The photo at the top of this email shows the concrete going into the forms for the new Grange sign. Kurt Giavara (right) supervised setting the “big-foot” type forms the week before; I arranged to get some stainless steel bars to anchor in the concrete along with more commercial post-bases. On Friday the 14th, we had the forms filled with concrete, and placed the stainless bars and dummy “posts” in the concrete, at the correct spacing to match the posts and cherry cross-piece donated by TimberHomes LLC. Dave Cain is preparing the lettering on the cherry piece so that we can erect the parts soon.
Looking for carpentry volunteers to help us put up the posts, and to build and install the small roof for the sign. If there is someone who could bring an 8′ or 10′ stepladder, that would be an extra help! Please contact me if you can help us! As usual I can be reached at 225-8921, or the email address for these Grange Notes.
After the whole sign is up, we’ll have electrician Alana Norway pull wires through the conduits placed during the summer by another crew of volunteers. She’ll also install the fluorescent lights which will illuminate the sign. We’ve decided to put the lights on a timer so they will be on from about dusk to midnight, so our sign will be visible.
Our intent is to increase our recognition, so people will know where our Hall is, and that it is available for rental. The sign will give the website, and the phone number for rentals–see below for a transition in our rental agent. As regular readers will know, we badly need to get more tenants to balance our budget. And providing a Hall for public use is the major community service which our Grange provides.
Spring 2014 – Grange in Trouble; More Funds Needed
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??
Spring 2014 – Dancers’ News Classifieds
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.
Spring 2104 – A Story of Contagious Volunteering
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
The Dancers’ News – Spring 2014 – New Bathrooms Planned; Many Dancers Rejoice
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.