| February 1, 2023 -- Membership gains are being made in the newly reorganized Granges mentioned in the last Connecticut Granger which goes to prove that there are people out there waiting to be asked to join. The Membership Committee under Shelley Cameron is considering as many as two more Granges to work with on developing their strength in their communities. This is to occur in the near future and hopefully more Granges will follow.
A reminder is in order that with the increase in quarterly dues paid to the State Grange going from $6.25 to $7.50, I admonish all Granges to re-evaluate the dues they charge their members to avoid paying more out than they are bringing in. In addition, even though Pomona Granges no longer need to pay dues to the State Grange, they can still charge their members a dues assessment to provide themselves with some income. I think that a lot of Granges are seriously behind the times in what they are charging. I am aware of fraternal organizations where dues are over $100 per year. My Masonic Lodge in New Milford has dues of $185.00 plus another $65.00 for Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite dues. There are fellow Masons who belong to yet other Masonic appendant bodies paying yet more dues to each.
As operating costs continue to rise, I would advise Grange leaders to shop around for better prices for property insurance. A diligent search by member Rich Fraziano and calls tom some local insurance agents netted Oxford Grange a new insurer and a savings of $400 per year. Watch your premiums as they can rise each year if you stay with the same agent and company. The same could be said for heating oil providers; shop around for the best price available and the savings will mount.
Also remember that a Grange can apply to the Connecticut State Grange Foundation every two years for a $1,000 capital improvement grant. Low interest loans are available from the Connecticut State Grange with a quarterly repayment schedule.
As the issue of Pomona Granges continues to vex us, National Grange President Betsy Huber has undertaken to establish a committee on the future of Pomona Granges. I have been asked to serve on this committee because of the steps we took in Connecticut to reorganize that level of the Grange. It is apparent that things didn’t turn out as we wished here. However, I would hate to see Pomona Grange deleted from our hierarchy as I feel there needs to be a link between Subordinate and State Grange. With less Grange visitations being made; I personally like Pomona as a time to get together with my Brothers and Sisters in my region and socialize and share ideas. Other Granges and Grangers can give us ideas to bring home to our own Granges about new types of fundraisers and events to attract prospective members into our halls. It goes without saying that we need to keep busy to support our halls and keep them and the organization viable as they are really business ventures of a sort. Ron Bunovsky of Harmony Grange No. 92 has used this analogy for Granges for some years and it is true.
Now that the Blue Book (two year State Grange Program Book) is out, I encourage all to look over the programming of the various State Committees and start thinking of what contests to enter and programs to put on in your Granges. Use the Heirloom Program to refresh members on the ritual of the Order. Can your Grange be an Honor Grange?
Lastly I would remind you of the lasting colors in the agate, symbol of the Fourth Degree, and hope that you all have FAITH in the longevity (maybe even permanence) of your Granges that will be achieved through your efforts and hard work. Remember who is responsible for your Grange.
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