GILBERTSVILLE — In cooperation with the Butternut Valley Alliance, the Butternut Valley Grange will play host to a public workshop on “Understanding Your Electricity Bill” on Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m. The Grange Hall is located at 7 Bloom Street in Gilbertsville. The public is invited to this informational forum.

At its last meeting, the Grange welcomed into membership Leonard and Becca Trillo, George Dempsie, and Scott and Cash Osborne.

Report of community interaction included the Share the Bounty meal that was prepared and served by the Grange to over 125 persons at Sacred Heart Church, Sidney. Member and Village Mayor, Aidan Woishnis discussed various plans for the community in celebration of the country’s 250th birthday. Several Grange members participated and helped construct a vintage piece, complete with floral arrangements that will grace the front lawn until the middle of September in recognition of this milestone. Keith Klingman reported on a number of projects at the Grange Hall that were submitted to the committee working on the proposal of the Town and Village’s application being developed for the NYS Forwarding Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant. The Grange Hall was constructed in 1832 and the membership’s desire is to keep this historical building in excellent order.

In the cookie contest, Anna Ritchey placed first in the regular group and Helen Ritchey placed first in the diabetic category. The pie making team members set up dates when pies will be baked with pre-orders over the next few months. Interested persons wishing to order pies, are directed to contact Roberta Halbert 607-783-2445 for selection of pies and dates when pickup can be arranged.

Victoria Gregory was re-elected to a three year term on the Executive Board. Delegates to the State Grange convention in October are currently Cathy Galley and Calvin Wilcox. The convention is held in Waterloo.

The second seminar workshop on “Come Grow with Us” a project co-sponsored by the Grange and Baptist Church, under the auspices of the National Grange will be given on Saturday, July 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.at the Grange Hall. Gardening techniques and skills in preservation of harvested produce will be shared for all attendees. There is no cost and it is open to the public

David and Sandra Stoy and Lynne Porter will greet early arrivals with light refreshments at the July 13 meeting.

— Information from Roger Halbert, Butternut Valley Grange