Plumsteadville Grange #1738
American Values – Hometown Root
5901 Easton Road, Plumsteadville
Mailing Address:   Box 335, Plumsteadville PA 18949

Plumsteadville Grange Meetings

May 13, 2015 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 pm at the Grange Hall
• Program: Barbara Hoenwarter of The Loom Room –hand weaving demonstration

June 10, 2015 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 pm at the Grange Hall
• Program: Mark Fischer Castle Valley Mill – History of milling in Bucks County

July 8, 2015 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 pm at the Grange Hall
• Program: Mary Ellen Noonan of Bucks County Conservation District – soil-related topic

 FARM MARKET OPENS MAY 30

The 15^th Season begins with a presentation by the Bucks County Dairy Royalty and Promotion Team beginning at 9:00 a.m. . Sandra Krone, 2014-15 Bucks County Dairy Princess will make her farewell speech, and members of the team will be recognized for their service. In addition, the 1962 Dairy Princess of England and Wales will share her experience as a Dairy Ambassador “across the pond. Following the presentations, dairy refreshments will be served.

The farm market will continue through October with all our usual vendors, some new additions, and demos, music and special events to be announced.   Follow us on Facebook and visit our website frequently for the latest additions to the market.

New vendors are still welcome – contact Meg Lomax at 215-766-9801 or [email protected]   Also contact Meg if you have an idea for a demo, special event or know of local musicians who would like to perform.

FARM MARKET BARN RENOVATIONS

The farm market floor has been raised to the height of the tea room, making it safer to walk on and more accessible.   Additional work is needed to repaint the green doors prior to the market opening day – Any offers of help are appreciated. Please contact Meg Lomax if you have an hour or two to help.

GRANGE DINNERS

Thank you to all those who helped make this “season” of dinners a big success – Many hands worked to provide pies – always a hit with our guests – and performing tasks from peeling potatoes to the final washing up. These dinners help generate needed revenue to fund our community service projects – thank you to ALL our loyal volunteers.

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

Jane D. Birk, President, Plumsteadville Grange #1738

Our first community day was a resounding success.   The weather was perfect – so many members of our community came out to participate with a table, demo, donate raffle prizes, and provide general help. Turnout by the public was great, and it was also wonderful to see our farm market vendors emerge after such a hard winter.  Particularly encouraging was the participation of our community’s youth including Bucks Clucks 4-H poultry club, Police & EMS Explorers and Maximum Impact Karate.

Let’s keep the community momentum going.   I asked participants to subscribe to our newsletter and to let us know when they are holding events so that we can cross promote via our newsletters and face book pages.   This month’s issue includes a “Community Events” section which I hope will become a regular feature.

Special thanks to the PA State Grange young couple Jennifer and Robert Beamon (and baby Savannah) for traveling from Lebanon, PA to be with us on this special day.

Many thanks to all who made this a truly community event, and a very special recognition to the chief organizers, Jen & Katie for bringing all of this together.

DELAWARE VALLEY (COLLEGE) “UNIVERSITY”

Susan B. Ward M.D. ‘80
Chair, Board of Trustees and Dr. Joseph Brosnan, President recently announced that Delaware Valley College has been approved for university status! This change went into effect on April 8, 2015 during Founders Day on campus and officially became Delaware Valley University. University status will highlight the options that current and future undergraduate students have in attaining their degree from one of our three schools – Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Life and Physical Sciences, and Business and Humanities. It will also expand our reach to new graduate students through our current offerings, which include six Master’s degree programs and one doctoral program. University status will not change DelVal from a small teaching institution committed to experiential learning; we will remain at our current size at the undergraduate level, while expanding our graduate student presence through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

A MESSAGE FROM THE BUCKS COUNTY DAIRY PROMOTION TEAM:

As the summer months begin to approach, be sure to include your three servings of dairy each day. One serving of dairy is equal to eight ounces of milk, 6 ounces of Greek yogurt, 8 ounces of regular yogurt, 0.75 ounces of string cheese, 4 ounces of soft cheese, or 1.5 ounces of hard cheese. Milk is approximately 87.5% water, and it also contains 9 essential nutrients to keep your body healthy. So after your workouts this summer, refuel and rehydrate with milk.

Here is a great recipe to serve at your Memorial Day or graduation parties that may be approaching. You can help your guests to get their three servings of dairy every day by serving this great-tasting milk punch at your parties.

“Cow”-pachino Milk Punch

1 half-gallon chocolate ICE CREAM, softened

1 half-gallon coffee ICE CREAM, softened

½ gallon MILK

2 liter bottle cream soda

In a large punch bowl, mix together chocolate and coffee ICE CREAM. When well mixed, slowly add the MILK, while continuing to mix the ICE CREAM together. Once ICE CREAM and MILK are well mixed, very slowly add the soda. Continue to mix the punch slowly as the soda is being added, as foam will begin to accumulate.

Estimated serving: 50 guests (for a 6 ounce cup)

Primary election day is May 19

The Grange is Non-Partisan but encourages participation in the election process and legislation. Your Vote Counts.

PLUMSTEADVILLE GRANGE MEETING MINUTES – MARCH, 2015

The minutes for the March 2015 meeting of the Plumsteadville Grange as recorded by Karen Moss, secretary, are included in their entirety. Plumsteadville Grange #1738 met on March 11th at 7:30 pm.   Present     Men – 7    Women – 13   , Youth –   Total – 20

OPENING: The Grange opening ceremony was led by President Jane Birk, followed by the roll call of officers and committee members.   Minutes of the previous meeting of February 2014 were mailed/emailed with the monthly newsletter.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Attending were President Jane Birk, Overseer Donald Steeley, Lecturer Katie Graham, Assistant Steward Don Moss, Lady Assistant Darlene Quiring, Chaplain Tony Townsend, Treasurer Jim Lomax, Secretary Karen Moss, Ceres Meg Lomax, Pomona Toni Kellers.

GUESTS:   Helen Whitmore’s next door neighbor, Amy &     Barbara Hoenwarter who will be presenting the May program.

PROGRAM: Rick Dalton, manager of the Delaware Canal State Park spoke on the damage done by the 2004-05 and 06 floods and the on-going repairs to the canal.

PROPOSALS FOR MEMBERSHIP: None

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Deaf Activities/Fish Fry: Report by Jim Lomax that the first fish fry made a profit of $535. The next will be held on Friday, March 13th.   Cakes, cookies and help will be needed starting at 3pm.

Farm Market: Meg Lomax report that as yet we have no estimates on pouring a new concrete floor in the garage section of the barn (will bring the floor up to level and make the barn handicap accessible).   Don Moss will repair the screen doors to the tea room.

REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None

COMMUNICATIONS: We received quilt raffle tickets from State Grange which we are required to sell. They were passed around for purchase.   We received a thank you note from Stacy Bruker for help at the farm show.

TREASURER REPORTS: Jim Lomax reported that for the period from February 1, 2015 through February 28, 2015, we had income of $4,685 and expenses of $5,214. The major item in income was from dinners in the amount of $2,472. Our major expenses for the month came from snowplowing ($720) and accounting charges ($1,849).

OLD BUSINESS:   Jim Lomax spoke about plans for the Grange to participate in the Doylestown Memorial Day Parade on May 26th. He will need to check with the Fire Marshall about the size of the equipment we can pull in the parade and also into getting a banner to go on that equipment.

Katie Graham participated in the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce’s Bucks Locavore event on February 26th where she represented Plumsteadville Grange. This is a networking affair for local business owners but the public was also invited to sample locally grown and produced food.   She participated in the business card exchange (with our new business cards) and made some contacts for possible farm market vendors.

NEW BUSINESS:   Jeni Mogg spoke about the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and suggested that we might want to consider joining it – non-profit dues are $150 a year.

On April 1st the Food Shed Alliance will hold a workshop at the Grange on Hay Bale Gardening.

Katie Graham, Jeni Mogg and Jane Birk spoke about the planning for the Plumsteadville Grange Community day to be held on Saturday, April 18th.   This is being done in celebration of April as Grange Month.   Four speakers and many area groups and been asked to participate. Suggestions were made for other possible participants.

Jen Mogg reported that she has come into a large amount of fabric. Anyone wishing to share in it should contact her at 215-297-9448.

It was suggested by Don Steeley that the secretary contact State Grange with a list of names of members who are 90 and over so that State Grange can celebrate their birthdays.   (Follow up note: State Grange maintains a list of birthdays which for the most part are incorrect, some members being listed as over 100, others as young as 2 or 3 years of age.   The secretary does not have a complete list so anyone knowing of members 90 years of age or over should contact Jane Birk at 610-657-7668 with the names and date of birth.)

Annette Crooke reported that the Pt. Pleasant Church Dinner will be held on April 25th.

Katie Graham made a motion that we donate $200 to Shamrock Ranch (see last month’s minutes).   It was seconded and passed.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Moss, Secretary.

PLUMSTEADVILLE GRANGE MEETING MINUTES – April 2015

The minutes for the April 2015 meeting of the Plumsteadville Grange as recorded by Karen Moss, secretary, are included in their entirety. Plumsteadville Grange #1738 met April 8, 2015 at 7:30 pm. Present     Men – 6   Women – 10   , Youth –   Total – 15

OPENING: The Grange opening ceremony was led by President Jane Birk, followed by the roll call of officers and committee members.   Minutes of the previous meeting of March 2015 are included with this month’s newsletter.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Officers present were President Jane Birk, Overseer Donald Steeley, Lecturer Katie Graham, Assistant Steward Don Moss, Lady Assistant Darlene Quiring, Chaplain Tony Townsend, Treasurer Jim Lomax, Secretary Karen Moss, Ceres Meg Lomax, Pomona Toni Kellers, Flora Lynda Kling.

