The National Grange has recognized the Home Grange of Ceresco, MI as one of the top Granges in the country for community service in 2009. Home Grange placed fourth out of the almost 2,700 local Granges spread across 40 different states. The recognition came during the National Grange’s 143 annual convention held November 17th to 21st in Grand Rapids, MI.
The 89 Home Grange members contributed 4,828 hours in 2009 to a variety of community service projects. Community service projects in 2009 included support for the 4th of July Parade and the community’s Old Fashioned Christmas Program. Home Grange members made and donated quilts, baby hats and stuffed toys to the Oaklawn Hospital and 60 home made stuffed bunnies to the Marshall Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Members also repaired flags at the Fort Custer National Cemetery outside Battle Creek. The Home Grange works closely with local 4H clubs, giving them free use of the Grange Hall for their meetings. “Home Grange works on many of these projects year after year but with each new year this Grange takes on new projects they feel their community is in need of,” stated Home Grange President Eric Bishop.
The National Grange is the nation's oldest general farm and rural public interest organization. Originally founded in 1867, today the Grange represents over 200,000 grassroots Grange members affiliated with 2,700 local, county and state Grange chapters located in 37 states. Grange members provide service to agriculture and rural communities on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, education, family endeavors, and legislation designed to assure a strong and viable rural America.
