Issuu

Good DAY!

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What’s Inside? The American viticulture and viniculture industries have been booming over the past few decades - here's their impact. Also inside: • Grange leaders come together to plan for the future • Grange Month Challenge • A new Junior Grange Passport about Advocacy • Homesteading - many Americans want to return to their roots. • Recipes featuring wine • and more! A quarterly publication of the National Grange

Vol. 9, Issue 1 l April 2025

WHAT’S THE GRANGE? The National Grange was founded as a fraternal organization for farm families in 1867 – opening its doors to men and women equally from the start. From rural free delivery of mail to the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, Grange has influenced many aspects of American life and culture. Today, we continue to advocate for rural Americans and those interested in all areas of agriculture – including those who just like to eat – and our local Granges provide millions of dollars and hours of service to their neighbors annually. Each Grange operates as a grassroots unit, taking on projects most appropriate for their communities and advocating based on their members’ beliefs.

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

John Benedik, NJ, Vice President jbenedik@grange.org Lynette Schaeffer, IL, Executive Committee Chair lschaeffer@grange.org Susan Noah, OR Executive Committee Member snoah@grange.org William “Buddy” Overstreet, TX, Executive Committee Member boverstreet@grange.org Joseph Stefenoni, CA Executive Committee Member jstefenoni@grange.org Tom Gwin, WA, Lecturer lecturer@nationalgrange.org

Christopher Johnston, MI, Steward

Christine E. Hamp, Publisher National Grange President President, Grange Foundation President, Grange Advocacy champ@nationalgrange.org Philip J. Vonada, Editor Communications Director pvonada@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Manager IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Amanda Leigh Brozana Membership & Leadership Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate abrozana@nationalgrange.org

Walter Hartley, RI, Assistant Steward

Loretta Washington Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org

Kathy Gibson, MA, Lady Assistant Steward Kay Hoffman Stiles, MD, Chaplain Joseph Goodrich, VT, Treasurer Debbie Campbell, PA, Secretary David Allen, NC, Gatekeeper Cindy Greer, CO, Ceres

HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507 HEADQUARTERS ADDRESS: 1616 H ST NW SUITE 300 WASHINGTON, DC 20006

Additional Editing by: John Benedik, Lynette Schaeffer, and the 2024 class of Communication Fellows

Barbara Foster, WV, Pomona Welina Shufeldt, OK, Flora

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

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Staff

Burton Eller, Advertising Partner Legislative Director Executive Director, Grange Advocacy beller@nationalgrange.org

Officers

Christine E. Hamp, WA, President champ@nationalgrange.org

OUR

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Good DAY!

N & V

GRANGE NEWS & VIEWS

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

S RA

THE STATE OF RURAL AMERICA

IDEAS FOR GRANGE PROGRAMS & ACTION

MEMBERSHIP NEWS & RECOGNITION

JUNIOR GRANGE & GRANGE YOUTH

H & L

HOBBIES & LIFESTYLE

F & R

FOOD & RECIPES

L W

THE LAST WORD

M J

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On the cover:

Grape-growing and wine-making have been part of American culture and agriculture since the early days of the nation. However, in the past few decades, a new resurgence of craft has launched the American wine industry to the forefront. Photo via AdobeStock

PERSPECTIVES:

Viticulture and Viniculture

Follow us on Social Media National Grange @nationalgrange @nationalgrange National Grange @nationalgrangeofficial @nationalgrangeyouth @national_junior_grange

Good Day! Magazine is a quarterly publication of the National Grange located at 1616 H St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 ISSN: 2688-6030. | All comments and questions can be directed to pvonada@nationalgrange.org. Reproduction or distribution of any part of this magazine is prohibited by anyone other than a Grange member or a chartered Grange without written permission from the National Grange Communications Department.

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PROCLAMATION

GRANGE MONTH 2025

GRANGE MONTH – CELEBRATE, CONNECT, AND GROW! WHEREAS, April is Grange Month! A time to celebrate our legacy, embrace new opportunities, and showcase the incredible impact of the Grange in communities across America; and WHEREAS, for nearly 160 years, the Grange has been a beacon of service, leadership, and unity, bringing together individuals and families who share a passion for making a difference; and WHEREAS, the Grange is growing, evolving, and thriving, fueled by the energy of its members who create solutions, build friendships, and strengthen rural communities through action and innovation; and WHEREAS, Grange Month is the perfect time to open our doors, welcome new members, and inspire the next generation of leaders, ensuring the Grange remains a vibrant force for good for decades to come; and WHEREAS, this is a time to ignite our passion for advocacy, service, and fun, from hosting community events and launching new projects to connecting with neighbors and celebrating the bonds that make the Grange so special; and WHEREAS, together, we stand strong, dream big, and build brighter futures, carrying forward the Grange’s mission with enthusiasm and determination; therefore be it RESOLVED, I, Christine E. Hamp, President of the National Grange, do hereby proclaim April as Grange Month and invite every member, friend, and supporter to celebrate, engage, and grow with us. Grange Strong – Today, Tomorrow, and Always!

Christine E. Hamp President National Grange GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

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PRESIDENTIAL Perspective

Christine E. Hamp

April is Grange Month, a time dedicated to showcasing our identity, principles, and future aspirations. This is our time to open our doors, engage new members, and reaffirm the Grange’s vital role in our communities – not solely for our historical achievements, but for the meaningful impact we’re making today and more importantly the milestones we aim to reach tomorrow. The Grange’s strength lies in its members – individuals who take action, solve problems, and lead by example. As we look ahead, we must ask ourselves: • How can we make the Grange a must-join organization for individuals and families? • What issues can we tackle to create stronger, more resilient communities? • How do we amplify our advocacy efforts to ensure rural America has a voice in shaping the future? One of the most critical ways the Grange makes an impact is through legislative advocacy. Since our founding, we have been a voice for rural America, championing issues that matter to our communities, our neighbors, and ourselves – from agricultural policies and rural broadband access to healthcare and infrastructure improvements. Advocacy isn’t confined to policymakers in Washington, D.C.; it begins at the grassroots level. Every

Grange has the power to influence change locally. Let’s show up, speak up, and make our voices heard! This Grange Month, we challenge every Grange to engage in advocacy. • Host a candidate forum to discuss issues impacting your community. • Organize a letter-writing campaign to address local, state, or federal concerns. • Arrange in-person meetings with your state or federal representatives at their local offices. • Invite elected officials to your Grange to discuss issues affecting your community. When Grange members speak, lawmakers listen – because we are their constituents, representing rural America and the backbone of our nation.

Join the

Grange Month Challenge:

•

• •

•

Bring a friend to the Grange – introduce them to your Grange’s mission and family. Start a community project and share it on social media with #GrangeMonth. Attend a local government meeting and speak up on an issue that matters to your community. Connect your Grange to Project Sustenance to battle food insecurity and build community- and selfresilience.