PROGRAM:   The program on the Thousand Canker Disease that is present in Bucks County and will be the demise of all black walnut trees was presented by Kathleen Salisbury of Penn State Extension.   The disease was brought in to the county with a load of lumber delivered to Danboro, PA. There is no cure. Once infected the trees last for about ten years. Contact Penn State Department of Agriculture for further information or if you think your trees are affected.   There is a ban on moving any black walnut out of Bucks County.

PROPOSALS FOR MEMBERSHIP:   Denise Mee of Bedminster Township was recruited at the Hay Bale Gardening meeting by Jeni Mogg. Susan Eorio, also of Bedminster joined after washing dishes at the Fish Fry Dinner.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Deaf Activities/Fish Fry: Jim Lomax reported that the three Fish Fry Dinners combined made a profit of $1,542. 

Farm Market: Meg Lomax reported that she has received three bids for putting the cement floor in the barn, all using the same materials and methods but ranging from $5600 to $3880.   She suggested that we take the lowest bid.   The quilting group has a large portion of the money which they will donate toward the cost and she asked that the Grange pick up the rest of it.   Jim Lomax stated that we could hold two more Fish Fries this fall and use those profits to reimburse the treasury. Annette Crooke suggested that we use some of the money given to us by Ray Gross.   A motion was made to go ahead with the project, was seconded and passed.   Meg also reported that we had some new vendors and that this will be the 15th year of the Farm Market.   Sandra Krone has been asked to do a dairy promotion on the first day of the market – May 30th.

Building and Maintenance & Grounds: Don Moss reported that the driveway and parking lot again need stone. He estimated that it will cost $400 for the stone and $100 for the rental of a York rack for spreading the stone. A motion was made and passed to authorize Don Moss to spend that amount and fix the driveway.

Meg Lomax reminded us that the barn clean-up day is this Saturday and will be held even though we also will be preparing for a dinner. She believes she has enough help.

Legislative Report: Don Steeley reminded us to check our state newsletter for details on the June 9th Grange Day at the Capitol.

REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:

Ellen Elaine Crooke Scholarship: We have no applicants as yet for this year’s scholarship. Deadline is May 1, 2015. We will have information at the upcoming Community Day.

TREASURER REPORTS:   Jim Lomax reported that for the period March 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015 we had income of $5858 and expenses of $6705. Our biggest expenses this month were for snow plowing ($1,220) and property taxes ($2,063).

OLD BUSINESS:   Report from Katie Graham, Jeni Mogg and Jane Birk: Community Day planning is progressing. There will be demonstrations by area groups every ½ hour. Six to seven farm market vendors will be present and selling.   Publicity has gone into the News Herald and the Intelligencer. Grange volunteers will be needed starting at 8am for set-up and again at 10:30 to work as greeters and servers. Membership applications will be handed out to visitors. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available for those attending. Local business have been contacted and offered space at no charge.

NEW BUSINESS:   A discussion was held as to whether to give the entire proceeds from the Fish Dinners to the Intermediate Unit ($1500) or to limit it to our usual $1,000 and hold the rest in reserve. A motion was made and passed to give them $1,000. Katie Graham has made arrangement for the IU to be the presenter of one of this year’s programs.

This Saturday (April 11th) night we will be serving a roast beef dinner to the Pineville Horse Protection Company. On April 25th we will serve a turkey dinner to the Pt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Annette Crooke will need prep help on the 11th starting at 11am.

Bruce Weikel reminded us that his family will be holding their annual open house on the farm the first Sunday in May from 1-4pm. There will be activities for both children and adults. The farm is number 718 Callowhill Road, between Route 113 and South Perkasie Road..

Meg Lomax ended the meeting with a thank you and appreciation of all the work Katie Graham and Jeni Mogg have put into the planning of the up-coming Community Festival.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Moss, Secretary.

Year of the Pennsylvania Barn

This year has been declared the “Year of the Pennsylvania Barn” by the Legislature in HR189.  If you own a barn, especially an historic one, I hope you will celebrate!

THANK YOU to ALL who participated in making our first Community Day a BIG success –On behalf of everyone at our Grange we wish to acknowledge the following:

Giant –$25 Gift Card for Ice

Plumsteadville Inn – $35 Gift Card for raffle

Reilly Chiropractors – Bag Stuffers

Spatolas – Bag Stuffers

Univest – Bag Stuffers

Bucks Country Gardens – Bag stuffers/coupons

Trader Joes – Bags (200)

Maximum Impact Karate – Demo

Potter Contracting – Company Participant

Shelby Sweet Things- Company Participant

True Value – Door Prize

Circa Classics – Door Prize & Bag Stuffers

P&A Feed – Door prizes

WaWa – Donation of Drinks

Weis – Donation of Drinks

Annie’s Quilting –F arm Market Vendor

M & E Edibles – Farm Market Vendor

Hobble Hill Farm (Alpacas) -Farm Market Vendor

Lester Heacock (Woodworking) – Farm Market Vendor

Macri Sisters Baking – Farm Market Vendor

Mutt Munchies – Farm Market Vendor

Nancy’s Baking  Donuts – Farm Market Vendor

Rising Hill Farm  – Farm Market Vendor & Face Painting

Scott Guiser (Honey) – Farm Market Vendor

Traugers Farm – Farm Market Vendor

Plumstead Historical Society – Community Participant and       donation of Gift basket for raffle

The Larder – donation of Gift basket for raffle

Wehrungs – donation of Gift basket for raffle

Cut To Perfection – donation of Gift basket for raffle        & Bag Stuffers

CRC Industries – donation of Gift Box for raffle

Jeni’s Jems – donation of Gift Box for raffle

Hub Pub – donation of 2  $25 Gift Cards for raffle

Door To Door Organics- donation of Gift Card for raffle          & bag stuffers

Haring Bros – donation of Hot Dogs

A Woman’s Place- Non Profit Community Participant

Almost Home Dog Rescue- Non Profit Community  Participant

Bedminster Land Conservancy- Non Profit Community Participant

Bucks Clucks 4H Poultry    Club – Non Profit Community  Participant

Bucks County Bee Keepers Association Non Profit  Community Participant

Bucks County Dairy Promotion – Non Profit Community Participant

Bucks County Foodshed Alliance- – Non Profit Community Participant

Bucks County SPCA- – Non Profit Community Participant

Danboro 4-H   Non Profit Community Participant

PA Grange Young Couple Jen & Rob Beamon – Special Guests representing PA State Grange

Peace Valley Nature Center – – Non Profit Community  Participant

Master Gardeners from Penn State Extension – Non Profit Community Participant

Plumstead Twp. Police Explorers – – Non Profit Community Participant

Pt Pleasant Plumstead EMS Explorers -Non Profit Community   Participant

Shamrock Reins – Non Profit Community Participant

Tohickon Middle School – Relay for Life Bake Sale -Non Profit  Community Participant

My Place Smoked Meats – Use of Tables/Chairs

Shelly Funeral Home – Use of Parking Lot

Ruth Steeley & Betty Diamond – Staffing Grange Table

Steve Byrne & Kevin Kinney – Grill Masters

 COMMUNITY EVENTS

May 3 — Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy Road Rally  for more info visit www.bedminsterlandconservancy.com

May 3 –Weikel Farm Open House

Weikel Farm, 718 Callowhill Road, Perkasie, invites you to attend their open house Sunday, May 3, 1-4 pm.   Rain or shine.  Come see farm machinery, and animals including cows, pigs, sheep & chickens.  There will be hayrides, a hay tunnel, sheep shearing demo and other fun farm activities   This is a real working farm, so dress appropriately.

Benefiting A Woman’s Place

May 10 – Mother’s Day 10K

May 21 – Annual Breakfast & Recognition

For details visit www.awomansplace.org  or call 215-343-9241

Send in your activities – we’d love to help promote events in our community.  Feel free to post to our face book page, email [email protected] or call 610-657-7668.

PA State Grange Legislative Issues

Here are some of the legislative items of concern to the Grange – Subscribe to Betsy Huber’s newsletter to keep informed of the latest actions in Harrisburg,

Inheritance Tax

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR1105 to repeal the federal inheritance tax, 240-179.  This is great news for all farmers and small business owners.  The Senate still must consider the measure, but the President has threatened to veto.  Of course I don’t know many people whose estate exceeds the current exclusion of $5.4 million, but it is the principle -we shouldn’t have to pay death taxes on our property that we have already paid taxes on while living.  Please call your U.S. Senators Casey and Toomey and urge them to pass this bill to kill the death tax and preserve family farms and businesses for the next generation. 

Upcoming Event 

At the Farm Show Complex May 12 is the PA Food Defense: Awareness & Prevention Symposium sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, PA Department of Agriculture, and Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.  State President Beth Downey will be attending.  If you are interested in participating, call Derek Ruhl at PDA 717/783-3577 or Kristin Daniels, Office of Homeland Security 717/346-4461.

Grange Day 2015 – June 9th

Don’t forget to register now for Grange Day.   Grange Day Registration Form

2015 QUILT RAFFLE

The quilting group has been hard at work and the nextwork of textile art is now ready to raffle. The quilt is on display at the Grange hall. Raffle tickets are now on sale at all Grange functions – $2.00 per ticket, or 3 for $5.00, or contact any Grange member. Proceeds are used to fund Grange Farm Market improvements. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the summer and the quilt will be raffled off at the close of the market season, the last Saturday in October.

