Wayne Grange

Wayne Grange met on March 18, at 7 p.m. with Master Jordan Miller presiding. There were 14 members, six children and three guests present.

The charter was draped in memory of Don Walters, a member who passed away earlier this year. 

Margaret Ann Ruhl reported that the annual Legislative Conference is coming up on Saturday, April 23. It will be held at the Cardinal Center outside of Marengo. Ruhl has Justice Sharon Kennedy, Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda, Jenny Camper and the Morrow County Sheriff's Office coming to speak, so far. Ruhl is working on a couple of legislators to come also. Ruhl is also working with the Ohio State Grange on a podcast. First one should be this month.

Deputy Cindy Campbell was present to do our annual inspection. With the inspection, it was decided to have the second degree presented. With no outside candidates, the five of the six children walked with the assistant stewards. It was a sight to see them marching in line around the hall.

Bev Edwards, Family Activities chair, announced that the March trustees' dinner went well, but the cost of the meat was an increase. We might have to increase our charge for the meals. Also, Thursday, March 24, we served a dinner to the Baldwin Shriners at the grange hall. There were about 25 Shriners present.

Legislative chair Jordan Miller announced that not much happening in Ohio legislature as they are still working on getting the redistricting maps done. We don't know if the May primary will be in May or at a later date.

Sarah Howard is one of the state youth directors. She gave a report on the state youth trip to Cleveland last January. They had a great time and the snow stayed away for that weekend. Howard also reported that junior/youth had a combined fun day at the Ohio State Grange on March 5. They had a zoom meeting with National Grange and they worked on crafts and baking. Howard said the juniors had a lock down on Saturday, March 26, at the Ohio State Grange. State president/master Sue Roy hosted them at the zoo and then back at the Ohio State Grange for an overnight experience.

Deaf chairperson Cathy Morey reported that she would attend the State Deaf Zoom meeting on Saturday, March 19. Morey was looking forward to this new adventure for her on a Zoom meeting.

Margaret Ann Ruhl reported that she and Cindy Campbell with David Dalrymple reviewed the financials.

Jordan Miller reported that the County Dartball League was completed. Wayne Grange placed fourth in the league. The county tournament was March 27 at Morgan Grange, lunch was served at noon. The state dartball tournament was April 2 starting at 10 a.m. at the Old High School on Columbus Road, Fredericktown. The county granges helped with the luncheon. Results will be reported later.

Congratulations to secretary Cathy Morey for being recognized as a distinguished secretary for the sixth year. State secretary Deb Hamilton sent a letter thanking Morey for getting the reports to her in a timely manner.

Master Jordan Miller announced the new annual password was received and gave it to all the members.

Deputy master Cindy Campbell announced the annual Farm-City Dinner is back on this year with some changes. It is the 64th annual dinner and it will be catered and no potluck. The place has moved from the Mount Vernon City School to the Ramser 4-H Center. It will be April 18 with doors opening at 6 p.m. Dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. at a cost of $5.00 each. You must make a reservation to have enough food with it being catered. There will be door prizes and there will be a distinguished granger from each grange. Campbell has two very good speakers lined up for the entertainment. Wayne agreed to give money as door prizes.      

Baking contest was held with a rippled coffee cake, two entries with Bev Edwards winning; can't leave alone bars with two entries and Bev Edwards winning; Mr. Brumbaugh's soft double chocolate chip cookies and three entries with Margaret Ann Ruhl winning. The winners will send their entries to Knox County Pomona Grange for the county contest.

New business was brought up about the upcoming farmer's market and if we want to participate in it this year. More discussion at the next month's meeting. David Dalrymple asked if we were going to participate in the annual Fredericktown Garage Sale. It will be June 4. More on this at the next meeting.

Lecturer's program was presented by Dee Smith. A candy jar was passed around with all guessing the number of candy bars in the jar. Belinda Litt won with 34. The National Grange presented a suggestion for programs and Smith read the first one. She asked if we knew the degree spring is talked about in the grange manual. Of course, it is the first degree. Smith also had the grange roster from 1955-1956 and asked questions from that roster. Lastly, Smith read a quiz on the names of candy.

Members to be remembered were Mary Beutel for her hip replacement, John Beutel for his heart, Pat Ebersole for her knee, David Morey for being recently hospitalized and Josh Morey update on his progress after a long battle starting with COVID.

Cindy Campbell thanked all that participated in the inspection and loved seeing all the children. She strongly encouraged them to be active in a Junior Grange, including putting up a fair booth.

Meeting was closed in the usual form and the next meeting will be Friday, April 15, at 7 p.m.

Submitted by Margaret Ann Ruhl, Reporter