Former National Master Graces the Walls of 1616 H Street
When Grangers visit the National Grange building in Washington, D.C., they will now be able to see the portrait of former Master Kermit Richardson hanging in the Goss conference room, located on the first floor of the building. Richardson was elected the 20th Master of the National Grange on November 15, 1995 at the Grange's Annual Convention in Harrisburg, PA.

Richardson joined the Grange at the age of fourteen. Since then he has held numerous local, county, state and national offices. He was elected Chairman of the National Grange Executive Committee in 1991, while serving as Overseer of the National Grange (1985-1995), prior to which he served as National Lecturer (1975-1985) and National Chaplain (1971-1975). He was Master of the Vermont State Grange from 1970 to 1974. He and his wife, Margaret, were selected 1957 Vermont State Grange Young Couple of the Year.

Former Masters Herschel Newsom, John W. Scott, Edward Andersen, and Robert Barrow also have portraits displayed in the building.

National Grange Continues Raising Money for Kelley Farm
The National Grange donated more than $6,500 to the Kelley Farm at its 138th Annual Convention in Rochester, New York. The donation was part of a fundraising effort orchestrated by the program resource and junior departments. "Grange members have been donating to the Kelley Farm since 1935, and we appreciate their continued support," said Bob Quist, executive director of the Kelley Farm. "Oliver Kelley was very instrumental in creating the Grange. It was his legacy, and one of the Granges legacies will be helping keep the Kelley Farm open for business."

In 2004, the Grange helped secure more than $11,000 for the Minnesota farm. If you would like to donate money to the farm, please call 1-888-447-2643 to find out how.

National Master Scheduled to Speak at Ag Teacher Conference
On December 11, 2004, William Steel will conduct a seminar on grassroots advocacy at the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 300 educators are expected to attend this year's convention.

NAAE seeks to advance agricultural education and promote the professional interests and growth of agriculture teachers as well as recruit and prepare students who have a desire to teach agriculture.

National Grange Urges Its Members to Get Out and Vote!
Did you know that more than 100 million Americans did not vote in the 2000 presidential election? Let's do our part to decrease that number. The National Grange urges all of its members to exercise their right to vote.

This election, voters will select a President, 34 U.S. Senators, 435 US House Representatives, 11 governors and 48 state legislatures. There are also many bills that the Grange is supporting, such as Washington's I-872 initiative.

In many states, the deadline for voter registration is quickly approaching. CLICK HERE to find out more about your state's deadlines and candidates.

National Grange Gets New Photographer for Convention
Grangers attending this year's annual convention in Rochester, New York in November 2004 will see a new face roaming around, asking people to smile and snapping pictures. The new face is Corbin Harris, the National Grange's new convention photographer.

For more than 17 years, Harris has worked as a photojournalist for several newspapers in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area and is a noted wedding photographer. Harris is also the husband of Carrie Harris, National Grange administrative assistant to Master William Steel and COO Richard Weiss. To learn more about Corbin Harris, please CLICK HERE

National Grange Goes Back to FFA Convention
For the second time, the National Grange will have an exhibit at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky on October 27-30, 2004. This year's theme will be "Test Your Luck, Pick a Duck" at the National Grange's duck pond.

Students and FFA advisors will have the opportunity to select a duck from the pond to win a variety of prizes, ranging from Grange clothing to fun and educational games. The booth will be manned by National Grange Marketing Director Dori Gedris, Oregon State Grange President John Fine and Oregon State Grange First Lady Peggy Fine.

More than 50,000 students and FFA advisors are expected to attend the 77th annual convention. The Grange has worked extensively with the FFA in previous years by judging speech contests and giving away scholarships. For more information about the FFA, please CLICK HERE

Group Rates Available for Convention Hotel
A group rate of $94 per night at the Hyatt Regency Rochester is available until October 25, 2004. All reservations received after October 25, 2004 are subject to availability and prevailing rates.

The 138th National Grange convention will be held on November 9-13, 2004 in Rochester, New York. For more information about the convention, CLICK HERE or call Carrie Harris at 1-800-447-2643, ext. 113.