 4-H TEEN COUNCIL SHOE COLLECTION

Bucks County 4-H Teen Council has been collecting new/used shoes for two years. The shoes are sent around the world to those in need, Teen Council receives $.50 a pound for the shoes they collect (funds are used for leadership opportunities and community service in Bucks County) and Teen Council has saved the Bucks County landfills from being filled with over 2,000 pounds of shoes that would take hundreds of years to breakdown in a landfill.

A collection box has been placed in the Grange Hall. The shoes must be wearable or still have wear value, no holes, rips or tears. Both shoes must be present and NO slippers, NO flip flops and NO heavy work boots. The shoes are shipped around the world to those in need.

 PHOTOS WANTED

If you have photos of the Community Day, Christmas party or any Grange related event, please send copies to Jane Birk at [email protected] for inclusion in our community service book to be submitted to State Grange.

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 215-766-9801 or [email protected]

NEWSLETTER

As always, if you have something to share or want to get the newsletter via email contact Jane Birk at 610-657- 7668 or [email protected].

GRANGE REFRESHMENTS

A Grange meeting without refreshments is just a meeting – the informal time after a meeting is often the most fertile ground for discussion of ideas and forging new friendships. A sign-up sheet has been posted in the Grange Hall – please indicate which month you would like to provide refreshments.

Grange Meetings

April 8, 2015 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 pm at the Grange Hall
• Program:  Kathy Salisbury of PSU Extension speaking on Thousand Canker Disease

May 13, 2015 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 pm at the Grange Hall
• Program:  Barbara Hoenwarter of The Loom Room – hand weaving demonstration

June 10, 2015 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 pm at the Grange Hall
• Program:  Mark Fischer Castle Valley Mill – History of milling in Bucks County

July 8, 2015 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 pm at the Grange Hall
• Program:  Mary Ellen Noonan of Bucks County Conservation District – soil-related topic

Grange Dinners

• April 11 – Pineville Horse Company

Help is needed for preparation, service and clean up.   Contact Annette Crooke at 215-345-1276  if you can help

• April 25– Point Pleasant Baptist Church  

Help is needed for preparation, service and clean up.   Contact Annette Crooke at 215-345-1276 if you can help or if you can provide a pie (or two).

These dinners help generate needed revenue to fund our community service projects – thank you to ALL our loyal volunteers.

Plumsteadville Grange Community Day  –      April  18, 2015 – 11 am – 3 pm

Mark your Calendars.   We will  host an open house community day on Saturday, April 18  in celebration of April as Grange Month. A number of local community service organizations and farm market vendors have agreed to participate.

We will need help from all Grangers to assist in greeting attendees, serving food,  assisting with parking, promoting our organization, etc.

Help us promote this event.      Like/Share our facebook event on your social media sites and invite your friends, relatives and neighbors to attend .

Please contact Katie Graham at 215-932-9683 or [email protected] to help, participate in any way  or  if you need copies of the promotional poster.

Presentations  Scheduled:

• 11:30 – Maximum Impact Karate
• 12:00 – Police Explorers
• 2:30 – PA Grange Young Couple
• 12:45 – Plumsteadville EMS
• 1:00 – Bucks County SPCA
• 1:30 – A Woman’s Place
• 2 :00 – Peace Valley Nature Center
• 2:30  – PA Honey Princess

Community Groups Participating:

• A Woman’s Place
• Bucks County SPCA
• Peace Valley Nature Center
• Bucks County Dairy Princess
• PA Honey Princess
• Shamrock Reins
• Police Explorers
• Almost Home Dog Rescue
• Bucks County Beekeepers
• Bucks Clucks – 4-H chicken club
• Bedminster Land Conservancy
• PA State Grange Young Couple
• Plumsteadville EMS
• Tohickon Middle School – Bake sale benefiting Relay for Life

Farm Market Vendors:

• Rising Hill Farm – will have face painting
• Annie’s Quilting
• Hobble Hill Farm – alpacas
• Macri Sisters – baked goods
• Lester Haycock – woodworker
• Edna White – the “Pie Lady”
• Nancy Young – bread/bagels as well as
  fresh made donuts!

Fish Fry Dinners – A BIG Success

Big thanks go all around for our successful Fish Fry Dinners – we have raised approximately $1500 over three evenings.    Kudos to our chief organizer Jim Lomax and the dedicated volunteers who helped make this fundraiser a big success.

131 dinners were served at the last fish fry, the room rocked with music from George Thompson & Friends – people lingered, listening to the music, reluctant to go home.   Overall, a BIG SUCCESS.

Plumsteadville Grange / 4H Scholarships

Application Deadline May 1 –  Members are reminded that Plumsteadville Grange is providing two yearly scholarships, of $500 (now named the Ellen Elaine Crooke Memorial Scholarship) for Bucks County 4H members and Plumsteadville Grange members’ children, one for agriculture based studies, and one for any study of choice. Students can reapply for study year 2 if they have maintained a grade pt average of 2.5, but they will also compete with new students applying for year1.

Agriculture related students may apply in year 2 for a study of their choice. Students should apply to Plumsteadville Grange on a standard application form from the Extension Service . Application forms should be accompanied by a transcript of grades from school, an essay, and two letters of recommendation. Application forms are available at Bucks County Co – operative Extension office.

Address applications to: Plumsteadville Grange, Box 335, 5901 Easton Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949. The deadlines for scholarship application entries is May 1st 2015.  Contact Meg Lomax with queries on 215-766-9801or [email protected]

News From Our State Representative

Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks)

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms Available Now

The forms for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program are now available for eligible residents to begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2014.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2014. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities.

Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

• $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (Homeowners and renters).
• $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (Homeowners and renters).
• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (Homeowners only).
• $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (Homeowners only).

Filing a PA-1000 requires no fee or cost. In addition, no one should have to pay a private entity for assistance in filing the forms. Copies of the forms, as well as assistance with filing them, are available at my office at no cost. The deadline to apply is June 30.

For more information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms, 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.

From the Bucks County Dairy Promotion Team

Mornings are a busy time of day in most households with kids getting ready for school and parents leaving for work, but the next time you have a lazy weekend to enjoy, try making this pancake recipe. You’ll have the whole family gathered around the breakfast table clamoring for more.

Chocolate milk has the perfect combination of protein and carbohydrates to give you energy for the day ahead.

Chocolate Milk Pancakes
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups chocolate milk

Directions:   In a bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add the chocolate milk and eggs and mix until just combined.  In a pan over medium-high heat, melt some butter and then ladle out your batter. When bubbles appear and pop, flip over.

The Bucks County Dairy Promotion is looking for events to have the opportunity to promote dairy products. If you have an event before May 31st that you would like the Bucks County Dairy Princess to attend, please contact Dairy Princess Sandra Krone at [email protected] .

PA State Grange Email List

PA State Grange is developing an email list to inform members of happenings at the State level.  They intend to send out more information in this manner, saving printing and postage costs.   Please send an email to [email protected]  with “email list” in the subject line.

Does Anyone Know…

I am actively seeking information and a picture of a famous bull that was purchased by the Gardenville Dairy Farm. His name was the Gardenville Carnation King. I believe he was there in the 1940’s or there abouts. I have exhausted the usual resources such as newspapers, libraries, Del Val College, and was hoping Grangers would have access to this  information.   Pease let me know.   Contact:  215-675-5717 or  [email protected]  Thanking you in advance! Sincerely,  Joy Merrick

Harmenaires at Solomon’s UCC

The Harmenaires Quartet will present an exciting evening of inspirational  southern gospel music on Saturday, April 25 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at  Solomon’s United Church of Christ, 2990 Bedminster Road (Rt. 113), Perkasie,  PA.  The church is located between Center School and Keller Church Roads  near Bedminster.  There is no charge for entrance;  however, a free will  donation will be taken.  Refreshments will be served following the concert.  Call 215-536-5202 for further assistance or information, or visit  www.solomonsucc.org

2015 Quilt Raffle

The quilting group has been hard at work and the next work of textile art is now ready to raffle. The quilt is on display at the Grange hall.  Raffle tickets are now on sale at all Grange functions – $2.00 per ticket, or 3 for $5.00, or contact any Grange member. Proceeds are used to fund Grange Farm Market improvements.

4-H Teen Council Shoe Collection

Bucks County 4-H Teen Council has been collecting new/used shoes for two years.  The shoes are sent around the world to those in need, Teen Council receives $.50 a pound for the shoes they collect (funds are used for leadership opportunities and community service in Bucks County) and Teen Council has saved the Bucks County landfills from being filled with over 2,000 pounds of shoes that would take hundreds of years to breakdown in a landfill.

A collection box will be placed in the Grange Hall.  The shoes must be wearable or still have wear value, no holes, rips or tears.  Both shoes must be present and NO slippers, NO flip flops and NO heavy work boots.  The shoes are shipped around the world to those in need.

Massai Project Update

For updates on the group’s  trip to Kenya this past February  please send an  email to [email protected] .   A copy will also be posted on the Plumsteadville Grange website.

Photos Wanted

If you have photos of the Christmas party or any other Grange related event, please send copies to Jane Birk at [email protected] for inclusion in our community service book to be submitted to State Grange.

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 215-766-9801 or [email protected]

Newsletter

As always, if you have something to share or want to get the newsletter via email contact Jane Birk at 610-657-7668 or [email protected].

Grange Refreshments

A Grange meeting without refreshments is just a meeting – the informal time after a meeting is often the most fertile ground for discussion of ideas and forging new friendships. A sign-up sheet has been posted in the Grange Hall – please indicate which month you would like to provide refreshments.

