| MAY 17, 2011 -- Glastonbury Grange takes its role in serving the community to heart. Whether it’s building the “Grange Pool” and donating it to the community, presenting dictionaries annually to the 3rd grade class in the Nayaug Elementary School or hosting the popular Bake and Unique Boutique Sale each spring and fall, the Grange is a making difference.
"Glastonbury Grange is an active agriculture and community service organization," explains Glastonbury Grange Secretary and long-time member Kathryn Ruff. Ruff has held many offices on all levels of the Grange and is currently East Central Pomona (County) Deputy of the Connecticut State Grange.
Organized on February 17, 1885, Glastonbury Grange No. 26 recently celebrated its 125th Anniversary. They originally met at members’ homes and then in Academy Hall, which eventually became known as the Grange Hall. (The building was razed in 1933.) Notably, the Connecticut State Grange was organized in the same hall on June 24, 1885, and have been celebrating their own 125th Anniversary throughout 2010-2011. Glastonbury Grange is one of 58 community Granges across Connecticut.
What began as an organization focusing on local agricultural issues, Glastonbury Grange has evolved to include a powerful voice supporting the quality of life not only in Glastonbury, but statewide.
"You can work as a group on legislative issues in town and state and as a group you can be more effective in accomplishing community needs and community service work. And at the same time have fun doing it," said Ruff. "You meet great people and develop great friendships."
Connecticut State Grange President Jody Cameron agrees. "As a grassroots organization, our influence is best felt in the communities. It's essentially citizens looking after citizens. I can't agree more with the founder of Web Industries when he says 'The essence of life is relationships.'"
Glastonbury Grange has developed a rich tradition and heritage, as evidenced in many of the service projects and family-oriented activities it sponsors in this Connecticut River community. Many times a year they remember the residents of Gilmore Manor with favors and gifts. They collect children's books for the Glastonbury Social Service Department at Christmas and collect underwear and socks for the schools so children have something to wear if their clothes get wet. Donations of non-parishible food items are made to those in need. They host events such as tag sales, dinners and community programs.
"They’re really making an effort to make Glastonbury a better place," said Todd Gelineau, General Deputy of the Connecticut State Grange. "Glastonbury Grange is a prime example of the Grange meeting the needs of their community through community service."
Along with their community service efforts, the members of Glastonbury Grange like to have fun with such activities as potluck dinners, skit nights, visiting with other Granges, and hosting their popular monthly Monte Carlo Whist card parties.
"Today we may be assisting with a house for Habitat for Humanity, entertaining residents in a convalescent home or seeing to the needs of children. And tomorrow we're enjoying a social activity with our Grange friends and family," said Cameron. "It is the combination of these events that makes us the organization that truly does meet the needs of its members and its community."
When asked to sum up the affects the Grange has played in her life, Ruff spoke fondly of the many aspects of the Grange she enjoys, from attending the conventions to forming life-long friendships.
"Grange is a way of life for me," Ruff explains. It has been a way of life since I joined 55 years ago. Every day in one way or another I am thinking about what I need to be doing for my Grange."
Glastonbury Grange No. 26 meets the first Thursday of each month at the Masonic Hall, located at 895 Main Street (Route 17) in South Glastonbury, and guests are always welcome. Prevailing time is 7:30 PM. For more information on the activities of Glastonbury Grange, or for membership information, please contact Kathryn Ruff at deputy3@ctstategrange,org, or call the Connecticut State Grange Central Office at (860) 633-7550. Information on the Granges in Connecticut can be found online at www.CTStateGrange.org. |
