GRANTHAM GRANGE #968
Minutes of the February 2025 Meeting
Date: February 25, 2025
Location: WoodmenLife Lodge
The meeting was called to order by President John Crawford, signified by opening of the Bible by Vice President Roger Kornegay, and opening prayer by Chaplain Sherwood Williford. Prior to the meeting Call to Order, Sally Waddell met members at the door to review the membership roster for accuracy of addresses, phone numbers and email address changes. Program Chair Linda Crawford introduced the speaker for the evening who was Edward Luttrell, former President for the National Grange and current Grantham Grange member.
Program:
An interesting program was provided by Ed regarding the different Grange degrees and the agricultural implements signified by each tool. He handed out a fun quiz for members to guess the name of the implement and the Grange degree represented. For example, on the quiz, the First Degree program was signified by a plow (preparing the mind for growth of knowledge and wisdom), a harrow (being thorough in your efforts), an ax (perseverance in overcoming obstacles) and a spade (to penetrate deeper into the task at hand). The Second Degree was signified by a hoe (cultivation of the mind to promote reception of knowledge and wisdom) and a pruning knife (to remove idle thoughts and vanities of the world). The Third Degree was a sickle (reaping peace and prosperity); and lastly, the Fourth Degree was signified by an agate stone (to signify friendships as lasting as the colors in the stone).
In addition, Ed showed a special Implement Box used to demonstrate the Degrees which contained a symbol of each implement. Members expressed their appreciation for this program and for the importance of education concerning the Grange Degree program. Macon Massey shared his history from the 70’s when Degree programs were formally conducted. Denise Luttrell added how beneficial and interesting it is to watch the presentation of a Degree program and the deep symbolism of the ceremony. According to Mark Hood as indicated by Jimmy Gentry, there are currently no Granges in the State that perform Degree ceremonies.
After much positive discussion among members, a motion was made by Ed L. to form a Degree Day committee to explore holding a day for formal degree ceremonies among NC Granges wishing to participate. Motion was seconded by Mark and carried by membership. Volunteers expressing interest in this committee was Ed and Denise Luttrell, Jimmy Martin, Mark Hood, and Macon Massey.
Business:
John reminded the group that Grange National President Chris Hamp will be coming to Eastern North Carolina in April and will be joining Grantham Grange for the annual Awards Banquet. While in Wayne County, Ms. Hamp will be touring several select locations and wants to meet with Grange members engaged in agri-business.
In other business, John commented that the time change to Daylight Savings will be the weekend of March 7th. He questioned if the members wished to continue meeting times at 6:30 PM or return to 7:00 PM. Several members mentioned liking the earlier time and several members mentioned that an earlier meeting time is difficult when working. Jimmy commented that the Brogden Grange voted to keep a 6:30 PM meeting time year-round. Motion was made by Denise L. to begin meetings at 7:00 PM during Summer / Daylight Savings hours and 6:30 PM in Winter hours with exception of special events such as Awards Banquet, Pastor Appreciation and Christmas which will remain at 6:30 PM. This motion was seconded by Roger. Motion was carried by the membership.
Joyce reminded members about the community service project for the upcoming Family Conference in Beaufort, NC. She briefly reviewed a list of suggested donation items for the chosen charity, the Carteret County Domestic Violence program. For members who have signed up to attend, the itinerary has been published. Donation items should be taken to the conference.
A special thank you card from Kenneth and Vickey Sanderson was read by Sally to thank the Grange for the agriculture day gift card. Cards and condolences were also mentioned by members.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned by John, Roger, and benediction prayer by Chaplain Sherwood Williford.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Monday, March 24th at the WoodmenLife lodge.
Respectfully Submitted: Sally Waddell, Grange Secretary
New Members:
2/25/25 – Brian Giddens, 1065 McArthur Pond Rd, Mount Olive, NC
2/25/25 – Jerry Grantham, 256 Grantham Farm Lane, Goldsboro, NC
GRANTHAM GRANGE #968
Minutes of the January 2025 Meeting
Date: January 27, 2025
Location: WoodmenLife Lodge
The meeting was called to order by President John Crawford, signified by opening of the Bible by Vice President Roger Kornegay, and opening prayer by Chaplain Sherwood Williford. Program Chair Linda Crawford was unable to attend; therefore, John introduced the speakers for the evening.