One of the most pressing challenges facing our communities today is food insecurity. The Grange is stepping up

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to lead the charge through Project Sustenance, an initiative designed to address hunger and food access issues by mobilizing Grange members to take direct action – from organizing food drives and supporting local farmers to advocating for policies that strengthen food security in rural areas. This is a call to action for every Grange – because no family should have to choose between paying the bills and putting food on the table. Project Sustenance allows Granges to make a direct, tangible difference, just as the Grange has always done – neighbors helping neighbors and communities lifting each other up and delivering real solutions for real people. Grange Month is the perfect time to focus on recruiting new members, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our organization remains a leader in service, education, and advocacy. It is an opportunity to invite neighbors, friends, and community leaders to experience what the Grange is all about and to make it clear that we are here to stay and here to lead. As we move forward, we must continue expanding our role in policy advocacy, community development, and leadership training. We must embrace technology, communicate effectively, and ensure that the Grange remains a force for good in every state and every community. I challenge every Grange to make this month count. Host an event, bring in a new member, start a new project, or engage in advocacy to propel your Grange forward. The future is ours to shape, and the time to act is now. Grange Month is not just a celebration – it’s a call to action. Find your people. Find your purpose. Lead with passion. Build the future. Grange Strong – today, tomorrow, and always.

ADVERTISE WITH US Our quarterly publication welcomes advertisers. Up to a 20% discount may be offered to Grange members on their ad purchases. All rates shown are for pre-designed content submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of press date for an issue. You may request rates for ads to be designed by our staff.

GOOD DAY!™ 2025 PRESS DATES Issue

Due Date

Hits Mailboxes

August 31

October 2025

V9, I2

May 31

V9, I4

November 30

V9, I3

V10, I1 February 28, 2026

July 2025

January 2026 April 2026

Classified ads are also welcomed at $0.50 per word up to 25 words, $1 thereafter; $2.50 per website, email, or other link regardless of word count; $5 per photo (will appear no larger than 1.5”x1”). Special requests (bold design, font increase) available for extra charge. All copy should be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the due date. National Grange assumes no responsibility for that which is advertised in Good Day!™ and reserves the right to reject ads deemed offensive or irrelevant. Please contact Philip Vonada by email at pvonada@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (814) 404-7985 for details.

WRITE FOR US This is your chance! This is your magazine. Submissions may be made by any Grange member in good standing, especially including Junior and Youth members, and must be your own original work. For Juniors, you may get your parent, guardian or another mentor or adult’s assistance to write or draw the piece, but we expect all those who assist to adhere to high ethical standards and allow the Junior’s work to be reflected without influence by the adult/ older assistant. All work must be in good taste and appropriate for our audience. The National Grange reserves the right to reject any submissions.

Guidelines & The Fine Print Entries may include: photo essay (at least three photos that together tell a story with captions identifying the people in the photo if applicable and what is happening in the scene); short story (max. 1,500 words); poem; essay/article (maximum 1,500 words and must include at least two relevant photographs with captions); skit (no more than six speaking characters; should not take more than 10 minutes to perform and should not require an elaborate set); D-I-Y (do-it-yourself) project with supply list, step-by-step instructions and photos of each step; or open category (examples include but are not limited to a coloring book page related to Grange or agriculture; comic strip or box; recipes, etc.).

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Each entry must be submitted digitally and include name, address, phone number, email (if applicable) and Grange details (name, number and state of Subordinate Grange and office held). Junior 1+ members can list the Subordinate or State Grange they are affiliated with. E-members can list National Grange E-member. Submission

acknowledgment

that

publication is authorized. In the case of Junior submissions, this is acknowledgment of right to publish by both Junior and their parent/ guardian. All submissions must be made via email to pvonada@nationalgrange.org.

From the desk of the PHILIP J. VONADA April is recognized as Grange Month by the National Grange. It is a time when Granges across the country showcase their community impact, honor members, and welcome new friends through open houses and special events. On social media, Grangers show off their Grange pride during Spirit Week or highlight their projects and events. But just because April has officially been designated for this purpose doesn’t mean the spirit of Grange Month has to be confined to a single page of the calendar. In fact, any month—whether it marks an anniversary, a local festival, or simply a renewed energy within the Grange— can be a time for your Grange to shine. For some Granges, another month may hold even greater significance: Maybe your Grange was chartered in July, or your town hosts its most significant event in September; maybe December is when you feel the strongest connection to your community through holiday service projects. Whatever the case, “Grange Month” is not just about a time of year, it’s about an attitude and a commitment to engaging with your community yearround.

Keeping the Spirit Alive All Year Long

The enthusiasm that surrounds Grange Month can serve as a launching pad for activities that sustain excitement and engagement throughout the year. April’s open house can become an annual tradition, where members invite guests to learn more about the Grange and get involved. If your Grange typically plans a recognition night for community leaders, why not use that as inspiration to spotlight dedicated individuals every few months? Every month presents new opportunities for service, education, and advocacy. With its connection to National Heart Month, February might be the perfect time for a CPR training class. August, a peak time for agriculture, could highlight local farmers through a farm-to-table dinner or an agricultural awareness event. When you think about it, every season provides an opportunity to showcase the values that the Grange upholds.

A Personalized Engagement

Approach

Community

Each Grange and community is different, so celebrating Grange Month at the right time for your Grange is key. Have conversations about what might work best for your members and neighbors. If your town’s annual fair is in August, consider making that the focus of a Grange-hosted community event, with a Grange

Editor

exhibit and member drive. If school starts in September, that might be the perfect time to launch an essay contest or supply drive, working with the local PTA. The important thing is that your Grange remains visible and active. It’s easy to generate momentum in April when other Granges celebrate, but sustaining that energy requires thoughtful planning and consistent outreach.

A Call to Action

At its core, the Grange is about service. Whether it’s through fundraising, legislative advocacy, or educational programs, we exist to strengthen rural and small-town communities alike. By extending the spirit of Grange Month beyond April, we reinforce our commitment to the community around us and ensure that our neighbors know they can rely on us in every season. Grange Month is more than just a moment—it’s a mindset. By making every month an opportunity for outreach, service, and celebration, we strengthen our Granges and deepen our ties to our communities. So this year, take Grange Month beyond April. Make it personal, make it relevant, and most importantly, make it impactful. No matter when you celebrate, the Grange’s message of community, family, and service remains the same, and that’s something worth sharing every single month. If you want to make it “extra” official and personalized for your Grange, work with your local or state legislators to get a proclamation for your Grange. Be sure to invite these officials to your events so they can see the tremendous impact your Granges have on the local economy and the people who make your community unique. Remember: Every month should be Grange Month. Let’s make it happen!

