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Grange members gathered in Reno, Nevada on November 13th for the 141st Annual National Grange Convention. Known as “America’s Adventure Place”, there was always something to do in Reno. The convention was held at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, with it’s superb dining, uncompromising service, and nonstop entertainment.
Great accommodations set the stage for delegates to get to work on business that affects the entire organization. A total of 96 resolutions were adopted covering nine key policy areas: Audit and Budget, Agriculture, Citizenship and Public Affairs, Education and Health, Growth and Development, Grange Law, Labor and Judiciary, and Taxation and Transportation. These resolutions will guide the internal and external operations of the Grange during 2008. Members can view the resolutions dealing with federal legislation in the 2008 National Grange Legislative Policy Book, which will be published at the beginning of the year.
Master’s Message
In his final Master’s Address, President Bill Steel spoke to the members regarding issues that impact rural communities. One main focus was on the upcoming Farm Bill. Steel stated that “the 2007 Farm Bill should provide credit, risk management, income support and environmental stewardship programs for family farmers and ranchers regardless of the crop or livestock they produce.” He also touched on programs to increase our domestic biofuel production, such as the “25 by ‘25” Coalition. Steel challenged the organization to reevaluate how the non-farm public and policy makers accept and view agricultural production practices, and spoke about policy decisions that effect generational transfer of farm production assets.
Elections
The Delegates elected Ed Luttrell of Oregon to be the new National Grange President (See: Cover Story). Joining Ed on the National Grange leadership team as Vice President is Jimmy Gentry of Statesville, North Carolina. Gentry is current President of the North Carolina State Grange, and a member of the National Grange’s Executive Board. Newly elected members of the National Grange’s Executive Board are Philip Prelli of Barkhamstead, Connecticut as Executive Board Secretary and Franklin (Pete) Pompper of Salem, New Jersey as member-at- large. They will join Executive Board Chairwoman Betsy Huber of Lemoyne, PA and member-at-large Martin (Marty) Bilquist of Anaconda, MT.
Newly elected officers of the National Grange include Joe Fryman of Blair, Nebraska; Jay Pfeiffer of Boerne, Texas; Roger Bostwick of Ozawkie, Kansas; Beth Merrill of Antrim, New Hampshire; William Narvel of Wilmington, Delaware; and Linda Chase of Dunstable, Massachusetts. Current officers reelected to their positions with the National Grange for another two year term include Judy Sherrod of Knoxville, Tennessee; John H. West of Chichester, New Hampshire; Henrietta Keller of O’Fallon, Illinois; Nancy Swainston of Morr, Michigan; and Judy McCann of Lamont, Oklahoma.
John Valentine of Portland, Indiana was re-elected by the current and past delegates as the High Priest of Demeter. Dan Bascom of Rochester, NH and Bruce Croucher of Clifton Springs, NY accepted the positions of Priest Archon and Priest Analyst, respectively.
Outstanding Speakers
Members were treated to a series of informative workshops and outstanding speakers throughout the Convention. John Ascuaga, owner of the Nugget, greeted the attendees. He spoke about his life growing up on a farm, as well as his keys to success. Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, presented his “Symphony of Health Care Delivery”. Sullivan stated that providing adequate health care to Rural America must be a major national priority. “We must ensure that therapies that are available in populated metropolitan areas are also available to America’s rural populations,” he told assembled Grange members and guests. He also added, “Open communication and access to health care information is critically important for all Americans. Factors including age, socioeconomic status and geographic location should not be a barrier to receiving appropriate medical treatment.”
Doug Mishlar entertained the audience with his impersonation of President Theodore Roosevelt. Robin Dickson from Dogs for the Deaf returned to once again speak on behalf of her program. Dickson has presented at numerous Grange conventions in the past. Celia Gould was the speaker at the Salute to Agriculture Breakfast. As Idaho’s Director of Agriculture, she spoke about emerging markets of China, India, Mexico and several other countries that she believes present a tremendous opportunity for American agriculture.
Grangers were also able to sit in on a variety of workshops given by experienced presenters. Motivational Speaker Scott Greenberg spoke to the Youth about leadership. Outgoing Leadership/ Membership Director Ed Luttrell spoke about recruitment and retention in his workshop “Searching for the Magic Wand Tree.” Grangers learned public relations techniques in Communication Manager Jennifer Dugent’s workshop “Promoting Your Grange.” Junior Grange Director Anne Kurburski spoke about the new 2008 program “Reading Across America” in her workshop. Martha Cook- Mooney and Davona Gwin presented workshops about Lecturers and Women’s/Family Activities, respectively.
Roundtables were also available for Grangers to share ideas. Tom Gwin led one for the State Lecturers, Carol Evans did one on Junior Camp, and Betty Eyler on Women’s/Family Activities.
The newly-elected Officers of the National Grange.
Good Old Fashioned Fun!
The convention was not all work and no play. Members were guided on a series of tours through Virginia City, Carson City, and the Nevada State Museum. Junior Grangers spent time at Fleischmann Planetarium. Back at the hotel, the “Idea Fair” featured displays from Community and State Granges, as well as the “Showcase of Excellence” crafts and projects. The newest merchandise and old favorites were on sale at the “Grange Store.”
Judy Sherrod hosted the annual “Evening of Excellence,” which featured the talent winners from several States, sign-a-song presentations, public speaking, and the Youth Horizon Leadership Participants. The “Family of the Year” award went to the McKee Family of Alaska.
The Western States worked together to present the 6th Degree. Members also witnessed the 7th Degree. The Convention ended with the “Celebration Banquet” on Saturday night. Chris Guenther, Country music artist, was the evening entertainment. Grangers were encouraged to “cut a rug” after the dinner.
Conclusion
Plans are underway for the 2008 convention in Cromwell, Connecticut. The Northeastern State Granges are hard at work to make it a memorable experience for all. “Connecticut will be the place where we celebrate your Grange successes, share in the excitement of growth, and make plans together for a wonderful future,“ said National President Ed Luttrell. “Don’t miss it!” |
Friday we were off to Fleischmann
Planetarium on the University
of Nevada-Reno campus.
We had a record number of participants.
We sold out one tour
and had to schedule another.
The Juniors were treated to an
excellent program on the solar
system. In the evening Juniors
had their own Pajama Party and
Movie night. What fun! They all
were wearing their PJ’s and enjoyed
a great movie and some
healthy snacks.