Tim Swartz, Author at Capital City Grange

2018 VT State Grange proposed Resolutions

September 21, 2018 by Tim Swartz

Here are all 19 of the resolutions that will be considered at the October VT State Grange Session. A wide variety of topics are included–from restricting the use of “neonicitinoid” pesticides, to reducing the emphasis on secrecy in Grange proceedings, to changing the day of elections and Town meetings, to eliminating Daylight Savings Time. Please take a look at them, and come to our October 6th meeting, to discuss what our Grange wants to advocate for or against, among these ideas. What we decide on at that meeting will guide our 2 voting representatives as we consider them in committees, and when we vote on accepting, rejecting, or re-wording them.

2018 VT State Grange PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

If you can’t come to the meeting, please email comments to: grangepresident@capitalcitygrange.org, and we’ll include your feedback.

Indian Cooking Workshop at the Grange–June 2, 2018

June 3, 2018 by Tim Swartz

Delna Boyce, an experienced cook originally from India, volunteered to put on an Indian cooking class for the Grange, and did a great job! 15 participants learned about recipes, ingredients (and where to buy them), spices and the difference between supermarket spices and “real” ones, ways to include more whole grains, and many “tricks of the trade” for making a list of traditional Indian dishes which she has sold at farmers’ markets. “Delna’s Hits” were hits for the cooks who came to the workshop, and also for the Grange members who enjoyed some of the leftovers at the Community Potluck later that day.

Delna mixes the whole-wheat flour and water for the parathas.

Class members knead the dough.

Delna explains the vegetables cut up for aloo gobi (potatoes & cauliflower).

Participants get their hands into the ingredients.

Frying the pakoras gets started.

Freshly fried pakoras cooling down.

Delna talks about spices–what you can use, and how much: making it taste right to you!

Mixing the ingredients for dal.

Dal ingredients are ready to cook.

Rolling out the parathas and rotis.

Everyone gets into the role, and the rolling.

Green herb chutney, and other ingredients.

Dry-frying the parathas gets started–with many more to follow.

Parathas pile up, ready for cooking.

Aloo gobi goes into the pan for cooking.

Delna starts the cooking of the aloo gobi.

Dinner is served: mango lassi, pakoras, chutney, aloo gobi, rice and dal.

And dinner is enjoyed–and talked about.

Delna’s visual aid for the many kinds of legumes used for dal.

Baking Contest Rules–Apple Muffins, April 7, 2018

April 5, 2018 by Tim Swartz

DATE: April 7, 2018; 4 pm

APPLE MUFFINS – use your favorite recipe

PRESENTATION:

6 muffins on a paper plate to which is 3X5 card is taped to the bottom.

ON THE CARD SHOWING: recipe used

On REVERSE SIDE OF CARD (not showing): name + contact information

REMEMBER: You NEED NOT BE A MEMBER to participate* in the 2018 Baking Contest at CCG#469.

PRIZES (in addition to bragging rights!)

FIRST: full 1 yr membership in CCG#469 + choice of utensils from King Arthur + bag of party favors

SECOND: choice of utensils + bag of party favors

THIRD: utensil remaining + bag of party favors

The Grange wants to see your (cinnamon) buns

April 24, 2017 by Tim Swartz

Grange Notes for April 13, 2017 by Tim Swartz

Why will the Grange smell so good on May 6th?
Special Baking Contest edition

Which ones look like your buns?

What’s your secret recipe?

We are having a baking contest, and everyone is invited!

Bring your irresistible treat on Saturday, May 6th, at 5:00 PM, with judging at 5:30!

Every year, all Granges hold a baking contest, and this year it is cinnamon buns or rolls.   ANY recipe is eligible to win!   All you have to do is impress our panel of CELEBRITY JUDGES! We can’t tell you who they all are yet, but we already have commitments from a local legislator, and a well-known meteorologist.
The winner will represent Capital City Grange at the VT State Grange contest–and we’ll pay your dues for 2017 if you aren’t already a member (like so many cool people).   There are cash prizes for the State winners!
And you can use any recipe–any type of flour, any type of sugar, special flavorings–though I think it will be prudent to use cinnamon!The slightly finer print:   Bring your entry of 3 to 5 buns, on a paper plate to the Grange Hall at 5:00 PM, with your name, contact information, and the recipe, taped to the bottom side of the plate. All entries anonymous and fairly judged!

All ages are welcome to enter this contest!

And of course, we’ll have a great Community Potluck at 6:00.

Bring your favorite dish for sharing, and join us eating at the tables in the Main Hall. We’ve been getting more and more people joining us, and this should be an especially good one. It’s a great opportunity to meet and talk to people–and to share recipes!

I’ll send out info on our April Open House in a separate edition of the Notes.
We wanted to give you and your friends time to test your recipes before May 6th!

Art at the Grange! Berlin Elementary School art on display

April 21, 2017 by Tim Swartz

At the Grange Open House on April 1st, 2017 a new art gallery opened in Berlin, featuring art from the collection of Lynn Spencer, Berlin Elementary’s art teacher. In a partnership with Capital City Grange, Lynn found a place to display artworks she has collected since 2002. The storage space in the Berlin Elementary School needed to be emptied due to upcoming reservations, and CCG is happy to show off the colorful, lively and inventive works. Look for an opportunity to come by the Grange Hall to see them in person!