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Project Sustenance Takes Root Across the Country

by Amanda Brozana

National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director

“Grow for the Grange” Food Security, Self-Sustainability,

Individual and Community Resilience

Van Duzen River Grange in California kicked off a yearlong initiative they have called “Grow for the Grange.” The program is designed to “promote community engagement in growing produce for ourselves, Grange dinners, and school meals,” according to a handout they provided members at their January meeting. The initiative includes all three pillars of Project Sustenance and has engaged people from all across their community with the Grange. According to member Adriana Salgado, there were four components of Grow for the Grange members from the newly reorganized Van Duzen Grange envisioned beginning in August or September 2024. They were: building a new community garden at a local elementary school; promoting “Garden Saturdays,” which encourage the community to go out and garden whether at home,

An important feature of the National Grange’s signature initiative, Project Sustenance, is idea-sharing and building a resource library that will help Granges easily adapt projects others have had with success to their communities. The program is gaining traction in Granges across the nation, and Granges have begun submitting their outreach, service and programs to be added to the Project Sustenance page. In each issue of Good Day!, we will highlight an activity, event or program submitted by Granges that meet one or more of the pillars – food security, selfsustainability, individual and community resilience – of Project Sustenance. Submit yours online at www.nationagrange.org/projectsustenance.

at the community garden, or at a neighbors; coming together as a community to prepare our produce for community meals; and hosting a monthly garden workshop. Within just four months, the Grange had officially launched the initiative with numerous offers to assist from members of the community and great collaboration of the new Grange whose first projects after reorganizing were to provide three meals a month to the community – a pancake breakfast, a BINGO dinner and a community dinner. At that time, Salgado said, “we had a few people asking about helping to harvest fruit around the community. That led to thinking about how to get more fresh vegetables into our meals and get more garden information into the community.” “Support and the desire to have access to locally grown food… having that mentality already in the community was a really big help. There were never any ‘no’s’ when we started this; just curiosity.”

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As part of this program, the Grange announced they were seeking “committed volunteers who want to come garden on Saturdays.” “We are looking for volunteers with variety of knowledges and abilities.” Volunteers can also become a part of the “Glean Team,” available on Saturdays to work in home gardens where extra hands are needed, such as gleaning, eradicating weeds and more. Excess produce and education – the combination struck members as a calling and way to engage people in the food system by providing basic garden education, something the local extension agent noted was not already offered in the community by any other groups, and bringing locally grown, excess produce into their hall for community meals. From herbs and grains to salad greens and potatoes to flowers for table settings and containers for food storage, the Grange has given a heads up to the community that they will be ready to receive and

put to good use any abundance from home harvests. However, a connection to the local school added an extra layer of complexity and positive impact to the project, as the Grange was able to help the local elementary school reimagine how to successfully have a community educational garden, something they had done in the past but had failed in the summer months. The Grange connected with the school and, after approval, set out to build the garden for both students and the community at large, putting out a call for donations of various resources to take the area at the school from maintained lawn to community garden. They asked for items such as fencing materials, soil, seeds and starts, a shed, cold frames, a hoop house or greenhouse, various garden tools and harvest crates in addition to individuals with time to help with ground preparation, fencing and general labor. As part of this program, students will be invited to take as one of their Friday electives “Gardening Club.”

On Saturdays, the garden will open, allowing the community to “get out and spend some time in the dirt.” Individuals will also be encouraged to take time to garden at home or at a neighbor’s – anything that puts someone back in touch with the soil, the food system and brings together community. “The Grow for the Grange program wants to support you getting out to garden in any way we can,” according to the handout. “The Community Garden will be our office and our office hours are Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon.” People are encouraged to come to “office hours” with questions on gardening, cooking or preserving, other help with their garden or to access gardening resources or just to spend some time with others in the space. In addition, one Sunday a month the Grange will hold a Garden Workshop Series in the space. This came after members realized the great desire in the community to learn how to be more self-sufficient. “A lot of people who are part of the workshops haven’t done a garden before and I’m realizing how intimidating it is to start a garden and plan it and there is so much knowledge in the community that is willing to be shared,” Salgado said. The Grange already has the 2025 schedule complete, including a basic introduction to garden planning put on by a local Master Gardener, a field trip to the local seed exchange, programs on starting seeds in spring and winter, bed prep and garden maintenance, and a fall harvest festival. The series, which has 25 spaces, is offered free for Grange members and is $100 for non-members. People were asked to commit to attending at least two-thirds of each session or save the space for someone who could attend, and promised another series in 2026. Salgado said the Grange has so far done much of the project free. “So far we haven’t had any budget. For the workshops, we’ve been in contact with the Master Gardeners and the Extension Program. We haven’t had to pay for anybody to facilitate any workshops and we’ve had so many offers for donations, it’s been amazing.”

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3 Myths about Rural Education that are Holding Students Back By Shaneka Williams Professor & Department Chair of Educational Administration, Michigan State University

As scholars who study rural education, we compiled a list of three facts about rural education accompanied by the myths that would help policymakers better design programs to support rural students.

PhD Student in Educational Administration, Michigan State University

1. Rural communities are becoming more diverse

Darren Dubose

and Kimberly Clarida

Postdoctoral Researcher in Educational Administration, Michigan State University Originally published by The Conversation

Much has been written about the potential consequences of getting rid of the Department of Education, one of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promises. Little of the discussion that we’ve seen has focused on the impact on rural schools, which often depend more than urban ones on federal funding. In fact, rural education often can seem like an afterthought to policymakers and scholars, who tend to design reforms aimed at urban and suburban areas, even though 20% of the nation’s students are educated in rural schools. This lack of rural research and focus has perpetuated many myths and misconceptions about rural education that overlook the strengths and opportunities for students who attend rural schools.

There’s a myth that rural communities are overwhelmingly white. While it’s true that most rural counties are majority white, these communities are becoming increasingly diverse. The share of people of color in rural communities climbed from 20% in 2010 to 24% in 2020, according to U.S. Census data. In addition, people of color make up a majority of residents in 10% of rural counties. This is because while white people are leaving, people of color are moving in. From 2010 to 2020, over 2 million white people left rural communities, while more than 2 million people of color took their place. The number of rural people who identified as multiracial doubled to nearly 4 million over the same period, and all rural communities except those in Arizona saw an increase in their Latino population. While the Black population in rural America shrank somewhat during the 2010s, it remains the case that the largest concentration of Black people outside of cities is in the rural South. In fact, 81% of Black people who don’t live in cities live in the South, a legacy of slavery and how generations of Africans were forcefully taken to work the land as free labor. Without truly understanding who resides in these communities, educators and policymakers cannot adequately address students’ needs. Failure to do so widens opportunity gaps for rural students, particularly those who reside in the South.

2. Rural educators know how to succeed

Despite myths and misleading statistics, students in rural areas achieve just as much as their peers elsewhere. Editorial photo via AdobeStock

Another myth is that rural communities lack the knowledge or resources to succeed in educating their youth. As such, policymakers often fail to include rural communities’ cultural capital when they develop textbooks, teacher training plans and education policies. By cultural capital, we mean the knowledge, skills, education and advantages that people inherit and use to achieve success in society. One glaring example is that rural communities are rarely represented in teaching materials and curricula, which frequently ignore their local knowledge, traditions and values. This creates a gap in students’ ability to see themselves in jobs and positions outside of their personal contexts. And it hampers teachers’ ability to leverage student strengths when teachers are unprepared to connect with their backgrounds.