Program:
Gretchen Reed and Kathy Green with the Evergreen Garden Club provided interesting information concerning the Gold Star and Blue Star memorials in Goldsboro. The Club thanked Grantham Grange for contributing to the purchase of the Gold Star memorial which is expected to be received in roughly 6 months. The ladies shared that there are only 186 Gold Star memorials across the US. There are 3,500 Blue Star memorials in the US with only 8 in NC. The Garden Club felt that Goldsboro was an excellent location for another Gold Star because of the importance of SJAFB. The Blue Star memorials are supported by the National Garden Club and Blue Star Highways groups. Both Gold and Blue Star memorials will be located at the south end of Center Street, downtown Goldsboro, at the location of the Freedom Tree. The formal presentation event is expected to be held in late summer once the Gold Star is received.
Business:
Grantham VFD Annual “Get Down” Banquet is scheduled for Saturday night, February 1st. The Grange has been asked to support this fund raiser with a donation. Macon Massey motioned to give $200. Motion was seconded by Jimmy Martin and passed by the Grange members. A further motion was made by Roger to make this an annual donation. Motion seconded by Larue Tart and carried by the group.
Chris Hamp, President of the National Grange, is planning to attend our upcoming Awards banquet and has asked if Grantham Grange would help cover the cost for her vehicle rental. Ms. Hamp will be in NC for several days, and a special committee has been formed to plan a few showcase locations for her to visit while here. A motion was made by Joseph Beaman to provide up to $500 reimbursement towards her rental. Motion was seconded by Debbie Craig and favorably voted by the members. Joyce Hood will communicate this to Ms. Hamp.
At the Grange Board of Directors meeting, Linda C. asked for suggestions from the membership regarding interesting topics and possible speakers that she could contact for the year. Members were asked to give Linda a phone call to share ideas.
John reminded membership that the February meeting will be held on Tuesday night instead of Monday night due to conflict with the Livestock Association meeting. The meeting time is currently 6:30 PM.
Announcements were made about local friends that have recently passed away such as Jimmy Adams, teacher and coach at Southern Wayne HS. Also, David Earl Creech passed away. Ed L. commented that Grange member Vinni Kirmss is currently in a Rehab facility recovering from a recent heart attack. She is very sore and grateful to be alive.
Joyce stated the community service project for the upcoming Family Conference in Beaufort is support for the Carteret County Domestic Violence program. There was a list of suggested items available if members wish to donate. Also, Joyce commented that the State office has not released the 2025 contest guide yet, however, a few of the contests are Photo: Vegetables, Pet Noses, Pines & Evergreens, Holding Hand and Writing: A Person Who Has Significantly Impacted Your Life. The Grange Month and Family Living Reports have been removed, and a new Public Relations Award is being added. More information on this is expected.
Mark Hood and John C. will be aiding with Med Assist to take much needed over the counter medicines from the Charlotte airport to locations in Western NC. Several members added that Western NC families and businesses are still in great need mostly for LP gas and ways to keep warm with the onset of extreme cold weather.
Jesse Smith asked for input regarding cards for sick or shut in members. She suggested that a membership roster be provided at the door for each meeting so that members could verify their addresses. Sally agreed on this excellent idea and added that members should also check the telephone number listed as many have changed. Members agreed to begin this sign-in roster at the February meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25th at the WoodmenLife lodge.
Respectfully Submitted: Sally Waddell, Grange Secretary
Photo and Writing Contests at the North Carolina State Grange
Photography catagories: Vegetables, Pet Noses, Pines and Evergreens, Holding Hands
Writing: Who has significantly impacted your life
GRANTHAM GRANGE #968
Minutes of the October 2024 Meeting
Date: October 28, 2024
Location: WoodmenLife Building, Goldsboro, NC
The meeting was called to order by President, John Crawford. Vice President, Roger Kornegay opened the Bible and John lead the membership with the Pledge of Allegiance and Grange salutation. Chaplain Sherwood Williford offered opening prayers for the evening and told an interesting story about “Phoebe” a local folklore witch. Glenn Kennedy shared a thank you message from Dale Holcomb for the Grange’s contribution to his recent fund raiser.
