With delegates, members, honored guests and visitors in attendance, Connecticut State Grange Master/President Robert Sendewicz opened the first day of the 125th Annual Session of the Connecticut State Grange, at the Comfort Inn in Meriden.

The Session opened in form in the Sixth Degree, with the impressive Roll Call of Subordinate Granges following the opening. State Master Sendewicz introduced honored guest and National Grange representative, Lady Assistant Steward of the National Grange Beth Merrill. The group quickly got down to business with reports of the Lecturer, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Committee, session committee assignments, and introduction of resolutions to the floor.

A highlight of the morning was Sendewicz taking the floor and giving his annual Master's Address. Speaking to Grange members from across the state, Sendewicz touched on a wide range of subjects including Grange growth and community service.

"(We need) to revitalize, re-organize and start new Granges in our state." Sendewicz said. "Twenty-four Granges took in eighty new members last year."

Sendewicz said the Connecticut State Grange is committed to working on building towards the future, and to address the challenges head on.

During the afternoon session, election of one member of the Executive Committee was held, with F. Philip Prelli receiving the honor.

Thursday evening was filled with fun and recognition, as the Lecturer's program spotlighted Halloween, and numerous award winners were announced. Russell Gray from Ekonk Community Grange was the winner of the Complete Program contest, and Joanne Cipriano from Beacon Valley Grange was the winner of the "What the Grange Means to Me" essay contest. The Agriculture Committee announced that Jane Miller was the winner of the Grow A Sunflower contest.

Community Service awards were presented to Prospect Grange and Ekonk Community Grange, with Ekonk also being named Community Service Grand Champion. East Central Pomona was named Honor Pomona of the Year, and Prospect and Lyme Granges were awarded the Honor Subordinate Granges of the Year.

Lecturer Marge Bernhardt presented a fun program focused on Halloween, which was full of music, skits and fun! The evening concluded with the Past Deputies Raffle.

The 125th Annual Session of the Connecticut State Grange will continue on Friday, October 16, 2009, at the Comfort Inn, 900 East Main Street, Meriden, Connecticut. The morning session on Thursday, October 16th will open at 9:00 AM. The Sixth Degree will be conferred on Friday evening.