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State and federal education funding is another example of rural students’ cultural capital being overlooked. Too often, funding policies penalize rural schools for their smaller sizes by supporting the closure and consolidation of schools and overlooking their need for more money to account for lower revenue from local and property taxes. This results in a disruption of rural communities’ strong social cohesion and abandoned buildings that reduce economic opportunities. Community initiatives and local programs provide important resources that larger urban districts might take for granted. A new grant initiative at Michigan State University that all three of us are involved with aims to help change this. Focused on helping teachers better engage high school physics and chemistry students, the program is collaborating with two historically Black colleges and univerities in the rural South to provide rural students with access to more advanced science courses. By working with Alabama A&M University and Winston-Salem State University, it helps ensure local communities’ cultural capital are part of the program. It also seeks to pull together community partnerships to advance science access and learning in the South. By redesigning policies to take advantage of rural cultural capital, communities and policymakers could unlock untapped potential within rural schools and enhance educational

Despite the size and nature of rural school districts, students in these communities are growing more diverse. Policymakers need to have a better grasp of who is living in these communities in order to better serve their students. Editorial photo via AdobeStock

outcomes for all students regardless of where they live. We believe such policies could foster stronger connections between rural K-12 public schools and their surrounding communities, creating more relevant and engaging learning experiences for students.

3. Rural students are high achievers

A third myth is that rural students underachieve. As a result, their academic success is too often overlooked by researchers and educators. In reality, students in rural areas meet the same measures of success as in urban ones – especially in the early years. For example, math and reading scores are higher in rural than nonrural schools before the third grade, according to the Center for School and Student Progress. After that, the higher scores begin to fade due to summer learning loss. After schools close over the summer, rural students are generally left with few formal summer learning opportunities, compared with those in more urban areas. There is a strong need for more state and federal money to increase access to summer learning opportunities. Despite this widespread learning loss, graduation rates among rural students are higher than those of nonrural students.

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But once again, policymakers fail these students, who have collegegoing rates that are lower than in urban areas. Some of the most common factors contributing to this trend include limited access to transportation, the distance between students’ hometowns and colleges and universities, and lower awareness of financial aid opportunities. In addition, students in the rural South have less access than other students to advanced science courses like physics and chemistry, which can block postsecondary opportunities. We believe debunking these and other myths and recognizing the diverse strengths of rural communities would help ensure that all students across the nation, including those in rural areas, can attain long-term educational and economic success. Disclosure: Sheneka Williams receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Darren Dubose and Kimberly Clarida do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Michigan State University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation US.

Harness the Power of Walking: Benefits of being physically active Courtesy of Family Features

make a world of difference for heart health and mental clarity.

A walk isn’t just good for your body; it’s a simple, powerful way to care for your mind and soul. Physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood and promotes overall well-being. Yet physical activity levels in the United States continue to decline, a trend threatening both mental and physical health. Less than half of adults and fewer than 1 in 5 children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update. National recommendations call for children to get at least one hour of physical activity each day, but the latest statistics show less than 19% of children in the U.S. achieve that target. Meanwhile, less than half of adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity. What’s more, according to data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1 in 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. For decades, the American Heart Association has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country through events like National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 2. These tips and information can help you understand how a brisk walk can

Benefits of Physical Activity

Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. The physical health benefits may be obvious, but research suggests physical activity can also help bring more joy to your life. According to the 2019 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, people who get the recommended amount of physical activity are less likely to experience depression. Regular physical activity enhances your mood, sharpens your mind, improves sleep and boosts overall well-being, all while reducing the risk of disease and depression and increasing both the quality and longevity of life.

How to Be More Physically Active

Exercise as simple as a brisk walk can put a major spring in your step. It can even energize you to finish other tasks at hand, whether it’s cooking or running errands. Give your daily physical activity level a boost with these tips: • Exercising outdoors is a great way to get moving. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging and improve mood. It’s even better if you can enjoy the sunshine outside, which can improve mood, boost your immunity and help you get some vitamin D. • Invite a family member or friend along with you. It’s good for them, it’s good for you and it’s good company all around. • Instead of wondering if you’ll move today, explore how you’ll move. A walk, a dance or a stretch all count.

Getting Pets Involved

Pets are part of your family, and they can help you get healthy together. Pets provide a fun reason to spend more time outside and get the exercise needed to reduce the risk of disease later in life. Getting moving along with your pet adds more exercise to your routine, which means living longer, reducing risk of dying from heart attack or stroke, reducing risk of diabetes, reducing stress and even boosting your overall happiness and well-being. Exercising with your pet can also mean enjoying more socializing. You may find yourself meeting other dog owners in your area on a walk or at the dog park. Photo courtesy of ShutterStock

Learn more about how simple habits like walking can support your overall health at heart.org/MoveMore.

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Older Adults Can Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls With These Doctors’ Tips Courtesy of StatePoint Media Among older Americans, falls are the number one cause of injuries and death from injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not only are seniors more at risk for falls, but when they do fall, they are at a greater risk for injuries, hospitalization and complications. Medical experts say that for people of all ages, a ground-up approach to fall prevention starts with healthy feet. “Painful foot conditions, such as osteoarthritis, calluses, bunions, hammertoes and diabetes complications, can make it difficult to maintain balance and coordination when walking or standing,” says Bryn J. Laubacher, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ACFAS). “Compounding the issue is that when you are suffering from a painful foot condition, it can be more difficult to engage in the strength and balance exercises that ultimately reduce fall risk.” Experts say that eliminating foot pain can lessen one’s

Photo (c) Paperkites / iStock via Getty Images Plus

chances of experiencing a life-altering fall. That’s why the foot and ankle surgeons of ACFAS offer these steps for

Fortunately, many surgical techniques today can be

keeping feet and ankles strong and healthy:

performed on an outpatient basis. There are also more

Don’t ignore pain: Foot pain is not just a normal consequence of aging, so don’t ignore aching and suffering or resign yourself to it. You likely have a treatable condition. See a foot and ankle surgeon when you experience pain for proper diagnosis and treatment. Examine your feet: Regularly inspect your feet. If you notice any bumps, lumps or other changes, make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon for evaluation. Exercise: Simple stretching exercises can help you maintain strength and mobility in your feet and ankles, as well as provide pain relief. Talk to your physician about appropriate exercises for you. Protect: Wear cushioned insoles or any special footwear you are prescribed, along with comfortable, well-fitting and

According to Dr. Laubacher, new medical technologies and ground-breaking surgical interventions, such as bioengineered scaffolding for reconstructive surgery, minimally invasive techniques and stem cell regeneration, are helping patients restore functionality and get back to normal faster than ever before, For more ways to keep feet and ankles healthy and prevent falls, and to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the ACFAS patient education website. Foot and ankle surgeons are experts in providing both conservative care as well as surgical approaches to foot and ankle healthcare. “Remember, just one fall can have a major impact on a person’s independence and quality of life. That’s why it’s so

supportive shoes, every day – even around the house. Consider advanced options: Know that at times, surgery is the most appropriate treatment for a given condition.

options than ever before.

important to prevent falls by taking care of your feet and ankles,” says Dr. Laubacher.

