Grangers present Words For Thirds to Chelan Valley students
Nearly one hundred third graders from MOE Elementary in Chelan boarded buses to travel to the Manson Grange Community Hall Thursday afternoon.
For ten years the Manson Grange has purchased and presented dictionaries to each third grade student in Chelan, Stehekin, Holden, and Manson schools through The Dictionary Project of Charleston, South Carolina.
Alice Killian, Grange Lecturer, welcomed the students and teachers and provided a brief explanation of the Grange, its history in the United States, and the formation of the Manson Grange. She briefly listed the areas of interests and then introduced local members, who presented the various “hats” a Granger might wear.
Gordon Lester, wearing his farmer’s hat, told of the efforts by and for farmers, and activities concerning FFA, Farmers’ Market, and improving agriculture. Hal Killian, wearing a chef’s outfit, told of various meals cooked and served in the Grange, to benefit community activities. Joan Lester, under the red, white, and blue cap of a voter, told of actions of the Grange to support Women’s Suffrage in the early days, being a watchdog on current laws and legislation, and sponsoring political forums.
Next was Jen Phillips, who demonstrated and told of teaching dance classes, using the Hall. She stated it was just a few of the educational opportunities that are offered for self-improvement. The Gardener’s hat was worn by Pat Beratta, wearing gloves and wielding a trowel, ready to plant whatever she finds at the Arbor Day Tree and plant sales. The final surprise was Orn Miller, dressed in a bunny costume to symbolize the many holiday and special events held at the Grange Community Hall. She reminded the children of the Easter Egg Hunt and invited them to return next Spring.
Betty Stout accompanied each entry with appropriate music on the piano, beginning with The Alphabet Song, and proceeding to The Farmer in the Dell, and The Muffin Man.
As each student crossed the stage to receive his or her dictionary and a handshake, they were directed downstairs to “tour” the brightly decorated room and pick up cookies and drink boxes as they returned to the bus, exactly on time to return to Chelan and school.
Most of the Grangers then proceeded to Manson Elementary where Kim Ustanik stepped in for Ms. Killian to welcome another group of nearly fifty students. Those third graders in Holden and Stehekin will receive their dictionaries by mail.
