Volume 2 | Issue 17
September 12, 2025
A publication of the National Grange
Christmas in July at Big Knob Grange submitted by Megan Stang Big Knob Grange #2008 (PA)
On a warm July evening the Big Knob Grange Hall in Rochester, Pennsylvania felt more like December than the height of summer. On July 25, 2025 the Grange hosted a festive “Christmas in July” Bingo that drew more than 200 neighbors, friends, and families for an evening of games, laughter, and fundraising. The event — equal parts fundraiser and community social — capped off with a $1,300 Junior members and friends pose with a giant inflatable Santa and Big Knob jackpot, a lively 50/50 raffle, Grange’s Christmas in July. and a concession stand selling Photo Provided an unexpected seasonal treat: Christmas cookies alongside the sold Christmas cookies, a playful usual hall favorites. nod to the event’s theme that The event was advertised to became an instant hit. The cookies the community ahead of time on were an icebreaker and a tiny the Grange’s Facebook page and bit of festive nostalgia that kept community calendars, and it clearly excitement alive through the last delivered on the promise of a fun card. Between bingo admission, night out. One sweet surprise: the snack sales, and the 50/50 raffle, concession stand’s holiday twist. In the night generated meaningful addition to the usual bingo-night Continued on page 4 concessions, volunteers baked and
In This Issue Christmas in July at Big Knob Grange . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 49 Distinguished Grange Applications Received . . . . . . . . 2 Grange Heirloom for September .................2 Grange Foundation Awards Deaf Awareness Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Accepting Board of Directors Nominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Register for National Grange Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Every Number Tells a Story . . . . . . 5 Hamp Watch: Where was our National Grange President last month? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Commentary: Food Near Me – The Ironic Tragedy of Rural Food Deserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Recipes from the Heartland . . . . 10 Donate to the Grange Foundation for a special opportunity . . . . . . 11 Grange Member Benefit: Choice Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Grange Store: #GrangeStrong Socks . . . . . . . . . . 12
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