While we had to try to forget the special event which came after our meeting, we managed to have another full meeting about Grange business–with the usual songs to make sure we were (mostly) in tune.
We started off with our usual reports—Agriculture being a little more active by this time of the year!  Besides the planting of various gardens, Alison told us about going to the annual Northern Grain Growers Association conference.   Besides the ongoing discussions sharing best ways of growing grains, a popular presentation was UVM’s research into industrial hemp growing.   The University’s Ag school has test plots growing in many locations in Vermont’s diverse climate conditions, where farmers are learning about things like avoiding sticky hemp from clogging their tedders, for example.  The VT State Grange is on record as supporting legalization of industrial hemp cultivation and production of hemp products, by the way!
The news from the Grain Growers made an interesting parallel to VT legislativediscussions about the possibility of legalizing recreational marijuana.  As we met, the House and Senate had supported significantly different approaches.   As I finish this report, the chambers have agreed on a bill to allow Vermonters to grow their own marijuana, and to do more research on issues such as how police and courts can evaluate whether drivers are impaired.   We also had a lively discussion of the Governor’s proposal for statewide health insurance negotiation for all school districts.   Since our membership includes someone who works in a school and a school board member, we got some on-the-ground information.   We did not try to come up with a decision of our group, but finished well-informed.
Health concerns this month were focused on mental exercise, as well as physical. Phyllis Skinner RN, our usual health reporter had us take the same type of quiz which immigrants seeking naturalized citizenship have to know:  the provisions of the US Constitution!  Our knowledge was pretty good as a group, though individually spotty.   The highlight came with Liz Benjamin singing the First Amendment!   She remembers the song, composed as a memorization aid, since her elementary school days….which were several decades ago!   I found a Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61Ncu7xIkQ0 which is a lot more produced–and several others.
We learned about the accomplishments of the Barre-Tones, fresh from the performance by their “UpScale” quartet at our Grange Open House.  The whole barbershop chorus won big at the regional competition, qualifying for International Competition in November!  Upscale won as “Best Quartet”!  Learn more at: http://barretonesvt.com/ .
In addition, we had reports about the Hall–the Friends are planning ways to solve the North end paint problems with ventilated siding and interior insulation of the wall.  More to come on that–and we are getting more detailed information on the proposed improvements and landscaping for our official main entrance which includes the ramp on the North end.
Our June meeting will feature a year-to-date financial report, with more long-term information about our income, expenses and net worth, as Merry has learned more about what the QuickBooks Online program can provide.   Put June 3rd on your calendar!

We will have our monthly meeting for Capital City Grange, keeping track of finances, plans for improvements in the Grange Hall, plus reports on legislative matters, health concerns, agricultural changes (some positive news at this time of year!), and our usual sing-alongs.   We hope you will join us!

At about 5:30, we’ll have this month’s special event:

From the world of Science, meteorologist Roger Hill!
You’ve heard him on WDEV, WGDR and many other stations, and you’ve gotten advice on the weather from “Weathering Heights“.   So you know he has good taste in weather.   Find out how flaky his crust is!

From the world of Legislation, Politics, and making fine distinctions:   Anne Donahue!
Anne has represented the “Washington-2” district since 2003; that has included Berlin since 2012.   She is the vice-chair of the Health Care committee, and publishes Counterpoint, a Vermont journal about the mental health community.   Find out what she thinks is spicy in cinnamon rolls!

From the world of art (and education and baking), the curator of our stunning exhibition of art from Berlin:  Lynn Spencer!
Lynn teaches art at Berlin Elementary School, and curated the selection of art now gracing the walls of our Grange Hall, out of the many creations (since 2002) of the kids she has taught.  And she is a part-time professional baker, making pies for Ellie’s Farm Market, just down the road on Rt. 12!

Below is just a taste of the 30+ pieces hung on the walls of the Grange Hall, thanks to Berlin Elementary School Art Teacher Lynn Spencer.   Come in and see them all.   There are more photos at the CCG website: http://capitalcitygrange.org/art-grange-berlin-elementary-school-art-display/  Notice the variety of media used, and the many styles which Lynn’s students have used.

We are holding our second “Grange Open House” to welcome people from the communities that surround and use the Grange Hall.    We have demonstrations and information tables planned, featuring the teachers, students, dancers, singers, community service groups and more that base their activities at the Hall.
From 4:00 to 6:00 PM, we’ll have a lineup of demonstrations by:
The Barretones–the award-winning women’s barbershop chorus group, which rehearses on Monday evenings
Washington County 4H–will put on a fashion show, featuring clothes sewed and modeled by boys and girls in 4H!
Community singing–one our favorite activities at Grange meetings, but time to sing more songs!   We welcome everyone to bring songs to share.   We have a list of songs that we have added to the Grange repertoire:  Lift Every Voice and Sing, This Land is Your Land, Take me out to the Ballgame, Yellow Submarine, I’ll Fly Away, Lean On Me, plus some rounds.   What else do you want to sing?  We’re expecting a bunch of enthusiastic singers, so come along and join in.
And we’ll have info tables from many more:
Capital City Grange #469–I’ll be happy to tell more about the Grange–it’s history, our accomplishments, and how you can get involved.  I’m putting together some info and pictures to tell the story.   I’ll have info also about theFriends of the CCG Hall!
Green Mountain Transit Agency will have a table–we have hosted their buses when flooding has been a danger for their garage, just down the road.
Weston Mobile Home Co-op will share info. This group of residents of the park down the road has been holding meetings in our Hall on Sunday afternoons.   They are working with the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity to form a cooperative group to buy the mobile home park.
Berlin Elementary School Art will be displayed on the walls of the Grange Hall, part of our partnership with the Town of Berlin.

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If there is a community or Grange group that we have somehow missed, we’ll make room if you get in touch soon!  Contact Merry (see above) or Tim Swartz,  http://grangenotes@capitalcitygrange.org or 802-225-8921 for more info.