The State Grange News The official publication of the Massachusetts State Grange

Transcription

1 December, 2015 Volume 56, Number 12 The State Grange News The official publication of the Massachusetts State Grange A Merry Christmas and Holiday Wishes to You and Yours. Out in Nebraska Inside this issue: Master....3 Chaplin... Lecturer Youth Jr. Grange MA Granges Family Day....5 Ag. Education... Thinking of You...18 Membership Here s some of the Massachusetts Grangers (plus one former Massachusetts Granger) at the National Grange Session held in Nebraska. Looks like Massachusetts was well represented so far from home. 1 Home & Community Ed. Aid Resolution Action...19

2 From the Editor s Desk It is just 25 days till Christmas. I like Christmas. I don t always like the shopping. I m always looking for the perfect gift for the ones I love the most. And you know, that perfect gift has been in front of me the whole time.it s love. I, like many others have been brain washed that we ve got to go to the mall and spend ungodly amounts of money. Have you seen the price of kids toys? National Grange has voted a woman to be the National Master and made a historic mark for the only fraternal organization that was chartered with women as members. We wish her all the best. State Master George Thomas will be bringing news from National Grange in a few days. We ll find out what resolutions from Massachusetts were accepted and those rejected. Just a quick reminder: Confirmed meeting information is due the 15th of the month and articles and news are due on the 25th of the month. January 1st is only 32 days away. What are your ideas for the new year? Little prayer, go far and wide, And bless all our friends this Christmas tide. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! MASSACHUSETTS STATE GRANGE NEWS Massachusetts State Grange Inc. GEORGE E. THOMAS III Editor-in-Chief Board of Management ANN PREST Executive Editor Kathleen M. Peterson, Chairman Scott Davis, Vice Chairman Calvin Chase Matthew Johnson Randall L. Vaill, Jr. Glenn P. Gibson Deborah K. Goodrich 2 Advertising from Grange affiliates, news items and photos solicited. Deadline is the25th of each month to the Executive Editor. Advertising rate: $5 per column inch. Address of SGN: stategrangenews@massgrange.org Webmaster: Niles Larson Website: 2

3 From the Master s Desk We have arrived home safely from the National Grange Convention held in Lincoln NE, exhausted but enthusiastic as to the future of the Grange. We witnessed history in the making with the election of the first woman Master of the National Grange, Sister Betsy Huber from Pennsylvania. The Massachusetts State Grange was well represented with sixteen of our members in attendance. Congratulations to Sarah Jordan as the new National Grange Junior Ambassador and to David Lehman for his excellent Public Speaking presentation. We can be very proud of these two members and all of our young grangers. This year your Massachusetts State Grange and seven Subordinate Granges received the honor of Distinguished Grange. Congratulations to Dartmouth Grange, Dunstable Grange, Holden Grange, Rowley Grange, Sterling Grange, Upton Grange and Uxbridge. These Granges had set this honor as a goal and have worked diligently to obtain the recognition from National Grange. I know that there are other Granges capable of achieving the award. Who will be next on this prestigious list? There were numerous resolutions submitted from granges from across the county concerning issues relating to Agriculture, Citizenship, Grange Law and other topics. Massachusetts submitted three resolutions. National Grange Membership List Opt-Out was ruled as current policy and Importation of Foreign Agriculture and National Grange Officer Term Limits did not make it out of the session committee that they were assigned to. Did you know; that the Agricultural Committee is developing programs to be used by granges that can be presented to the public, that the State Lecturer has many resources for agricultural education programs, that the State Grange offers grants to granges to help fund these and other programs to promote agricultural in our communities. We have the tools, lets put them to work to strengthen our Order! Merry Christmas, happy holidays and wishes for a prosperous New Year. George 3

