GILBERTSVILLE - Tired of this cold, wintry weather? Then make it a point to join the Butternut Valley Grange members on Saturday, February 7 at 12 noon at the Baptist Church Fellowship Hall for a cabin fever picnic! Each family is to bring a dish to share on the buffet table. Beverages and table settings will be provided. In addition to some fun activities arranged by Program Director, Cathy Galley, the group will enjoy assembling birthday kits to be distributed to the food pantries of Butternut Valley, Otego and Unadilla. Questions about the birthday kits can be directed to Anna Ritchey, regarding supplies that can be brought to the event, 563-1104. Enjoy some good food, good fellowship and good fun to which the public is cordially invited.

Members were encouraged to work on various needlework and craft items as well as woodworking entries as local judging will be conducted at the March 9 meeting. Anna Ritchey and Cathy Galley reviewed the various categories for contests in 2026 with local judging to be conducted before the April 11 county judging at Pomona. Questions about either department may be directed to the corresponding chair.

Members were thanked for their services attending the Salvation Army kettle during the recent holiday season in Sidney. Twenty members covered four days during the collection period.

The Grange decided to hold it annual defensive driving course on April 7 & 8, with the classes running 6 to 9 p.m. both evenings at the Grange Hall. Advance questions from the public can be directed to Roger Halbert, 783-2691. This course is open to the public with pre-registration at a fee of $35 per person.

- By Roger Halbert