Plumsteadville Grange #1738

Box335

Plumsteadville, PA  18949

February 11, 2015 Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall
• Noah Gesford, PA State Grange Youth Ambassador will be our special guest
• Shamrock Reins will give a quick overview of their equine assisted activities and therapies for Veterans & Active Duty Military Personnel and their Families, and Families of Fallen Heroes.
• Open Meeting – All welcome to attend!

March 11, 2015 Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall
• Program: Rick Dalton from PA State Parks Dept – more details in next month’s newsletter

April 8 , 2015 Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall
• Program: Shamrock Reins will make a more detailed presentation on how they help veterans

May 13 , 2015 Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall

Program: Castle Valley Mill – History of milling in Bucks County

June 8, 2015 Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall

Program: Bucks County Conservation District

Help Needed for Grange Dinners

• GrowMark
  Thursday, February 12 – Noon
  (Esmond Crooke’s Farmers’ Group)

  Pies, Coffee cakes and HELP are needed.

• Pineville Horse Company – Sat. April 11
  Pies and HELP needed

Help needed for preparation, service and clean up. Please Contact Annette Crooke 215-345-1276 with questions, or if you can provide a pie (or two). These dinners help raise funds – please help if you can.

A BIG “Thank you”
to the wonderful volunteers who helped make the recent Franklin Horse Company dinner a big success. A delicious roast beef dinner was served to 76 guests – an almost full house, and clean up was done in record time. Thank you to all!!

Fish Fry Dinners-Fridays , February & March

Crispy fried Fish, hand-cut French fries, Salads and home-baked desserts + Entertainment – what else can you want, and all for a good cause?

Proceeds benefit local deaf children and their families through our donation to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit – Our goal is to raise $1,000.

Dinners are scheduled for:

• Friday, February 27
• Friday, March 13
• Friday, March 27

Help us spread the word – post a poster, share on face book, tweet on twitter, etc. If you can volunteer to help or would like a poster contact Jim Lomax at 215 766 9801or [email protected]

Plumsteadville Grange Community Day – Saturday, April 18

Save the Date. Plans are underway to host an open house community day on Saturday, April 18^th in celebration of April as Grange Month. We have reached out to a number of of local community service organizations who have agreed to participate, and we encourage the groups who use our Grange hall to join us as well. If you know of a community service organization who may be interested, please contact Katie Graham at 215-932-9683 or [email protected]

1. Celebrate President’s Day February 16
   

   From the Master’s Desk

   Jane D. Birk, Master/President, Plumsteadville Grange #1738

   This year will be a year of change – we have a new governor and a new State Grange leadership team – as we move forward this year I want to ask each member (and our Grange Friends) a few questions:

   What’s on your heart? What community service activities do you want to see us support? Do you see ways to partner/assist with other local service organizations? How can we best help others?

   What’s on your mind? – What makes you tick (or ticks you off)? The Grange, while non-partisan, encourages participation in the legislative process on the local, State and National levels. The development of Grange policy starts at the local level making us a truly grass roots organization.

   What do you want to do for fun? All work and no play is NO FUN. What “fun” activities such as day trips, dances, theater outings, etc, are you interested in the Grange organizing?

   I hope I made you think for a minute or two – please bring your answers to a meeting for discussion – that’s what our meeting are for. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with your concerns, or you can call me at 610-657-7668.

   Plumsteadville Grange Meeting Minutes

   The minutes for the January meeting of the Plumsteadville Grange as recorded by Karen Moss, Secretary, are included in their entirety. Plumsteadville Grange #1738 met Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 7:30 pm.Present Men – 8, Women – 8 , Youth – 0 Total – 16

   OPENING: The Grange opening ceremony was led by President Jane Birk, followed by the roll call of officers and committee members. Minutes of the previous meeting of November 2014 were mailed/emailed with the monthly newsletter.

   ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Officers present were President Jane Birk, Overseer Donald Steeley, Lecturer Katie Graham, Assistant Steward Don Moss, Chaplin Tony Townsend, Treasurer Jim Lomax, Secretary Karen Moss, Flora Lynda Kling, Musician Betty Diamond.

   GUESTS: No guests were present.

   PROGRAM: Draping of the Charter in memory of Harold Keeler.

   REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

   Building and Maintenance & Grounds: Don Moss will repair the flag pole at the end of the meeting.

   Agriculture Committee: Members reported on what and who they had seen at the Farm Show.

   Legislative Report: All state legislation is on hold until the new administration is installed and functioning.

   COMMUNICATIONS: We received a beautiful thank you card from Betty Diamond for the flowers and fruit sent her during her recent hospitalization. Also received was an update and fund request from the Discovery Project (which this year is building a cottage for boys at an orphanage and classrooms, as well as providing food bags to residents.) Midway Volunteer Fire Company sent a request for a donation. From State Grange we received our Community Service Plaque for 2014.

   TREASURER REPORTS: Jim Lomax reported Income of $6,685 and Expenses of $9,953 during the period from November 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. We have received dues from about two-thirds of members. Our biggest expense during this period was for the accounting service which has completed 3 years of our taxes and brought us up to date with the IRS.

   OLD BUSINESS: No old business.

   NEW BUSINESS: Motion was made and passed to give Midway Fire Department a $100 donation.

   Annette Crooke announced two upcoming dinners being served where the Grange will need all hands on board to cook, serve and cleanup. January 31st at 6pm we will be serving dinner to the Franklin Horse Protection Society and will need bakers to provide pies. On February 12th at Noon there will be a luncheon for GrowMark (Ethan Crooke) Group and for that we will need both coffee cakes and desserts. Please call Annette (215-345-1276 or 610-470-6602) to volunteer! PLEASE!

   Also under new business, the Fish Fry Dinners were discussed and a motion made and passed to hold 6 dinners, one each Friday night during Lent. Jim Lomax will chair this activity with fish, chips, coleslaw, bread, salad and member-baked-desserts being served with the addition of special menu items some weeks. Time will be 5-7pm. Jim’s phone number is 215-766-0707 if you can volunteer to help or bake.

   OTHER: Following the regular business meeting a discussion was held about the direction the members want the Grange to take during the next two years. Discussed was the need to continue youth support and the scholarship program – a goal of adding 10 new members this year, including a new pamphlet better directed at people who are starting small homesteads and farms, and presenting these pamphlets in places where such people would be present (i.e., Agway, Farm Vets, Extension Service, Feed Mills) – and the need to find more customers for the Farm Market.

   MEMBERS SICK, IN DISTRESS, OR GETTING BETTER: Betty Diamond was back playing the piano as usual despite her recent visit to Doylestown Hospital. Both Leanne and Myron Kressman have been under the weather. Jim Crooke is starting a new treatment. Donald Steeley, the younger, is having recurring problems with the growth in his ear.

   Respectfully submitted, Karen Moss, Secretary.

   Plumsteadville Grange / 4H Scholarships

   Members are reminded that Plumsteadville Grange is providing two yearly scholarships, of $500 (now named the Ellen Elaine Crooke Memorial Scholarship) for Bucks County 4H members and Plumsteadville Grange members’ children, one for agriculture based studies, and one for any study of choice. Students can reapply for study year 2 if they have maintained a grade pt average of 2.5, but they will also compete with new students applying for year1.

   Agriculture related students may apply in year 2 for a study of their choice. Students should apply to Plumsteadville Grange on a standard application form from the Extension Service . Application forms should be accompanied by a transcript of grades from school, an essay, and two letters of recommendation. Application forms are available at Bucks County Co – operative Extension office.

   Address applications to: Plumsteadville Grange, Box 335, 5901 Easton Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949. The deadlines for scholarship application entries is May 1^st 2015

   Contact Meg Lomax with queries on 215-766-9801or [email protected]

   The Plumsteadville Grange Executive Committee will be involved in the selection of students for the scholarships
   

   Code Blue Shelter Information

   Code Blue shelters offer refuge during periods of extreme, life-threatening weather (temperature of 26°F or below), there is free shelter available. Locally, the shelters below are open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. when the temperature hits 26°F or below. Free rides are available to the shelter.

   Call the Code Blue Hotline at (267) 450-5191 with any questions or to reserve a ride to the shelter.

   Shelter Information
   

   Feb. 1 – Mar. 31

   Salem Mennonite Church, 41 East Cherry Road in Quakertown

   If you need a ride to the shelter site in February or March, van rides will be provided from the following stops:

   • Quaker Village Shopping Center at 8:30 p.m.

   • Aldi’s parking lot in Quakertown at 8:50 p.m.

   Car rides will be provided from the following stops in February or March. Call (267) 450-5191 to request a ride.

   • Turkey Hill at Ottsville/Harrow at 8:20 p.m.

   • Perkasie Square Shopping Center at 8:30 p.m.

   Display Cabinet Dedication

   A display cabinet designed and crafted by our own Donel Moss was unveiled and dedicated to the memory of long-time Grangers Raymond Gross and Harold Steeley at the Grange Christmas party/ celebration held on December 6, 2013. The cabinet is constructed of walnut with crotch walnut trim on the doors, and will be used to display memorabilia from the almost 100-old chapter of our Order.

   This photo doesn’t’ do it justice – you have to see it to appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of this work of art.

   A note from the Steeley Family

   We sincerely thank the Grange for honoring Harold by dedicating this cabinet to his memory along with Ray Gross. Grange was an important facet in both of their lives, and both were interested in both its history and its future. Harold’s photo and the plaque he received as the 2000 PA State Granger of the Year will be donated for placement in the cabinet.

