Plumsteadville Grange Newsletter – August/September, 2014

September 10, 2014 – Plumsteadville Grange

  • Monthly Meeting – 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall
  • Installation of New Officers
  • Refreshments: Meg & Jim Lomax

 

October 8, 2014 – Plumsteadville Grange

  • Monthly Meeting – 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall
  • Program to be announced

Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market

Market continues each Saturday

Farm Market upcoming events

  • September 6 – Faith & Practice
    Old Tyme Music
  • September 27 –   Goose Creek Pioneers  Mountain Music Band
  • Like us on Facebook for the latest details

Middletown Grange Fair – Snack Bar

We extend a BIG THANK YOU to all Grangers, 4-H members and parents and our Grange Friends for helping make the snack bar at the Middletown Grange Fair a VERY BIG SUCCESS

Aided by beautiful weather – the best we’ve had in years – we achieved record sales and record profits at this year’s event. Gross sales topped $37,000 with profits estimated a bit over $12,000 (all bills have not been received.) We served an estimated 5,700 hamburgers and 3,500 hot dogs in five days, plus drinks and snacks.

Please congratulate Steve Byrne and Don Moss for their superior organizational efforts, plus a shout-out to grill-master Kevin Kinney and all-around assistant Joe McCanns for their dedicated service all week. Without them and ALL our WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS none of this would be possible.

 

 

From The Masters Desk

James E. Diamond, Master, Plumsteadville Grange #1738

Raymond Gross Bequest. I am pleased to inform the members of Plumsteadville Grange #1738 that a letter was received from Luray A. Gross, Executor for the Estate of Raymond C. Gross announcing the estate of Raymond Gross bequeathed a generous donation to the Grange. Per the Executor Luray Gross, “We trust this bequest will, in a small way, further the work of Plumsteadville Grange as it supports the community and enriches the lives of its members.” Involvement in the Subordinate, Pomona, State and National Grange was a significant part of the Raymond Gross Family lifestyle. I personally have a myriad of fond memories of late Rachael and Raymond Gross at the various Grange events and meetings. I also had the privilege of observing their five wonderful daughters unfold into respectable and successful adults. On the whole, Raymond Gross has left a legacy at Plumsteadville Grange that is an inspiration to the future growth of the Grange and surrounding community.

Thank you. In October 2014 Plumsteadville Grange will accept new leadership. It has been truly an honor and privilege to serve as Master of Plumsteadville Grange #1738 during the past four years. I am quite confident that the Plumsteadville Grange will continue being a community center and provide local leadership that benefits residents in Plumsteadville, Plumstead Township and surrounding municipalities. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Master. I look forward to continued membership and participation in Grange endeavors and will certainly support the new leadership team when they are elected in September. Plumsteadville Grange members are the greatest!

From the Desk of Marguerite Quinn

State Representative, 143rd Legislative District

Bucks County Medication Disposal Permanent Collection Boxes

Pennsylvania recently launched a permanent statewide drug take-back program that will provide up to 250 secure medicine return boxes throughout the Commonwealth. The new MedReturn boxes, installed in Bucks and 28 other counties, allow individuals to dispose of unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medication safely and anonymously.

This is an important step in addressing Pennsylvania’s public health and safety concerns regarding prescription drug abuse and misuse, especially among young people who don’t have to look further than their own family’s medicine cabinet. Additionally, proper disposal of these products is the best practice for our environment. Flushing unwanted medications puts chemicals and potentially dangerous materials into our ground water, even if your home is serviced by sewer. Eventually the water is recycled back into our creeks, streams and waterways.

Medications accepted in the MedReturn boxes include prescription medications, patches and ointments, as well as over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples and pet medications. Medications not accepted include needles, inhalers, aerosol cans and thermometers. Under the program, all pharmaceutical drugs being disposed of need to be in a sealed container, such as the original bottle or a zip-lock bag. They may not be disposed of loosely.

