| I'm sure there are not too many people around here that are looking for more things to do. Sometimes we don't realize just how much we are involved in until it starts bunching up on the calendar, but somehow we manage to get through it and accomplish what needs to be accomplished. Most of the time the activities that crowd in on us are things that we have chosen to do because we want to participate, as opposed to being required to do them. The Grange offers opportunities for us to do activities of personal interest, while at the same time providing a forum for community betterment.
It is a given that communities need organization to really be much of a community. While one of the definitions of community is "a place where people live" the other five definitions include some form of interaction or bond, which is only possible if people join and work together for the stated cause.
The unfortunate aspect of community organization is that many times it revolves around single issues. An issue arises, a group is formed, money is raised, enthusiasm is high, the issue is addressed, enthusiasm wanes, the group disbands, all of this in a relatively short period of time. Long term commitments to community welfare, lasting friendships, extended working relationships, etc., rarely develop from these ventures. While organizations of this nature are important and have their place, when it comes to the big picture, other venues excel.
As the Grange is neither a single issue nor single sex organization with 140 years of experience nationally (88 years in this town) it is well suited to provide the forum to address issues, and has the advantage of already being organized, with it's own facility. In addition to this, it offers any number of educational, social, and recreational activities for member participation, should there be a desire to do so. A five minute look around this website will offer a lot of insight.
For those of you outside of the Grange, consider what is offered to you personally as well as the opportunity to work for a better community. For those of you who are members, check out this site, as there may be an activity unknown to you that is of interest. Questions are always welcomed.
Al Fine
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