Program Director, Linda Crawford, introduced the speakers for the evening. Dr. Billy Tart and Jennifer Lopez provided a very interesting program concerning diabetes prevention and awareness. UNC Health-Wayne is initiating a new Mobile Health program to initially travel around Wayne County to educate and assist the public with diabetes information, screenings and how to live with a diabetes diagnosis. Statistically 1 out of 10 people in the US have diabetes and 20% of these do not know it. Wayne County is among the top counties nationally where individuals have diabetes, and the heaviest concentration is in the southern Wayne County area. Risk factors include obesity, high BMI, high blood pressure, stress factors, family history, physical inactivity, poor eating habits including fast foods and not enough fresh vegetables consumed. Both Dr. Tart and Ms. Lopez encouraged our group to know your risk factors, make lifestyle changes that include weight loss lose if at risk. There is also a symposium held at the Wayne hospital auditorium on the first Thursday of each month providing valuable information to the public for diabetes and other diseases. Grange members were encouraged to attend any of these sessions and visit the new Mobile Health van for a diabetes assessment.
John recognized a special guest with Edward and Denise Luttrell in attendance at the Grange meeting. Dan Bascom and wife, Kim, are visiting from the state of New Hampshire. Dan is a former Grange State President and a former National Grange Gatekeeper.
Joyce Hood shared a recap about the State convention held in September in Durham, NC. There were 19 members from the Grantham Grange in attendance, and Grantham members won several State awards. Luke Davis was named Military Person, the Stevens sisters (Sallie, Jessie & Carolyn) were named Grange Family, Linda Crawford and Joyce Hood won Program and Family Living Director awards. Other recognitions were Sally Waddell in the Writing contest, Larue Tart and Jane Beaman in Baking contests, Jessie Smith won in the craft category as well as Best In Show. At the upcoming National Convention, the North Carolina State, Grantham and St. John’s Granges are expected to be honored. Joe Beaman was elected as State Greeter; Jimmy Martin was re-elected to the State Board of Directors. In addition, Karlie Denning won awards for Outstanding Leadership and Youth Director’s. Grantham Grange submitted 4 resolutions to the State for consideration and all 4 were adopted. NC Farm Appreciation Day was added to legislation by the NC House.
Joyce added that the next Grange Family Conference is scheduled for March 6-9, 2025 at the beautiful Beaufort Hotel in Beaufort, NC.
In further business, Sally commented about the Farmers Appreciation letter and gift discussed at the Grantham Board meeting. November 14th has been named by the State legislature as North Carolina Farmer’s Appreciation Day. Farmer’s Appreciation Day was among one of the resolutions submitted by Grantham Grange which resulted in the General Assembly recognizing our farmers state-wide. It was discussed by the Board to send a letter to specific Grantham Grange members that actively farm regarding this day and specifically inviting them to the Christmas party in January where a special appreciation gift will be given. Mark Hood made a recommendation to notify the local media about Farmers Appreciation Day. Joe made a motion to send the letter and purchase restaurant gift cards as gifts. Roger seconded and motion was carried by membership. Sally made a motion to purchase gift cards in the amount of $100 as gifts. Motion seconded by Jimmy Martin and voted by membership. Sally will get letters in the next couple of weeks.
John provided an update about the Grantham Food booth at the fair. Total sales for the 10-day duration were $68,862.30 less expenses of $26,116.45 which netted a profit of $42,745.85. (Sales exceeded last year by over $11,000.) Profits total was $21,372.93 each to Grantham Grange and Grantham Fire Department. John complimented everyone involved for their dedication to making it a successful year and thanked everyone including friends of the Grange that helped. Joe extended a special thank you to John and Wanda for their tireless efforts every day before, during, and after the fair to keep the booth running smooth and getting supplies. Mark added that the food booth would not be as successful without the coordination and hard work that John and Wanda do in addition to using their personal vehicles to get all the supplies from everywhere. A motion was made by Roger to give $1,000 to John and Wanda as a “thank you” from the Grange. Motion was seconded by Macon Massey and affirmed by the membership. Linda Crawford suggested for next year to have a Fair committee to assist John and Wanda with wrangling supplies and to learn all of the things needed to do. Everyone agreed this was a good idea and to also include someone from the Fire Department to help. John added that one of the biggest needs is a nightly clean-up crew. Volunteers are often tired or need to go home to family which leaves the clean-up to two or three people. Linda made a motion to form a Fair Committee. Motion was seconded by Debbie and unanimously passed by membership. Debbie, Linda C., Joe and Sally volunteered early to be on the committee.