   Ruth Steeley
   

   Donald & Patti Steeley, Donald & David
   

   Jane & Mike Birk, Denise Conner
   

   Grangers at the PA Farm Show

   Don Steeley and Jane Birk attended the PA Farm Show on Tuesday, January 13. Along with seeing the sights, they attended the Grange legislative meeting.

   They also spent a few hours manning the PA State Grange information booth and were able to spend some time with our new State Master Beth Downey and Public Relations Director Stacey Ebersole. While there they sold some cook books and talked with potential members about the Grange.

   “Fill a Glass with Hope” was the theme of this year’s butter sculpture – The Fresh Milk Program helps to ensure hungry Pennsylvanians receive milk, and is a joint venture between the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Donations at the Farm Show were estimated to be $50,000.00. Every $1 donated is the equivalent of eight glasses of milk. For more information visit www.centralpafoodbank.org/milk
   

    

   Danboro 4-H News from the Farm Show

   Danboro 4-H’ers Isabelle Congdon, Sydney & Madison Ochoco and Elizabeth Wiltshire entered many family living exhibits and won many ribbons and awards at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show. Danboro 4-H Club’s Driving Cold Winter Away poster from the 2013 Christmas Play won Honorable Mention. This poster displays Plumsteadville Grange Thespians as well as the Danboro Drama members. Danboro 4-H Club appreciates the Plumsteadville Grange for all their support in helping the 4-Hers reach their highest potential!

   Madison Ochoco was awarded best of show ribbons for Senior 4-H textiles and Youth Quilt Block – Congratulations to Madison all our 4-H’ers!

   Grange Quilting Group

   The quilting group has been hard at work and the next work of textile art is now ready to raffle. The quilt is on display at the Grange hall.

   

   Raffle tickets are now on sale at all Grange functions – $2.00 per ticket, or 3 for $5.00, or contact any Grange member. Proceeds are used to fund Grange Farm Market improvements.

   Discovery Projects in Central America

   Discovery Projects founder Barbara Carlson reports that their teams spent three weeks in Honduras and are currently spending three weeks in Costa Rica. Please continue to support and pray for their teams in their efforts. Look for updates on their projects in a future newsletter.

   Photos Wanted

   If you have photos of the Christmas party or any other Grange related event, please send copies to Jane Birk at [email protected] for inclusion in our community service book to be submitted to State Grange.

    

   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 215-766-9801 or [email protected]

   Newsletter

   As always, if you have something to share or want to get the newsletter via email contact Jane Birk at 610-657-7668 or [email protected].

   Grange Refreshments

   A Grange meeting without refreshments is just a meeting – the informal time after a meeting is often the most fertile ground for discussion of ideas and forging new friendships. A sign-up sheet has been posted in the Grange Hall – please indicate which month you would like to provide refreshments.

   Like us on Face book –

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

   Member Concerns / Celebrations

   Please remember our shut-in members – they would appreciate a card or visit.

• Darwin Gruver, Saucon Manor, 1050 Main Street Hellertown, PA 18055
• Margaret Moyer 200 Veteran’s Lane, Apt.514, Doylestown, PA 18901
• Doris Hellerick -Lutheran Home at Telford, 12 Lutheran Drive, Telford, PA 18969.

“Vote” for our sister Granges

Middetown Grange Fair – has been nominated by Bucks Happening Magazine as a top outdoor event!!!…. click on the link below to vote: http://bucks.happeningmag.com/happeninglist/2015-everything-bucks-outdoor-event/ – You can only vote once per email address – so please share this link.

Keystone Grange #2 (Montgomery County) has been nominated on the Montco Charity Happenings page – to vote click on:

http://montco.happeningmag.com/happeninglist/everything-montco-2015/

January 14, 2015 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall
• Program: New Year – New Ideas

Come prepared to discuss your ideas of what you would like your Grange to accomplish, service projects, fun things to do, partnerships with other service organizations, programs, etc.

February 11, 2015 Plumsteadville Grange

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

Bravo, Bravo, Bravo.

Kudos to the Danboro 4-H and Grange Thespians for their wildly entertaining production of “Dick Whittington & his Cat” at the December Christmas celebration. Thanks go to all who worked behind the scenes to make things run smoothly.

Special recognition goes to our own Meg Lomax for her original writing and direction of a very talented and multi-faceted cast.

From the Master’s Desk

Jane D. Birk, Master/President, Plumsteadville Grange #1738

It was a real joy to see our hall filled to overflowing with more than 125 attendees at the Christmas celebration last month sharing food, fellowship, entertainment and song. A great time was had by all, and three large boxes of food were collected for the Lord’s Pantry.

Thanks go out to all who prepared food and helped with set up and clean up, particularly the “Moss Clan” and Jeni and Bob Mogg.

Officers/Executive Committee Meeting

Saturday, January 31 – 10 a.m. at the Grange Hall.

All officers and members of the Executive Committee are invited to attend this meeting to kick off the new year. Topics to discuss include:

• Goals and steps to complete them
• Fundraising & donations
• Activities, partnerships, etc.
• Priorities for Grange improvements
• Any other topics & ideas

Please RSVP to Jane Birk at 610-657-7668 or [email protected]

Help Needed for Grange Dinners

• Saturday, January 31 – 6 p.m. — Franklin Horse Company
• Thursday, February 12 – Noon — GrowMark (Esmond Crooke’s Farmers’ Group)

Help needed for preparation, service and clean up. Please Contact Annette Crooke 215-345-1276 with questions, or if you can provide a pie (or two). These dinners help raise funds – please help if you can.

Photos Wanted

If you have photos of the Christmas party, please send copies to Jane Birk at [email protected] for inclusion in our community service book to be submitted to State Grange.

A Note from Jim Diamond

Past Master, Plumsteadville Grange

Dear Plumsteadville Grange Members,

I am pleased to report that Betty is fully recovered from pneumonia after a four day visit to Doylestown Hospital.  She is not yet 100% but the doctor said she will get stronger and he does not want to see her for eight weeks.  Thank you Grange members for visiting Betty in the hospital and sending her Christmas cookies and flowers after she arrived home.

From the Desk of Marguerite Quinn

State Representative, 143rd Legislative District

As your state representative, there are many ways my office can be of assistance. My staff and I pledge to do anything we can to help make your state government more accessible and helpful to you.

• State tax forms.
  
• Status and Copies of PA House Bills and State Laws.
  
• Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals.
• Assistance with PennDOT paperwork (lost cards, changes, corrections, registration plates, placards, vanity plates).
• Assistance with Unemployment Compensation issues.
• Assistance with PA Department of Public Welfare programs
• Applications for Birth and Death Certificates.
• Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications.
• Voter registration forms and absentee ballot applications.
• House Citations and Certificates of Recognition to commemorate 50th anniversaries, 100th birthdays, special achievements like Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold awards, or other important occasions

Preparing for Unpredictable Weather

Don’t be caught off guard by the unpredictability of dangerous weather. Know the risks and take action to protect yourself, your family and your property. The time to prepare is now. Gather supplies for your emergency supply kit, make a plan, buy or check your generator, be ready to strengthen your home against storm damage and review your insurance coverage, including sump pump and flood insurance!

The following sites are resources for you to keep in mind when preparing for emergency weather situations:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA): www.ready.gov
• PA Emergency Management Agency’s (PEMA): www.readypa.org/portal/server.pt/community/readypa/21271

If you or someone you know is oxygen dependent, or has a health condition that would require special attention should an extended loss of power occur, please contact your Township emergency coordinator so he/she is aware of your situation.

Please feel free to stop by my office, call me at 215-489-2126, email me via [email protected] or visit me at RepQuinn.net or Facebook.com/RepQuinn if I can ever be of assistance.
You can also sign up on my website to receive my email updates. As always, I am here to serve my constituents the best that I can and I welcome your communications

Did You Know?

According to Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig, PA produced 23.4 million pounds of cabbage, 490.1 million pounds of pork and 191.4 million pounds of potatoes in 2013. That’s enough for each American to enjoy the PA Dutch staple – 1.3 pounds of pork and a cup of mashed potatoes drizzled with a quarter-cup of sauerkraut.

Member Concerns / Celebrations

Please remember our shut-in members – they would appreciate a card or visit.

• Darwin Gruver, Saucon Manor, 1050 Main Street Hellertown, PA 18055
• Margaret Moyer 200 Veteran’s Lane, Apt.514, Doylestown, PA 18901
• Doris Hellerick -Lutheran Home at Telford, 12 Lutheran Drive, Telford, PA 18969.

December 13, 2014 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Christmas Celebration / Pot Luck Dinner
• Save the Date – SATURDAY evening -6:30 pm
• Visit from St. Nick – Gifts for the children
• Entertainment by our own Grange/4-H Players: “Dick Whittington & his Cat”
• No regular monthly meeting in December

January 14, 2015 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall
• Program: New Year – New Ideas

Come prepared to discuss your ideas of what you would like your Grange to accomplish, service projects, fun things to do, partnerships with other service organizations, programs, etc.

From the Master’s Desk

Jane D. Birk, Master/President, Plumsteadville Grange #1738

It becomes my sad duty to report that Brother Harold Keeler long-time Plumsteadville Grange member passed away on November 21, 2014. He and his late wife Anna Mary were very active Plumsteadville Grange members until health problems made it impossible, and always enjoyed helping Grange dinners and other functions. We extend our sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.