Granges Encouraged to Submit Resolutions ASAP
With the 138th National Grange convention just around the corner - November 9-13, 2004, the National Grange legislative department is working hard to organize resolutions, but they need your help. The department is encouraging Granges to submit their resolutions as soon as possible, especially since many state conventions do not conclude until October 30, 2004.

Please submit resolutions to National Grange Legislative Research Analyst Chil-Sook Hwang at chwang@nationalgrange.org. If you have questions about this process, please call 1-888-447-2643, ext. 109.

National Grange Master Talks about Medicare in Florida
At a special event held at the St. Petersburg Sunshine Senior Center in St. Petersburg, Florida on September 29, 2004, National Grange Master William Steel spoke with more than 75 seniors about the changes in Medicare and how to apply for a drug discount prescription card. Many questions were asked, and the seniors were grateful that the Grange is working in the community to educate its residents.

The event was sponsored by Pfizer Inc, and Pfizer Vice President Forest Harper was on hand to speak with attendees and answer questions. The seniors also enjoyed a free lunch and talked about their memories of the Grange. Many of the attendees expressed their fond memories of the Grange and hoped for a Grange presence in St. Petersburg in the future.

There are still opportunities for Granges to host Medicare information sessions or distribute information in their communities. For more information about how your Grange can get involved, please contact Dori Gedris at 1-800-447-2643, ext. 107.

National Grange Attends Grange Mutual Insurance Companies Convention
National Grange Master William Steel and Legislative Director Leroy Watson recently spoke at the National Federation of Grange Mutual Insurance Companies convention in Washington, DC More than 40 representatives of Grange insurance companies attended a special breakfast on September 21, 2004 to hear Steel and Watson discuss the current activities and projects of the National Grange.

Many representatives voiced their opinions about the future of the Grange, and Steel graciously answer questions and talked very openly about the Grange. National Grange COO Richard Weiss and Public Relations Manager Shaletta Espie were also in attendance.

Grange of the Founders Raises Money for DC Organization
With charity always on our minds and community always in our hearts, Potomac Grange #1 recently sponsored its 2004 Ice Cream Social to benefit the Healthy Babies Project, Inc. (HBP) in Washington, DC The Potomac Grange served more than 400 cups of free ice cream and collected more than $200 in donations on September 1, 2004.

In addition to providing all the necessary supplies needed for the two-hour event, the Potomac Grange also presented HBP with a $1,000 contribution. HBP aims to reduce the dangerously high rates of infant deaths, illnesses, low birth weight, and repeat pregnancies, as well as improve the health, education, and parenting skills of high risk mothers and fathers.

National Grange Calls for Better Water Resource Systems
The National Grange is working with the National Waterways Alliance to urge the Senate to pass the Water Resource Development Act - S. 2773 (WRDA). The Grange signed on to a joint letter co-sponsored by 162 other agricultural, waterway and trade organizations to spark action.

One-third of US agricultural production is exported and 60 percent of those exports transit the Upper Mississippi-Illinois River system each year. The WRDA bill includes the Upper Mississippi-Illinois River project which would build seven new locks on the rivers and provide $1.46 billion for ecosystem restoration in the basin. It will also provide significant flood controls, storm damage, port improvements and other priorities important to communities throughout the nation.

National Grange Unveils New Membership Card
An all-new annual membership card has been designed for use beginning in 2005. Once issued and signed by local Grange secretaries, the card will grant admission to Grange meetings across the country. The degree level will be indicated on the card.

The cards can be purchased four to a sheet and allows secretaries to easily retain receipt records in a small three-ring notebook. The cards are available from National Grange at 10 sheets (40 Cards) for $4.00 plus shipping and handling. It is expected that many State Granges will order cards in bulk for sale at their up-coming State Grange conventions.

For more information, please contact Dori Gedris at 1-888-447-2643.

National Grange Congratulates Community Granges
The National Grange would like to congratulate the following Grange members and Granges on their longevity and their commitment to community service and legislative action:

Dress to Impress with Grange Accessories
Newly-designed Grange ties are now available. The ties are 100% silk and are available in red or blue. The ties are wonderful to wear to Grange or community events, as well as make wonderful gifts. To order, please call 1-888-447-2643, ext. 107. Free shipping is available until September 30th.

