Highlights of the 144th Annual National Grange Convention
Pictured above the Grange members participating in a variety of activites and programs at the 144th Annual Convention.	Download full issue New Grange Issues New Grange Archives Current Issue Jul - Aug 2011 May - Jun 2011 Mar - Apr 2011 Fan - Feb 2011 Sept - Oct 2010 Jul - Aug 2010 May - Jun 2010 Mar - Apr 2010

By Barbara Covington Jones, Communications Director

Scores of enthusiastic Grange members, Delegates, and guests from all across the country traveled to the Hilton University Hotel in Charlotte, NC to participate in the 144th Annual Session of the National Grange.

National Grange Master/ President Ed Luttrell and his headquarters’ staff (Jessie Cope, executive assistant; Grace Boatright, programs assistant; Barbara Covington Jones, communications director; and Sandor Szima, building engineer) from Washington, DC were the first on the scene in Charlotte to meet with the staff to ensure that everything would be perfect and enjoyable for everyone.

“Down Home Fun” was the theme of this year’s Convention, which was hosted by the Eastern Region States. The Eastern Region is comprised of Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Potomac Grange No. 1, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Chairman of the Committee was Crystal Allen.

The Hilton Hotel was able to accommodate all of the functions of the Session and not have to leave the property. But, did so to explore some of the cultural activities the city had to offer. Off site tours included the Billy Graham Library, Discovery Place, and other tours for Youth and Junior Grangers.

The Convention kicked off with a Host Region Reception and guests indulged in “Southern Style Bar-b-que.”

On Monday, the first day of the Session, Distinguished Grange Awards recipients were honored at a luncheon. On Tuesday, the 144th Annual Convention opened in the 7th Degree and the National Grange Master delivered his Annual Address. Convention speakers were Johnny C. Wynne, dean of Agriculture, NC State University, Kathleen Franco, executive director, AT&T services, who spoke on broadband access, and Amanda Nolz, contributing editor, of BEEF News.

A host of other activities and programs were available for all Grange members, from the Idea Fair and Best of Show to the Youth Costume Party and Dance, to combined workshops for Junior and Youth members, a dinner for Grow Club members, and activities for Horizon Leadership Ambassadors.

To demonstrate Grange members' dedication to serving their communities, four Granges were recognized for their community service efforts and State Masters signed Grange Growth Pledges to show their commitment to ensuring Grange growth.

At the "Evening of Excellence" program, eager Grange members had an opportunity to witness a showcase of the exceptional talents of their members.

On the last evening of the Session, Grange members were treated to a Celebration Banquet to acknowledge their accomplishments in 2010, and were entertained by Brother Jimmy Gentry of the North Carolina State Grange. Immediately following him and capping off the evening were the highly skilled Grange auctioneers, speaking at lightning speed. The auction was conducted to assist with continued funding of our trademark efforts to protect the Grange name.

And, just like the couple on the logo, Grange members ended the evening with a "Down Home Dance."

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National Grange President, Ed Luttrell

INTRODUCTION

At this 144th Annual Session of the National Grange we meet in North Carolina for the sixth time and for the first time in the great city of Charlotte. With combined unemployment and underemployment numbers at about 17%, nearly all Americans know someone out of work or forced to work part-time. It is not uncommon to see families struggling to avoid losing their homes, and many small businesses are questioning how long they can keep going.

These are tough times for America, yet the spirit of the founders of our Nation remains strong. Through organizations like the Grange, people are coming together and helping each other just as they have since the birth of our country.

The delegate body seated here today represents members in more than 2,160 local communities spread across 38 states. The debate, discussions, and votes that they make this week are but a reflection of what is happening in communities across our vast organization.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

There is no issue with greater impact on our Nation than the fiscal responsibility of our elected officials at each level of government. If we allow our elected officials to fail to exercise prudent fiscal restraint we destroy what our country has stood for over the past 234 years. Our nation and states cannot spend more than we receive over the long-term, and we cannot continue to raise taxes and fees without harming the initiative and strong work ethic of the average American.

