Grange Notes by Tim Swartz, Grange President (with everyone’s help) November 20, 2025
November 1st meeting: reviewing finances, Red Cross blood drive plans, financial and rental discussion & State Grange meeting
As expected, we had plenty to talk about at our meeting. We welcomed Brenda Rousselle, a former Master of the State Grange who visited our meeting, as part of her work as part of the State Grange executive committee.
Red Cross Blood Drive: The discussion of the upcoming Red Cross blood drive we are hosting on January 16th came up as we discussed health in general. Treasurer and Rental Agent Merry Shernock has coordinated those in the past, but now has too many other commitments to continue. For the short term, Tim Swartz will coordinate the next drive–but will be looking for others who would like to become part of this important community service. See below for more specifics.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Project: this large project has gotten started, with the installation of 2 louvers on the South gable end of the Hall–over the original entrance. See the picture above! They’re not yet connected, but installation of the ERV will start in early December.
Replaced freeze-proof outdoor faucet: Tim also reported that we had to replace the dripping outdoor faucet, before freezing weather arrived; that is complete, and the expenditure was approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Merry reported on the current balances in Checking and Savings accounts, and asked for guidance on the CD which was to roll over on Nov. 14. After discussion about our commitment (made in September 2024) to be willing to commit $3,000 to help the FCCGH complete the IAQ project, and the possible purchase of padded chairs for the Main Hall (with the help of a $3,000 donation given to us by North Branch Grange in memory of Charles Martin), we voted to ask her to hold on to $5,000 from the CD, and to use her discretion to roll the remainder over to a new 9 to 12 month CD.
Rental and cash-flow report: Merry also reported that bills have been increasing steadily–for supplies, utilities, and especially our building and liability insurance. We will also be seeing increases in our electrical bill, once the ERV and air purifier are installed. She noted that our rental rates have not been raised for over 10 years. Our rates for our Hall are relatively inexpensive compared to other venues in the area. After discussion, the meeting agreed it would be appropriate for the Grange’s Executive Committee to meet to discuss the anticipated budget and rental rates, and to make recommendations to a full Grange meeting, to be voted on.
Holiday Sing-Along: We also decided on a date for the annual sing-along we have hosted for many years: Saturday, Dec. 20, starting at 4:00. Our Grange Musician, Matt Nunnelly will lead and accompany from the piano; we’ll project lyrics on the screen so that we’ll all be singing the same words! There will be snacks and hot cocoa, and we’ll put on a potluck dinner after the singing, starting at 6:00.
State Grange Annual Session: As reported in the last Grange Notes, our hosting was applauded and appreciated!
At our November meeting, Tim reported on the decisions made at the State Session. One which will affect us is the decision that all Community Granges must take part in presenting at least one of the “4 Degrees” of Community Grange membership each year, as a way of reinforcing the tradition of Grange ritual. We can join up with another Grange to make it easier to do these; we’ll be talking about how to implement that. If anyone wants to learn more about the Degrees, email Tim.
This Friday: a benefit contra dance!
- Peter McFarlane, on fiddle, mandolin and low whistles, who also directs the VT Fiddle Orchestra which rehearses at our Hall every Wednesday evening. Peter also builds cedar-strip canoes, and co-founded the Champlain Valley Scottish Fiddle Club. He also plays with the Frost and Fire band.
- Viveka Fox, on fiddle, plus djembe and bodhran percussion, and also runs the VT Fencing Alliance. She’s played North American, Scottish and Irish music from childhood; she’s also part of Frost and Fire.
- Rick Klein, on guitar, provides the powerful rhythm that combines with the great music to keep dancers dancing to the beats. Rick is also a woodworker and is a licensed skipper, as well as a Nordic ski racer.
Also shown below is contra dance caller Luke Donforth, who’s well known at the MCD series–as well as around the country. Luke co-founded the Mad Robin Callers Collective, which nurtured many local dance callers who have moved on to careers. You can hear more directly from him in this From the Mic interview, conducted by another local caller with a national reputation, Mary Wesley.
Dance schedule: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Admission: By Donation to Migrant Justice, cash, checks or Venmo will be accepted.
December 6 program: preserving and improving Vermont’s streams and rivers
After a brief December Grange meeting, at 5:00 PM we’ll have a program about Trout Unlimited, presented by Clark Amadon, president of the Mad Dog chapter. This chapter is named after the two rivers in adjoining valleys. They’re not focused just on fishing, but on the well-being of the fish and the watersheds–their motto is “Take care of the fish, and the fishing will take care of itself”. They’ve partnered with the Friends of the Winooski River and the VT Dept. of Environmental Conservation to remove dams on local streams, and held workshops on stream health, as well as on introducing women to fly fishing. You can find out more about them on their website–and by coming to the Dec. 6 program!
Blood Drive at the Grange: Jan. 16
Volunteers needed!
In the previous Grange Notes, I appealed for someone to take on the role of Grange coordinator for Red Cross Blood Drives. So far, I’m the only one; I’m willing to take on this role for our next scheduled one, on Friday, Jan. 16 from 10:30 to 3:00. Now, I’m looking for volunteers to welcome donors at the door, and to take on tasks like cleaning the donor beds, and distributing snacks and beverages to donors. We’ll provide training, of course. To sign up, Please get in touch with Tim Swartz by clicking this email link! This work can not only help the Grange in its community service mission, but also can literally save lives!
To sign up to donate blood, click this link, click “See Times” on the page that comes up, and choose what works for you. There’s lots of information about donating on the Red Cross Blood website.
Closing Sunday, Nov.30
Peter Schumann art show
Since August 21, we’ve had a display of prints and posters made by Peter Schumann, the director of Bread & Puppet, their Resurrection Circus, museum and their puppets which Vermonters know from many parades and celebrations. This exhibit will be taken down on Sunday, Nov. 30. If you haven’t seen it, please stop by before then.
