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.
​
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
MARCH/APRIL 2021 GRANGE NEWS

Wishing everyone a Happy Saint Patrick Day! and a Blessed Easter.

​It is hard to believe that a year ago this month Covid19 shut down our cities and Granges. Many of our Granges still are not holding their regular meetings. For the first time in almost a year Fredonia Grange is planning on holding a regular meeting this March.
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Fredonia Grange lost Bonnie Rocco, a 25-year member, due to Covid19 in January. Bonnie was very involved in the Dictionary Program for many years. She loved seeing the joy the children experienced when
they received their dictionaries. Bonnie was instrumental in hosting tours of the Houston School during Fair Week. She was also a long time supporter of the Relay for Life program. Her helping hands and great
smile will be missed.
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I am hoping everyone is trying to do some new and/or revised community services projects during these times.  Here are a couple of ideas you might want to consider:
  • Deliver snacks to hospitals or senior care facilities.
  • Help with Spring Cleanup for a neighbor.
  • Make Birthday cards for children in a homeless shelter.
  • Bake cookies for your local food pantry.
  • Arrange to read to seniors in a care facilities  using FaceTime.
  • Community Services can be as big or as personal as you want.
​Lets take a look at what our Community Service reports should include,

The Notebook Reports:
  • The summary report should be placed at the beginning of the Notebook. This form is required!
  • Material should be organized. Suggested ways to submit the Notebook is to have the projects grouped together by the size of the project, chronologically or have your Notebook read like a book. This is your opportunity to tell the story of your Grange in a neat and concise manner.
  • 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.
Projects:
  • Describe the project(s) that will answer the Who? What? Where? When? Why? And How?
  • Why did you choose this project? What was your goal? How did you accomplish the project
  • Include the details of the work. Were there special committees? Did it take cooperation of other groups? How many Grangers and non-Grangers were involved? What did you accomplish? Describe your successes.
  • Include support materials used such as publicity, pictures, news articles & letters.
  • Did you overcome obstacles? Did you record what you would do differently?
  • Would you recommend this type of project to other Granges?
  • Keep the report concise. Include only material that directly impacts the projects you are explaining.
  • On the Project List pages: List the projects, the approximate number of hours spent on each project. List the number of Grangers and non-Grangers who assisted with the project. If more space is needed use additional pages.​
Community Service Reports are due September 10, 2021.​