Thu, May 04 2006

Move over, Charles Ingalls. Here we come!

We have our applications filled out. This evening my spouse and I will be joining the Aptos Chapter of the California State Grange. We aren't farmers, but that seems to be no problem in joining the Grange, which started out as an agricultural organization.

Though I had heard mentions of the organization all my life, my first real knowledge of the National Grange was gleaned from a TV episode of "Little House on the Prairie", in which Charles Ingalls attends a state Grange meeting. While the story heightened my awareness, it also reinforced my notion that it was all intended for farmers and not for folks like me.

Little did I know that today's National Grange boasts more than 300,000 members and that they come from all walks of life. Local chapters focus on things such as scholarships for young people and quality of life issues in the community. The organization even maintains a heavy lobby presence in Washington, D.C. Activities on local levels include fundraising through pancake breakfasts, arts and crafts opportunities for all ages, dictionary distribution to students, cooking classes, sports and recreational athletic events, horticultural workshops, public speaking opportunities, safety and health screenings and a whole lot more.

It will be fascinating to learn about it all and be a part of something so multi-faceted. If you still think that Grange is only for people who make their living by farming you can still get into the 21st Century with me. Look up your own local Grange chapter and get in on the fun.

posted at: 07:35 | category: /Miscellaneous | link to this entry