MARY ANN ROCCO
145 Beadle Lake Drive
Battle Creek, MI 49014

​​Tel: 269-209-6640

​​Email: roccomaryann@yahoo.com
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THE DICTIONARY PROJECT

"The Dictionary Project" started in South Carolina. The purpose of the project is to put dictionaries into the hands of third graders. These dictionaries are theirs to keep. The organizers of this project are well organized, and have structured the project to make it a success with a minimum of effort. The website includes sample letters, suggestions for labeling the dictionaries, press releases... in short they have thought of everything you need to make the project a success. You may even send for samples of the dictionaries that are offered for sale. Since the current school year is at an end you will have plenty of time to collect information on you school, ordering the dictionaries and make presentation to the school.

There are four things to recommend this project:

GOOD PURPOSE — The Grange has always supported the advancement of education

MEDIUM EXPENSE — The dictionaries are available at a reasonable cost. The books are sold in case lots.

MINIMUM EFFORT — The instructions are very complete. All the thinking work has been done for you. And it would take very few people to finish the project. A small committee could handle it easily.

GOOD PUBLIC RELATIONS — This project would make a very newsworthy story for print or radio.

Please consider this project. If you are interested please contact:

http://www.dictionaryproject.org  or

Mary L. French
P.O. Box #1845
Charleston SC 29402
COMMUNITY SERVICE
MAY/JUNE 2021 GRANGE NEWS

HELLO SPRING!!!!! Hopefully sunshine and warmer temperatures will be arriving soon.
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Many of us are just getting back to regular Grange meetings. Fredonia had its first in-person meeting in over a year the first of April. Sadly they had the Draping Ceremony for eight members who had passed since their last in-person meeting. Home Grange has been holding their meeting virtually.
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Many Granges have been able to complete the Dictionary Project this year. Fredonia Grange has reconvened its Wednesday night Music program. Hopefully you all have an activity you are now able to hold.
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The VA again has called on the Fredonia’s Sewing Ladies. They were asked to make 39 Baby Quilts for the Annual Baby shower for veterans and or their wives who are pregnant. They were happy to fill this request.

​As the weather breaks more and more opportunities will arise to help out in our communities. Our Community Services are a way to help each other and to help in our community.

​Have you thought of doing any of these community services?
  • Collect unused makeup and perfume to donate to a center for abuse women.
  • Collect grocery coupons for local food pantries to help with cost.
  • Put together first aid kits for local shelters.
  • Send cards to solders serving overseas.
  • Help Seniors make appointments to get vaccinated or provide transportation.
​Our Community Services can be as big or as personal as you want.

​GRANGE AWARDS
Lets review the awards that are available to our Granges We would like to encourage Granges to
nominate a person in their community for the Dedicated Worker Award, a Grange member for the VIP
(Very Important Patron) and The National Grange Firefighter/EMT, Law Enforcement Officer and
Teacher of the Year Awards.
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DEDICATED WORKER AWARD
This award has its importance to the Granges presenting the award. This award will no longer be
judged at the state level. We hope that Granges will continue to present this award to people in their community.

​​The purpose of the Dedicated Worker Award is to honor someone in your community that has made a
difference. Giving public recognition's to those who have given outstanding effort is important. This recognition is our way of saying “Thank You” for a job ​well done.
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VIP –VERY IMPORTANT PERSON
The purpose of the VIP Award is for each Grange to honor a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the Grange.
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Submission:
Only one entry from a Grange may be submitted to the State Grange per year. Submit a biography and a
summary of the contribution the VIP nominee has made to the Grange. If possible also submit a photograph of your VIP. The submission shall be sent to the State Community Service Director postmarked
by September 10th
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National Grange Firefighter/EMT, Law Enforcement Officer and Teacher of the Year Award
The purpose in nominating an individual, in one of these categories, gives public recognition to those
who have made an outstanding effort, is important in your various community service projects, that include honoring these hometown hero’s. National Grange encourages your Grange to honor these well deserving individuals.
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Submission:
Each State Grange may submit one nominee for each category. Submit your nomination form, and any
other supporting paper work, for possible National Grange recognition, to the State Community Director, the same time, as your Community Service report is due.
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The National Grange website has information on the Do’s and Don’ts for your Community Service Report.

​COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
JULY/AUGUST 2021 GRANGE NEWS

Summer Is Here !!!!!

​It has been over 400 days since we were able to fully enjoy the company of our extended family and friends. We now can resume our monthly Grange meetings and community service activities to the fullest.

As you are working on your community service projects, I hope you were able to expand and add a new project this year.

It’s never too late to give a helping hand to your community.

Here are a couple of ideas:
  • Read a book to a person who is visually impaired.
  • Tutor a child during summer break.
  • Volunteer to help with Vacation Summer School in your area.
  • Continue to collect coupons for local food pantries and shelters.
  • No project is too small when helping others.
Special awards were outlined in last months Michigan Grange News. Refer to it if you are thinking about nominating a special person in your Grange.

August 31st marks the end of our Community Service year. Your Community Service Report is due on September 10th, 2021. That means it needs to be delivered to the State Community Service Director on or before that date. (If special arrangements need to be made for the delivery of your Community Service Report please contact me.) 

Mary Ann Rocco 
145 Beadle Lake Drive, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014

(Just a little note, when mailing your materials please put Drive on the address. There is also Beadle Lake Road and a Beadle Lake in the same zip code.) 269 209-6640 roccomaryann@yahoo.com

Here is a review of information and organization of our Community Service Report. 

The Notebook Reports
  • Please place the summary report at the beginning of the Notebook. It is required!
  • Please do not send more than one Notebook. Notebooks cannot be larger than a 2 inch binder
  • Videotapes and computer discs cannot be used in place of a report for judging.  

Organize the Notebooks.
  • Tell the your story as you organize your projects
  • Group the projects together
  • Keep items that support your projects, like thank you letters and newspaper articles, with or without photos.
  • Simplify your notebook by selecting the best couple of photos for each project. 
  • Be concise and stick to the point. More is not always better. 

Ways to Organize
  • Organize by New Projects and Continuing Projects
  • Or-Organize in chronological order from the beginning to the end of the year
  • Or -Organize by the largest projects to the smallest projects
  • Keep the page clean and concise
  • List all project at the beginning of the book (Index)
  • Donations for a project should be noted  
  • If tabs are use make sure they are secured so they don’t fall out 
  • Remember the notebook maximum size is a 2-inch binder.
Something to think about
  • Each State Grange may submit one nominee for each category, Firefighter, Law Enforcement Officer and Teacher of the Year. A Dedicated Worker and a Very Important Person Award.  
  • Nominations need to be turned in with your Community Service Report.
The National Grange website has information on the Do’s and Don’ts  of a Community Service Report.

COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS ARE DUE SEPTEMBER 10th, 2021. 

Stay safe and enjoy your summer!