The Knox County Pomona Grange met for the first time since October 2020 at Morgan Grange on Monday, March 15, 2021.
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Worthy Master Lonnie Totten. Opening song was "When Irish Eyes are Smiling." Sixteen officers and members were present.
Legislative Director Margaret Ann Ruhl reported that even though many meetings are cancelled, the legislature is still working. Two bills we are supporting at the Ohio Legislature are House Bill 122 on the Telehealth Expansion and House Bill 135 on the Copay Accumulator. Ruhl also read the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and what is in it, which does include the $1,400 stimulus check for individuals earning up to $75,000 and dependents. The National Grange is hosting a Virtual Legislative Fly-In from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 7. It will include updates from the Biden White House and agendas on Capitol Hill. Any grange member can register through the National Grange to participate.
Family Activities Chairperson Mary Jewell reported that the County Baking Contest was conducted tonight and the results will be reported by County Deputy Cindy Campbell.
County Deputy Cindy Campbell did report on the County Baking Contest with oatmeal cake winner Dorthy Hughes first, Priscilla Arnholt second; nougat candy winner Dee Smith first, Cindy Campbell second and June Myers third; jam tart winner, Will Smith, with Dee Smith and Priscilla Arnholt in a tie for second place; and scotcharoos winner Lonnie Totten first and Ned Campbell second. Thank you to Austin Campbell for judging, and these winners will go to State Grange in May. Cindy Campbell challenged us to contact the Ohio State Grange for the contest in 2022 to make less sugary recipes.
County Deputy Cindy Campbell also reported on the 2020 County Grange challenge winners: First place went to Morgan Grange, second place to Monroe-Dan Emmett and third place to Wayne Grange. Each received a cash award. Winners from the virtual October 2020 Ohio State Grange convention were Matt Moore and Wayne Grange for grange teacher of the year; Phillip (Skip) and Beverly Edwards, and Wayne Grange for grangers of the year; and Wayne Grange for community service spotlight on service for his participation in the Fredericktown Farmers Market. Diane Smith was recognized for Pomona Secretary by State Grange Secretary Deb Hamilton.
County Deputy Cindy Campbell announced the schedule changes for inspections to be April 5 for Monroe-Dan Emmett Grange, April 9 for Morgan Grange, April 16 for Wayne Grange, April 19 for Pomona Grange (at Morgan Grange), May 20 for Middlebury Grange and June 22 for Harrison Grange. Campbell also reported on the membership conference hosted by Daryl Flowers as a virtual Zoom meeting. Flowers stressed the importance of getting new members to join the grange as the membership is growing older and we are losing more members than we are gaining. They are working on a playbook to help the granges but must have uniform meetings and keep social media current.
County Deputy Cindy Campbell attended the Jan. 30 Deputy meeting, which was virtual through Zoom. Twenty-seven of the 36 county deputies did participate in the meeting. The next meeting will be May 1 at Sugarcreek, with the State Grange baking contest judging.
The Ohio State Grange has its annual Spring-Fling as one meeting, but this year it will be two different times and places. Miami County will host it on May 15, and Stark County will host it on May 22. Same program, just making it easier for grangers to attend.
The Legislative Conference has been postponed to 9:30 a.m. on June 12 at Newark's Doubletree Hotel in downtown Newark. Speakers will be on active shooter and scams as well as an update on pending legislation.
Rural Life Services for the Ohio State Grange will be at Greer Wesley Church on May 2, with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., church services at 10:30 a.m., lunch at 1 p.m. and the Rural Life Services at 2 p.m.
The Talent Contest will be June 19, hopefully at the Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon, with a deadline to enter of May 31.
The County Grange challenge will be a project that Middlebury granger David Daniels has been working on for our veterans. He would like to purchase banners — like Mount Gilead does — to display in downtown Mount Vernon. Hopefully, more at the next meeting.
Remember, the month of April is National Grange Month. Do whatever you can to promote grange in the month.
Dee Smith reported on the Knox County Fair and the Pop Committee. There is to be a fair this year, and she will need help to man the pop stands again this year.
A Thank you card was read from Madison Grange for the cash support from Pomona Grange, signed by Mary Smith.
The Lecturer's program by JoAnn Walton featured readings by members on the Grange Train. Readers were Cathy Morey, Mary Jewell, Margaret Ann Ruhl and Belinda Litt.
Everyone was to bring a stuffed bunny for the Bunny's for Babes project.
The last item was "guess the number of candies in the candy jar," which was won by Dee Smith.
Announcements of members in need were Marie Walker (knee), Rita Smith (heart), Dorthy Hughes (knee), Brian Wynkoop (dialysis), Elaine Hillier (dialysis), Helen Totten (fall), Skip Edwards (stomach) and Esther Balcom (extended care).
Congratulations to Tommy and Sarah Howard on their new expected baby girl, and to Dee and Will Smith on their recent marriage.
The next meeting will be April 19 at Morgan Grange for inspection, starting at 7 p.m.
The meeting closed in regular form.
Submitted by reporter Margaret Ann Ruhl
