| APRIL 12, 2012 -- Southington Grange #25’s members have been busy these past few months. Members recently gave their hall a fresh coat of paint, new homemade curtains, and a reception desk with guest book and gardening library. A local business has donated a dozen light fixtures; an electrician has graciously agreed to install them at no charge.
Both old and new members (12 new members sworn in since September), have held successful Belgian waffle and pancake breakfasts, a sweetheart dinner dance, as well as pet photos with Santa at Christmas time.
A colorful, new business card has been created by one member. “Let’s Get Growing!”, their push to grow, buy and eat locally grown foods, features two hands cradling a seedling with Grange contact information.
Southington has been partnering with Southington High School’s Vocational Agriculture students and members of Future Farmers of America. These incredible young adults have brought to the Grange fresh energy and enthusiasm. They volunteer their time at our events, and are forthcoming with ideas for future events and activities geared towards children and families.
The most exciting venture this year has been Southington Grange’s booth at the Healthy Family Fun Fest on March 3, sponsored by the YMCA and the Hospital of Central CT. Held at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, the health fair drew about 2,000 attendees who took advantage of about 100 exhibits. People of all ages learned about various health screenings and smart eating. The YMCA kept kids jumping with a room full of fun, get-moving games.
The Grange distributed hundreds of membership brochures, seed embedded paper hearts, as well as their calendar of events for 2012. Members at the booth helped children create over 200 birdseed bells to feed their feathered friends. Future Farmers members showed up with two live chickens and plenty of educational information, to the delight of many.
Southington is currently planning their spring dinner dance, plant sale and summer festival and chicken barbecue. Floats in two local parades are also planned.
The excitement is building at the Southington Grange. The goal for now is to spread the word, increase awareness and boost membership. So far, it seems to be working. |
