GILBERTSVILLE—The Butternut Valley Grange was recently notified by the National Grange that its proposal in its “Garden to Table” project was one of forty applications nationwide to receive $,1000 in this round of grants titled “Bridging the Gaps” an initiative funded by Rural Life Initiative grants. The local Grange proposed three workshops open to the public with the first session on getting planting that includes information on soil, pots, and seed exchange to help get started. This first session will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Gilbertsville. One of the requirements of the application was joint sponsorship by another local organization, with the Baptist Church graciously accepting the opportunity. To register for this program, please call Lynne Porter 607-764-8720 or Linda Gover 607-783-2409. A second and third workshop date wiill conclude the project with harvesting and nutrition helps and finally a community dinner using the harvest items from the project.

In other projects of the Grange, at this mid-winter “picnic”, 18 birthday kits were assembled and distributed to the Butternut Valley food pantry and pantries in Otego and Unadilla. The Grange recently sponsored the defensive driving six-hour course which was open to the public. They will soon be working on preparing and serving the meal at Share the Bounty in Sidney in May.

The Grange is taking orders for Heidleberg bread to be delivered before Mother’s Day. This is a fund raising project and orders may be made by calling Lynne Porter at 607-764-8720 or Anna Ritchey 607-563-1104 before April 13.

New Grange member and local Village Mayor, Aidan Woishnis shared information regarding the different activities that the village is considering to celebrate the 250th birthday of our country this year.

The Grange will hold the annual roast pork dinner, take-out, on April 29. Orders or questions may be directed to Cathy Galley 607-965-8734 or Roberta Halbert 607-783-2445.

At the last meeting, Jack Salo provided information on setting up a volunteer driver force to provide transportation for elderly to appointments. The Rural Health Network is set up in Chenango and Otsego Counties and in the process of getting drivers for Otsego County. Questions may be directed to him at 607-743-0120.

The next Grange meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall, 7 Bloom Street. Cathy and Sarah Galley will welcome early arrivals with light snacks.

- By Roger Halbert, The Butternut Valley Grange