Our great nation has developed a serious spending problem over the last few decades. Over the past two years our federal government has accelerated this problem beyond any precedent. In the past year, 37 cents of every dollar that our federal government spent was borrowed. By having huge deficits in the budget, we are creating long-term debt that was unimaginable a decade ago.

Anyone with knowledge of history and a bit of common sense can see that this spending is unsustainable and poses a threat to our vitality and our national security. Our nation has been rapidly moving toward a European socialist style of government over the past two years. This is not the American dream! The result will be higher taxes, more dependence on government, and less freedom in our personal lives; three things our forefathers would detest. The strange thing is that this move is happening at the same time as many European governments are starting to move towards an entrepreneur and market driven economy, which has defined our country for over 200 years.

The National Grange calls on all members to work with elected officials to ensure that fiscal responsibility once again becomes the order of the day. We must face the realities of our financial condition and work together to ensure that our children and grandchildren have their opportunity to live the American dream, without the burden of massive inherited debt.

We have had the opportunity to see new political movements born over the outrage felt by many citizens by the actions of a Congress and President who seem to be failing to listen to the people. The Tea Party Movement didn’t start as a party or partisan movement, it was a populist movement. Those who came to rallies in protest of government actions were people who do not have a history of activism. They are law-abiding citizens who go to work, pay their taxes, and put food on the table. Contrary to the pundits and political parties, this is a great thing for American society. More people taking an interest in their government reminds us that it is our civic duty to truly hold all politicians to their pledges and promises. That a group of average Americans united by one idea, can be stronger than any political party or establishment is a powerful reaffirmation of our American system.

We are now a week past the mid-term elections and undoubtedly there will be changes because of the results. This is the moment that every American needs to take advantage of. We need to communicate to every elected official at the federal, state, and local level that our nation has called for change because of the individual freedoms each American treasures, not because of the hope for government largesse.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is changing and it is up to everyone who makes their living from this vital industry to ensure that American citizens understand its realities. Laws, regulation, and market driven record keeping will impact all farmers, ranchers, foresters, and watermen.

Every week we hear something new about how the healthcare bill will impact small business and rural America. We are seeing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discussing or proposing rules that contain major elements of the cap and trade bills that have, at this time, failed to pass Congress. Business has also increased their demand for preferred methods in record keeping from their suppliers as they have discovered that there is a profit to be made by being “green.” Each of these elements has an impact on the viability of American agriculture.

One of the challenges facing our industry is a new vocabulary . “Organic, green, permaculture, sustainable” and other terms are tossed around by many and yet few are understood by the average citizen. Organic farming has limited federal definitions and has guidelines to certify those using this process. Being “green” appears to be a business marketing term with little definition at this point.

The term “Sustainable agriculture” was addressed by Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill. Under that law, “the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:

This definition looks great on paper, but not even those in agriculture agree which production practices are actually sustainable. Ask an organic fruit or vegetable farmer in California if the Nebraska corn and soybean farmer is engaged in sustainable agriculture. The Nebraska farmer would say he is practicing sustainable agriculture, but some using different production methods would argue against his practices. The Nebraska farmer might also counter that the organic practices used in fruit and vegetable production have been associated with higher risks of food borne illnesses while his corn and soybean crops are virtually free of contaminants when they leave his farm. However, both are concerned with the challenges that regulation of critical surface and groundwater supplies may bring.

All in agriculture must find common ground and recognize that there are different business plans and practices and that both protect the environment while providing people with the food, fiber, and fuel they need. If we fail to unify on the big issues and educate our fellow citizens about the reality of agriculture, the anti-agriculture groups will win. If we continue to allow these groups to spread fear and factless propaganda, American farmers will be robbed of the ability to feed ourselves and the world. We must engage those who speak against us and work together to educate our national, state, and local leaders on the vitality of our daily work.

Locally grown is the best source of fresh and naturally ripened produce and the consumer is often willing to pay a premium for such food. However, we should be aware that our selection of food available throughout the year would be drastically reduced without commercial storage and transportation of American-grown food around the country, especially in the northern regions of our nation.