4 Continued next page The Chaplain s Message The man was traveling on a road that was familiar and easy. He and about 7 or 8 others were on their way to a wonderful city. They could see it rising in the distance, as they got closer. Those that were with him were singing and laughing together as though they were at a great celebration. The weather was probably the best they could ever hope for. The sun was shining brightly, there was a light breeze, and the air was warm. The feeling was that of euphoria, and they were all sharing in the enjoyment that surrounded them as they made their journey. The people they passed along the way all had big smiles to offer them, along with a friendly wave He noticed that his wife was also singing along with the others. She was quite content on this trip, unlike the last time. They were getting closer to the city now. They could see the road ahead of them, all the way to their destination. Off to the west were rolling hills and marvelous pastures, where cattle and sheep were grazing peacefully. Over to the east, they could see beautiful farmland, that was well cared for; rich with fruit trees, vineyards, ffid dark, cultivated soil. The scenery in all directions was simply breathtaking. The man glanced at his wife and saw that she was smiling. This was the fnst time that they had taken a vacation in a very long time. It was nice, he thought, to see her so happy. He hoped they would make their destination soon, because he had made arrangements for them to stay at the finest inn in town. Suddenly Joseph awoke from his dream. He was surprised to realize that he had been sleeping. The long, arduous trek from Galilee had left he and Mary so exhausted that he had not slept. He noticed the oxen and sheep all around him in the stable. He realized he was rather cold, and he was also hungry. He saw the baby, asleep in the feeding trough, wrapped in bands of ragged cloth. He wept to himself. Then, looking over at his wife, Mary, he saw that she was indeed smiling. Her face was so radiant; it was as if she was overflowing with joy. Joseph was pleased with the arrangement that had been made for them, even though they could not get a room at the inn. This event was indeed 4

5 the greatest vacation they had ever been on. And baby Jesus was quiet. He didn't cry - not even once. What a wonderful child! Fraternally, Randy Belseth, Chaplain Lecturer s Column The National Grange Convention offered plenty to see and do, such as witnessing the delegates working on the resolutions, election of officers, junior activities, a tour of the Capitol and Memorial Stadium, home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Public speaking, sign-a-song, and talent from many states were showcased during the Evening of Excellence. Due to a health concern with her voice, Merryl Havens used some creativity and elicited the help of three friends, Carolyn Hastings, Lynne Martin, and Carol Willey, to perform her winning entry in the Talent Contest. As you can see, Massachusetts had good representation at the Convention. Corey Spence and David Lehman, who participated in public speaking during the Evening of Excellence and the Jr. breakfast respectively, and David s mother Carrie arrived after the photo was taken. After leaving the convention, I spent the next five days touring other parts of Nebraska. I can attest to the fact that every county in the state has beef cattle. I m not sure how many of the 6.1 million in the state I saw, but beef were everywhere, from barnyards to feedlots to grazing on the cornstalks and grain left behind in immense fields where there seemed to be no boundaries. About seven percent of the nation s beef is raised in Nebraska. Ranking third among the states in corn production was evident in my travels where land used for growing corn far outnumbered homes. Randy Jordan was able to compare dairy farming and marketing milk from his 300 Holsteins to Prairieland Dairy s 2,500 milking herd owned by Dan Rice. It was interesting to listen to the different challenges these two farmers, living 1,500 miles apart, face as well as those they have in common. For more information about this Nebraska farm, visit Continued next page

6 Last quarter, Acushnet Grange was drawn from 23 Granges to win a program. This was a record number in the drawing. This month marks the end of a quarter and the time for Lecturers to send their reports to me. When completing the report, please list all meetings and community activities and events in which your Grange participates. I will use these reports to determine the agricultural education honor roll, eliminating the need for a separate report. A packet with the report forms was given to the delegates at State Session. Reports postmarked by Jan. 10th will be entered into a drawing to Win a Program presented by me and/or a member of my Coordinating Committee. In order to receive a certificate of recognition for programming at State Session, a Grange must submit all quarterly reports. Even if your Grange does not have a Lecturer, please designate someone to complete the report. Nancy Lescarbeau of Williamstown Grange #366 received first place in our state contest for her poem, entitled: My Family Tree The family tree is not just you and me. There s more that you should see. There s Gram and Gramps who ve been around forever. Aunts and Uncles and cousins too. Family ties you don t want to sever. From across the pond And territories beyond They all came together to create a clan. Continued next page Original members from County Cork, the Barons from Bonn, and English from towns unnamed. 6