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Know Your Hearing Hearing is foundational to your health. Yet you may not understand your hearing like you do your vision, blood pressure, or other measures of health and wellness.

YOUR HEARING NUMBERS WILL CHANGE OVER TIME It’s not just you—everybody’s hearing changes over time because the parts of the inner ear that detect sound wear out throughout our lives. Children and young adults can hear very soft sounds and may have Hearing Numbers as low as -10 dB. But as we get older, our Hearing Numbers get higher.

LEARN YOUR HEARING NUMBERS Your Hearing Numbers tell you, in decibels (dB), the softest speech sound you can hear in each ear. The higher your Hearing Numbers are, the harder it is to hear and communicate in noisy places. Use a free app from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to learn your Hearing Numbers. All you need is about five minutes, a smartphone or tablet, and a pair of earbuds or headphones. DOWNLOAD THE HEARING NUMBER APP!

Apple App Store

Google Play

USE YOUR HEARING NUMBERS TO HEAR BETTER

FOR ALL HEARING NUMBERS

Get close and face-to-face with the person you want to hear Turn down background sounds, like music or the TV

FOR HEARING NUMBERS OF ABOUT 10 TO 60 dB

Over-the-counter (or OTC) hearing aids

FOR HEARING NUMBERS OF ABOUT 20 TO 90 dB

Prescription hearing aids

FOR HEARING NUMBERS OF ABOUT 60 dB AND HIGHER

Cochlear implants

PROTECT YOUR HEARING The most important thing you can do to protect your hearing is to avoid loud sounds. If you can’t move away from or turn down loud sounds, use hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs.

DAY! MAGAZINE I GOOD Learn more at HearingNumber.org www.nationalgrange.org ™

Know Your Hearing! By Molly Sheehan and Frank Lin, MD, PhD Our ability to hear allows us to understand the world around us and stay engaged with families, friends, and colleagues. Enjoying the wind chimes on your porch, talking with friends or grandchildren, listening to music, and tuning into emergency alerts are all possible because of our hearing. For all of us, though, our hearing will gradually and subtly decline over time. By the time we’re in our 40s, 7% of us will experience some hearing loss. By our 60s, that number grows to 27%, and by our 80s and older, 82%. Hearing loss is inevitable even for those of us who didn’t attend loud concerts or crank up the volume in our earbuds. All too often, people perceive hearing loss as an inconsequential part of aging. Scientists now know that nothing could be further from the truth. By understanding this important aspect of your health, you can track the changes to your hearing that occur naturally over time and know when to use technologies to protect your hearing and hear better. For many people, though, understanding their hearing

By the time we’re in our 40s, 7% of us will experience some hearing loss. By our 60s, that number grows to 27%, and by our 80s and older, 82%. Editorial photo via AdobeStock

is a challenge. You may know your height and weight or track your blood pressure and other measures of health and wellness. But how does hearing even work? How does it change over time, and how does hearing loss affect our health? And most importantly, what can we do about it?

How Hearing Works Hearing takes place in two steps. The first step is that your inner ear (the cochlea) takes in the everyday sounds, made up of thousands of different pitches and intensities, and converts these different sounds into a signal that is transmitted to the brain. The second step of hearing occurs when your brain receives the signal from the ear and decodes it into meaning, whether the sound you just heard was someone saying your name, a clap of thunder, birds flying by, or perhaps all three at once. To do this, your brain relies not only on the signal sent from your ear but also visual cues: the context of the ongoing conversation, the darkening sky, the movement in the trees.

Your Hearing Changes Over Time There are many different types of hearing loss, but the most common type develops over time as parts of the inner ear wear out. This happens so gradually and subtly that you may not even notice that your hearing is changing. The inner ear is made up of specialized cells that are responsible for converting sounds into a signal that your brain can decode. Unfortunately, these specialized cells can’t regenerate once they wear out and have become damaged. As these cells wear out, the inner ear becomes less accurate at encoding the sounds into a precise neural signal. Your brain still receives a signal from the ear, but the signal comes across as garbled and unclear. That’s why it sounds as if other people aren’t speaking clearly or are mumbling. We didn’t always understand how hearing contributes to our overall health or the consequences of hearing loss for adults. But we now understand that treating hearing loss has long-term implications for keeping us healthy. For example, scientists and doctors have long known the positive benefits that addressing hearing loss can have on relationships and personal well-being. Feeling withdrawn and detached from others is linked with poor health effects like early mortality, heart attacks, and cognitive decline.

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Order at www.grangestore.org or call (202) 628-3507 ext. 109

JEWELRY

Vintage Hall Dedication Plaques Designed in 1947, these wooden hand-carved plaques have felt backing. 11.5”x13”, with space to add an engraving for your Grange. Limited number available. Sold as-is. $25 each, including shipping.

1-inch pins! Junior Grange pin - $5 4th Degree pin - $10

Redesigned Silver Star Pin $15 Recognize members who have reached 25 years of continual membership!

Sesquicentennial Challenge Coin 150th Anniversary 2.25” diameter coin, emblazoned with the “esto perpetua” logo. Was $25, now $15 plus shipping.

People, Pride, and Progress

Member recognition pins are

by David M. Howard This history book chronicles the impact of the Grange over the first 125 years of the organization. Was $12.00, now discounted to $6.00.

available in 5-year increments from 5 years through 80 years All Past Office (Master, Lecturer, Secretary, and Past Junior Master) pins, and various Degree charms and ties bars are on sale!

Prices vary. Own a part of history

Kelley Farm Challenge Coin Celebrating the 2013 exemplification of the 1873 Degrees at the Kelley Farm. 2.25” brushed nickel coin. On sale: $15.00 + shipping Belt Buckle Solid pewter with antique finish, fits most standard belts. Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.

commemorating the National Grange’s Headquarters in Washington, DC. These limited-edition pins are sure to be collector items! Each pin includes a card with details about the Grange Building. Available in bulk at major discounts!

10” Grange Decal Sticker This shiny and reflective sticker is sure to make your display or sign a stand-out! Just $3.50 each

Lapel / Grange Officer sash pins Buy 3 or more for a discounted price. Available: E, F, H, L, M, O, P, S

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Grange Orientation Kit 225-piece kit includes new brochures to help recruit and introduce new and prospective members to the Grange. $30 each, plus shipping.

