Grange Month Observed in April

Article written by Linda Moody, The Daily Advocate DARKE COUNTY — April has been designated as Grange Month, with Greenville Mayor Michael Bowers recently signing the proclamation. The Grange organization, according to the proclamation has served as a beacon of citizenship and civility since its founding in 1867 and social interaction and “educational efforts are the keystones that have allowed great achievements in non-partisan legislative action, and much needed service projects of the Grange which have benefited the communities and states in which the members reside. The Grange’s members, it was noted, believe in American values and hometown roots. “The Grange has remained true to the ideal of developing a better and higher manhood and womanhood by ensuring that each member is given the opportunity to rise to their full potential as leaders, as Americans and as a contributing part of mankind,” the proclamation reads. “The Grange includes all members of the family within our organization to meet, talk, work and, in general, act together for our mutual protection and advancement.” Harvey Hinshaw, master/president of Stelvideo Grange has announced a series of events to celebrate National Grange Month, which highlights the Grange’s role in rural communities and creates opportunities for non-members to learn more about the organization. Stelvideo Grange No. 295 is hosting “Dogs For Deaf” program today and will be hosting a Grange Awards Celebration with entertainment by the Classics and desserts donated by Savorie Delights on April 25, with the latter featuring the presentation of awards and the giving out of door prizes. Stelvideo Grange participates in Ohio State Convention and had five members attend the convention. It was also in charge of the hospitality room at convention, serving refreshments. “Five members and a junior member attended the 148th National Grange Convention,” Hinshaw said. “It was held this year at Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio, and it will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska, next year, and for the 150th, it will be held in Washington, D.C. The Grange also donated can food/personal items/paper products for the local food pantry, FISH; adopts a family for Christmas; provides 20 Christmas cards signed and addressed for residents at Brethren Retirement Community; donates to the State Deaf Fund; and, for its biggest community project donated 91 dictionaries to Arcanum third-graders, giving the 1000th this year. The “Words for Thirds” dictionary project has worked with Arcanum Elementary for 11 years. Stelvideo Grange will also be selling Great Darke County Fair tickets. At the Ohio State Grange Convention in October, Stelvideo will have entries in the state junior crafts, art and photography contests along with entries in adult sewing and crafts and photography. And, the Grange will be donating Con-Kerr Cancer pillowcases to children’s hospitals; to the Linus Blanket project; to “Comfort Toys” to children’s hospitals; card fronts to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children; money to the”The Fling Horse Camp;” hats and gloves to the State School for the Deaf School; and money to the state youth and junior Grange. “This past year, we have donated to Make-A-Difference Day at state convention and went to Southeastern Food Bank and donated Crayons+Coloring Books that went to Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” Hinshaw said. The Grange once again will be putting in booths at the Great Darke County Fair, promoting Grange. There will be free recipes, free ear plugs, free candy, free coloring pages and deaf activities, and the Ohio State Grange Cookbooks will be sold throughout the week there. Stelvideo Grange has 18 members with five youth and five young adults and four Stelvideo Junior Grange members. Stelvideo Grange was founded in 1867. There are nearly 300,000 members in 3,400 local or subordinate Granges across 37 states. Read Here