Discovery Projects International

Barbara Carlson, Founder

Discovery Service Projects is going to Costa Rica again and are taking Food Bags to be filled with rice, beans, dry milk, sugar, and cornmeal – enough to feed a family for a week. For $12 a bag, it is a good opportunity for us to help our needy neighbors. Alan Powell will collect the money and see that it gets to Costa Rica. (due by the end of January) If anyone would like to decorate their bags, they will be available at the Christmas Dinner. For more information visit www.discoveryserviceprojects.org or view brochure at PlumsteadvilleGrange.org

Your Ticket for the Christmas Party –
Lord’s Pantry Donations

We are asking each person attending the Christmas Party to bring a non-perishable food item for the Lord’s Pantry Food Bank. Help us reach our goal to collect 100 pounds of food for the needy. Monetary donations are also welcome.

From the Desk of Marguerite Quinn

State Representative, 143rd Legislative District

Stopping Predators in Schools

The General Assembly passed legislation to prevent school employees accused of child abuse, sexual or physical, from quietly resigning and acquiring employment at another school district in the state. This practice is has been dubbed “passing the trash.” Under Act 168, anyone who applies to work directly in or around schools must provide detailed background information from all previous employers, including contact information, to be considered for employment. In turn, previous employers must provide the inquiring school entity with all requested background information regarding a former employee, explicitly pertaining to abuse allegations. Further, the law requires explicit disclosure from the applicant during the initial application process. The applicant is now required to indicate whether or not they have ever been disciplined, discharged, non-renewed, asked to resign from employment or separated from employment while allegations of such abuse or sexual misconduct were pending or under investigation. The law applies to all public schools, private schools, nonpublic schools, intermediate units and area vocational-technical schools in the Commonwealth.

Member Profile: Ruth Peters

By Toni Kellers

I was asked to interview Ruth Peters for our newsletter. Ruth is one of the treasures of our Plumsteadville Grange. She faithfully attends every meeting and does more than her share of the work at Grange activities. When we met briefly at the grocery one day I asked if we could get together, maybe at the next meeting so I could interview her then. She agreed. But then she sent me a letter that is better than anything I could write, so with her permission, I will copy it here.

Sept 7, 2014 – My husband “Tex” Peters and I grew up on farms in Doylestown Township and met in a one room school in Castle Valley. We were married 60 years until he passed in 2010. We moved to Danboro in 1953. Our son Ross lives in the Poconos and a daughter Alice in Chalfont. One granddaughter and one great granddaughter.

We started our Wish-Wood Holstein herd in the 60’s with 4 calves plus 2 4H heifers in a chicken house. Our herd grew quickly and a barn and acreage became available in Doylestown Twp. With a herd of 50 milking and 50 young stock we shipped milk from 1968 to 1996. We showed cows at the Middle-town Grange Fair, Farm Show, and All American Shows. We sold breeding stock all over the world.

I am 87 the oldest of 7 (all still living). I have volunteered with all youth groups, cub scouts, brownie scouts, 4H, Gayman School library when Gayman opened in 1960. Active with Danboro Community Assn. I’m going slower but I still enjoy baking for the Fish Fry and the Plumstead Fire Co. Auxiliary. I love reading.

There is an addendum to her information. She reminded me at a meeting that she had worked as a dental assistant for 8 years until she had children, and worked for 32 years at the Danboro Post Office after the children were in school. And by the way, the home in Danboro and the dairy in Doylestown Township are not exactly next door to each other. She remarked that Tex spent more time with the cows than he did with her!

Our community has many wonderful residents like Ruth – and they have great stories to tell. We must get busy and get those stories into print.

PA Hunters Helping Put a Halt to Hunger

Secretary of Agriculture George Greig will kick off the 23rd Hunters Sharing the Harvest deer donation program with partners from across the state at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank on Tuesday. Greig encourages hunters to donate a deer or just part of a deer to help those in need.

Plumsteadville Grange Meeting Minutes

The minutes for the November 2014 meeting of the Plumsteadville Grange as recorded by Karen Moss, secretary, are included in their entirety. Plumstead-ville Grange #1738 met November 12, 2014 at 7:30 pm. Present: Men -5, Women – 9, Total – 14

OPENING: The Grange opening ceremony was led by President, Jane Birk, followed by the roll call of officers and committee members. Minutes of the previous meeting of October 2014 were mailed/emailed with the monthly newsletter.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Present were President Jane Birk, Overseer Donald Steeley, Lecturer Katie Graham, Assistant Steward Don Moss, Lady Assistant Darlene Quiring, Treasurer Jim Lomax, Secretary Karen Moss, Ceres Meg Lomax, Flora Lynda Kling, Musician Betty Diamond.

GUESTS: None Present

PROGRAM: There was no program this month. The time usually allotted was used to present various honors received at the State Grange meeting including: Katie Graham’s 6th Degree, Fourth place award and $25 check for our community service book (prepared by Jane Birk) and also prepared by Jane, the Bucks County Pomona book first place award and $60 check.

Katie Graham gave a report on her experience at the State Grange meetings as a first timer, and presented materials she had gathered on activities we could participate in during the coming year.

It was noted that our Ruth Steeley’s first attendance at State Grange was in 1943 where she also received her 6th degree.

Jane Birk also gave a report on this year’s State Grange meeting with emphasis on the talk given about finding and keeping new members.

PROPOSALS FOR MEMBERSHIP: None this month.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Farm Market: Meg Lomax gave a year-end report on the Farm Market. In total we had 21 vendors and took in $894 from them in fees. $225 was spent on advertising, $210 on entertainment and $340 to pay the young people who set up, make coffee and help close the market. We received three large outdoor displays tables from Helen Whitmore which worked very well for the vendors and are light enough to be moved easily.

Building and Maintenance & Grounds: Don Moss has donated an eight foot ladder which he is keeping in the basement. It was needed to replace bulbs in the upstairs meeting room. The electrician has fixed the outside lights and the flag pole light. It was mentioned that we now need to do some repairs to the basement door.

Agriculture Committee: Don Steeley reported that the harvest is almost complete. Jim Diamond reported on the new state of the art bio secure pig barn being built at Del Valley College (soon to be University), with donations from Hatfield Meats. Hatfield will hire students who are trained there.

Quilting Group: This year’s quilt was presented to the winner and Grange member Lynda Kling. The quilt brought in over $800 in raffle ticket sales.

COMMUNICATIONS: We received a request from Danboro 4H’s leader, Linda Ochoco, for permission to put a “4H Meets Here” sign in front of the building.

Jane Birk received a letter from PA State Representative Margarite Quinn congratulating her on her new office as president.

We received a note from the Bucks County Horse Bowl team thanking us for our donation.

REPORTS TO POMONA AND STATE GRANGE: Reports for the quarter ending September 30, 2014 were mailed. We reported 111 members and paid $881 in dues to State Grange for that quarter.

TREASURER REPORTS: For the month ending October 31, 2014, Jim Lomax reported income of $869, expenses of $1,675. We also paid down the mortgage by $5,000.

OLD BUSINESS: A report was given by those who attended the dedication of the new Veterans Park (in front of Plumsteadville Christian School on Route 611, Plumsteadville).

NEW BUSINESS: Meg Lomax reported that the Christmas Party planning and play rehearsal is well under way. Betsy Wertz is painting scenery, our musician is arriving from France on the 20th. The cast includes children from 8 to 18 years of age and experienced members of the Grange.

We will be collecting food to be donated to the Ottsville Food Pantry at the Christmas Party, hopefully we will be able to give them 3 to 4 boxes of food.

Meg and friends will continue to visit those Grange members who can’t attend the Christmas Party and other Grange events. If anyone knows of members who need a visit, call Meg at 214-766-9801.

January’s meeting will be a brainstorming evening on our direction for the next two years.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Moss, Secretary.

Member Concerns / Celebrations

Please remember our shut-in members – they would appreciate a card or visit.

• Darwin Gruver, a long-time member, is a resident at Saucon Manor, 1050 Main Street Hellertown, PA 18055
• Margaret Moyer (daughter Kathy is a market vendor) 200 Veteran’s Lane, Apt.514, Doylestown, PA 18901
• Doris Hellerick is at the Lutheran Home at Telford, 12 Lutheran Drive, Telford, PA 18969
  

*****

Wishing EVERYONE a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY and Prosperous New Year .

Plumsteadville Grange Annual Christmas Dinner Saturday 13^th December at 6.30pm

• Pot luck dinner
  
• Visit from Santa Claus with Gifts for children
  
• Entertainment by our own Grange/4-H Players: “Dick Whittington & his Cat”
  
• Carol singing
  

Ham, rolls & drinks provided by the Grange- Last names A-L bring savory side dish, M-Z bring dessert

****

Remember your non-perishable food items for the Lord’s Pantry!

Plan to attend the largest agricultural event in the US. Stop by the PA Grange booth and say “hello”

November 12, 2014 – Plumsteadville Grange

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

December 13, 2014 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Christmas Celebration / Pot Luck Dinner
• Save the Date – SATURDAY evening -6:30 pm
• Visit from St. Nick – Gifts for the children
• Entertainment by our own Grange/4-H Players
• No regular monthly meeting in December

January 14, 2014 – Plumsteadville Grange

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

Plumsteadville Veterans Park –

Dedication Ceremony November 8, 9:00 a.m.

• Invite ALL VETERANS to attend and be recognized regardless of their branch and length of service
• Breakfast dishes are needed. For more information or if you can help, Contact Annette Crooke at 215-345-1276

Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market

• A BIG THANK YOU to our vendors, entertainers and customers for making the market season a success
• Vendors and customers turned out in costume to celebrate the last market day on Oct 25^th.

