| JULY 18, 2011 -- Games such as the egg toss and kickball were enjoyed as the Connecticut and Rhode Island State Granges co-hosted an Old-Fashioned Grange Picnic as part of National Grange Nationwide Gathering Celebration held on July 16, 2011.
More than 150 people from across both states made the trek to the Washington County Fairgrounds in Richmond, Rhode Island to enjoy a day of good food, fun and fellowship. Entertainment by a barbershop quartet - the Four Tune Seekers of Manchester, CT - was a highlight of the day, as were the old-fashioned picnic activities such as a water balloon toss, face painting, and crafts such as jewelry making.
"It was fabulous to have the members of Rhode Island and Connecticut Granges comes together and enjoy a beautiful day of fun and fellowship," said Rhode Island State Grange President Stephen Logan.
Jody Cameron, Connecticut State Grange President agreed. "It was a pleasure to spend time relaxing and enjoying the day with our friends from the East."
The event was part of the National Grange Nationwide Gathering Celebration, which is overseen by the National Grange Lecturer’s office. The intent was to build on the energy and enthusiasm that is building within Granges across the country. Granges in every state were invited to hold special events bringing Granges and Grangers together within their communities.
"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for Grange members of both states to get to know their neighbors who also are advocates for common goals," Cameron said as he stressed the benefits of Grange members not only working together but playing together as imperatives for achieving future community goals. "We hope to have a combined Connecticut and Rhode Island event again next year."
With approximately 240,000 members in nearly 3000 local and state chapters across forty states, the Grange has nearly 60 Community Grange chapters across Connecticut. There are 21 Community Granges in Rhode Island. These local Granges are committed to bettering their communities through service projects, agricultural and legislative initiatives and family orientated activities.
For more information on the Grange in Connecticut please visit www.CTStateGrange.org.
Information on the Rhode Island State Grange can be found on their website at www.rhodeislandgrange.org
More information on the National Grange can be found at www.NationalGrange.org. |