National Convention Will Showcase Youth Talent Winners
The 138th Annual National Grange Convention's Evening of Excellence, formerly known as the Night of Excellence, will feature state talent winners, as well as regional youth best of show winners in public speaking and sign a song. In addition, the Horizon Leadership Ambassadors will be introduced during the talent show.

Jodi Keith from Pennsylvania, representing the Eastern region; Tracie Blasingame from Illinois, representing the Midwest region, Elliot Davis from New Hampshire, representing the Northeast region; and Daniel Greer from Colorado, representing the Great Plains region will showcase their talents in public specking.

The sign-a-song best of show winners are Juli Grafton from Ohio, representing the Eastern region, Tracie Blasingame from Illinois, representing the Midwest region and Samantha Martin from Texas, representing the Great Plains region.

The Western regional youth conference and competition will be held in Sacramento, California on August 20-22, 2004.

The Grange Helps Reshape the Endangered Species Act
The National Grange and several state Granges were in the mist of initiating litigation to de-list the Northern gray wolf when US Department Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced that her department will move forward to de-list the animal from protection under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

In another Grange legislative victory, the House Resources Committee passed H.R. 1662, the Sound Science for Endangered Species Planning Act, and H.R. 2933, the Critical Habitat Reform Act, on July 21, 2004. These actions mark a significant legislative achievement in ongoing efforts to update and modernize the Endangered Species Act.

Wib Justi Inducted in the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame
The Ohio Agricultural Council will induct Wib H. Justi into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame on August 13, 2004 at the Rhodes Center at the Ohio State Fair. Justi is best known for his 66 years of involvement and leadership in the local, county, university, state, national and international Grange. He has devoted his life to promoting farmer-consumer understanding, community service and family values.

For 54 years, Justi has coordinated the Germany/USA Agricultural Friendship Program involving 500 German young farmers and American host farm families. The 2004 international reunion of the Friendship Program will be held in Germany on September 9-21, 2004. For more information, please contact Wib or June Justi at 614-888-3950.

Grange urges Congress to fix the Universal Service Fund
On June 23, 2004, the National Grange, as a member of the Coalition for Equitable and Affordable Rural Service (CLEAR), hosted a press conference with Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) and US Representative Lee Terry (R-NE) on the Universal Service Fairness Act - S. 1380 and HR. 1582.

The purpose of the Universal Service Fund (USF) is to keep telephone service affordable and up-to-date in high-cost rural areas, but most rural areas in the United States receive no USF support because so-called "non-rural" carriers that serve both urban and rural areas serve them.

The program can be fixed without any increase in phone rates, consumer surcharges or overall federal spending. The US Senate Commerce Committee is expected to vote this summer on legislation that would deliver millions of dollars to more than 40 states for investment in rural telephone networks.

Grange Supports Legislation to Eliminate European Tariffs on US Exports
The National Grange recently sent a letter to Congress, along with 235 other associations and companies, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the foreign sales corporations(FSC)/extraterritorial income (ETI) export tax issue as soon as possible.

These retaliatory tariffs are hurting US exports to Europe at a time when US exports are just beginning to rebound and the global economy is showing signs of renewed growth. Moreover, these tariffs negatively impact jobs of American workers, small businesses and family farmers.

The National Grange is strongly urging the House and Senate to immediately produce a bill that can be signed by the President as soon as possible to repeal the ETI tax provisions and resolve these issues once and for all.

Grange Comments on the Digital Divide
The National Grange, as a member of the Alliance for Public Technology (APT), submitted comments to the FCC about Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The proposed recommendations outline how the Commission can achieve the appropriate balance between minimal regulation to spur ubiquitous access and deployment of IP-enabled services while safeguarding public interest.

The National Grange believes that IP-enabled services will create vast new possibilities to enhance the way Americans communicate and participate in our political, economic, and civic life. As telecommunications evolves in the broadband world, we support public policies that ensure that all Americans reap the benefits from these new technologies by protecting programs that ensure universal service, access for people with disabilities, public safety, and other consumer protections.

Do You Love Your Grange?
Learn how you can help organize Granges in other communities. Join the National Grange for A FREE informational seminar on organizing a Community Grange!

Date: August 28, and 29 2004
Place: Boone County Fairgrounds in Belvedere, IL.

