Grays River Grange #124

Farmers Market Tuesday July 14th

Grays River Farmers Market 12 - 5pm

Locavore Dinner 6:30

Regualar Meeting 7:30

State Convention Report

By Darlene Ammer - Secretary,

The Washington State Grange held its 120^th  annual convention in Longview June 17^th – 20^th.  As reported previously, Grays River Grange member Donna Moody was elected State Coordinator of Women’s Activities (CWA).  Donna has held the Grays River Grange CWA position and the Southwest Region CWA Director position for a number of years and does a remarkable job.  With Donna as the state coordinator, the CWA program is in excellent hands.  As the State Coordinator, Donna will travel throughout the state talking to subordinate Granges about CWA.  Interim State Grange Master, June Hendrickson, was officially nominated and elected as State Grange Master.

The Gray River Grange presented a resolution to the State Grange requesting support of keeping Naselle Youth Camp open if future actions from the Governor’s office slate the juvenile corrections facility for closure.  The closing the camp would be an economic disaster for both Pacific and Wahkiakum counties. Our resolution passed at the State Grange Convention.  The Washington State Grange will support and lobby for Naselle Youth Camp, if necessary, during the next legislative session.  As an employee Naselle Youth Camp, I truly appreciate this support.  Grays River Grange resolutions regarding I-872 failed to be adopted at this year’s session.

Other resolutions discussed at this year’s convention included honey bee research, opposition of mass registration of fire arms, and interstate trucking laws.  These are just a few of the many resolutions our delegates debated that either passed or failed.  

Grays River Member Elected State Officer

At the State Grange Convention in Longview, June 20th 2009, Grays River #124 member Donna Moody was elected State Coordinator of Women's Activities (CWA).

Mrs. Moody is the CWA for Grays River and also did the duties for the southwest region of our state.

Congratulations to Donna!!!!

GRANGE EVENTS For Tuesday June 23

Grays River Farmers Market at Meserve Park

12 - 5pm

LOCAVORE Dinner 6:30

Regular Grange Meeting 7:30

Novoselic Withdraws Candidacy

I've officially withdrawn my candidacy and this protest is over. 

However, the serious issues regarding our freedom of association still stand. It is wrong for The State to take control of the name of a group without permission.

There's still much confusion regarding the right of association. People want free association and they don't want it. Whatever - this mess is in front of judge and it will be resolved one way or another.

There is indeed a Grange Party - we have it during the holidays with good food, sweets, caroling and even a visit from Santa!

The Grays River Grange is moving forward in faith, in hope, in charity and with fidelity.

In Fellowship,

Krist Novoselic - Master

Grays River Covered Bridge Celebration August 1st

This year’s Covered Bridge Celebration is on Saturday, August 1^st, 2009 and registration to be a vendor or to be involved in the walk/run is now being accepted. If you are interested in being a part of this year’s festivities, please contact the Wahkiakum Community Foundation at (360)777-8300.

Grange News Friday

Novoselic running blog on "Grange Party" at Seattle Weekly.

Tuesday, June 9th

Grays River Farmers Market  - 12 to 5pm

Locavore Dinner - 6:30pm

Regular Meeting 7:30pm

Krist Novoselic Is Running For Office

Prefers Grange Party

I am running for public office in Wahkiakum county. On the ballot I will state that I Prefer Grange Party.

Voters might not be aware that the Grange is a non-partisan organization that DOES NOT offer candidates for public office. And the Grange may spend time and money to try and make this clear through media communications. However, under state law in Washington, the Grange cannot rebut my party preference on the public ballot – the only place a voter is guaranteed to see my claim.

So How Can This Be?

In May of 2008, the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed my right to run as a Grange candidate regardless of what anyone in this venerable organization thinks. I could have chosen other local groups like American Legion, Rotary or Lions Club but Grange suited me best. In fact, I’m also chairman of the Wahkiakum County Democratic Central Committee but people hold the Democratic and Republican parties in such low esteem, I thought I’d and prefer Grange on the ballot to best appeal to voters.

Seal River Oldest Extension Effort West of Mississippi

Grays River Grange Urges State Grange To Advocate On Behalf Of Extension

Historically the Grays River Grange has been a strong proponent of Washington State University Extension. In 1912, our Grange brought George Nelson to Wahkiakum County as the first WSU agent in the state. In 1914, the first 4-H club west of the Mississippi River was started at Seal River - here in Western Wahkiakum County.

4-H continues to be an important part of WSU Extension. More than 6,500 adult volunteers contribute over a million hours of time each year. These volunteers are working with over 75,000 youth with a total value of devoted hours reaching $25 million annually.

We are aware of the depth of our economic situation and the necessity of budget cuts. Even with 20 percent cuts, it is our understanding that WSU is committed to keep an agent and office in each county. This is good news.  We strongly urge the Washington State Grange to advocate the benefits of WSU Extension and for its programs, which are beneficial to all ages, will continue.

CWA Contest Photos

There were 87 entries for the craft contest from many talented local folks!