Complete and return to CHRISTINE HAMP, 14619 WEST JACOBS ROAD, SPOKANE, WA 99224-4984

GRANGE REVIVAL 2025 REGISTRATION FORM

REGISTRATION PACK

Grange Revival is a family event open for all Grange members and friends to create and strengthen friendships. From outdoor activities to planned excursions and lots of time to kick back and relax with other Grangers, there is something for everyone. Take part in group activities or strike out on your own to find some fun during the day. Then head back to the campground at night to enjoy a communal meal and maybe even some campfire fun.

Vacation with Grange friends near the Red Rocks in Torrey, Utah MARK YOUR CALENDARS & PACK YOUR BAGS! Grange Revival 2025 is scheduled for July 22-27, 2025 in Torrey, Utah. EVENT REGISTRATION The registration fee, made payable to Grange Revival, covers five dinners (Tuesday through Saturday; leftovers may be available for other meals), a tshirt and admission for most workshops (some excursions or workshops may have a small fee for admission, materials or transportation and will be announced in advance). The registration fee is 50% refundable if canceled at least one week in advance of the start of the event; the fee is non-refundable if canceled less than one-week prior to the start of the event. Price good from Nov. 1, 2023, through April 15, 2025. A $5 late registration fee will be assessed per registrant if paid after April 15, 2025. No partial registrations. Please make your check to Grange Revival. Pre-register at bit.ly/ grangerevival25reg to receive updates about the event

GRANGE MEMBERS $75 Subordinate Members (36+) and E-members $60 Grange Youth and Young Adults (14-35) $60 Golden Sheaf Members (50+ yrs. of membership) $40 Junior Grangers (5-13), including 1+ Juniors $20 Pre-Juniors (0-4 years old) FRIEND OF THE GRANGE $90 Adults (36+) $75 Youth and Young Adults (14-35) $50 Children (5-13) $35 Infants & Pre-Schoolers (0-4) Price good from November 1, 2023, through April 15, 2025. A $5 late registration fee will be assessed per registrant if paid after April 15, 2025. You may pay by check to Grange Revival. Pre-register at bit.ly/ grangerevival25reg to receive updates about the event.

TRAVEL AND SAVE ALONG YOUR WAY Travel to Grange Revival is just part of the fun. If you rent a car, fly or stay in a hotel during your trip, we encourage you to explore saving through our Grange member benefit discounts. If you travel by RV, you can save 20% on a Harvest Hosts membership with the Grange discount. Visit nationalgrange.org for codes and information. If you have trouble with the website or accessing discount information, call the National Office at (202) 628-3507.

ACCOMMODATIONS Make your reservations directly with one of our event locations.

Thousand Lakes RV Park, Campground and Cabins 1110 UT-24, Torrey UT 84775 435-425-3500 or 800-355-8995 http://www.thousandlakesrvpark.com/ Email RV size or request for tent site or cabin to Tammy at: reservations@thousandlakesrvpark.com Sandcreek RV Park and Campground 540 UT-24, Torrey UT 84775 435-425-3577 https://www.sandcreekrv.com/ Harry (owner) – call and say you are with the Grange Cowboy Homestead Guest Cabins 2100 UT-12, Torrey UT 84775 435-691-4384 or 888-854-5871 https://www.cowboyhomesteadcabins.com/

There are many, many additional campgrounds, motels and resorts in the immediate vicinity with all types of cabins, rooms, yurts, glamping tents, and more! Another option is to look into renting an RV as the Thousand Lakes RV Park, Campground and Cabins has more than enough RV spaces.

ABOUT THE SURROUNDING AREA The Torrey area is a place of adventure and fun. Nearby you will find a variety of attractions including Capitol Reef National Park, Dixie National Forest, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Factory Butte to name a few.

Take time to hike, bike or ride the trails on an off-road-vehicle, on horseback or rent a Jeep. Check out some great sunsets and go stargazing. With 60 fishable lakes, you may want to pack your fishing pole.

STAMP CERTIFICATION

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_________________________________________________________________________

NOTES ON STEPS/STAMP WORK

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion, Junior Grangers will be able to: Identify the three branches of government Explain the basic steps of how a bill becomes a law Use creativity to learn and engage with the topic Learn public speaking skills through presenting Learn leadership skills by leading an activity Conduct basic research skills and note taking skills as you gather information about government

LEARNING OBJECTIVES The purpose of this passport is to educate Junior Grangers about how laws are made in the United States and the process of government.

NECESSARY RESOURCES Internet access, poster board, markers, crayons or printer and printer paper

Junior Leader Signature ____________________________________________

date approved my stamp on ______________________________.

AUDIENCE Designed to be completed sequentially as Juniors grow, with culmination after Junior member has achieved at least a thirdgrade reading level and understands internet research. To earn the stamp, all steps must be completed but need not be done in order.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

The United States #66

How a Law Gets Made

state ___________________________________ Grange #___________ in ________)

(or, if a 1+ Junior member, my mentor is a member of

state of _____________________________ Junior Grange #_________ in _______,

name of leader/mentor My Junior leader, __________________________________________________,

date I completed this passport on _______________________________________.

Name of Junior ___________________________________________________

Step 1. Identify the three branches of government, and what each one does. Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 6. Research information about how a bill becomes a law and watch this video on YouTube: "I'm Just a Bill" (Schoolhouse Rock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ8psP4S6BQ Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 7: Complete the Our Government: How a Law Gets Made worksheet (available on www.nationaljuniorgrange.org in the Passports section)

Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 8: Create a simple flowchart that shows the steps of how a bill becomes a law. Date Completed: ____________________________

Step 9: Create a "Good Idea for a Law" poster. Think about something that would make your community, school, or Grange better. Design a colorful poster that shows: What your idea for a new law or rule would be Why you think it would help people Who would benefit from this law How you would convince others it's a good idea Present your poster to your Junior Grange group or family members and listen to their thoughts on your idea. Date Completed: ____________________________

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Step 2. Find out what a law is and why we have laws. Look up information about what laws are and why communities create them. Write or draw your answers to these questions: What is a law? Why do we need laws? Who has to follow laws? Name three different types of laws. Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 3. Be a detective! Find examples of laws in your daily life. Look around your home, school, or community for signs of laws in action (like stop signs, food labels, recycling rules, etc.). Take photos or draw pictures of at least 3 examples of laws you found. For each one, try to answer: Who does this law help? What might happen without this law? Who makes sure people follow this law? Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 4. Research a law that affects young people (like education, safety, or health). For younger Juniors: With an adult's help, learn about a simple rule or law that keeps kids safe (like wearing bike helmets or seatbelts). Write or Draw a picture showing how this rule helps kids. For older Juniors: Research a law that was passed in the last 10 years that affects young people. Write down what the law does, when it was passed, and how it might affect you or other children. Date Completed: ____________________________ Step 5. Interview an adult about a law they think is important. Ask them why they think this law matters and how it affects people’s lives. Write down their answers. Date Completed: ____________________________

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The Power of Youth: Why Junior Grangers are Key to Project Sustenance’s Success By Makayla Piers National Grange Communication Fellow National Junior Grange Advisory Team