More information and registration forms here

National Grange Urges CMS to Implement New Medicare Law Fairly
A coalition of organizations representing rural Americans, senior citizens, and disabled individuals with chronic health conditions, recently sent a letter to Dr. Mark McClellan, Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, requesting that the CMS implement the new prescription drug benefit program fairly, to ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries have access to prescription medications that produce optimal health outcomes. "We recognize that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officials are confronting complex regulatory decisions to implement the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (PL 108-173)," the letter stated. In particular the coalition letter raised concerns regarding the implementation of the law, especially the development of drug formularies.

Drug formularies are government approved lists of prescription drugs that may be prescribed for specific health conditions to individuals who will participate on the new Medicare Prescription drug benefit that will take effect in 2006. Drug formularies raise a number of critical issues to the 41 million Medicare beneficiaries who will enroll in the Part D plans. Seniors and individuals with disabilities need some assurance that the drug plans in which they have enrolled, will provide them with access to prescription medications as intended by this important law. "We believe that beneficiaries should have some confidence that the drug plan will cover the medication on which they depend," the letter stated. In addition, the letter noted the importance of expedited review process to address plan decisions regarding the drug formally approved under Medicare Plan D programs.

"Your agency faces complex decisions that will impact the success of the Medicare Prescription Drug program," the letter stated. " We know of your commitment to devising a Medicare prescription drug program that is consistent with the clinical practice guidelines, developed by specialty organizations and experts in geriatric medicine, and support the most appropriate drug therapies to meet the needs of this diverse population," the letter concluded.

National Grange Joins New Coalition
The National Grange has joined forces with leading senior, disability, minority, and consumer organizations to form a new coalition, the Keep Universal Service Fair Coalition supporting the nondiscriminatory Universal Service Fund (USF). Established by the federal government to subsidize telephone service in low-income communities, the USF is a system of collecting service fees that is based on the rate of consumer usage. The benefits of USF were expanded to include rural communities in 1996.

Despite the benefit USF has provided to many communities, it is being threatened with replacement by a connections-based system or a flat monthly connection charge. This system would not only be detrimental to fixed and lower-income communities, it would penalize low-volume users by forcing them to pay the same amount as high-volume users.

The Keep Universal Service Fair Coalition is an alliance of national organizations that support the current unbiased, competitively neutral revenue-based system. For more information, please visit www.keepusffair.org

Wife of Longtime National Grange Broadcaster Passes in Washington State
Betty DeVries, widow of longtime Washington State Grange and National Grange broadcaster Adrian DeVries, passed away in Spokane, Washington on April 27, 2004.

Raised in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho until the age of 14 when she moved to Spokane Washington and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1937. She went on to graduate from Eastern Washington State College and took a job teaching fourth grade in Chewelah, Washington.

In March 1943, she married Adrian DeVries. After living in Spokane for several years, they moved to Colfax, Washington in 1954, where she and Adrian owned and operated the radio station, KCLX.

After they both retired, they moved back to Coeur d' Alene, where they lived until Adrian passed away in April 2003. Adrian and Betty were lifetime Grange members at the Parvin Grange in Whitman County, Washington.

Betty leaves to survive: three children - Peg, Don and Richard; one son-in-law - Patrick Spiger; four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Respected Agricultural Communicator Succumbs at 92
Roy Edward Battles, former National Grange staff member, died of a heart ailment on April 20, 2004 at Doctor's Community Hospital in Lanham, Maryland.

Battles settled in the Washington DC Metro area after leaving Ohio in 1953 and became an assistant, primary responsible for public relations, to the national master of the National Grange. One of his many accomplishments while at the Grange was his role in encouraging President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson to participate in the dedication of the National Grange building on June 29, 1960.

After leaving the Grange in the late-1960s, Battles enjoyed continued success in agriculture by holding prominent positions at Clear Channel Broadcasting, the American Farm Bureau and the US Department of Agriculture.

Battles is survived by two children - Thomas and Marty. The entire Grange family will miss him.

