Chainsaws, fresh air, and June 5 meeting

Grange Notes by Tim Swartz, Grange President (with everyone’s help), May 27, 2021

Our “arboristas” have productive fun!

       We had a nice turnout of 7 for our tree-trimming project last Saturday.   With guidance from our professional arborist, Matt Perry, the crew which included Ellen Marsden, Stephen Wright, Duane Lathrop, Kurt & Patty Giavara and me didn’t have to work too hard, and really enjoyed seeing each other.
We were able to take down over a dozen trees–all relatively small–which were leeeeaaaaning way into the parking area, plus one beside the driveway. These trees were looking for light in the open space, of course. Taking these down, plus cutting some overhanging branches removed some potential hazards, and will keep our parking area open.   Between Matt’s gas chainsaw and pole saws, and Ellen’s electric one, the trees were cut into manageable pieces, and hauled into the woods.
Afterward, several of us stuck around and had a nice time hanging out and sharing stories–very enjoyable after our “lost year”.   I hope others will show up and share equally good times, when we figure out a day for a Grange Hall cleanup!
Many thanks to our diligent crew, sorry I didn’t get everyone’s picture!

Thanks to the Grange members who passed the Resolution on Card Check for unions!

Later that same day, a core group of Grange members assembled via Zoom, and unanimously passed the Resolution supporting legislation which makes it possible for workers in public sector employment to organize a union local by getting a majority to sign a petition stating their desire to bargain collectively. This has been sent on to the Heart of Vermont Pomona Grange, and should then make its way to be considered at the State Grange Session in October. Thanks to Patty, Liz, Carl, Alison, Erin and Merry for taking the time to get this taken care of!

Fresh Air…it’s not just a show on NPR!

We also need more fresh air in the Grange Hall, especially as we are trying to improve ventilation in this age of viruses. Building on advice that I got from the HVAC expert at the Tapestry Folk Dance Center in Minneapolis, Bill Hulstrunk (in the picture on the left) and I were able to install a duct with dampers (in the picture on the right), which will allow a controlled amount of outside air into the return air plenum of our furnace. By setting the furnace fan to turn on while the building is occupied, and running the exhaust fans above the stage, we can increase the “air changes per hour”. There’s more to be done, watch for updates–and if you have HVAC experience and want to help out, get in touch with me: swartztim15@gmail.com.

Feeeeebeeee! Expect to hear that name…

….being uttered by our newest Grange tenant. While Bill and I were working on May 25th, I saw that where we’ve had robin nests in the past, we have Eastern Phoebes nesting this year. In a much neater nest, I was impressed to see 5 eggs! The insect-eating phoebes will find plenty of wasps to eat (glad I don’t have to have that diet!), and will broadcast their presence by saying their name. These birds often nest in human buildings, so will probably not be freaked out too much by people coming and going.

June 5th meeting: 5:00 to 6:00, followed by a Community Potluck

We had hoped to have a group sing-along as the “program” for our June Grange meeting, but we’ve been unable to find a song-leader. Our usual Grange Musician already had plans to be out of town, and no other leads have panned out. Those who have listened to me sing will agree that whatever my faults as a Grange meeting leader, the role of song-leader is not in my range!
So we will have a “plain” Grange meeting from 5 to 6, with time for planning for our Champlain Valley Fair display in the State Grange exhibit area, and we will follow it up with the first post-pandemic Potluck Dinner! All are welcome, even if you haven’t joined us for the Grange meeting. We’ll put out plenty of serving utensils so they don’t have to be handled too many times, and we’ll eat on the ADA entrance porch unless the weather is bad. Bring your favorite dish to share, and we’ll enjoy each others’ company! I know I’m even more aware of the value of socializing–and I love eating other people’s cooking!
Put it on your calendars!

The CDU is considering how and when to re-start contra dances. Want to be in the loop?

I know a number of people getting these “Grange Notes” are also on the subscriber list for the Montpelier Contra Dance newsletters. If you want to get the latest about the Contra Dance Umbrella committee’s thinking about when it will be possible to resume dancing, please email cdu.tim@gmail.com, and I will put you on the list. If you are already on it, you know that we have set up a survey to gather dancers’ opinions. If you aren’t, and would like to weigh in, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YYX3C3G. The CDU will be meeting early in June to discuss “re-entry”, and the CDU newsletter will keep you informed. The Grange will be happy when dancing comes back–but we all agree that safety for all is the first priority.