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.  

 

Grange Master, Krist Novoselic, was asked to speak to the youth at the convention.  Krist spoke regarding meaningful work and taking the time to learn skills that will be useful in future endeavors.  

Categories receiving “Best in Class” awards in the Lectures series at this year’s convention which were submitted by the Grays River Grange included: Pysanky hand painted eggs, photos, papier-mâché mask, silk quilt, handmade cards and a painting. 

The Grays River Grange received a Certificate of Participation for their attendance at the past 10 consecutive years of State Grange conventions.  Next year’s convention will be held in Bellingham.