GRANGE MEMBERS &
OTHERS HONORED
AT JUNE 24 MEETING
An open meeting was held at Pike Grange on June 24 to honor a Granger and a non-Granger and to recognize several long-time members.
Master Dennis Mohler welcomed everyone, the Bible was opened on the alter, and the assistants and Ceres presented the flag at the beginning of the meeting.
The non-Granger of the Year for the year 2008 was Rock Van Fossen, former superintendent of the Sandy Valley Schools and currently the assistant administrator in charge of the new construction of schools. VanFossen's wife, Susan, was present for the occasion as well.
The Grangers of the Year for 2008 were Shelva and Paul Givins. Shelva serves as treasurer, and Paul is the overseer of Pike Grange. Paul is also a gate keeper for Stark County Pomona Grange.
Other members of the Grange who were recognized for the membership included: 25-year member - Sharon Easterday Walker; 40-year member - Mary Ebner; 50-year member - Richard Mahoney; 55- year member - Dorothy Mattevi; 60-year members Richard Stallman and Mary and Don Hartzell. Sharon received a 25-year certificate and Richard Mahoney received his Golden Sheaf Certificate. His grandson, Joshua Mahoney, also presented him with a Golden Sheaf pin. The rest of the honorees received seals. Each honored guest received a yellow carnation.
State Membership Chairmen Dondi and Teresa Fitch were guests for the evening. They spoke briefly about membership.
Devan Cumpston, Ohio State Junior Princess 2007-08 and a member of Pike Grange, gave a few remarks as well.
Madalyn Sweeney of "Wishes Can Happen" was present, and she was presented funds for her organization. Recycle Chairman David Ross presented her a check for $500. This money comes from the Grange collecting and recycling newsprint, aluminum cans and tin cans. The Junior Grange members also collected aluminum cans for a month for "Wishes Can Happen." They presented Sweeney with $9.
A drawing was held for a Longaberger Basket, and the winner was Rebecca Dix, a member of the Pike Juniors. The Juniors organized the raffle to raise funds for their camp.
Donna Mahoney, secretary of Pike Grange was in charge of the evening. Judy and Robert Carrick were greeters. A cake decorated in the Grange colors, and ice cream and punch were served by Karen Bechtol, Jane Barr, Judy Carrick and Hal Schreffler.
It was announced the annual Pike Grange picnic will be held at the Sandy Valley Community Park on July 15, starting at 6 p.m.
NATIONAL GRANGE
MASTER TO VISIT
PIKE ON JULY 12
Ed Luttrell, the national master and president of the Grange, will be at Pike Grange on Saturday July 12, at 1 p.m.
Pike is the only Ohio Grange chosen to have a conference with the national master. He will be speak on Increasing active membership in each community Grange, develop new leaders by creating opportunities at the local level, revitalize existing Granges, building new community Granges and strengthening the Grange family structure, especially with the junior and youth departments.
This event is open to any Granger in the state, as well as to non-Grangers.
Cookies will be served after the meeting.
STARK GRANGE
HOLDS PICNIC
AT OTTERBEIN CHURCH
This year's Stark County Grange picnic was held June 25, at the Otterbein United Methodist Church.
Thirty members were present from Beach City, Nimishillen, Pike and Robertsville granges. Richard Mahoney, state chaplain, and a member of Pike Grange 1669 gave table grace prior to the meal, served buffet style.
A scavenger hunt was arranged by chairpersons, Lyn and Ann Shank, members of Nimishillen Grange 1627, who were vacationing in Alaska. A phone call was received from them to greet everyone. County Deputy Ed Chochran, of Beach City Grange 2442, explained the rules for the hunt.
Attending from Robertsville Grange 1784 were Master Bill and Nancy Walter and Mary Creighton.