7 Blended together to form on foreign ground these persons you see now. Farmers, trainers of carriage horses, master craftsmen, lovers of life; They came to this sod to give their own better opportunities. To create a better life for each generation to come. Hardships were borne lives were lost tears were shed all in the belief that God would lead the way to their sunny day. I and mine stand testament to their sacrifices making it possible for us to be To be mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, nurses, doctors, teachers, politicians, leaders, followers. on their shoulders; With the same hopes and dreams the Lord would lead US to OUR sunny day. Why not start jotting down some ideas for entries in the 2016 contest? A rhyming poem on the topic of Life on the Farm must have four lines in each stanza, with a minimum of four stanzas and a maximum of eight stanzas. The rhyming pattern is the author s choice. For Juniors, entries may be any poem on the subject of My Best Friend with a minimum of five lines and a maximum of 12 lines in length. 7 Continued next page

8 Continued next page Let s Meet.. the Master of the MSGYLA When Niles Larson joined North Orange Grange, J. Wesley Blackmer was the acting Master. Being almost 14 when he took his Obligation and initiated into a new organization, Niles was quite impressed by Wes s precision to detail with the ritual. Wes cared about the Grange on all levels, from the Subordinate Grange all the way through the State Grange. Because Wes is the person Niles credits as having the greatest influence on him, he feels trying to emulate Wes s dedication to the Grange is a tall order to fill. Assuming the roles of Master of the Youth Association and North Orange Grange, Overseer of Franklin Worcester Pomona, and the State Grange Webmaster, Niles is off to a good start in following Wes s footsteps. He notes, Ritual is one part I like about the Grange. It was written many years ago, yet it is timeless. To think just a small handful of people could write such beautiful passages and it still feels current in the 21st century. I also like reminding myself of the duties to each office. Its ritual is described as the duties on a farm and farmhouse, yet can be translated to everyday life. As Master, I have to set an example not only within the Grange hall, but I must show respect to those that are outside the gate and may scrutinize every act. North Orange Grange is known for its service to the community. Within just two hours, the rabies clinic sees 200+ cats and dogs. The public looks forward to this annual event. The Grange receives a generous donation from Adam s Animal Hospital for the vaccine and the veterinarian, thus cutting the cost to the pet owner. Niles hopes the Youth Association will take on a task to do annually. It ll take a few years to catch on, but if we start thinking and planning MSGYLA can have an annual community service project. Niles looks at the annual picnic as one of his favorite activities of his Subordinate Grange. He enjoys this social time while planning the programs for the coming year. With no one person willing to take on the duties of Lecturer, each member assumes the responsibility for presenting a program during the year. The exchange of ideas and comradery makes this summer event a fun one. The Grange has been part of Niles s family over the 8

9 years. His father is a Past Master of North Orange and currently holds the office of Steward. His mother is Pomona of Franklin Worcester Pomona. Niles also has an older brother and sister, who were both involved at one point. Outside the Grange, Niles has been an independent filmmaker for eight years. He is a model train enthusiast. He admits he doesn t own any, but finds them fascinating. Niles enjoys outdoor activities, attending live music concerts, and traveling in general. His favorite vacation was a train trip across the country in Niles reflected on the trip from Springfield to Chicago to California, You see the country in a whole new way and meet many interesting people. I never understood the line Purple Mountains Majesty until I woke up while the train was traveling out of the Rocky Mountains. You also have layovers in certain spots so you can explore some of the other cities. Traveling the globe is on his bucket list, so he can see and experience other cultures. With his many goals, Niles is very busy! Holiday trivia questions.. In what year was Cyber Monday created? ( in 2005 by shop.org to kick off the holiday online shopping season on the Monday after Thanksgiving) In what story/movie did a character say, The thing about trains... it doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on." (the conductor in The Polar Express ) Which state was the first to recognize Christmas as an official holiday? (Alabama in 1836) Happy Holidays to all.. Janet Segur 9

