Grange Foundation Needs Your Support
Youth from across the nation are looking forward to participating in the 139th National Grange Convention in Columbus, Ohio. John Trimble Youth Legislative Experience participants will spend the entire session serving as voting members of various committees and helping the legislative department.

Horizon Leadership Ambassadors will spend four days at the convention participating in workshops, tours, and events. Public speaking and sign-a-song regional best of show winners will showcase their talents at the Evening of Excellence. Each public speaking and sign-a-song winner will receive $100. Two youth mentors will have their travel and lodging expenses paid so they can assist the National Youth Development Director with activities.

All of these youths benefit from the donations received in the Youth Leadership Fund. Please consider making a donation. Donations of $25.00 or more will receive a special appreciation certificate.

Name __________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address __________________________________________________________

Amount Donated ___________________

Please return this form with your donation to Cindy Greer, National Grange Youth Development Director, 7629 C.R. 100, Hesperus, CO 81326.

Checks should be made out to: Grange Foundation with a notation that it is for the Youth Leadership Fund.

National Grange Announces Additional Convention Speakers
Dr. David Zartman will speak about "The Character of the U.S. Livestock Industry by 2030" on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 7 pm at the evening session. Dr. Zartman is a professor of animal sciences at Ohio State University. Currently, Dr. Zartman is teaching a university-wide contemporary issues course entitled, "Animals and Their Use By Humans" and a course on Management Intensive Grazing. The contemporary issues course was awarded the Animals and Society Course Award by the Humane Society of the United States in 2002.

Peter Pitts will speak about "World Wide Drug Safety" on Friday, November 18, 2005 at a 7 a.m. breakfast. Mr. Pitts is a senior fellow for healthcare studies at the Pacific Research Institute and senior vice president for Health Affairs at Manning, Selvage & Lee. From 2002-2004, Mr. Pitts was the FDA's associate commissioner for external relations, serving as the agency's "chief messaging officer." Tickets are $5 per person. Click here to download an updated convention registration form and read biographies on Dr. Zartman and Mr Pitts.

Teen and Young Adult Beat Writers Wanted
Beginning with the November/December 2005 issue of the New Grange, the publication will feature a Teen and Young Adult Grange Section, which will feature articles of interest to our members between the ages of 14-25. The newspaper is currently looking for volunteer writers to submit articles about their experiences in the Grange and what the youth are doing, issues of concern, opinions/editorials, and what’s hot (fashion, entertainment, literature, current events, sports, etc.). This is a wonderful opportunity to improve your writing skills and begin developing a writing portfolio for college admission or employment. If you are interested, please contact Shaletta Espie at 1-888-447-2643, ext. 116.

2004 Journal of Proceedings are Still Available
For the special price of $5 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy, Subordinate Granges can still order copies of the 2004 Journal of Proceedings. Just mail a check or money order made out to the National Grange to: National Grange, 1616 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

What Should the Caroline Hall T.L.C. Project Benefit in 2006?
In the past, the Caroline Hall T.L.C. Project has benefited charitable causes such as the Make a Wish Foundation, suicide prevention, alcohol prevention, and Wigs for Kids. Suggestions are now being solicited for project ideas in 2006. Please send you ideas to Cindy Greer, Youth Development Director, at 7629 C.R. 100, Hesperus, CO 81326.

Dogs for the Deaf Video Now Available
Dogs for the Deaf videos are now available for loan to local granges. The video is a 15-minute presentation that tells the story of Dogs for the Deaf in Central Point, Oregon. The video shows how Dogs for the Deaf finds, trains, and places hearings dogs.

Demonstrations by recipients with their own hearing dogs are also available for your Grange. To reserve the video and inquire about having a live demonstration, please contact the National Grange at 1-888-447-2643, ext. 107.

If your Grange would like to participate, simply send your mailing information, including name, phone number, and E-mail address of a contact person, to info@nationalgrange.org or National Grange, Attn: Uninsured Program, 1616 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006.

Give a Dictionary to a Third Grader Today!
The Grange is proud to support The Dictionary Project through its Word for Thirds program. Through the tireless efforts of the Grange's network of more than 300,000 volunteers, America's oldest rural and agriculture organization has presented third grade students across the nation with more than 100,000 dictionaries.

But, we cannot stop there! The National Grange is encouraging all Granges to present third graders in their communities with dictionaries. The Dictionary Project program packets are now available to help Granges institute this program in their communities. The packets include: an instruction and presentation guide, a sample letter to send to schools, a dictionary project overview and order form, a participation form, sample press release, and sample media advisory.

