| JUNE 7, 2007 -- Without it, we wouldn't have the food on our table, the fiber to make our clothing or the fuel to run our vehicles.
That's what longtime Bridgewater Grange Master Chris Shook, 81, reminds children she meets on her visits to the schools in the community.
"We can't live without agriculture," she said.
A few weeks ago the 107-year-old Grange invited local youth to discuss their participation in agricultural projects at an open house, as reported in a recent issue of The Greater New Milford Spectrum.
"We wanted to tell people about the Grange and bring in the young, the youth of today, to show how they're involved in agriculture," Mrs. Shook related.
Celebrating the next generation that has an enthusiasm, excitement and respect for agriculture is key to the future of the Grange and not just the one in Bridgewater.
Nancy Mascio said "dwindling membership" caused the Metichewan Grange No. 190 in New Milford to consolidate into the Bridgewater Grange in April, a month before it marked its 87th anniversary.
"We tried to put the word out," the past Metichewan master said, noting stirring the interest of young farmers has been difficult.
The New Milford Grange had approximately 30 members, 10 of whom were regularly active.
As a result of Metichewan's dissolve, members consolidated into the Bridgewater Grange's rolls, bringing its total to just over 70.
Mrs. Shook indicated most members of the Bridgewater Grange are 65 and older, although there are some younger ones.
Numerous factors have contributed to the decline in membership at both Granges.
Mrs. Shook, who joined the organization when she was 16, recalled the local Grange as "the social activity in Bridgewater, besides the churches, before the fire department formed."
Families regularly flocked to the Grange hall on Main Street for dances, plays and other social programs. But over the years, participation went down little by little in Bridgewater.
The opening of the fire department sparked Grange men to get involved in another volunteer group; the onset of television changed family time from being in the Grange hall to their own living rooms; and the forming of the historical society, ladies auxiliary, PTA and other groups attracted Grange members' attention.
"It was hard for the Grange to be on the map," Mrs. Shook noted.
Even today, families are busy with after-school activities, sporting events and other volunteer or civic organizations that leave little time for any involvement with the Grange.
Mrs. Mascio said the changing face of agriculture has contributed to the decline in Grange participation.
Whereas dairy and cattle farmers used to support the Grange in years past, that's not necessarily the case today.
There's a new generation of agriculturists who operate co-op, tree, pick-your-own berries and recreational farms and may not be aware that the Grange provides them with an opportunity to share insight, explore new ideas, and express and lobby for state and federal agriculture issues.
Although Metichewan has closed its doors for the time being, Mrs. Mascio emphasized that the "time for the Grange is not over yet... we're constantly rethinking, regrouping."
Mrs. Mascio related that Connecticut is "reemerging as an agricultural state so there's a place for the Grange most definitely."
She expressed the importance of preserving land not just for open space, but to "retain [it] for agriculture to create a new environment conducive and friendly to farmers who want to bring back the family farm."
Like Mrs. Shook, she emphasized the role education plays in spreading awareness about the Grange's role in the community and its offerings.
Locally, the Bridgewater Grange remains active with numerous community service projects, such as the preparation and delivery of fruit baskets and plants to the shut-ins and financial help to groups in need.
Also, it annually hosts the Christmas tree lighting on the Green and open house that follows at the Grange hall.
The organization also distributes dictionaries to every third grader in Bridgewater.
That's on top of providing support and resources for the Future Farmers of America and building relationships with students at agricultural schools, such as Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury.
"It's so community oriented," said Diane Domroe of the Grange. She joined after being invited to a meeting by a friend about 18 years ago.
At first, Mrs. Domroe said she thought "I'm a New York girl not a farmer." However, that stereotype quickly dissolved.
"It was so down home. Those girls were so wonderful, and the men too," she said. "I felt very comfortable. It was wonderful."
Mrs. Domroe said one of the reasons she continued to stay involved is because she enjoys helping people.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Bridgewater Grange is invited to attend a meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange hall, on Main Street.
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