10 Hello from the Youth Committee On Sunday, Nov. 1, the installation of Officers was held for the Massachusetts State Grange Youth Leadership Association in South Middleboro. What a wonderful day! The Installing Officer was Brian Carr, musician of the Mass. State Grange, assisted by Chris Szkutak, Asst. Steward and Legislative Director, Corey Spence, State Steward, and John Carter, State Gatekeeper. Thank you to everyone for supporting us! It was awesome to have so many State Officers, deuties and committee members in the hall! Your support means so much to us. Following the installation, we had a fantastic program from Plimoth Plantation. A pilgrim visited and spoke on how things were during her time. Many thanks to the members of South Middleboro Grange for hosting us and the wonderful refreshments. Fraternally, Luann Belseth and Tracee Perkins, Co-Directors Jennifer Goodrich, Committee Member Mass. State Grange Youth Leadership Association Installation, November 1,

11 Welcome to our New Members Norma Callahan Ponkapoag of Canton #231 Lisa Perry Sterling #53 Conner Soucie Central Community #22 Michael Huppert Petersham #95 Jeff Jerome Rochester #257 Donna Trott Rochester #257 Shirley Jenkins Rochester #257 Craig Zahare Hanover #206 Janet Ayer Hanover #206 David Lounder Hanover #206 John Michel Hanover #206 James Bennett Hanover #206 Mary Odggaaro Hanover #206 Membership Recognitions 50 years Gerald Simmons Jr. Dunstable #31 Lucille Clark Williamsburg #225 Lawrence West Williamsburg #225 Thinking of You Send a card to someone today, and let them know you are thinking of them. Thank You Dear Fellow Grangers: We would like to thank all the Granges that donated money, all the Grangers who donated prizes, and everyone who bought tickets to support the Heifer Project Raffle. Thank You, Steve and Martha Emerson, Co-shairs, Heifer International 60 years Phillip Gilchrest Dunstable #31 Cynthia McQueston Williamsburg #225 Karl Tower Williamsburg #225 In Memoriam David McDonald Weymouth #387 Barbara Nichols Central Community #22 Ruth B. King Charlton #92 Charles Astore West Stockbridge #246 Louise Alexdander West Stockbridge #24 David McDonald Weymouth #387 11

12 National Grange News National Grange Election is One for History Books. the First Woman to Hold the Office. During the 149 th Annual Session of the National Grange, held in Lincoln Nebraska, delegates from each state elected a new slate of national officers. Among this group was Betsy Huber, the newly elected President and the first woman to hold that office in the history of the organization. Ms. Huber is currently employed by the Pennsylvania State Grange as the Government Relations Director where she works to advance the policies of the Grange within the PA State Legislature. She is a member of Chester-Delaware County Pomona Grange #3 and Goshen Grange #121. Betsy started her Grange involvement at a very young age as a member of the Juvenile (now known as Junior) Grange. She has held numerous positions with her local Grange and with the Pennsylvania State Grange, including serving eight years as President, the first woman to hold that position. As the National Grange President, Ms. Huber will work with the National Grange staff to advance Grange policies in Washington D.C.; as well as oversee the day to day operations of the organization. The Grange, legislative work, and agriculture have always been an important part of her life. She previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Grange (chairperson ) and is also the executive secretary for the Pennsylvania Young Farmers Association. She has also held various positions in the agricultural community 12 Continued next page