John reminded everyone that it was time for nominees for the Wayne County Hall of Fame at the Farm City Banquet. Roger made a motion to recommend Wayne Mills and agreed to contact his wife to get needed information for the nomination. Randy Koone seconded the motion. Denise Lutrelle also made motion to nominate Jason Davis. Motion was seconded by Linda C. Both motions were carried by membership. Melody Blackman agreed to go on-line to get Jason’s bio information for this nomination as Jason was named as State Granger.
The Grantham Board recommended for the Christmas party to be held on Saturday, January 4th at Falling Creek Baptist Church fellowship hall. John will coordinate a caterer for the event. Linda W. made motion to approve this date which was seconded by Mark and carried by the group. John also announced that the November Grange meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 26th because the Farm City Banquet is on Monday night.
In other business, Sally reviewed the list of non-profit groups that have previously been voted for annual donations. These recipients are:
National Grange Community Service, State Grange Community Service, National Grange Foundation, Grantham Youth Sports Association, Crimestoppers, Mended Hearts, Relay 4 Life, Dementia Alliance
Discussions were held regarding the recent Grange Reverse Drawing on Tuesday, October 22nd. Sherwood and others commented that several people did not receive a meal as the Shriners ran out of steaks. Joe explained that normally 60% of people that purchased tickets will actually attend and steaks were purchased based on this average; however, more than 60% of people came. Also, Joe added that the growing attendance has put us exceeding the building capacity. Sherwood commented that no one seemed to be upset, and he suggested that we should offer a refund to those that did not receive a meal if those people could be determined. Mark stated that the planning committee will be meeting in the next couple of weeks to follow up on the event. Joyce thanked everyone that donated cakes for the auction. Denise Luttrell’s homemade Black Walnut Cake was the top seller for the evening.
Joyce also welcomed recent new members Tina Hinson and Andy Wingate in attendance. Ann Denning reminded everyone to bring soda can tabs for Ronald McDonald House. Jimmy Martin announced there will be an excellent Grover Hood Christmas program on December 6th and 7th at Johnston Community College.
With no other business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned by John, Roger and benediction prayer by Sherwood.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Waddell, Grantham Grange Secretary
Minutes of the July 2024 Grantham Grange #968 Meeting
Date: July 22, 2024
Location: Falling Creek Baptist Church, Goldsboro, NC
The evenings meeting began with President John Crawford the Grange salutation and prayer over the meeting and meal by Chaplain Sherwood Williford. In honor of Independence celebration for July, a delicious meal of hot dogs, chips, ice cream, desserts, sodas and snacks were provided. After the meal was enjoyed by everyone, Sherwood held a trivia session about the US flag. Also, Larue Tart shared a reading entitled “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman.
In the business session, Joyce Hood made a motion to donate $100 to the National Grange fundraiser for the Oliver Kelly Foundation. Motion was seconded by Joe Beaman and vote carried by the membership. John reminded everyone about the Teacher/Staff Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, August 16th at Grantham Middle School. Volunteers are requested for food preparation and serving. The Easy Street Cruisers also help and make their annual donation at that time.
Crimestoppers will be holding a gospel sing at Madison Avenue Baptist Church at 6:30 pm on August 17th. There will be a seminar regarding liberty and rights on Saturday, July 27th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Wayne County Library. On August 11th, Our Lady Of Guadeloupe in Newton Grove will be having their 150th Anniversary special services. Grange membership was encouraged to attend any of these events.
Mark Hood reminded members about the annual Reverse Drawing scheduled for Tuesday, October 22nd at the Dudley Shrine Club. Tickets are being printed and should be available at the August meeting. 200 drawing tickets will be sold as well as $5.00 side board tickets and an auction for 15 homemade cakes.
Following the short business session, the membership played a fun game of Bingo for various prizes. After several games of Bingo, drawings were held for door prize tickets.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Waddell, Grantham Grange Secretary
GRANTHAM GRANGE #968 12th Annual Community Awards Banquet
Date: April 22, 2024
Location: Selah Christian Church, Four Oaks
Grange President, John Crawford, began the evening by thanking all guests and members for attending our 12th Annual Awards Banquet. Vice President Roger Kornegay signified beginning of the event with opening the Bible and Chaplain Sherwood Williford offered blessings over the evening.