Even more sobering is the realization that without production farmers, each producing hundreds or thousands of acres of wheat, corn, soybeans and a wide variety of other crops and livestock, much of the world would experience famine and death on a scale we do not want to imagine. Three billion additional mouths to feed are projected by 2050 and American agriculture will be the salvation of many of those people.

We must look at American agriculture with eyes that are not blinded by our individual beliefs in certain agriculture practices. We must discover ways to work together and share information that can enhance our partners rather than point fingers. We must never imply that one segment of agriculture is better or worse than another.

The Grange remains the best established and viable way to bring the different views in agriculture together at the grassroots level. Through debate and discussion all can find common ground that will allow each to become an effective partner in American agriculture. The future of rural America depends upon each to be part of this process.

The 2012 Farm Bill is already being discussed and it appears that much of the discussion is already focusing on how each group ensures that they get their piece of the pie. The reality of the 2008 Farm Bill is that 67% of the act is dedicated to non-farm purposes and that percentage is not likely to decline when the current administration formally presents their proposals. In fact, budget proposals have already been submitted to reduce farm supports.

The 2008 Farm Bill consists of 15 titles or areas of spending. Four of these titles use 97% of the 284 billion dollar allocation. 66.5% is spent by nutrition, a little less than 15% is used for farm commodity support, conservation receives 8.5%, and crop insurance is under 8%.

Due to the financial deficits of the federal government the Grange focus in the 2012 Farm Bill will be in the following areas. We must ensure that credit is available to farmers regardless of size. Rural development issues must continue to be a priority in order to provide necessary infrastructure to get our product from field to table. Research and funding of the Extension program must be continued if we wish to ensure innovative practices and new tools beneficial to agriculture and society are available. The creation, improvement, and implementation of both primary and secondary energy sources through agriculture must remain a priority to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Crop insurance and disaster relief must be adequately funded in order to serve as the primary way of helping farmers deal with unforeseen weather and market fluctuations.

EDUCATION

From the birth of our organization, education has been a crucial component of what Grange members have advocated for. The modern world has seen an explosion of information due to electronic mediums and we strongly believe that education remains the cornerstone of success for each member of our society.

More than any other period in human history, we are challenged to learn new skills and to accept and incorporate new facts, processes, and inventions merely to keep up with the world. Yet the mind that our creator has given each of us is up to the task. Young and old alike learn and adapt to a constantly changing world.

The challenge of educating our youth is an ongoing debate and concern for all. The Grange has strong policies which allow us to work with many partners to ensure that the education system remains strong and adaptable within our changing world. The fiscal problems facing our nation may force innovation and change upon the educational system. The Grange calls on all citizens to join in seeking solutions to the financing of our educational system while ensuring the quality of that education improves during these tough times.

Affordable access to broadband coverage to every American and to every business is essential to creating opportunities to succeed. From sharing family pictures to forecasting business trends, the internet has become an essential part of modern day life. We can order almost anything on-line today, from books to plane tickets to parts for a broken appliance.

Yet today significant portions of rural American still have little, if any, choice for high speed broadband access. Dial-up connections no longer fill the need that rural Americans have to be connected in today’s world. More public and private partnerships need to be created to ensure that high-speed broadband access is a given within rural America. Just as bringing telephone service to every community was once a priority, today broadband technologies must be considered just as essential.

Cost of broadband service also remains an issue. In urban America the consumer has the choice of several different types of technology, speed, and prices to meet their needs. Many in rural America have one choice or no choice. While geography may limit some of the technologies currently in use, not having the option of a choice is a serious limitation for those wishing to use broadband services. A $60 monthly bill for high speed technology may be affordable in Philadelphia, but in rural Wyoming that same cost may be unaffordable to many. Competition remains an effective solution to reducing cost, but public regulations should be treating broadband in similar ways as telephone service has been treated in the past. If we are committed to preserving a populated and competitive rural America, we must ensure these Americans have the tools to not just compete, but to thrive.

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed to Congress that they be allowed to reduce service to their customers, the American public. While their request notes that they wish to eliminate Saturday service, the proposed changes will allow possible future reductions in service without congressional or administrative action.