For more information about this program or to request a packet contact Dori Gedris at 1-888-447-2643, ext. 107.

The Grange Continues Helping Rural Americans Make Smart Health Care Decisions
The Grange Uninsured Prescription Assistance Program is the National Grange's newest program aimed at helping rural Americans make smarter health care decisions. The program is designed to inform uninsured rural Americans about how they can get assistance purchasing prescription drugs at discounted rates.

The program is easy and time-friendly. The National Grange will send all Granges that enroll fact sheets to distribute to their members and community residents. The fact sheets will include information about a variety of prescription assistance programs and a 1-800 number that individuals can call to obtain more information about which national and state-offered programs are available to them.

To enroll, please call Shaletta Espie at 1-888-447-2643, ext. 116.

National Grange Creates New Forum to Discuss Policy Issues
The National Grange Legislative Department has created a new and exciting program to discuss policy issues. The Policy Discussion Room is an online discussion board on the National Grange's Website where any Grange member can discuss issues of concern with other Grange members across the nation by posting their comments, suggestions, or feedback.

Views and opinions posted in the Policy Discussion Room will be important references in shaping the Grange's legislative policies. Used only on an advisory basis, they might give additional information to National and State Grange delegates about the wishes and intentions of our members regarding existing Grange policy as well as new issues that require the Grange's attention.

To enter the online Policy Discussion Room, please CLICK HERE

National Grange Continues to Help Rural Citizens with Healthcare Alternatives
The National Grange has joined a national coalition that is dedicated to helping patients who lack prescription coverage get access to the medicines they need. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is launching a substantial awareness-raising initiative aimed at encouraging as many eligible patients as possible to apply for public and private patient assistance programs.

The PPA offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Patients can also receive information on government programs for which they may quality, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

For more information about the program, Grange members can call 1-888-477-2669 or visit www.pparx.org.

Secretary of USDA Thanks Grange for Its Efforts
Mike Johanns, USDA secretary, recently sent the National Grange a letter thanking it for its dedication to improving rural America.

"The National Grange's Blueprint for Rural America highlights many issues that are important to American agriculture and the Department of Agriculture. Just like you all, the Administration believes a healthy agricultural sector is critical for our Nation's well being."

In the letter, Secretary Johanns also stated that the department is dedicated to implementing policies that help build a stronger agricultural nation. "America's farmers are the most innovative and competitive in the world, and we want to ensure that producers are provided the tools to help in that regard."

"This includes making sure farm programs help farmers while still allowing markets to function well. It includes expanding markets outside the United States and eliminating trade barriers that hinder competition. It means making sure undue burdens and misguided regulatory requirements are not placed on producers, while encouraging the use of increased technology and seeking value-added uses for agriculture to help lift incomes. And, investing in our rural communities to ensure they can compete equally with other parts of the country."

The 2005 Midwest Regional Youth Conference Registration is Underway
This year's Midwest Regional Youth Conference will take place on June 24 to June 26, 2005 at the Walcamp Retreat in Kingston, Illinois. The campground is nestled in a sublime forest along the Kishwaukee River in the heart of Northern Illinois' prairie. Walcamp offers a peaceful setting featuring swimming, canoeing, sand volleyball, archery, hiking, workshops, and entertainment.

Registration forms are due by Wednesday, June 8, 2005. The cost of attending the conference is $45.00. Make checks payable to Illinois State Grange Youth, and mail to Tom Ratcliffe, P.O. Box 942, Belvidere, IL 61008. If you have any questions about the conference, please call 815-262-7793 or E-mail ThomasRatcliffe@msn.com.

Entries Being Accepted for Grange Youth Contests
Grange youth planning to participate in the Presentation Extravaganza and Commercial Break contests at the Eastern Regional Youth conference in Pennsylvania should have their entry forms and fees sent to the National Grange Youth Development Director by April 2.

The Presentation Extravaganza contest was created to give youth an opportunity to create a "fun" presentation that educates the audience about specific topics (See rules for topics.) Presentations may incorporate power point, overhead projections, posters, games, handouts, skits, etc. Presentations should be between 20 to 30 minutes and may be conducted solo or as a team. There are two age categories: 13-19 and 20-24.

The Commercial Break contest encourages Granger youth to create a 30 second commercial on a Grange program or project. The commercial should promote and educate others. There are two age categories: 13-19 and 20-24.