Grange members Denny Tart, Ann Sullivan, Douglas Williams and Ed Aswell who have recently deceased were honored by the lighting of memorial candles by family members. Special music “You Raise Me Up” honoring these members was sung by Larue Tart.
A catered meal of roast beef, Italian chicken, creamed potatoes with gravy, seasoned green beans, sweet potato casserole, chocolate eclair cake and peach cobbler was provided from Parkside Restaurant in Smithfield. Following the meal, John recognized the attendance of special elected officials and guests. Jimmy Gentry, State Grange President for NC, was honorary speaker. He commented that the Grange is considered as a “force for good” which is much needed in today’s society. He reinterated that the purpose for the evening was for special recognition to all of the individuals, passed and present, for the good they have done in their community, State and Nation.
Jimmy Martin was the Emcee for the evening. The following recognition and awards were given:
Educator of the Year – Rachel Lovett Jones
Church of the Year – Black Jack Grove Free Will Baptist
Veteran of the Year – Joseph Beaman
Military Person of the Year – Luke Davis
Fire Fighter of the Year – Jerome Fail
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Jay Sasser
Farm of the Year – H Farms: Grover, Glenn, Austin and Garrett Hood
Volunteer of the Year – Helen Scott
Youth of the Year – Haley Wingate
Grange Family of the Year – Stevens Sisters: Sallie Stevens, Carolyn Stevens Kornegay and Jessie Stevens Smith
Granger of the Year – Wanda Crawford
Dedicated Service Awards – Edward Aswell (Posthumous) and Jimmy Martin
Following the awards ceremony, a brief business session was held. A motion was made by Mark Hood, seconded by Jimmy Martin, to support the Grantham Bulldog team in the upcoming Relay for Life event. Team sponsorship voted was a $300 donation. Joyce Hood reminded members about the National Grange conference in November to be held in Iowa. The theme is “Grange Strong: Rooted. Resilient. United.” Also, Sheila Hodges commented about Grange Podcasts that are available on-line to listen if anyone is interested. Go to the National Grange website for more information.
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 27th at 6:30 PM at Selah Church, Four Oaks for the annual Pastor Appreciation event.
Respectully Submitted:
Sally Waddell, Grange Secretary
Download Grange Minutes March 2024
GRANTHAM GRANGE #968
Minutes of the February 2024 Meeting
Date: February 27, 2024
Location: WoodmenLife Lodge, Grantham
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 pm by President John Crawford and blessings by Chaplain Sherwood Williford. A delicious meal for the evening was prepared by Mark Shirley, owner/operator of Ole Time Smokehouse. John recognized several distinguished elected officials Annette Turik, Bill Joyner, and Julie Whitfield. In announcements, John announced that Elizabeth Coone was recently engaged as well as Denise Lowery’s upcoming wedding. First time guests Thomas and Shelley Flores and Chad and Jenny Davis were welcomed.
The official start of the meeting was opened in the 4th Degree ritual. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Grange salutation, Program Director Linda Crawford introduced Jimmy Gentry, President of the North Carolina Grange from Statesville,NC. Mr. Gentry’s program provided knowledge on the Grange fraternal side including explanations of the ceremonial order of the Grange. The National Grange, also known as Order of the Patrons of Husbandry, is the oldest agriculture based organization in the country. It is non-partisan recognizing no political affiliation. Organized in 1867 following the Civil War, the Grange was focused on rebuilding agriculture, uniting farmers and communities, policy development and more. Officers include a Master (President), Overseer (Vice President), Steward, Asst. Steward, Lady Asst. Steward, Secretary, and Treasurer. Other positions are Lecturer, Chapain, Flora (Flowers), Ceres (Grain), Pomona (Fruit), Gatekeeper, and the Executive Committee (Board of Directors). In the early years, Grange meetings were highly guarded due to the discussions held that would affect rural communities through possible laws. The Gatekeeper was used to keep out special interest guests such as Railroad individuals. Every meeting is required to open with the Bible and the Pledge of Alligiance which symbolizes the Grange fully believes in the relationship between God and Country in addition to the Grange hand salutation. Mr. Gentry pointed out that the Grange is the first fraternal organization in history to have 4 offices that can only be held by women.