The National Grange has taken a strong stand in opposition to this proposed reduction in services in accordance with our policies that have been adopted over the course of many years. We have testified to postal regulatory officials how rural America will suffer disproportionately from the elimination of Saturday service. A 17% reduction in services for a 6% savings does not make sense at this time.

Due to the gap between rural and urban America in access to broadband service, rural citizens and businesses still depend heavily upon service from their local post office. Essential products such as medicine and parts, civic participation through mailed ballots, and agriculture products such as chicks depend upon delivery by our Postal Service.

We understand the challenges faced by the Postal Service and their financial condition. We encourage the Postal Service to explore all cost saving opportunities, but reduction of services is not an option we can support. We also call upon Congress to deal with the retirement early pay-out issue which has devastated the US Postal Service financially and forced it to entertain issues such as a reduction in services to customers.

COMMUNITY

America is a nation of communities. The things that directly benefit most citizens are based in our local community. Schools, healthcare, jobs, charity and daily recreation are provided not by the federal or state government, but by local people working together. When people focus on working together within our local communities, this is when our quality of life increases.

Few want the federal government to take care of things locally. The reason for this fact is that those in Washington, D.C. do not know the who, what, or why of things in our individual community. The same is true of our state governments. While national and state governments are necessary, we must on occasion remind our elected officials and government employees that many issues are ours to solve.

The Grange believes that community is the essential building block of our great nation. We understand that a community without strong churches, good education, healthy civic organizations, and meaningful participation by the citizens will not be attractive to employers. Our organization will do its part to ensure the continued health of every community.

There are far too many places in the world where local people’s first concern is simply survival. Dictators, lack of knowledge, and poverty shorten lives and weighs heavy on the spirits of those trapped in that world.

It is time that America considers exporting not just food, machinery, and the concept of our government, but also the time-proven ways of communities coming together to make changes. The Grange stands ready to share our knowledge of building communities through a non-partisan, non-sectarian process that involves the entire family. What we in America take for granted, others in the world hunger for.

CONCLUSION

This past year the last speech that Albert Goss gave as National Grange Master was found. It was inspiring to listen to his words as he shared ideas with an audience in New York. While much in the world has changed since October of 1950, many of the solutions he discussed are still relevant today.

The challenges of 1950 were different from the problems of 1900 and the troubles of the 21 st century are no less daunting. Grange members of each era have responded with common sense solutions and innovative answers.

It is to us that falls the task of meeting the challenges of our world in 2010. When every interested American chooses to join the organizations that they share beliefs and goals with, our nation will be stronger. The Grange vision is that in every community across our country solutions will be proposed, civil debate will be held with all encouraged to participate, and together we will meet our challenges.

The spirit of the Grange remains true to the ideals of the founders of our nation. We are convinced that the future, even with all of its problems, remains bright and full of optimism to eyes that can see the possibilities.

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By Grace Boatright, Program Assistant

When the Grange staff began debating who should be the subject of our “Granger in the Spotlight” article, Jimmy’s name popped up instantly. His contribution to Convention was immeasurable, as he diligently played out his roles as Overseer of the National Grange, President of the North Carolina State Grange, and the musical entertainment for our Celebration Banquet. His dedication to the Grange and the efficiency with which he performs his duties, made Jimmy Gentry the instant candidate for this year’s “Granger in the Spotlight.”

Jimmy’s role in the Grange goes back a whole generation. Like many Grangers, he was born into a Grange family and has been heavily involved ever since. His wife, Anita, was also born into a Grange family, and in fact the two of them met in the North Carolina Grange Youth Department, now directed by their daughter, Jennie Gentry. Jimmy was elected to National Grange Overseer in 2007, having already been elected to the position of State President in 2003, and to Chairman of the National Grange Board of Directors in 2005.

In addition, he is a former vocational agriculture teacher and school administrator. He received a B.S. from North Carolina State University and an M.S. from North Carolina A&T State University in 1972 and 1980. Also, he serves on the board of directors for the North Carolina Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Foundation, and the North Carolina Agribusiness Council.