A $5.00 entry fees is required for both of these contests. Detailed rules and guidelines are available on the National Grange Web site, www.nationalgrange.org, through your state youth director or the National Grange Youth director.

President of Germany Farm Organization Acknowledges Support of Grange
Gerd Sonnleitner, president of Deutscher Bauernverband - a Germany farm organization, recently presented National Master William Steel with a token of their appreciation for the Grange's continuous support of the Grange Germany/USA Friendship Program. Wib and June Justi, coordinators of the program, presented Master Steel with a German beer stein that was originally presented to them at the Bavarian Agricultural Fair in Germany. To show our appreciation, the National Grange presented President Sonnleitner with a plaque.

In 2004, more than 50 Grange members made the trip to Munich, Germany to visit German families who traveled to the USA more than 50 years ago to experience life on American farms.

Between 1950 and 1956, USA Grange families hosted 500 German rural youth exchanges for one-year family, farm, school, and community experiences. The Grange Germany/USA Friendship Program, now in its 55th year, continues with the involvement of its original participants, as well as second and third generation family members of the participants.

National Foster Parent Association Thanks Grange for Support
Charles Hallman, executive vice president of the executive committee of the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA), published a "thank you" letter to the Grange for its support of NFPA programs in the Winter 2005 issue of National Advocate.

The NFPA were participants in the National Grange's 138th Annual Convention Idea Fair in November 2004 in Rochester, New York. At the convention the organization was presented with a handmade quilt to auction in support of their fundraising campaigns. T

he letter reads as follows:

National Master William Steel is encouraging all Granges to think of ways to strengthen their relationship with NFPA. For more information about NFPA, please visit the National Grange Website at www.nationalgrange.org.

National Grange Announces New Member Benefit
The National Grange is pleased to announce that Grange members can now take advantage of an exclusive - Mortgage Benefit Program - provided by CitiMortgage, a member of the CitiGroup family. From a dedicated team of CitiMortgage mortgage consultants, members will receive a no-cost consultation about the home buying process to learn about mortgage options, first-time homebuyer programs, low to no down payment programs, preferred mortgage rates, and a host of other money-saving benefits.

Grange members can contact a CitiMortgage mortgage consultant today by calling 1-800-353-7989.

National Grange Recognizes Services of Clyde Berry
National Grange Master, Bill Steel, presented a plaque to Clyde Berry at the recent New England Leaders Conference held in Compton, Connecticut on January 7, 2005.

Berry served two terms as Lecturer of the National Grange before accepting the newly created position of Director of Program Resources in 2001. Under his leadership the highly successful program "Words for Thirds" was initiated, a working relationship with the National Foster Parent Association was begun, and numerous program and project suggestions were presented to local and state Lecturers. Promotion of the annual Grange Community Service recognition program was also under his direction.

In 2005, the Program Resources Department is moving in new directions. Requests for national representation at regional or state conferences or questions concerning current or possible programs should be directed to the National Grange Master at BSteel@NationalGrange.org.

Grange Empowerment Seminars to Continue
Plans are currently being made to conduct several Grange Empowerment Seminars in 2005. Sally Crosiar, the popular facilitator of the Action Grange program, will conduct the programs.

Ideally, a team of four members of a local Grange should attend the seminar, but individual member attendance is welcomed. Pomona and State Granges are also encouraged to send participants.

Attendees will learn the secrets of getting current members to participate, involving the community in building relationships, and attracting new members to the Grange. Tips for improving the monthly Grange meeting processes will also be presented.

The first seminar will be conducted in the Albany, New York area on April 15-17, 2005. Full details will be announced as soon as arrangements have been finalized. Other possible locations include the mid-western area in late April and the west in September.

For more details, contact the Bill Steel, National Grange Master at BSteel@NationalGrange.org.

Grange Wins Klamath Salmon ESA Case
On January 11, 2005, Federal Judge Michael Hogan, ruled that Coho salmon in the Klamath River Basin region has been illegally listed under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species. The Coho salmon lawsuit has been led by Granges in western states, in partnership with Pacific Legal Foundation.

In 2001, several western Granges filed a suit against the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Department of Commerce, "Grange v. Evans and NMFS," to de-list the Coho salmon in northern California and southern Oregon as a threatened species. Granges argued that counting only wild salmon and excluding hatchery salmon allowed the government to keep the fish count artificially low and justify the ESA listing.