It’s up to all of us to keep our communities safe. Making the most of the MedReturn program is just one small part of making that possible. For more information on the Bucks County Medication Disposal Program, or any state-related topic, please contact my district office in Doylestown at 215-489-2126. I also encourage you to visit RepQuinn.net or Facebook.com/RepQuinn.

 

 

MedReturn Box Locations in my Legislative District:

  • Buckingham Township Police Department
    613 Hughesian Drive Lower Level, Buckingham
    215-794-8812
  • Bucks County Courthouse
    55 East Court Street, Doylestown
    215-348-6000
  • Doylestown Township Police Department
    425 Wells Road Doylestown
    215-348-9915
  • Plumstead Township Building
    5186 Stump Road Plumsteadville
    215-766-8741

Plumsteadville Grange Minutes –

The minutes for the June 2014 meeting of the Plumsteadville Grange as recorded by Karen Moss, secretary, are included in their entirety. Plumsteadville Grange #1738 met Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 7:30 pm. Present Men – 5 Women – 8 , Youth – 3 Total – 16

OPENING: The Grange opening ceremony was led by Master Jim Diamond, followed by the roll call of officers and committee members. Minutes of the previous meeting of May 2014 were mailed/emailed with the monthly newsletter.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Present Master James Diamond, Overseer Donald Steeley, Assistant Steward Don Moss, Treasurer Jim Lomax, Secretary Karen Moss, Greeter Katie Graham, Ceres Ruth Steeley, Flora Jane Birk, Musician Betty Diamond.

GUESTS: Dave Horne, neighbor of the Diamonds, Linda Ochoco and her daughters, Madison, Gabrielle and Sydney.

PROGRAM: Madison Ochoco spoke about her experience as Middletown Grange Fair Queen for 2013 and the books she has written and illustrated for children about the fair experience. Sydney Ochoco presented a timely, excellent and informative program on strawberries. Following the program, Linda Ochoco presented to Plumsteadville Grange member, Don Moss, the Bucks County 4H Community Assistance Award for 2013.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Deaf Activities/Fish Fry: A check for $1,000 has been sent to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. We have not heard back from them about how it will be used.

Farm Market: Meg Lomax reported that we had a good opening of the Market. A tree planting demonstration was given by the Bedminster Land Conservancy. The tree was planted with a ceremony in the memory of Ellen Crooke.

Building and Maintenance & Grounds: Steve Byrne and his son Brandon (who has a landscaping business) have leveled and seeded the grassy area between the Grange building and the barn. Steve is mowing the lawn for us and has done beautiful work on the plantings around the apartment building. The 4H Teen Council has weeded and replanted the beds around the Grange building.

Agriculture Committee: Reporting that the corn is doing well this year but that it is a poor year for strawberries.

Legislative Report: Reporting that there is no agreement on the PA Ag budget. Jim Diamond reported that Tom Corbett is speaking at colleges about his Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program, which will provide an additional $25 million for middle income students who want to enrich their learning experience with a two or four year degree. These grants would award up to $2,000 dollars and would go directly to academically achieving students who otherwise may not be able to attain enough financial aid.

Grange Fair Snack Booth: The agreement for this year’s snack bar has been signed with Middletown Grange. The menu will remain the same.

REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:

Ellen Elaine Crooke Scholarship: This year there will be two recipients; more information at next month’s meeting.

COMMUNICATIONS: We received a note from the Brownies who meet at the Grange building thanking us for allowing them to use the building and asking what they can do to help us.

TREASURER REPORTS: Jim Lomax reported expenditures of $5,872.35 and income of $5,560.07 during the month of May. Our major expenses were the donation of $1,000 to the Intermediate Unit and $932 for quarterly dues payment to the State Grange.

NEW BUSINESS: The Farm Market Banners are wearing out. There was a motion made, seconded and passed to buy a new banner. Don Moss is making the arrangements.

The August meeting will be cancelled because the Middletown Grange Fair is that week. Jane Birk reminded us that we need to choose who we are sending to the State Grange meeting in Reading at the July Meeting.