Mr. Gentry continued to describe that there are a total of 7 Degrees for opening Grange meetings. Degrees 1, 2, 3, and 4 are up to the local Granges and Grantham recognizes a level 4. The following is a brief description of each level and the meaning:
1st Degree – the Farm in Springtime. Emblems are the ax, plow, harrow and spade. The lesson taught is FAITH that God will help us through tough times.
2nd Degree – the Farm in early Summer. Emblems are the hoe and pruning knife. The lesson taught is HOPE in that all of our efforts are fertile.
3rd Degree – the Farm in Fall. Emblems are the sickle…or today, the Combine. The lesson taught is CHARITY. The Grange will help and give to one another through the fruits of our labor.
4th Degree – the Farm in Wintertime. Emblem is the Agate stone. The lesson taught is FIDELITY. Grange members remain loyal and faithful. The keyword for 2024 4th Degree is “Confident” and must be stated at the National Convention to be allowed in.
5th Degree is for County level or Pomona level if multiple Granges join. 6th Degree is for State and 7th Degree is for National.
Mr. Gentry often referred to Macon Massey’s father, Lloyd Massey, and his passion for the Grange. Mr. Lloyd believed in the order of Degrees as “it binds us all together” and it represents our heritage. In other announcements from State, there arae 2 new Granges in NC. One at Wilkes Community College for the students in their Ag department and one in Smithfield. Also future plans are in the works for a Grange cruise. Questions were asked about Granges in Florida and South Carolina no longer holding charters due to membership requirements. Their Granges have been adopted into the NC Grange.
New members Sandra Shirley and Chad and Jenny Davis were presented new membership bags provided by Mr. Gentry in addition to other new members. The program for the evening was continued by Grange member, Larue Tart, who is President of the Wayne County Chapter of Mended Hearts. Larue shared information regarding the purpose of Mended Hearts and lead members in a cute activity and song for S-M-I-L-E. Larue awarded a complimentary membership to Franklin Lane because he had the most recent heart event. A motion was made by Joyce Hood to donate $300 to Mended Hearts. Motion seconded by Sallie Stevens and carried by membership vote.
In other business, a remembrance of room silence was given to Grange member, Ed Aswell, who passed away on January 27th as a result of a traffic accident. Jimmy Martin commented on an upcoming event on February 29th at 6:00 PM at the Maxwell Center hosted by Marc Whichard to present the school district’s 2024-2025 budget. John reminded members of the Grange Family Conference starting March 14th in Atlantic Beach. Joyce reminded members attending to bring canned goods, hygiene items, etc. for the Martha’s Mission project. Also, members can take donations to Joyce and Mark’s house and they will take them to the Conference.
Joyce commented the State competitions and contests are now available on the State website. Copies were available at the meeting. In addition, the Grange Community Service Awards ceremony is approaching. Joyce asked previous planning committee members to contact her. Thank you was noted to all members that brought items for the Wayne County Animal Shelter. Joyce reminded that donations for the Ronald McDonald House will be collected at the next meeting to take in April. Ann Denning also reminded members to bring their aluminum can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. John announced that there was a Board of Director’s meeting on March 4.
Following the 4th Degree procedure and singing a verse of “My Country Tis Of Thee”, the Grange meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM.
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 25th at 7:00 at the WoodmenLife lodge.
Respectully Submitted:
Sally Waddell, Grange Secretary
Minutes of the January 2024 Meeting
Date: January 22, 2024
Location: WoodmenLife Lodge, Grantham
President John Crawford, VP Roger Kornegay and Chaplain Sherwood Williford opened the meeting with the Bible, Grange Salutation, Pledge of Allegiance and devotion. Program director Linda Crawford introduced the speaker for the evening, Grantham Grange member Dr. Crystal Pontious, PhD in Psychology. Her husband, Garrett Pontious, is also a Grantham Grange member. Crystal is originally from Ohio where her Dad was a local large animal veterinarian where she shared heartwarming stories about rural living in Ohio. She also has a Psycology practice in Celina, Ohio. The program topic for the evening was “Stress: What it Is and What To Do About It”. Farming is one of the most stressful jobs. Stress is a normal part of life and excess stress leads to anxiety disorders such as panic, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, physical ailments and depression. Having an emotional support system with family, friend or clinical is the key to handling excess stress. Also, maintaining an active lifestyle is critical. Women tend to be more obvious in handling stress and have better support systems than men. Men may act out depression with less obvious ways like anger, excessive drinking, risk taking, etc. Dr. Pontious advises to always keep your primary care provider informed if formal therapy is obtained. Some people may confide in their clergy; however, pastors may or may not be educated to handle the particular situation. The most important thing is to seek help. After a short question-answer session, the business session was held.