Leo Bergeron, former president of California State Grange also pointed out, "It is not a natural fish but a planted fish and should not be subject to the ESA listing." Whereas the Alsea Valley lawsuit only affected Oregon Coho, the Grange case included the northern California listed Coho, as well.

According to Judge Hogan's ruling, Klamath farmers were pushed into bankruptcy for fish that should never have been listed as threatened. ESA protection of Coho in the Klamath River was a significant factor in the government's devastating decision to shut off irrigation water to Klamath Basin. However, Judge Hogan did not set aside the illegal listing while the agency completes the review of 26 west coast salmon listings, which it agreed to undertake as a result of its loss in Alsea Valley case. Under the ESA, the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration must make final decisions on the proposed re-listing of the wild and hatchery southern Oregon and northern California Coho by June 14, 2005.

One 2004 Journal of Proceedings per Grange for Shipping and Handling Only
The National Grange is offering each Subordinate Grange one copy of the 2004 Journal of Proceedings for a mere $5.00 shipping and handling. Just fill out the form below and return to the designated address with your payment. Additional 2004 Journal of Proceedings may be purchased with this order for $7.00 apiece with no additional shipping and handling charges. CLICK HERE FOR ORDER FORM

The 2004 Journal of Proceedings printed copy will be available in February 2005. In March 2005, National will offer at no charge a CD Rom with the 2004 Journal of Proceedings, the updated Digest of Laws of the National Grange, and the 2005 Legislative Policies Manual. Files on the CD will be in PDF format, and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

New Delaware State Master Elected
William H. "Chip" Narvel Jr. was elected Delaware State Grange Master on December 3, 2004. Narvel is a third generation Granger. He began his Grange career in Junior Grange, and has served for 43 years in Subordinate and Pomona Granges, where he held many positions over the years. Before assuming the role of Master, Narvel served as Assistant Steward and Overseer in the Delaware State Grange.

Narvel is currently employed at the Dupont Company in Wilmington, Delaware, where he has worked for 35 years in the reprographics group. He currently serves as a senior reprographics specialist, managing a reprographics copy center.

Narvel and his wife, Barbara, have been married for 30 years and have 4 children and 1 grandson. Barbara and he have shared the responsibilities of Youth Directors for the past 10 years.

Away from Grange activities, Narvel enjoys camping with his family and coaching girls high school and amateur fast-pitch softball, which he has been doing for more than 20 years.

National Master Attends Ag Teacher Conference
The National Association of Agriculture Educators (NAAE) met in December 2004 in Las Vegas for their annual convention. National Master William "Bill" Steel was invited to attend and participate in several programs.

During a reception spotlighting nearly 30 "partners" of NAAE, Steel manned an information booth and greeted several hundred Ag educators from across the nation. Many picked up material about the Grange and asked about the roll being played by the Grange in support of agricultural education in America today. Steel also conducted a seminar on the Grange and its programs.

Participants in the seminar were interested in how to secure local Grange support for their needs, as well as team up with local Granges to provide assistance for important local community service activities.

Grange leaders across the nation are encouraged to contact their local school district and invite its Ag teachers to Grange meetings.

Registration for 2005 Legislative Fly-in Underway
This year, the National Grange Legislative Fly-in will take place on Monday, March 14, 2005 and Tuesday, March 15, 2005 in Washington, DC The Fly-in provides participants with unique opportunities to take part in the democratic process in the nation's capital.

The 2005 Fly-in is scheduled to coincide with the beginning of the congressional session of the 109th Congress. Participants will have the chance to meet with their state representatives and senators to help place Grange concerns on the policy agendas of Congress and executive governmental agencies as they begin their new legislative season. In addition, the event schedule includes many informative workshops and networking opportunities.

Click Here to find our more about the 2005 Legislative Fly-in or simply call 1-88-447-2643 ext. 109.

National Grange Donates Feed to Kelley Farm
The National Grange recently presented Robert Quist, Kelley Farm Site Manager, with a $4,500 check to help purchase feed for the farm animals. The donation will help feed the animals through Winter 2005. This is the second year the National Grange has donated money to is founder's farm.

If Grange members are interested in making donations to the Kelley Farm, please call 1-888-447-2643.

National Master Encourages Individual and Group Donations
Previously, the National Grange has established relief funds benefiting a particular charity and asked Granges and Granges members to raise donation money. This year, the National Master is encouraging Granges and Granges members to select a charity of their choice and raise donation money to benefit the good works of the organization. The National Grange will not establish a relief fund in 2005.