Elizabeth Downey Elected as New PA State Grange Master

Congratulations to Elizabeth “Beth” Downey on her election as Master of Pennsylvania State Grange at the 142^nd session held in Reading October 19-21.

Welcome New Members

Please join us in welcoming the following new members who have joined our order in the past quarter:

• Edna White
• Robert Mogg
• Helen Whitmore
• Jeni Minguez-Mogg
• David Barnhart

From the Desk of Marguerite Quinn

State Representative, 143rd Legislative District

LIHEAP Applications Now Available for 2014-2015

Eligible Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to apply for the 2014-2015 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a program that helps low-income people pay their heating bills through home energy assistance grants and crisis grants.

Cash grants are awarded based on household income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Crisis grants are provided in the event of a heating emergency, including broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced, lack of fuel, termination of utility service or danger of being without fuel or of having utility service terminated. In most counties, assistance with home heating crisis situations is available 24 hours a day.

The eligibility requirements for this year’s program can be found online at www.dpw.state.pa.us. After your application is reviewed, you will receive a written notice explaining you eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive, usually within 30 days. Payments are generally sent directly to a utility company or fuel dealer and are credited to your account.

If you’ve never applied for LIHEAP benefits before, you can apply online, on paper, or in person. To apply online, visit www.humanservices.state.pa.us to fill the application out on the Internet. On that same website you can download the application, print it and fill out your information and send it in to the Bucks County Assistance Office. Or if you’d prefer to fill out the application in person, you can visit the Bucks County Assistance Office and it will provide you with one.

If you applied for LIHEAP online last year, you should have received a postcard from the Department of Public Welfare encouraging you to reapply online this year. The postcard has a pre-registration number on it, which gives the applicant access to an online application that has already been filled out with their information from last year. Clients then simply have to ensure the information online is correct and update anything that may have changed, such as an address. All online applications are sent straight to the county office to determine eligibility, thereby eliminating mail and hand processing time.

Prior applicants who did not apply online last year should have received a paper application in the mail.

The Department of Public Welfare may extend or shorten the program depending upon the availability of federal funds. For more information or to apply online, call my district office in Doylestown at (215) 489-2126 or visit www.RepQuinn.net.

Plumsteadville Grange Minutes

The minutes for the October 2014 meeting of the Plumsteadville Grange as recorded by Don Moss, acting secretary, are included in their entirety. Plumsteadville Grange #1738 met October 8th at 7:30 pm.

OPENING: The Grange opening ceremony was led by Jane Birk, President, followed by the roll call of officers and committee members. Minutes of the previous meeting of September 2014 were mailed/emailed with the monthly newsletter.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Present were President Jane Birk, Overseer Donald Steeley, Lecturer Katie Graham, Assistant Steward Don Moss, Chaplain Tony Townsend, Treasurer Jim Lomax, Ceres Meg Lomax, Flora Lynda Kling, Musician Betty Diamond.

GUESTS: Leader of the Horse Bowl Team, Nancy Hottle and members, Madison Helveil, Joahna Supple, Angeline Scott, Nicole Scott. Beth Supple and Tami Helveil, parents of team members. House guest of the Diamonds, Cezary Tkaczuk, Professor of Plant Protection, University of Siedlce, Siedlce, Poland.

PROGRAM: Presentation by the Bucks County 4H Horse Bowl Team.

PROPOSALS FOR MEMBERSHIP: Welcome to new members Helen Whitmore of Pipersville, Robert Mogg also of Pipersville, and our Farm Market pie maker extraordinaire, Edna White of Chalfont.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:.

Farm Market: The last market of this year will be October 25th. There will be games and goodie bags for the children and a Halloween costume contest for all.

Building and Maintenance & Grounds: An electrician has been contacted to fix outside lights, flag light and trouble lights.

COMMUNICATIONS: We received a letter from Alice Betts and Marian Lowes donating $30 for the newsletter.

TREASURER REPORTS: Income for the month ending September 30, 2014 was $1881.82. Expenses, $5187.72 including $1,693 that we paid in sales tax for the snack bar and $1,189 in expenses related to the apartments.

OLD BUSINESS: Date for the Christmas Party, Potluck Dinner and Play will be Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Our Plumsteadville Grange seal, which is used on all official documents, has been missing. If anyone has it or knows where to look for it, contact Karen Moss 215-766-0707.

Meg Lomax gave thanks to Jim Diamond of his years of work as Plumsteaville Grange’s Master.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Moss, Secretary.

2014 Quilt Raffle – We Have a Winner !!

At the closing day of the Farm Market the lucky ticket was drawn – and the winner is Lynda Kling of Ottsville. The raffle raised a total of $867 to be used for improvements to the Grange/Annex properties.

Didn’t win? No worries, the quilting group has another beautiful work of art ready to be unveiled.

Farm-City Dinner at Keystone Grange

Celebrate National Farm-City Week – Nov. 21-27

It would be our delight if you would join us for the annual Farm-City Dinner Catered by Phamous Phils BBQ of TV Food Network Fame – Friday November 21st 6:45 pm, St Luke’s Church, 192 West Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426, Featuring keynote speaker: Former PA Secretary of Agriculture and current Delaware Valley College Dean Russell Redding -Cost: $18.00 person ($15 for children 12 and under) Choice of Chopped Brisket or Smoked Sliced Ham or Baked Ziti – (sides include tossed salad, homemade coleslaw, baked beans and potato casserole) bring a dessert to share

PLEASE RSVP BY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14

You may call Gene at 484-948-6916 or email [email protected] Or mail your payment to: (checks payable to Keystone Grange #2). Farm City Dinner, 250 East Third Avenue, Trappe, PA 19426

VOTE – Nov. 4^th

The Grange is non-partisan, but we believe in the power of each individual vote – we encourage each of you to excerise your right to vote by casting your ballot for the candidate(s) of your choice on Nov. 4^th

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]

Did You Know?

According to Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig, PA’s apple crop is estimated at 11.2 million bushels this year which would be enough for every person today in the U.S. to have an apple a day for two years. Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Grange Refreshments

A Grange meeting without refreshments is just a meeting – the informal time after a meeting is often the most fertile ground for discussion of ideas and forging new friendships. A sign-up sheet has been posted in the Grange Hall – please indicate which month you would like to provide refreshments.

Like us on Face book

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

Newsletter

As always, if you have something to share or want to get the newsletter via email contact Jane Birk at 610-657-7668 or [email protected].

Member Concerns / Celebrations

• Charles Rizzo is recovering from a recent knee replacement surgery.
• Harold Keeler is in again rehab after a recent hospitalization for injuries occurring from a fall. He would appreciate cards and visitors at Manor Care Health Services, 640 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA 18936. Phone: (215) 368-4350.
• Darwin Gruver, a long-time member, is a resident at Saucon Manor, 1050 Main Street Hellertown, PA 18055
• Margaret Moyer (daughter Kathy is a market vendor) 200 Veteran’s Lane, Apt.514, Doylestown, PA 18901
• Doris Hellerick is at the Lutheran Home at Telford, 12 Lutheran Drive, Telford, PA 18969

Up to 20 artists will be displaying  their work Coffee and snacks available + additional; goodies for purchase from farm market vendor M & E Edibles

Save The Date – Christmas Celebration

Plumsteadville Grange Annual Christmas Dinner Saturday 13^th December at 6.30pm

• Pot luck dinner
  
• Dedication of display cabinet in memory of Raymond Gross and Harold Steeley
  
• Visit from Santa Claus
  
• Christmas Play
  
• Carol singing
  
• The invitation will be in the December Newsletter
  

 If you are bringing children please contact Meg Lomax before December 1^st.

Box 335, 5901 Easton Rd.
Plumsteadville, PA 18949

www.plumsteadvillegrange.org

October 8, 2014 – Plumsteadville Grange

• Monthly Meeting – 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall
• Program: Presentation by Bucks County Horse Bowl Team and Pie Making Contest
• Refreshments: Winning pies & runners up

November 12, 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 through October

Farm Market upcoming events

• October 25 – Last Day of the Season
  • Halloween / Harvest Celebration
  • Costume Contest
  • Quilt will be Raffled Off – BE THERE
• Visit our face book page for the most up to date information.

Put your pie to the test …

Bring your best pie … no six figure prize, but one entrants will walk away with a blue ribbon and bragging rights. Entries, whether winners or runners up will be served for refreshment following the meeting.

From the Master’s Desk

Jane D. Birk, Master, Plumsteadville Grange #1738

“First female Master of Plumsteadville Grange” – a milestone for us, but I will be following in the BIG footsteps of many female Masters, including PA State Grange past Master Betsy Huber. The Grange is unique among fraternal organizations in that from its inception – 150 years ago – men and women were equally accepted into full voting membership. Grange doctrine dictates that four offices be filled with women: Lady Assistant Steward, Ceres, Pomona and Flora – but in no way restricts women from taking any other office. I truly appreciate the confidence the membership has placed in my hands.

In this new endeavor, I welcome your input as the members of our organization as to what direction you
want our Grange to take as we approach our 100^th anniversary. What do you think? Have ideas for new projects? Enhancements? Come to our meetings to present your ideas, or you can contact me at 610-657-7668 or by email: [email protected]

State Grange Session – October 18-20

Katie Graham and Jane Birk will be attending the State session in Reading, PA as voting representatives of Plumsteadville Grange. Any member in good standing is welcome to attend the session, and take the sixth degree which will be conferred on Saturday, October 18. For more info visit www.pagrange.org.