MEMBERS SICK OR IN DISTRESS: Lillian Shull has returned home and is recovering.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Moss, Secretary.

Did You Know?

  • Each year, millions of people enjoy Pennsylvania’s nearly 9,500 registered amusement rides and attractions inspected by more than 1,400 certified professional private industry inspectors.
  • According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, PA is ranked fourth in the nation for nurseries, greenhouses, floriculture and sod production with more than 944,000 operations providing products across the globe.
  • According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture more than 1.5 million pounds of strawberries are harvested in PA each year which brings in more than $11.3 million to PA’s economy. Ounce for ounce, strawberries have more Vitamin C than citrus fruit and are excellent source of dietary fiber, potassium, and Vitamin A. One cup of fresh, sliced strawberries contains only 50 calories.

SCAM ALERT: Phone Scam Alleging Association with USDA Farm Service Agency

It has been brought to the attention of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) that a phone scam is being perpetrated on FSA customers.

The caller, who identifies themselves as a Farm Loan Services representative out of Washington, D.C. states that FSA “owes” you disaster assistance funds and proceeds to request your checking account information or requests a credit card number alleging that funds will be credited to these accounts.

SHOULD YOU RECEIVE A SIMILAR CALL, DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, PROVIDE PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO THE CALLER. 

Danboro 4-H News

Members participated in District Fashion Revue held at the Montgomery Extension Office. Danboro Junior Winners were: Logan Sudholz, Isabelle Congdon, and Sydney Ochoco. Danboro Seniors were Angela Williams, Madison Ochoco. Senior Alternates include Elizabeth Wilshire and Christina Williams.

Don Moss was presented with Danboro 4-H’s Community Assistance Award at the June 2014 Grange Meeting – Pictured with Don are Linda Ochoco, Danboro $-H leader and daughter Madison,4-H alum and 2013 Middletown Grange Fair Queen.

 

Newsletter –

Have something to share? Want to get the newsletter via email? Contact Jane Birk at 610-657-7668 or [email protected]

Use of the Grange Hall

:
If you know of a group needing a meeting place, or to inquire about hall rental for an event, contact Meg Lomax at Meg Lomax at 215-766-9801 or [email protected]

2014 Quilt Raffle

Quilt raffle tickets are available at all Grange events – $2 each or three for $5 – who wouldn’t want to win a beautiful work of art!

Sales have been brisk so far – let’s keep the momentum going.

 

Like us on Facebook

– We welcome members, friends and market vendors to post your comments. Search for “Plumsteadville Grange” or “Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market”

Happy Birthday

to all Plumsteadville Grange members who have a birthday in july 2014.  George Burns once said, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

Bucks County Pomona Grange Funds Scholarship – and more!

At a luncheon meeting held on June 28, 2014 at Plumsteadville Grange, Bucks County Pomona Grange made the final payment to fund an endowed scholarship at Delaware Valley College. Funds were raised by pizza booth sales at the Middletown Grange Fair as well as additional contributions by individual donors and accumulated interest.

Additionally, donations were made to the following service organizations: Bucks County 4-H, PA State Grange Deaf Activities,     A Woman’s Place, Habitat for Humanity, Chandler Hall, Discovery Projects, Meals on Wheels – Woodside. Meals on Wheels – Central Bucks, Meals on Wheels – Riegelsville. And Peace Valley Nature Center.

Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market

Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Buy LOCAL and FRESH

Vegetables – Fruit – Eggs – Honey – Preserves – Jams – Pickles

Baked Goods- Cheese -Flowers – Crafts – Art Pottery -Alpaca Products

Dog Biscuits – Woodwork – Tea Room – Knitting Workshop

Try your hand at pottery with Gloria Kosco

Continues every Saturday till Oct 25th – 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plumsteadville Grange # 1738

Box 335, 5901 Easton Rd.
Plumsteadville, PA 18949

www.plumsteadvillegrange.org