Grange Notes by Tim Swartz, March 20, 2016
April 2nd: learn how to use the sun!
2:00 to 4:30: CCG sponsors a “Solar Fair” to offer choices for the public–representatives from 5 different solar contractors, plus a bank that offers low-interest energy improvement loans will be there to answer your questions. Talk with representative from these companies: Suncommon, Realgoods Solar, Catamount Solar, SolarCity, AllEarth Solar, VSECU.
April Grange meeting welcomes new members, and plans for our May 7th celebration–starting at 5:00!
In addition to our usual meeting, featuring reports and discussion about agriculture, legislative events, health news, and more, we will provide an official welcome to our 3 newest members, with a performance of the “Obligation” Ceremony. This simple ritual is a way to formally welcome new folks and to teach them the basics of the Grange. It is a substitute for a performance of the full “Four Degrees”, a long-form illustration of the mission and values of the Grange. This was last done at the CCG in 2005, when we had about 70 new members join–and was a moving and deeply felt display. The Obligation ceremony fits within the Grange meeting, and offers a chance to pay attention to our new team-mates.
Another major focus of our meeting will be more planning for the open house we decided on holding on May 7th, to showcase all that goes on at the Grange Hall. We especially want to attract and intrigue the residents of Berlin, who voted to strengthen the bonds of that town with our Grange. The agreement to exempt us from property taxes, in return for allowing use of the Hall at no rental cost for Berlin organizations and residents, is the foundation for more community-building activity at our Hall.
A committee including Alison Forrest and Merry Shernock has been asking regular renters to take part in this “open house”, to showcase their talents, their classes and their welcome to new participants. We plan to have some community singing (one of the attractions of Grange meetings for many of us), with simple “rounds” led by veteran leader Louise Brill. The event will end with a potluck dinner, making sure that everyone will feel welcome, whether they can bring a home-cooked offering or not–because it’s always good to meet while we eat!
Can you help with the planning for this? Do you have other ideas for presenting the Grange’s attractions? Contact Merry (see the header), or Alison at: feedkidswell@hotmail.com to offer your involvement.
We’ll be starting our meeting a bit later than usual, to make time for the Solar Fair–so mark your calendars!
Following our own belief in enjoying good food together, the meeting will be followed by another tasty Grange Potluck at 6:30. As always, the Solar Fair, the meeting and the potluck are free and open to all!
Another major focus of our meeting will be more planning for the open house we decided on holding on May 7th, to showcase all that goes on at the Grange Hall. We especially want to attract and intrigue the residents of Berlin, who voted to strengthen the bonds of that town with our Grange. The agreement to exempt us from property taxes, in return for allowing use of the Hall at no rental cost for Berlin organizations and residents, is the foundation for more community-building activity at our Hall.
A committee including Alison Forrest and Merry Shernock has been asking regular renters to take part in this “open house”, to showcase their talents, their classes and their welcome to new participants. We plan to have some community singing (one of the attractions of Grange meetings for many of us), with simple “rounds” led by veteran leader Louise Brill. The event will end with a potluck dinner, making sure that everyone will feel welcome, whether they can bring a home-cooked offering or not–because it’s always good to meet while we eat!
Can you help with the planning for this? Do you have other ideas for presenting the Grange’s attractions? Contact Merry (see the header), or Alison at: feedkidswell@hotmail.com to offer your involvement.
We’ll be starting our meeting a bit later than usual, to make time for the Solar Fair–so mark your calendars!
Following our own belief in enjoying good food together, the meeting will be followed by another tasty Grange Potluck at 6:30. As always, the Solar Fair, the meeting and the potluck are free and open to all!
Kids Trade ‘N’ Play–in full swing
Erin Barry sent me some pictures from the last meeting of this still-new Grange event, where families can meet, let kids play, and bond with others, while also passing on out-grown clothing and toys, in exchange for “new” ones that better fit the growing younger generation. KTNP happens on the Second Saturday of each month, so the next one will be on April 9th, from 9:30 to 11:30. You can always check the Grange Calendar online: www.capitalcitygrange.org/
