May 26, 2004

2004-2005 Berks County Junior Grange Royalty

(Front): Meredith Lengel - Berks County Grange Junior Mini-Princess Ian Lengel - Berks County Grange Junior Mini-Prince (Back): Gail Switzer - Berks County Grange Junior Princess Tyler Sattazahn - Berks County Grange Junior Prince

Berks County, PA - Over 60 campers aged 5-14 attended the "Stars and Stripes" themed Berks County Junior Grange Camp held from Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16 at Camp Joy, Bern Township. According to the Berks County Grange Junior Deputies, Michael and Jane Adams, "This is the largest attendance we've had in recent years! With many campers returning for another year and others inviting non-member friends, the numbers grew this year."

The "Stars and Stripes" theme was evident throughout the weekend as themed programs and events were planned. John Denault of Hamburg, a veteran from "Operation Freedom", kicked-off the weekend by telling the campers about his experiences in Iraq. Following his presentation, the campers presented several hundred dollars worth of personal care items for shipment to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Workshops held during the weekend included get acquainted activities, reviewing Grange ritual, making an American flag craft, and track and field events. Children also participated in a sign-a-song workshop where they learned the sign language for the song "God Bless the USA", by Lee Greenwood. As part of the Grange's commitment to community service, campers also visited residents at the Berks Heim Annex and assisted with a spirited game of bingo. In addition to the visitation, patriotic centerpieces were donated to the Berks Heim facility.

Jim Ohldan, a musical entertainer provided folk songs, storytelling, entertainment and lively audience participation activities on Saturday evening. Debi Irene Wahl, another local entertainer, accompanied the campers during the Sunday morning worship service, leading a program entitled, "Heroes of the Bible."

Berks County Junior Grange royalty for 2004-2005 were crowned during the Commencement Coronation Celebration on Sunday. Gail Switzer, 13, daughter of Leonard and Marie Switzer from Womelsdorf, a member of Marion Junior Grange, was named Berks County Junior Grange Princess. Tyler Sattazahn, 11, son of Kevin and Sherri Sattazahn from Womelsdorf, also a member of Marion Junior Grange, was named Berks County Junior Grange Prince. Nine year olds Meredith and Ian Lengel, twin siblings of Brenda and Donald Lengel from Pine Grove, members of Virginville Junior Grange, were named Berks County Grange Junior Mini-Princess and Mini-Prince, respectively.

The 2004-2005 royalty was chosen from a court of five children in each of their respective categories. A Grange knowledge (ritual) test taken at camp determined the candidates; judging was further based on an impromptu question and a personal interview.

A Grange Knowledge Bowl, which is a quiz-like contest based on questions about the Grange organization procedures and offices, was also held. Marion Junior Grange members Dwayne Switzer, Ashley Mohn, Jessica Sheidy and Gail Switzer placed first in this competition.

Other winners announced during the Coronation Celebration were: Ashley Mohn, Ian Lengel, Meredith Lengel, Gail Switzer and Jonathan Sattazahn who were recognized for their outstanding performance on the Grange knowledge (ritual) test.

The Grange is a non-profit organization that supports Family Values, Community Service and Local Issues.

*Sign-a-song is the presentation of a song in sign language. The Grange supports the deaf community and holds an annual State Grange sign-a-song contest.