The 141st Annual Session of the Connecticut State Grange is now in the history books as they say and went rather well. On that subject, how many of you know why it was the 141st if we’ve only been around for 140 years? Find out and let me know when I see you.

Our National representatives, National Grange Treasurer and spouse Lisa Goodrich were welcomed by all present and added positivity and some reflections on how we operate compared to Vermont. An important point Brother Joe made in addressing the delegates was that as we grow in our Grange journey through the 4th, then perhaps the 5th, 6th an even 7th degree, the circle of friends we possess keeps growing larger and larger. Also growing is our knowledge from associating with these diverse people from across the country. To me this emphasizes the importance of being part of the larger whole of our fraternity. He also emphasized that partisanship should end outside the Grange hall and is not to be brought inside. In our neutral spaces, we can discuss issues amongst ourselves and remain friends even though we don’t necessarily agree on everything.  Respect for other opinions is important. He pointed out how much more could be achieved if all politicians thought this way. At the banquet, Maggie and Lisa really hit it off on a shared love of horses. Several Granges were absent from the roll call and you know who you were and your particular reason for not attending. Believe me when I say I understand what those reasons are for those various Granges in absentia.  Where strained feelings keep some away, surely you can find someone willing to attend. Where other obligations interfere, you know the schedule for the convention long ahead of time and ought to be able to plan accordingly to attend. For those that feel no connection to the State Grange because this body has no value, I would ask you to re-evaluate your position as part of a larger fraternity and the importance of participation.

Thanks to the Agriculture Committee under Kristina Donihee with help from daughters Chloe and Violet to have a full complement of awards for all categories. I want to congratulate again Al “Skip” Maddox of my own Bethlehem Grange #121 for being named (Adult) Agricultural Professional of the Year. I also want to thank the Youth, Juniors, Family Activities, Public Relations, and Community Service Committees for their programs and recognitions of accomplishments. Our Scholarship Committee continues to further our fraternal support of higher education as well.

While no resolutions from the session will be going on to National Grange, the hot button topic was the proposed National Grange dues increase. Three Granges in particular expressed their strong opposition to the proposed increase. We (Ted and I) as your delegates plan to vote the wishes of the majority of Grangers in the State and may of may not necessarily reflect our own feelings on the matter. After all, we represent you.

This year, all the elected State Grange officers were present. Ruel Miller and George Russell were re- elected to the Executive Committee and along with Don Lanoue (unable to attend and be installed last year) were installed by Jody Cameron and his team. Mary Lou Keefe was unable to attend as pianist, but Sue Pianka of North Stonington Grange graciously filled in and did a wonderful job providing us with music.

Terri Fassio and John Yeski were able to make it out from California to attend the 141st Annual Session. It was good to see them both. I had the honor to obligate John in the 5th degree in Reno in 2022 so that he could take the 6th and 7th degrees. Terri previewed the Grange history she has been working on entitled “Perseverance: Connecticut Granges Make Their Mark On History.” Due to the volume of information assembled, the work will be split into two volumes and the first is scheduled for release in February 2026. It can be pre-ordered now. We are in the process of proof-reading the preliminary copy. It is quite impressive in its depth of coverage of our history. I urge every member to order a copy and for Granges to purchase copies to place in local libraries.

With all the changes taking place in Grange nowadays, our Membership and Publicity Committees thought this issue warranted a seminar at Session to explore the ramifications further. Jody Cameron and Terri Fassio presented a two hour program called “Where Tradition Meets Reality.” In an open discussion, we explored what makes a Grange a Grange, what Granges do, and why they do what they do, as well as for whom they do it. No two Granges are alike nor do they do the same things for the same people or reasons. As Granges change away from the traditional concept, we must adjust our thinking to accept the new reality if the Order is to continue in existence. Either we can bemoan the passing of the traditional Grange or welcome the future by accepting the alternate style Granges developing in our time.

I want to thank the Family Activities Committee for the gift of an adorable gnome which will go out soon with the Christmas decorations. Thanks to my deputies for a Dunkin Donuts gift card. Receiving these gifts from my Grange family touched my heart! Thank you all for your dedication and hard work.

The Northeast Leaders Conference this year will be held in January in Colchester, VT which is near Burlington. These are always valuable learning experiences and enjoyable to attend. We in New England have a special bond.

Soon, in only three weeks, We embark on a new adventure as far as National Grange Conventions go: the ABC Cruise. Once again, Ted and I will be your delegates. It is new to me never having been on a cruise and it may be my only as Maggie is not enamored of them. It will be a learning experience as I have never seen the Caribbean Sea or any of its islands before. We visit Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao which are all Dutch. While some were opposed to this idea, I have kept an open mind and hope to have a good time.