do community service work–and most have more time on their hands!   Let me know if you have a need our readers might be able to fill!
       You can also post this sort of info on the Capital City Grange Facebook page!  The link for this is also at the top of these Notes.
        On behalf of the Grange–Stay Home, Stay Safe and Stay Healthy!  

Supporting the Grange with “Virtual Events”       As noted above–our Grange Hall has been closed and empty.

If you’d like to keep our noses above water, we’d love to have “Virtual Rentals” start to fill up our Calendar.   If you want to “rent” the Hall for 1/2 hour, or 3 hours, or a whole day, we would be happy to list you as the sponsor!  Please contact me (Tim) or our volunteer Rental Agent/Treasurer, Merry Shernock–see the contact info at the top of this Grange Notes.
        On behalf of the Grange–Stay Home, Stay Safe and Stay Healthy!