It's nearly impossible to get an interview with busy, involved members of organizations on the Palouse, which contribute to the richness of their communities! Everyone, it seems, is so busy! And it's no wonder, when you consider the tradition of multiple community service organizations in each town.
McIntosh Grange is a classic example. However, member Carol Evans, Lecturer and Community Service Chairman, graciously took time to provided these details (after I pleaded with her at the recent annual McIntosh Christmas potluck dinner. ;0))
McIntosh Grange, Rockford,Wash., was awarded The National Grange Distinguished Grange Award, which honors Community and State Granges that fulfill their responsibilities as part of the National Grange, while excelling in the areas of membership, fundraising, and service to their communities.
The award for McIntosh Grange (one of six in Washington State) was accepted by Washington State President, Duane Hamp, at the 2011 National Convention in November, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is the first year McIntosh has applied for the award.
The application is first reviewed at the state level, and is based on points awarded in 12 areas set by the National Grange. Certain proof of some of these criteria is required. Including:
- Sending delegate(s) to State Convention
- Sending representative to a National event, which includes Regional conferences
- Hosting at least 2 community service/educational events
- Hosting a youth/junior activity
- Sending timely reports to the State
- Hosting a legislative event, such as a candidate forum
- Donating specified amounts of money to Junior/Youth State activities.
"Our Community Service Award of 2nd place in our division (based on membership) and also 2nd place overall was received in June, at the Washington State Grange in Moses Lake. We have entered this contest on the State level for more than twenty years and have placed in the awards column annually," Carol Evans said.
"In the early years of the Community Service Award contest, McIntosh Grange placed also in a National Grange competition. Active grange members included Doris and George McPherson, Norm and Mildred Fricke when the street signs were made, painted and placed for Rockford, Wash., bleacher seats were built for the Rockford Park\Fair, and house numbers were assigned in town.
"In the early years of the Community Service Award contest, McIntosh Grange placed also in a National Grange competition. Active grange members included Doris and George McPherson, Norm and Mildred Fricke when the street signs were made, painted and placed for Rockford, Wash., bleacher seats were built for the Rockford Park\Fair, and house numbers were assigned in town.
"National Grange now gives monetary awards for the top State finishers, overall and the Grange Cooperative group provides monetary awards at State in each of 5 divisions," Carol said.National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused or neglected child can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive. My Bag is one of several CASA partners. My Bag includes school supplies, back packs, toiletries, blankets, small pillows, toys, books, mittens, gloves, warm hats, diapers, wipes, bottles, infant and toddler clothing are supplied to foster care in Spokane and surrounding counties. Many children are placed in foster care with very little notice and have nothing but the clothes they have on when they arrive.
"Members of McIntosh Grange have, over the last 10 years or more, assisted with packing backpacks, and has contributed numerous small pillows, blankets, school supplies, toiletries (including toothbrushes and toothpaste) and now some fleece footballs as well.
"We hosted the Veteran's Day program 11/11/11 at 11am with Retired Navy Chaplain and current RUMC Pastor David Lura orchestrating a moving combination of a barbershop quartet singing the various military services songs and veterans recalling their time of duty. Local VFW members presented a narrated flag folding ceremony and refreshments were provided by McIntosh Grange. Posters from Freeman School kids decorated the hall.
"You may have noticed the new entrance to McIntosh Grange Hall that appeared in early April amid cool rainy weather. What a change the remodel has made in the front. Our window replacement fund suffered a setback due to having to shift funds to make the entrance easier and safer. The original entryway dates back to 1963 as noted etched in the concrete blocks in front of the entrance steps.
"We gave financial assistance to six area kids to attend Camp NEWA Jr. Grange Camp last August. Camp fee is $150 if paid by July 1st, and $175 after. (NEWA stands for Northeast Washington.) I serve as camp director/nurse, and Kathy Creed and Bill Creed were in charge of crafts for camp.
"The Washington State Grange also has a Kimball Memorial Scholarship for first-time campers that can be applied for. McIntosh Grange had one area girl awarded $65 of her camp fee.
"2012 camp is July 29 (Sunday 2:00 p.m.) through August 4 (Saturday 10:00 a.m.), and is held at Princess Pine Camp, 20 miles northeast of Colville. Parent's night is Friday night with no overnight fee for parents who want to stay over and bring kids home on Saturday. Campers have a dance with royalty on Friday night, and I have seen many a dad out there dancing with his daughter!" Carol said.
"Last spring through summer, we met on Thursday mornings with several ladies from the community and grange working on projects. Plans are to again start sewing pillows/footballs for foster care after the holidays. We welcome help and DONATIONS OF FLEECE, BATTING (those scraps from quilts that were cut off) or polyfill stuffing that you may have left over or want to purchase (watch the sales) for this project.
"Last summer some of our pillows were sent to Support Our Troops project from State Grange convention," she said.Carol failed to mention McIntosh Grange participated again in 2011 with the Grange nation-wide annual program of giving dictionaries to students in 3rd grades. McIntosh Grange members handed out about 50 dictionairies to students in three 3rd grade classes at Freeman Elementary recently.
Congratulations to this well-deserving Grange on their prestigious award!
(EDITOR REQUEST: Good news is always welcome! eemail your organization news for publication to newstnpw@air-pipe.com.)
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