13 that include serving on the boards of the PA State Council of Farm Organizations (President ), the Governor s Census 2010 Advisory Panel, the PA Department of Agriculture Fertilizer Advisory Committee, the PA Department of Environmental Protection Ag Advisory Board (Chair 2007), and PA Farm Link. She was employed as district aide to State Representative Arthur D. Hershey from She has also served her community as township supervisor for Upper Oxford Township for 24 years, chairman of the Township Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee, treasurer of the Chester County Association of Township Officials and as member of the PSATS Land Use Committee and Resolutions Committee. She has also served the Avondale Presbyterian Church as Elder, Deacon, Trustee and choir member. Ms. Huber was elected to the Penn State Board of Trustees by the delegates from agricultural societies in 2005 and serves on the Committee on Outreach, Development, and Community Relations and the Governance and Long Range Planning Committee. MARK YOUR CALENDAR MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS Come Join Us and the Presidential Primary Candidates NATIONAL GRANGE LEGISLATIVE FLY-IN February 4 7, 2016 Concord, New Hampshire Come to New Hampshire and participate in a presidential candidate s campaign the weekend prior to the big New Hampshire primary vote the following Tuesday. Meet Grangers from other states, discuss National Grange legislative and regulatory issues, learn the history behind presidential primaries, tour the New Hampshire Statehouse and visit with the press corps covering the candidates. Then spend a day working on the campaign for the candidate of your choice! 13

14 December 1 Central Community Grange #22 Boylston Town House, 599 Main Street, Boylston 7:30 PM Program: Business Meeting December 1 Rowley Grange #204 Grange Hall, 29 Central St. 7:00 PM More history on Rowley December 3 Sterling Grange #53 Grange Hall, 14 Maple Street 6:00 PM Holiday Dinner, musical program, Gift exchange, $5 limit. December 5 Williamsburg Grange #225 Grange & Community Hall, 10 Main St. 6:00 PM Pot luck supper 7:00 PM 1st and 2nd degress December 9 Worcester Central Pomona #7 Holden Senior Center, Holden 7:30 PM Denali National Park North to Alaska for the Iditarod Christmas Card Exchange Bay State Pomona Grange #33 Anawan Grange Hall Junction Rtes 44 & 118, Rehoboth No meeting in December December 1 Guiding Star Grange Hall 401 Chapman St., Greenfield 7:00 PM Holiday Party and Yankee Swap Charlton Grange #92 Charlton Grange Hall 10 Main St., Route 31 7:30 PM Happy Noel Confirmed December Meetings Dartmouth Grange #162 Patrons Hall, 1133 Fisher Rd. Dartmouth 7:30 PM Holiday Concert Open Mtg 14 December 14 Holden Grange #78 Holden Sr. Center, 1130 Main St. 7:00 PM Holiday Night, Chickee s Dance World December 15 Rowley Grange #204 Celebration at Helen s House. December 15 Central Community Grange #22 Boylston Town House, 599 Main Street, Boylston 7:30 PM Yankee Swap ($10) and Cookie Swap, Christmas Card Exchange December 17 Sterling Grange #53 Grange Hall, 14 Maple St. 6:00 p.m. Remembering the shut-ins, project for Sterling Village Health Care Unconfirmed December Meetings December 1 continued Norfolk Grange #35 Grange Hall, 28 Rockwood Rd. 7:00 PM Happy Holiday Party Petersham Grange #95 Congregation Church, 21 North Main Street 7:30 PM Christmas Party, Pound Auction (Pot Luck, all bring a dish) Decorate our Christmas Tree December 1 continued Guiding Star Grange #1 Grange Hall, 401 Chapman St. Greenfield 7:00 PM Holiday Party and Yankee Swap Norwell Grange # Main St., Norwell 7:30 PM Business meeting December 2 East Freetown Grange #307 Grange Hall, Washburn Rd 7:00 PM Celebrate Christmas

