TOM SMITH, CO-DIRECTOR
816 4th Street
Three Rivers, MI  49093

269-858-8305​




FAMILY  ACTIVITIES
JULY/AUGUST 2022 GRANGE NEWS

Did anyone (or Grange) accept our challenge last issue? You know, the part about informing your members of the many opportunities to show your talents? We can promote at the State and National levels, but it all starts in your local Grange and community, as it should.
The other day I was listening to NPR, and they talked of “Foraging for Foods”: It’s kind of hard to take notes while driving, and my memory isn’t what it used to be. The Erie (PA) Times Network had a much longer article, but here’s some of the points.

​Safe Foraging
  • Do your homework. Don’t just assume all that you find in the woods is safe to eat.
  • Use your nose. If a plant has a strong odor don’t eat it.
  • Use your eyes. If a plant has 3 leaves growing in groups (like poison ivy) don’t eat it.
  • Do not assume that just because you’ve seen a deer or other animal eating a plant that it’s safe for you.
  • Know where you are. Stay away from potentially toxic areas when pesticides may be used. Or along busy roads or dog parks.
​With these safety tips in mind, consider foraging for several types of foods this spring and summer.
  • Dandelion flowers are a delicious substitute for honey and can be made into herbal teas, jams & jellies and wines. The flowers can be dipped in batter and fried to create fritters.  They also can be eaten whole, or the petals can be tossed into sal- ads, on a sandwich or in stir fry. They have detoxifying, anti-inflammatory and cleansing effects, particularly for the digestive system anliver. The leaves provides calcium, manganese, iron, potassium and vitamins A, C and K.
  • Red and white clover are beneficial (particularly red), high in minerals and vitamins. Clover can be added to baked goods, mixed with honey to spice it up or made into a delicious tea.
  • Wild lettuce, mallow & sweet fennel are edible greens and rich in nutrients.
  • Chickweed, comes up in early spring is a green that can be added to salads or made into pesto.
  • Cattail shoots, come up in spring, actually taste lie cucumbers and can be eaten raw.
  • Mushrooms. Extremely popular, very tasty and can be very risky as some can be poisonous.
It’s best to accompanied by an experienced forager.
Tasty and inexpensive, quality family time and good outdoor exercise are other benefits.

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​​FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS… Fireworks and summer go hand in hand, and we want you to have a 
safe, fun-filled season! Keep these safety tips in mind:
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your community before using them.
  • Never buy professional-grade fireworks. They are not designed for safe consumer use.
  • Keep small children a safe distance from all fireworks, including sparklers, which can burn at temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees.
  • Never reignite or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby to thoroughly soak duds before throwing them away.
  • Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks to avoid contact injuries or noise reactions.
Be Safe!!!!

​Happy 4th of July!!!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 GRANGE NEWS

It’s that time of year again! Last call for your Grange’s report form to be sent in. And, you have time to make that final push for entries from your Grange.
There are contests that should be do-ables for any member, adult or junior; mail or females.

​The contests are now open to non-members as well. So ask that talented family member that gifted 
neighbor , that crafty person at church. It shouldn’t be a problem for any Grange to have entries. Send your Grange’s report forms to Barb, and bring or send the contest entries to State Grange for judging.

​We’re always asking you for your input and suggestions to build the Family Activities Department. 
Send letters, emails, texts, phone calls with your ideas. But even better, take the opportunity to talk to us in Marshall at the State Grange convention. Hope to see you there!

​Autumn has to be the favorite season for so many people. Cooler weather, fresh apples and cider and 
so much more. It’s also a great time to appreciate the beauty of nature. The leaves are turning and this gives us a great opportunity to do a family outings. A walk through the woods or a park is not just scenic, it’s
healthy! And it’s multi-generational. This might be of use as you take that walk through Michigan’s beauty! And after that walk, that apple cider will taste pretty darn good! (maybe with a donut)

​The Autumn leaf palette ranges from yellow to purple to orange to red.
Here’s a guide to leaves and their hues.

​Americal Elm—yellow
Ash—yellow to dark purple
Aspen —yellow
Basswood —yellow
Beech—clear yellow
Birches — light orange to yellow
Black gum — Bright scarlet
Black locust — yellow
Black oak — dull red to orange-brown
Box elder — bright yellow
Cherry — yellow
Cottonwood — yellow
Dogwood — crimson
Hawthorne — brilliant varying colors
Hazelnut — brownish yellow
Hickory — dull yellow
Honey locust — light yellow
Mountain ash — bright clear yellow-red berries,
 prune –purple leaves
Mulberry— yellow
Persimmon — light yellow
Poplar — yellow green and golden yellow
Red Maple — bright scarlet and orange
Red Oak — dark rusty red.
Redbud—brilliant yellow
Sassafras — blood orange
Scarlet Oak — Brilliant scarlet
Shad bush — bright clear yellow
Silver maple — pale yellow
Sugar maple — bright yellow to orange and scarlet
Sumac — brilliant red
Sweetgum— flaming crimson
Sycamore — yellow to brown
Tulip tree — bright yellow
Tupelo — flaming scarlet
Walnut — dull yellow to light brown
Witch hazel — bright yellow-orange, rarely purple
BARBARA JOHNSTON​, CO-DIRECTOR
2028 Robbins Road
​Tipton, MI 49287

​Tel: 517-431-2546

Email: tnbjohnston@pc.com​