National Grange
National Grange Master Ed Luttrell of Oregon and New York State Grange Master Steve Coye of upper New York state recently toured the state and visited Fredonia Grange No. 1 (the first working Grange in the nation). An open house was held from 7 to 9 p.m. and refreshments and informal socializing following.
Fredonia Mayor Steven Keefe presented a special proclamation regarding the Grange as they stood below the collective portraits of the Seven Founders of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry (Grange).
NYS Grange Chaplain Martha Woolley, Regional Junior Deputy Linda Kesby, Chautauqua County Pomona Master Lois Kesby, Fredonia Master Tom Hebeisen and Secretary Carol Wozniak participated.
Luttrell explained through Power Point, video and enthusiastic verbal information to explain the theme "American Values, Hometown Roots," and the opportunities available today.
The National Grange, founded in 1867, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, fraternal organization that advocates for rural America and agriculture. With a strong history of grassroots activism, family values and community service, the Grange is a part of more than 2,700 hometowns across the United States. To learn more, visit www.nationalgrange.org.
An application can be downloaded, and people may apply for associate membership or direct membership.
Fredonia Shakespeare Club
Fredonia Shakespeare Club members celebrated the conclusion of the 20112012 year with their annual picnic in the gardens of the home of incoming President Mrs. John VanScoter, assisted by fellow officers Vice President Julian Garretson and Secretary Brian Woods.
Following the luncheon, outgoing President Homer Garretson opened the meeting by thanking her fellow officers for their support and hard work over the past year. Dr. Minda Rae Amiran gave the secretary's annual report, which included the fall tea, the presentations of papers over the year, the birthday celebration of William Shakespeare, as well as other club related business. Mrs. Victor Jonus gave the annual treasurer's report.
VanScoter then thanked the outgoing officers and began the process of completing next year's calendar. Papers for the upcoming year will be on a variety of authors and their writings under the topic of "Authors as Social Commentators." After selecting an author, members chose a date for presentation of their paper as well as a date to serve as hostess for the upcoming year. The annual fall tea will be held on Oct. 4 at the Presbyterian Church in Fredonia.