As the National Grange launches Project Sustenance, a groundbreaking initiative focused on food security, sustainability, and community resilience, there’s no better time to highlight the crucial role our Junior Grangers play in this important mission. The involvement of our youngest members isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential to creating lasting, meaningful change in our communities. When we engage Junior Grangers in Project Sustenance, we’re doing much more than assigning them tasks or teaching them about food security. We’re cultivating future community leaders who understand the importance of sustainable practices and community service from an early age. Their natural enthusiasm and creativity bring fresh perspectives to our projects, often leading to innovative solutions that we adults might never have considered. The benefits of involving our Junior Grangers are multifaceted. First, they learn valuable life skills through hands-on experience. Whether they’re helping with community gardens, participating in food drives, or learning about sustainable practices, these young members are developing practical skills that will serve them and their communities for years to come. They’re also learning about food systems, environmental stewardship, and the importance of community support networks at an age when such lessons can make a lasting impression. Moreover, involving Junior Grangers helps bridge generational gaps within our organization. When young members work alongside adult Grangers, both groups benefit from the exchange of knowledge and perspectives. Our experienced members can share traditional wisdom and time tested practices, while our Junior Grangers often bring technological savvy and contemporary insights to the table. Perhaps most importantly, engaging youth in Project Sustenance helps ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. Today’s Junior Grangers are tomorrow’s community leaders, and by involving them now, we’re creating a pipeline of informed, passionate advocates for food security and community resilience. Their early exposure to these important issues will shape their

understanding of community service and environmental stewardship for years to come. The enthusiasm of our Junior Grangers is contagious. When young people get excited about community service projects, they often inspire their peers, families, and even entire communities to get involved. Their participation helps spread awareness about Project Sustenance’s mission and can attract new members to our organization. As we move forward with Project Sustenance, let’s ensure that our Junior Grangers have meaningful opportunities to participate and lead. Their involvement isn’t just about teaching them it’s about empowering them to be active participants in building stronger, more resilient communities. From planning and organizing events to implementing projects and sharing their successes, our Junior Grangers have valuable contributions to make at every step. The future of our communities depends on nurturing the next generation of leaders who understand the importance of food security, sustainability, and community service. By involving our Junior Grangers in Project Sustenance today, we’re not just supporting current community needs, we’re investing in a more sustainable and secure tomorrow. Let’s embrace the energy, creativity, and dedication of our Junior Grangers as we work together to make Project Sustenance a success. After all, the future of the Grange, and our communities, rests in their capable hands.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Photo via AdobeStock

Two poets (or three), a mountain, a Grange hall, and its curtains

Painted stage curtain, with wings and teasers, at the Blazing Star Grange in Danbury, N.H. Photograph courtesy of Curtains Without Borders

by Mary Lyn Ray Originally printed in the At Eagle Pond newsletter The presence of New Hampshire’s Mount Kearsarge is constant at Eagle Pond Farm—where poets Donald Hall and Jane Kenyon shared a writing life—and in the small towns the mountain presides over, in what Don and Jane wrote (and reflected on), and in the habits, conversations, and consciousness of this place. “There are many hills for looking at,” Don acknowledged in his String Too Short to Be Saved. “But Kearsarge has a presence denied the [others]. Farms and little towns surround Kearsarge on all sides . . . . All of us, wherever we stand, look out on Kearsarge, its colors shifting each day by sun’s light and by season, its red beacon witnessing to invisible granite. All of us claim the best sight of Kearsarge. . . . If we go [away], when we return, Kearsarge is the first of home we see.” A historic curtain at the Blazing Star Grange Hall in Danbury (which is next to Wilmot, where the farm is, and was, as much, home to Don and Jane) appears at first to be a view of Kearsarge with Eagle Pond in the foreground. A closer look reveals, however, that the distinctive profile familiar at the farm is reversed, showing the mountain as seen from somewhere to the south, looking north. But the composition and its components celebrate equally the mountain as it’s known on this side. The Kearsarge curtain was painted in 1921 by Egbert L. Foster (1866-1947) of Manchester, New Hampshire, one of many artists and scenery companies outfitting the stages of town halls, Grange halls, and opera houses

H & L

at that time. It is part of a very rare complete set of curtains, wings, and teasers owned by the Grange that also includes a grand drape titled “Springtime,” a formal garden backdrop, matching overhead teasers, and a set of vertical flats (also called wings or ears) that can be assembled as “an elegant old-fashioned parlor” on one side or a woodland scene on the other. At the Blazing Star hall, there is also an advertising curtain by a different artist, Arthur S. Ives (1896-1955) of North Woodstock, New Hampshire, painted in the early 1930s.

About the stage curtains

A grand drape is typically the most impressive curtain, suggesting rich--often flamboyant-- draperies pulled aside to reveal a scene within a decorated frame. It is hung at the front of a stage, directly behind the proscenium arch. Other fabric backdrops, called roll drops because they drop from wooden or steel rollers, are suspended farther back, and some of those have additional pieces that can include teasers and pairs of flat wings that help create a sense of depth, conceal the clutter of performance, and provide entry at the sides of a stage. Many grand drapes conjure romanticized European scenes but not all. Some depict a local vista or landmark. Another curtain painted by Foster for the Masonic Lodge in not-distant Franklin (see Jane’s poems, “At the IGA, Franklin, New Hampshire” and “The Way It Is in Franklin,” along with “The Five-and-Dime” elegy in A

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Left: The grand drape at the Danbury Grange and (above) “an elegant . . . parlor” configured from reversible flats only. Photographs courtesy of Curtains Without Borders, which oversaw restoration of the hall’s complete set of scenery in 2014.

Hundred White Daffodils) presents the storied granite profile of the Old Man of the Mountains at Franconia notch in the White Mountains, which collapsed in May of 2003 after centuries of freezing and thawing caused the assemblage of rocks to shift. Chris Hadsel, Director of Curtains Without Borders (a small nonprofit of outsize achievement that is focused on inventorying and preserving historic painted stage

The Old Man of the Mountains (top) centers an unrestored grand drape at the Meridan Masonic Lodge, Franklin, N.H.. In contrast, the grand drape by Charles Huiest of Troy, N.Y. for the stage at the Wilmot, N.H town hall (formerly used also by the Wilmot Grange) is of the Imagined European style. It can be seen behind Don and Jane at a reading filmed in Bill Moyers’ documentary, “A Life Together,” 1993. Photographs courtesy of Curtains Without Borders