This year’s Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jimmy’s home State Grange, was a wild success and could not have been so without the help of Jimmy and Anita. “It was a wonderful process working with Crystal (Allen) and the rest of the region. All the states were very agreeable and easy to work with while preparing for this past Convention. I’m very proud of our leadership.”

When asked about his role as Overseer, he humbly responded with; “Well, as Overseer I’ve got to be ready to fill in for Ed should he have to excuse himself from Session. But, outside that, I’m a delegate just like everybody else. This year was a bit different, acting as the host state for Convention. Unfortunately, taking care of those matters sometimes made it hard to be in Committee. But, overall, I believe everything went very smoothly.”

However, as wonderful a delegate as he is, Jimmy is perhaps better remembered by some for his incredible musical talent. Everyone was dazzled by Jimmy’s performance during this past Convention’s Celebration Banquet. “I’ve been playing guitar since I was a kid, and tried to sing a little. It’s been a part of my life that I’ve really enjoyed.” During the course of our chat, Jimmy admitted to being a member of a rock band in college, wittily named “The Rolling Tones.” “It really helped in terms of improving my musical ability. We were pretty clean cut and tame though. After that, I mostly just performed on my own and occasionally with my brother.” During our chat I also asked if I might call this music classic rock. Jimmy laughed and said; “Well, you could now I suppose, but in the late 60’s the term “classic rock” hadn’t come up yet. We just called it rock or soul music.” Jimmy is still a member of the Worship Team at their home church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Troutman, NC.

Today, Jimmy and Anita reside in Troutman, NC. They have two daughters, Jennie Gentry of Raleigh, NC and Terri Wilson of Fair Hope, Alabama. The Grange feels very blessed to have such an incredible member like Jimmy Gentry. The devotion and commitment that he exemplifies toward the Grange is an amazing example to everyone within the organization. Jimmy and his family are a prime example of how the Grange can enrich the lives of so many people, while simultaneously fulfilling its purpose and staying true to its roots. The National Grange looks forward to future experiences with Jimmy and his charming family.

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By Grace Boatright, Program Assistant

It’s that time again Grangers! Grange Month is fast approaching! I’m sure with the holidays just wrapping up April couldn’t be father from everyone’s mind. I know it seems like a long ways away but before we know it, April will be here and it will be time for Grange Month to begin. During Grange Month, we take the time to celebrate the Grange and recognize all that our Granges do in their communities.

The State and National levels seem to get a lot of attention, but we all know where the true heart of the Grange lies- at the local level. That is why the theme of this year’s Grange Month will be “Connecting Communities through Service.” Each and every year, our local Granges take it upon themselves to improve their communities through service and support, dedication and consideration. They look around, observe the needs and necessities of those around them, and accept it as their personal responsibility to offer their time and resources. And could anyone think of a better way to connect communities than through charity and service?

Last year’s theme of “Now is the Time” challenged Grangers across the country to get moving on the many opportunities to recruit new members, grow their Granges, and make their communities better through service projects. As usual, they completed their tasks with the upmost diligence and care. Just to name a few, the Five Mile Prairie Grange in Washington held its annual Pie Night with over 200 attendees participating, many of them having never even heard of the Grange before. The Grantham Grange in North Carolina took meals to the Greenville Ronald McDonald House, along with a cash contribution and Pop Tops for the kids. The Oakview Grange found a vacant window in downtown Centralia and filled it with items collected, made, and distributed by Oakview Grangers. These three are just a few examples of the many ways our local Granges have volunteered their time and resources to help improve their communities.

However, as wonderful as these activities and accomplishments sound, they take time to plan and implement. Now is the time to start preparing if we are to make the most of everything. Scheduling speakers, gathering food and supplies, rounding up volunteers, finding funds, preparing meals, etc, everything takes time and we don’t have any to waste. You can begin looking for your Grange Month resource packets in the mail by early February.

2011 is sure to be a fun and exciting time for the Grange, and we at the headquarters look forward to helping you grow and mature your local Granges as we expand our members and worthy cause. Happy New Year Grangers!

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