John reminded Grange members to sign up for the Family Conference in Atlantic Beach if interested in going. Linda Crawford commented that their was a wait list. Go on-line to the State Grange website for information. Currently there are 28 Grantham/Brogden Grange members signed up to attend.
The January meeting is normally a review of projects for the upcoming year; and John asked members for suggestions. Jimmy Martin said that Dudley Christian Church ws collecting needs for the Wayne County Animal Shelter. A motion was made by Wanda Crawford to provide funds for Jordans Chapel Meals on Wheels for our January project and collect items for the shelter for February. Denise Lowery seconded the motion. A $300 check for Meals on Wheels was voted by membership. Donation items such as old newspapers, dry dog food, dry cat food, new or used blankets and towels, cat litter, soft pet treats or non-destructable pet toys like Nylabones or Kong chews should be brought to the February 26th meeting. Sherwood Williford commented that he is a member of the Willowdale Cemetary Preservation Society which is having a project to clean up the old gravestones if anyone is interested in helping and/or providing cleaning supplies. Willowdale Cemetary is a historically significant cemetary on Elm Street in Goldsboro which dates back to 1853 and also holds many graves of Civil War soldiers including a mass grave of 800 unnamed soldiers. Supplies needed are cleaning rags, towels, Wet & Forget solution (can be purchased from Lowes) and water. Joyce Hood stated that the State would have a community service project that can be used for our project in March. April is the Ronald McDonald project and the Awards banquet. May is the Pastor Appreciation banquet. Joyce asked if the same committee members could participate again for the Awards banquet nominees. The month of May is mental health month. Linda said that she could get another program speaker about mental health that month. It was agreed by membership to discuss more in detail the projects for the balance of the year at a future meeting like hot dogs in July, school breakfast in August, political forum in September and the Fair scheduled for September 26th to October 5th.
In discussions about the Political Forum, Vinnie Kirmss stated we should promote voting regardless of political party. Karl Langren commented about a group he knows that helps protect election integrity if anyone is interested in more information. Joe Beaman made motion to hold the Political Forum on September 23rd provided this date is satisfactory with Grantham Fire Department. Karl seconded the motion and it ws carried by membership. County Commissioner Freeman Hardison reminded the group that primaries are Tuesday, March 5th. John stated that the WoodmenLife building is the new Grantham voting location for the Wayne County Board of Elections due to parking concerns at the fire department and EMS location. John commented the Grange Exhibit will be at the Wayne County Museum until January 27th. Also, there will be a reception that starting at 2:00 PM and the speaker will be long-time agriculturalist Gregory Peele.
In other business, Treasurer Elizabeth Coone reported there is currently $70,585.08 in the treasury. Vinnie also commented that the 2024 National Grange registration is now available on-line. Karly Denning provided a quick report regarding the upcoming Grange youth retreat to be held in February in Ashboro. Their project is preparation and distribution of care cards to local First Responders, EMT and Military personnel. Jane Williford mentioned there is a 30 minute on-line program entitled Rural Mental Health Resiliance on the Grange website that free to Grange members scheduled for February 7th. Mark Hood gave a quick update concerning the reverse drawing. He will check with the Shriners to see if October 22 date, which is 2 weeks following the Crimestopper reverse drawing, is available for the Grange. The reverse drawing was voted by membership last Fall as an annual event to raise funds for the college committment.
Requests for cards to be sent, prayers and condolences was asked by Jesse Smith. Linda Crawford asked for program suggestions from all of the members and held a drawing with the responses. The winner was Janice Edwards.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27th at 6:30 pm at the WoodmenLife lodge.
Respectully Submitted:
Sally Waddell, Grange Secretary