Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I now declare April 2009 as Grange Month!

The theme for Grange Month is Opportunity Knocks, and it is so appropriate! We are 142 years young and taking advantage of the opportunities that today’s world gives us. Our history and experience allows each Grange to find an important niche in every community. Grange Month is a chance to celebrate our relevance in today's society. Developing people into leaders and benefiting our communities is just part of what we do.

To celebrate the month, I am encouraging all Granges to organize an open house or similar program to invite the public into your hall. Use this opportunity to showcase the things you are proud of and to share your plans for the future. Open house programs are an excellent way to begin building good relationships with the community your Grange serves.

To give your community more reasons to attend your event, I suggest that you present an award to an outstanding community citizen. Create an application and a flyer announcing that your Grange is accepting applications and display them in public places. In addition, make your community newspaper aware of your plans and ask them to print an announcement. Then don’t forget to ask them to come and cover the award ceremony.

In this packet we have supplied everything you need to make your Grange Month celebration a success! Award applications, media resources, order forms, posters… it’s all here and ready for your use. We have also included other materials that can be useful to your Grange. This includes a free Medicare DVD to educate your members about Medicare Part-D. One of the most pressing issues facing our rural communities today is providing adequate health care, and especially prescription drug coverage, to our rural seniors.

Don’t hesitate! The opportunity to reach out to the citizens of your community who want to be part of something is now. There are citizens in every community that want to make an impact on the world around them. Let’s ask them what they want to do and then make them members of your local Grange! This upcoming April, and all through the rest of the year, we must open the door of opportunity in our community. We will meet new friends and find new projects. Let's face every month with the enthusiasm and hope that we share in the month of April. Happy Grange Month!

Fraternally,

Edward L. Luttrell
National Master