15 December 2 continued Shelburne Grange #19 Fellowship Hall, 17 Little Mohawk Rd. 7:00 PM Business Meeting Hanover Grange #206 Norwell Grange Hall 142 Main St, Norwell 6:15 PM dinner 7:30 PM Friends Reading Christmas Poems East Freetown Grange #307 Grange Hall, Washburn Rd 7:00 PM Celebrate Christmas Shelburne Grange #19 Fellowship Hall, 17 Little Mohawk Rd. 7:00 PM Business Meeting Hanover Grange #206 Norwell Grange Hall 142 Main St, Norwell 6:15 PM dinner 7:30 PM Friends Reading Christmas Poems Williamstown Grange #366 6:30 PM Holiday Celebration at Susan s Home, $5 grab bag Christmas decoration exchange, Games and Pot Luck Dinner. Prescott Grange #73 Grange Hall, 12 Park St., Pepperell 7:00 PM Business meeting December 3 Bradford Grange #23 St. James Church Hall, 121 Washington St, Groveland 7:30 PM Meeting Weymouth Grange # Ralph Talbot St., So. Weymouth 7:30 PM Christmas is coming are we ready? Acushnet Grange #285 Grange Hall 1121 North Main St. 7:30 PM Merry Christmas! Exchange of $5 gifts. December 4 South Middleboro Grange #337 Grange Hall, 570 Wareham St. 7:30 PM Christmas Musical Performance. December 4 continued Franklin-Worcester Pomona #4 Community Church of No. Orange & Tully 48 Main St., Orange 7:30 Christmas Chalk Talk December 5 Sippican Pomona #31 South Middleboro Grange Hall 570 Wareham St. 4:30 PM Business Meeting 6:00 PM Supper 7:00 PM Penny Sale, Christmas Program by Ramshackle. December 6, Sunday Upton Grange #125 Upton Grange Hall, 26 School St. 2:00 PM Holiday Program, Invitation to Upton Seniors & Community Groups. Holiday Penny Sale to benefit Juniors. December 7 Hillside Pomona # 20 Community Center, 400 Main St., Chesterfield. 6:30 PM Social Hour Pot luck 7:30 PM Mtg., Christmas Program, Raffle Baskets by All Granges Dracut Grange #216 Dracut Historical Society Lakeview Ave 7:30 PM Christmas Party Hillside Pomona Grange #20 Community Center, 400 Main Rd Chesterfield 6:30 PM Social Hour Pot Luck 7:30 PM Christmas Party Southeast Area Junior Grange #137 South Middleborough Grange Hall 570 Wareham St. 6:00 PM Christmas Party Dartmouth Juniors invited to attend. December 8 Dudley Grange #163 Grange Hall, Center Rd., Dudley 7:00 PM Business meeting and Holiday gathering. Groton Grange #7 Groton Grange Hall, Champney St. 7:00 PM Christmas Pot Luck Dinner Something to Share. 15 December 8 continued North Orange Grange #86 Community Church of No. Orange & Tully 48 Main St., Orange 7:30 Holidays in other Countries Uxbridge Grange #200 Uxbridge VFW Hall, Douglas Rd 7:30 PM Holiday Program, Make it and Take it ornaments Red and Green Penny Sale Anawan-Oakton Grange #221 Grange Hall, 243 Winthrop St. Rehoboth 7:00 PM Christmas Party, Music and Games $5 Yankee Swap. Bring unwrapped gift for a children s charity December 9 Worcester Central Pomona #7 Holden Senior Center, Holden 7:30 PM Denali National Park North to Alaska for the Iditarod Rochester Grange #257 Grange Hall, 205 Hartley Rd 7:30 PM Merry Christmas $5 exchange of gifts Exchange of Christmas Cards New Braintree Grange #170 New Braintree Congregational Ch. Corner of Hardwick & Oakham Rds. 7:30 PM Christmas Party, Yankee Swap $5, Cookies for shut ins. Bring donations for Jo s Jackets December 10 Berkshire North Pomona #6 Pittsfield Masonic Temple, 116 South St., Pittsfield 6:30 PM Covered Dish Supper 7:30 PM Holiday Celebration Grab Bag $5 RIME Program Worcester-Norfolk Pomona #10 Upton Grange Hall,, 26 Hall St. 7:30 PM Holiday Penny Salel Whately Grange #414 Town Hall, Whately 7:30 PM Program: The Four C s: Carols, Christmas, Cheer, Cookies December 11 Laurel Grange #161 Grange Hall, 21 Garden St, West Newbury 7:30 PM Yankee Swap