H & L

curtains), speaks of this scenery as social capital. “The objects displayed in the spaces where we live say a lot about us, what we value, what we think, and what we dream about. The paintings on our walls, our furniture, our souvenirs, and books on our shelves all help define us.” In the same way, she says, “the places and spaces we build as communities also speak volumes about who we are and what we value.” The first public buildings in northern New England, she observes, were meetinghouses, churches, and schools. “Then, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, libraries were built in large numbers and, at the same time, Grange halls and town halls with auditoriums and stages.” Between the 1890s and 1940s, these and somewhat but not radically grander spaces known as opera houses were where a town gathered for entertainment (such as vaudeville and theater provided by a national touring company or a community pick-up cast, actual opera, musical comedy, musical shows, or single performers) as well as for graduations, anniversaries, and birthday parties; edifying lectures; town meetings; and Saturday night dances. Hand-painted stage curtains “were functional necessities, but they were also public art,” Chris says. Though not unique to northern New England, they may (because of cultural habit in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine) have been been more common here and thereby survive here in greatest number. Typically painted in water-soluble paint on cotton muslin attached to overhead rollers, stage curtains were susceptible to damage and wear. Yet “seldom,” Chris notes, “are they so worn or damaged that they cannot be saved for another hundred years of use and appreciation.” Led by Chris and primary conservator MJ Davis, “assisted by dozens of dedicated people who drive hundreds of miles and put in many long, dustladen hours [to] make conservation of historic stage

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The Joy of Cooking

with wine

By Ann Olson Bercher

President, Minnesota State Grange Certified Culinary Specialist On a recent trip to Sonoma County in California, I was lucky enough to spend a few hours at a vineyard. Even though it was late winter, and the vines were bare, I could imagine the vineyard full and lush with gorgeous greens and golds of leaves and the royal deep blues and purples of grapes clinging on the vines. A walk through the barrel aging room was an aromatic luxury. Wine, waiting to mature into the luxurious beverage that I have come to enjoy. It’s been a long time since I took my first sip of Boone’s Farm strawberry wine. College days were fraught with experimenting with all sorts of foods, beverages, social activities, oh, and classes. Wine wasn’t on the top of my radar those days, but fortunately, over time I have come to learn more about wine, and enjoy it so much more. Wine is a welcome accompaniment for almost any occasion. In celebration, we often lift a glass and toast an accomplishment, a holiday, or other gathering. It might be a soothing end to a stressful day. It is a lovely addition to a carefully planned dinner. It’s welcomed when paired with snacks of all kinds. I have also found that cooking with wine can be a game changer to the ultimate finish

of the dish! Why cook with wine? Well, if you have that pesky last glass of wine in the bottle, it’s a great way to use it up. It’s also a wonderful way to elevate the outcome of a humble stew or braise. Wine adds acid to your dish and enhances the flavors on your palate. Can you cook with cheap wine? Sure, but the rule of thumb is only cook with wine that you enjoy the flavor of. Any wine that you purchase and enjoy drinking is a great choice for cooking with. It’s also a good idea to cook with the wine you will be serving with the dish because it connects the wine in your glass to the food on your plate. If you don’t have enough wine for both, use a similar wine for cooking. If you need a half bottle of wine for a recipe, you might want to consider using a reliable “bottom shelf” wine. If you don’t drink it, a wine critic has suggested that you freeze it for future cooking. Yes, you will destroy the wine, but it will still be fine to cook with. (It’s like freezing fresh herbs. It’s not the same as fresh, but the flavor is still there.) Another cooking-with-wine advocate keeps boxed wine on hand due to its longer shelf life once opened. What about supermarket cooking wine? I cannot recommend it. Cooking wines are generally of low quality, have additives sometimes including salt and sweeteners, and they just don’t taste good. You can probably buy a decent wine for the same price. Don’t use any wine with off flavors or odors. An open bottle of wine that has been refrigerated for up to two weeks will probably be fine for stewing or braising because of the length of cooking time.

What kinds of wine can be used in cooking? Most wines can be used for cooking, keeping in mind that as the liquid in a recipe reduces in volume, the flavors in the recipe intensify. Consider the sweetness, acidity, and whether or not the wine has been aged in oak. Light flavored dishes are enhanced with wines that won’t overpower them, while more decadent dishes may exhibit more complex flavors when using a more robust wine. If the wine pairs well with the dish, it will

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usually also taste good included in the recipe. Red wines almost always work best with the deep rich flavors of meats. A Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon will enhance a beef stew or braised pot roast, while a Pinot Noir or Merlot will add depth to a marinara sauce. White wines with acidity and structure are perfect for light dishes and dressings. The acid in the wine means you can cut back on other acidic ingredients in the recipe such as lemon or vinegar. Use an unoaked white such as Pinot Grigio for delicate fish and seafood, and an aromatic Riesling in a creamy white sauce for poultry. Light, dry rosé wines are interchangeable with crisp, lightto medium-bodied white wines. Rosé can add softly tart and citrusy notes to a dish, whereas a white like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay might offer a more herbaceous flair

To cook with wine, Just like cooking meats and vegetables, using different cooking methods changes the flavor and the texture of the food. The same is true for cooking with wine. Different cooking techniques will change the flavor and structure of the wine. The main role of wine in cooking is to improve the already existing flavor and aroma of the food. We don’t want wine to overpower what’s already the main food, but rather to enhance the whole culinary experience. Roasting vegetables with wine means you can use less oil while still maintaining a moist cooking environment. Use a wine that has a similar flavor profile to what you are roasting. To roast vegetables in wine, cut vegetables into 1-inch pieces, mix with ¼ cup of wine and your choice of herbs and seasonings. o Roast at 400 F, stirring every 15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Try steaming fish or vegetables over wine instead of water. Full-bodied fruity wines will impart bold flavor without any bitterness. Wine is a natural ingredient for marinades that soften muscle tissues, penetrating the interior and delivering an added layer of flavor. Bringing the wine to a boil, reducing it, then cooling it before adding additional ingredients helps cook off some of its alcohol and concentrates its flavor. Braising is the process of cooking food quickly to brown it and develop flavor and then cooking it slowly, along with liquid, in a sealed pot. This technique is most often used for transforming tough cuts of

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meat into tender, rich dishes, but it can also be applied to vegetables. Using wine in the liquid is optimal both for its flavor and acidity. Fruity flavors bring complexity, and wine’s acidity enlivens the more mellow flavors that build up in a braise. Pan sauces are the bonus feature of sautéing, pan frying, or searing meats or vegetables. Once the meat or vegetables have browned, remove them from the pan, and pour off most of the fat, if any. Add herbs, onions or other spices and sauté briefly. Deglaze the pan by turning up the heat and adding wine, stirring to release the cooked-on bits on the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook to burn off the alcohol and reduce the volume of the wine. Add broth, stock or water and simmer until it has reduced again by about half. Whisk in a couple of pats of cold butter, adjust seasonings, and you will have a lovely pan sauce. Wine helps to create a moist, fluffy crumb in baked goods while bringing subtle acid and fruit notes. Red wine will add deeper color and richness to the finished product, and in icing or ganache, it is exquisite. As a precautionary note, when cooking with wine, not all of the alcohol is burned off in the cooking

The re ’s

... o t e im T l l i St th

B n o O a t rd e G

for a Grange convention unlike any other!

Set sail for the 2025 National Grange Convention ~ at Sea!

Learn more: www.nationalgrange.org/159ngconvention