Sail the Mexican Riviera with the National Grange
Sail the deep blue waters of the Mexican Riviera on one of the newest ships in the region from January 29 to February 5, 2005. Explore the quaint fishing village of Puerto Vallarta with its cobblestone lanes and red tiled roofs. Tour the heart of Old Mazatlan with its beautifully restored cathedrals and sidewalk cafes. Enjoy an afternoon of sport fishing in Cabo San Lucas, home to some of the best sport fishing in the world. Group rates include all of the following:

The following is offered at an additional charge to your cruise fare:

Inside cabins are $ 706.30, outside cabins are $ 956.30 and balcony cabins are $1,016.30. All prices are per person based on double occupancy. Initial deposits are due on or before August 15, 2004. Final payments are due November 1, 2004. For reservations and further information, please contact: Indian Tree Travel & Cruise at 1-800-383-5051

Junior Grange Evaluation Team Meets
The Junior Grange Evaluation Team met at the National Grange office in Washington, DC from April 29 to May 2, 2004. John and Hannah West (NH), Jamie Klenklen (KS), Carol Evans (WA), Patty Dyer (OH), and Henry Seidel (PA) joined National Junior Development Director Sherry Harriman (ME) to begin a thorough review of the entire Junior Grange program from the joining process to transition into the Subordinate/Community Grange and from programs for individual children to formal chartered units.

Dr. Barbara Stone of the National 4-H Foundation provided suggestions about how to approach the task. An intermediate report is to be presented to the National Grange Board of Directors in July. The study will continue throughout the summer and conclude with a final report and recommendations to the Delegates at the National Grange Convention in Rochester, NY, in November.

Comments and suggestions may be addressed to the Evaluation Team by email to the Co-chairs, John and Hannah West or mailed to him at 3 Depot Road, Chichester, NH 03258.

Grangers in Arms
As Memorial Day approaches Grangers across the country should remember their fellow Grangers who have served this country with pride and honor. As our troops battle in Iraq to bring peace and stability to an impoverished people and fight in Afghanistan, Pakistan and throughout the world to protect mankind from terror, it has never been more important to honor the Grangers now serving or who have served in the past.

To help pay respects to our Grange servicemen and servicewomen, the National Grange asks that you send pictures and stories about Grangers who are now serving or who have served in the past. These images and stories will be featured on the National Grange Web site and displayed at the National Convention this November in Rochester, New York. Please send the pictures and stories to The National Grange, Communications Department, 1616 H Street N.W., Washington, DC 20006 or e-mail them to jhill@nationalgrange.org.

Family Recognition Program - The National Grange is pleased to announce the Family Recognition Program. This program is designed to recognize active families in the Grange. Community, Pomona and State Granges are encouraged to nominate active Grange families for national recognition. Each family nominated will receive a certificate and be featured in a display at the National Convention. Stories about the families will also be published in the New Grange.

The deadline for nominations is September 10, 2004 and should be sent to the National Grange Youth Development, Cindy Greer, 7629 C.R. 100, Hesperus, CO 81326.

Additional rules and forms are available from your State President, your State Youth Director, the National Youth Development Director or click here.

Youth Regional Conferences - The regional youth conferences are entertaining and educational seminars for members involved in the Grange Youth program. The conferences will feature motivational speakers, workshops, contests and other activities. The remaining conferences for 2004 are:

Mid-West Regional Conference; June 18-20th at the Fairview Grange Hall, Goshen, IN

New England Regional Youth Conference; July 9-11th at the University of Maine in Farmington, ME

Great Plains Regional Youth Conference; July 16-18 in Tulsa, OK at the Marriott Hotel

Western Regional Youth Conference; August 20-22 in Sacramento, CA

Meeting Your Health Needs - The National Grange is once again teaming up with Pfizer, Inc. to educate seniors living in rural areas about the recent changes in Medicare. On December 8, 2003, President Bush signed into law the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act, which will preserve and strengthen the current Medicare program by adding important new prescription drug benefits.

Beginning in June 2004, Medicare beneficiaries, who have enrolled in a pharmacy discount plan offered by a private company, will receive a Medicare-approved drug discount card. The card will give seniors a 10 to 25 percent savings off the retail price of most prescriptions.

The National Grange's Prescription Drug Card program will assist local Granges in becoming "Medicare/Prescription Drug Card Information Centers," where community citizens can obtain information about Medicare and attend information sessions. To learn more click here.