16 December 11 continued Boxborough Grange #131 Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Rd. Grange Room 8:00 PM Business Meeting Xmas Party/Toys for Tots/Exchange gifts/sing-a-long, Cards to Shut-ns. Dunstable Grange #31 Christmas Party Location to be announced Short business mtg, followed by a potluck supper. Yankee Swap and Card exchange. Chesterfield Grange #83 Senior Center/Grange Hall Community Center, 400 Main Rd, Chesterfield 7:30 PM Christmas Party, Gifts to DCF kids, H&C in Charge. December 12 Norfolk Pomona #27 Norfolk Grange Hall Luncheon 12:00 Chicken Dinner Program: 1:00 PM Christmas Prog. Business Meeting 2:00 PM Mayflower North Pomona #40 Norwell Grange Hall, Main St. 12:00 PM Lunch 1:30 PM We celebrate Christmas Baskets for Shut-ins, Post office, Toys for Children s Hospital Heritage Pomona #2 Laurel Grange Hall Garden St., West Newbury 3:30 PM Warm, Warm, Warm Community Jr. Grange #141 Boylston Town House, 599 Main St., 3:00 PM Christmas Party, bring unisex gift $5 grab. Stockbridge Grange #295 Grange Hall, 51 Church St. Saturday Christmas Party 6:30 PM Covered Dish Supper All to bring cookies and bars Bring non-perishables for Food Pantry Community Grange #382 Grange Hall, 47 North West St. Feeding Hills Holiday Bazaar 9 AM to 3 PM December 12 continued Minuteman Pomona #16 Boxborough Winter Program, Sing-a-long, Card Exchange, and Christmas Raffle. December 14. Hinsdale Grange #19 Town Hall, 39 South Street 7:30 PM Christmas Program, Bring a wrapped Christmas ornament to swap, Bring a bag of non-perishable food for the Food Pantry Bedford Grange # 283 The First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 The Great Rd., 8:00 PM Christmas Bells December 15 Norwell Grange # Main St., Norwell 7:30 PM Celebrate Christmas, Cookie Swap, Christmas Carols December 16 Ponkapoag Grange # Turnpike St., Canton 7:00 PM Saint Nick to Santa Claus Celebrating Christmas through the years. West Boxford Grange #140 Lincoln Hall, 564 Main St., West Boxford 7:30 PM Will it Snow this Year? Shelburne Grange #19 Fellowship Hall, 17 Little Mohawk Rd. 7:00PM Holiday Music, Cookie Swap Prescott Grange #73 6:30 PM Christmas Party at Milt and Linda Starr Pot luck, bring a favorite holiday dish. Bring an exchange gift. December 17 Upton Grange #125 Upton Grange Hall, 26 School St. 7:30 PM Business meeting and Christmas Party December 18 Pittsfield Grange #14 Pittsfield Masonic Temple, 116 South St., Pittsfield 7:30 PM Christmas Party with Cake Walk and Cookie Swap 16 December 18 continued West Stockbridge Grange #246 Stockbridge Grange Hall, 51 Church St., Stockbridge 7:30 PM Joint mtg with Stockbridge Cookie Walk Stockbridge Grange #295 Grange Hall, 51 Church St. See West Stockbridge listing above. Bay Path Pomona #9 New Braintree Congregational Ch. Corner of Hardwick & Oakham Rds. 7:30 PM Christmas Party, Christmas Carols and a Yankee Swap ($5 gift) December 20 Dracut Grange #216 Dracut Historical Society Lakeview Ave 7:30 PM Christmas Caroling to our members December 21 Beverly Grange #306 Hastings House, 14 Oak St., Beverly Farms 7:00 PM Program by Rick Lord Hope of Hadley Grange #15 7:30 PM Christmas Party at the West s Home, Bring donations for homeless shelter Ware Grange #164 Grange Hall, 297 Belchertown Rd., Ware 7:00 PM Christmas Program $5 gift Yankee Swap December 27 North Orange Junior Grange #142 Kelley Farm Support December 28 Berkshire So. Pomona Grange #25 Stockbridge Grange Hall, 51 Church St., Stockbridge 6:30 PM Covered Dish Supper 7:30 PM Fund Raiser