Here are some facts and figures about the Grange budget (2013 figures):

EXPENSES

Real estate taxes                  $6631

Heating cost                         $5627

Snowplow/sanding            $3625

Mortgage for renovations            $2162

Cleaning/janitorial supplies      $2465

Insurance                             $1426

Phone/electricity               $1397

Total Expenses$23,333

 

INCOME

Contra Dance Umbrella Rent  $6300

Montpelier Church                    $3650

West African Dance                 $1280

Afro-Caribbean Dance            $1750

One-time rentals                      $2590

Fundraising/donations         $2605

Total Income $18,175

What’s wrong with this picture? We need help in creating more income.

A diminishing number of Grange members meet once a month (first Saturday at 4:30 p.m.) to discuss all the topics necessary to keep the building functioning. We would like to encourage more dancers to be actively involved. If you feel that dancing in Montpelier is important in your life and you have a couple hours to give to ensure this wonderful resource is able to continue providing dance space, donate your time now. It could make all the difference.

We need help with web updates, advertising, fundraisers, grant writing, rentals and building maintenance. If you’re interested, e-mail Fran at keepsakepearls@gmail.com.

The Grange is a lovely space with lots of parking. Got any meetings coming up that need a great spot for gathering, a convention, party, class, graduation, wedding?

We also now have wifi service at the Grange. This new and faster service will hopefully help the Grange attract more rentals. We believe wifi will be an attractive service for organizations doing training seminars and public meetings. If you have an idea for a prospective renter, let Jody know 802-522-6171.

We love the Grange culture because there is such a wide spectrum of participants. The dances are so great because all ages and socioeconomic groups mingle. Where else do you get that??

HELP WANTED

Like Facebook?

Facebook is an important communication tool for the Grange. We need dancers to like our Facebook page and add their own posts: visit facebook.com/capitalcitygrangemontpelier.

Are You a Web Wizard?

The Grange needs your web help. We’re looking for folks to help with our new wifi hotspot, our website, and general marketing. For more info, contact Fran: keepsakepearls@gmail.com.

Can’t stop dancing?

Another way to increase the Grange’s income is to start up a new dance series. Are you are a creator of new dances; family or funky or any other? Contact Fran at keepsakepearls@gmail.com.

Happy 100th, Grange!

May 2 will commemorate the Capital City Grange’s 100th birthday. If you would like to help celebrate this momentous year, contact Merry: merrykays@yahoo.com.

I came up to the [Feb. 9] fundraiser as a member of the clean-up committee . . . I found a well-oiled machine operating the kitchen. Everything ran smoothly with the exception of one coffee pot, and Tim reset its circuit breaker. And found the paper towels. And then people began bringing their dishes down. Time for me to get to work.

But not yet! Suddenly the sinks were fully staffed with ad hoc dish-washers and dish-dryers. Some people washed the dishes they’d brought down. Some washed whatever dishes were waiting, and then let others take a turn. It was easy, seamless and quite lovely to see.

It IS contagious. There are many people (you know most of them) who give the dance community their time and are good at what they do. But we could use some more of them. Next time a call goes out for volunteers, come join us.

-—Elizabeth Templeton, Brookfield

Grange users are excited about the construction plans for a new bathroom downstairs. The Friends of the Grange are writing a grant and developing plans to renovate the downstairs bathrooms, including sinks, water fountain, accessible toilet and changing rooms.

“I think everyone would agree: it’s time!!” writes one Grange member.

The Vermont Arts Council will be announcing the winners of the Cultural Facilities grants in mid-August.   This will be a matching funds grant; so there will still be much fundraising to do.