From the Past Master’s Desk

James E. Diamond, Past Master, Plumsteadville Grange #1738

Thank You Steve Byrne. On behalf of all the members of Plumsteadville Grange #1738 we thank you profusely for the commitment and dedication you provided to cause the resounding success of the Plumsteadville Grange Food Booth at the 2014 Middletown Grange Fair.   Steve, your modus operandi in working with people is so unique that it reflects these leadership traits: planner, administrator, controller, director and coordinator.  Furthermore you are a master at being sensitive to volunteer emotional needs, compassionate, understanding and you freely express your appreciation to volunteers for their assistance.  I personally want to commend you for being who you are and your interest in serving the Grange by implementing a major fund raising endeavor.  Plumsteadville Grange is very fortunate to have you as the Executive Director of the annual Grange -Food Booth.  Again thank you.-

From the Desk of Marguerite Quinn

State Representative, 143rd Legislative District

There’s Still Time to Apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application deadline has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. The program provides property tax and rent relief for eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with permanent disabilities age 18 and older.

The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Fifty percent of Social Security income is excluded when determining eligibility. The maximum standard rebate is $650.

For more information or an application, contact my office at 1032 N. Easton Road in Doylestown, telephone 215-489-2126, or visit the Department of Revenue’s website. After July 1, claimants who already applied for rebates may check the status of claims online or by calling, toll-free 1-888-PATAXES

Don’t Miss Out on Tax Relief!

The Taxpayer Relief Act was signed into law by Governor Rendell on June 27, 2006. The law provides for property tax reduction allocations to be distributed by the Commonwealth to each school district, and the state funds must then be used to reduce local residential school property tax bills. Property tax reduction will be through a “homestead or farmstead exclusion.” Under a homestead or farmstead property tax exclusion, the assessed value of each homestead or farmstead is reduced by the amount of the exclusion before the property tax is computed.

To receive school property tax relief for the tax year beginning July 1, 2015 the form must be filed by

March 1, 2015. Your school district is required to notify you by December 31st of each year if your property is not approved for the homestead or farmstead exclusion or if your approval is due to expire.

If you purchase a new house, make a change to your deed, amend your property lines or amend names on your deed for a variety of reasons, your original Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion is voided. Therefore, you must resubmit an application to the Bucks County Board of Assessment to be included in a future distribution of gambling revenue.

If you have not already, you can download a form from the Bucks County Board of Assessments at www.buckscountyboa.org or you can contact my office at 215-489-2126 and we will be happy to send one to you directly.

Plumsteadville Grange Minutes –

The minutes for the September 9th, 2014 meeting of the Plumsteadville Grange as recorded by Karen Moss, secretary, are included in their entirety. Plumsteadville Grange #1738 met September 9th at 7:30 pm. Present Men – 7, Women – 10 , Youth – 0 Total – 17

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 July 2014 were mailed/emailed with the monthly newsletter.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: Present – Master Jim Diamond, Overseer Donald Steeley, Lecturer Darlene Quiring, Assistant Steward Don Moss, Chaplain Tony Townsend, Treasurer Jim Lomax, Secretary Karen Moss, Ceres Ruth Steeley, Pomona Toni Kellers, Flora Jane Birk, Musician Betty Diamond, Executive Committee Steve Byrne.

PROPOSALS FOR MEMBERSHIP: Jeni Minguez-Mogg of River Road in Pipersville recommended by Jim Diamond, Helen Whitmore from Smithtown Road in Pipersville recommended by Meg and Jim Lomax, and David Barnhart (and family) from Glenside recommended by Karen Moss. Welcome to all!

INDUCTION OF CANDIDATES: The following officers for 2014-2016 were inducted into office by Master Jim Diamond with the assistance as marshals of Lynda and Larry Kling:

• President Jane Birk, the first woman president/ master in Plumsteadville Grange’s history
• Overseer Donald Steeley
• Lecturer Katie Graham
• Assistant Steward Don Moss
• Lady Assistant Steward Darlene Quiring
• Chaplin Tony Townsend
• Treasurer Jim Lomax
• Secretary Karen Moss
• Ceres Meg Lomax
• Pomona Toni Kellers
• Flora Lynda Kling
• Executive Committee Donald Steeley
• Musician Betty Diamond

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Farm Market: Meg Lomax reported that the market is still going strong. A food preservation workshop is being presented by the Doylestown Food Alliance in conjunction with the Farm Market this coming Saturday.

Building and Maintenance & Grounds: Don Moss reported that the Fire Marshall “failed” the Grange building for not having the emergency lights in working order. He was able to find the needed lights and batteries to make the repairs and that they will be fixed this coming Saturday. Donald Steeley reminded us that an electrician is needed to do repair to the back lights.

Legislative Report: Jim Diamond reported that he was met and talked to Tom Wolfe, Marguerite Quinn and Chuck McIlhinney.

Grange Fair Snack Booth: Steve Byrne gave a detailed accounting of the expenses and income for this year’s Snack Booth and the equipment changes. We were unable to obtain a refrigerator truck this year but made do with more beverage tubs and frequent deliveries. Next year we will have available more space in the walk-in refrigeration. He (and all of those present) gave a big thanks of appreciation to Kevin Kinny for his work on the grill. Profit for Plumsteadville Grange was $12,394 with another $9,440 going to Middletown Grange. Steve also reported that he has written a letter recommending Rylee Cassel to the National Honor Society, outlining her service at the Snack Bar. Thank you to all the volunteers who made this year’s Snack Bar run smoothly and profitably.

REPORTS TO POMONA AND STATE GRANGE: Have been submitted.

TREASURER REPORTS: The bank which has been handling our accounts for the last two years has been sold to Provident Bank of New Jersey. Jim Lomax reported that the switch has gone smoothly and that we are still able to use the Doylestown location. Our income for this month was $30,261, expenses $24,725, including Snack Bar expenses and property taxes.

NEW BUSINESS: Meg Lomax requested a small budget for props for this year’s Christmas play. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to allot $500 with any excess passing over to next year’s play.

State Grange has increased the dues we pay to them for each of our members to $44 this year. A motion was made, seconded and passed to charge our members $40 for the year 2014-2015 (bill to arrive in October) and subsidize the remaining $4.

A motion was made, seconded and passed to have a pie contest at October’s meeting. Steve Byrne will be judge.

There will be goodie bags made for the children at the last market day in celebration of Halloween. A motion was made, seconded and passed for Meg to purchase the goodies and the grange to pay the bill.

MEMBERS SICK OR IN DISTRESS: And members doing well! Lillian Shull has been attending the Farm Market and looks great. Harold Keeler fractured his femur, has been in rehab and can be found at Manor Care Health Services Lansdale, 640 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA 18936. Send a card!

Respectfully submitted, Karen Moss, Secretary.

Farm Market – Vendors Make it Unique

Plumsteadville Grange has been blessed with some unique vendors who sell their goods at the Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market. It is the vendors that make the Market such a success. The rule for selling products at the Market is “Either you make it or grow it.” This trait is what makes the Market unique because the products are truly produced or made locally and are sold by local vendors. The Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market is open for business from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm each Saturday until ending the last Saturday of October. For further information about the Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market, contact Meg Lomax at 215-766-9801.

Exquisiteness Found In Wood

Mr. Lester Heacock a retired lumberman exhibits his exquisite woodturnings at the Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market weekly. His unique works include bowls, vases, goblets, candleholders, pen and pencil holders, and much more. His products are for sale weekly and he can accept specialty orders by telephoning him at 215-345-6256

Did You Know?

• According to Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Grieg, PA dairy farm families’ cows produce 10.5 billion pounds of milk annually, which would be more than 19 billion cups of milk. That would be enough milk for each Pennsylvanian – and 90% of Maryland’s population – to consume their three-a-day dairy for a year.
• PA leads the nation in mushroom production with 69 mushroom farms producing both fresh market mushrooms and mushrooms for processing valued at nearly $480 million according to the 2011 census?

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]

Grange Refreshments

A Grange meeting without refreshments is just a meeting – the informal time after a meeting is often the most fertile ground for discussion of ideas and forging new friendships. A sign-up sheet has been posted in the Grange Hall – please indicate which month you would like to provide refreshments.

Like us on Face book

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

Change in the Newsletter

The heading of “Members Sick or In Distress” is changing to “Member Concerns / Celebrations“. In addition to being an area to share concern for our shut-in members and those facing health issues it will also be a place to announce happy events such as a milestone birthday or anniversary, graduation, special achievement, etc.

As always, if you have something to share or want to get the newsletter via email contact Jane Birk at 610-657-7668 or [email protected].

Member Concerns / Celebrations

• Harold Keeler is in rehab, recovering from a broken leg. He would appreciate cards and visitors at Manor Care Health Services, 640 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA 18936. Phone: (215) 368-4350.
• Darwin Gruver, a long-time member, is a resident at Saucon Manor, 1050 Main Street Hellertown, PA 18055
• Margaret Moyer (daughter Kathy is a market vendor) 200 Veteran’s Lane, Apt.514, Doylestown, PA 18901
• Doris Hellerick is at the Lutheran Home at Telford, 12 Lutheran Drive, Telford, PA 18969

The 2014 Quilt will be raffled off at the last day of the Farm Market Season – October 25^th. You only have a few short weeks left to get in on the action — 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! You do not have to be present to win, so get those entries in!

Box 335, 5901 Easton Rd.
Plumsteadville, PA 18949

www.plumsteadvillegrange.org

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

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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.

Box 335, 5901 Easton Rd.
Plumsteadville, PA 18949

www.plumsteadvillegrange.org