GILBERTSVILLE – The next meeting of Butternut Valley Grange, Gilbertsville, is scheduled for Monday, October 9 starting with a 7 p.m. gathering reception to greet and meet the candidates for Otsego County Clerk, Jennifer Basile and MacQuire Benton. Basile and Benton will introduce themselves and share brief comments about their desire for the position of County Clerk. Local candidates on the November 7 ballot will be acknowledged during the reception. The community is cordially invited to attend this reception to become acquainted with the two candidates. The regular business meeting will commence at 7:30 p.m. with Keith Klingman presiding.

At the last meeting, Anna Ritchey reported on the Community Service Committee’s plans for the coming year. Sandra Stoy, Family Activities Chair, reminded attendees of the recent spike in COVID incidences and increased awareness is called for. Thanks were extended to John Rosanda, Paula Evans and Anne Sebeck in getting the building in readiness for the 150th birthday celebration that was held at our Grange Hall recently.

A quilt that has been beautifully pieced together, under the guidance of Paula Evans and many helpers, was revealed to the members. The quilt will be raffled in the spring. Valerie Haynes volunteered to coordinate a recipe book with heritage references next spring. Nate Lull will be investigating our sound system to see what upgrades or replacement is deemed appropriate and will be reporting back to the membership when information is available.

Roger Halbert is coordinating efforts with the National Grange project FCC Affordable Connectivity Program, in efforts to bring about broadband services at affordable pricing to rural families. Materials from National Grange will be forthcoming.

The Fall Evening of Fine Dining, under and direction of Emily Ferrell will be held on Sunday evening, October 8 at the Grange Hall. The elegant affair is by reservation only by contacting Emily directly at finedining.thegrange@gmail.com or at 917-913-4600. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

The Grange is planning a Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, October 14, chaired by Donna Dvoracek, which will feature area crafters and seasonal items, open to the public. Inquiries may be directed to Dvoracek at 237-4365.

Recent associate membership renewals were processed for Evans Auction Service, Norwich and the Empire House, for which the Grange is most appreciative of their support.

The reception for the County Clerk candidates on October 9 will be held at the Grange Hall, 7 Bloom Street, with committee Roberta Halbert, Lynne Porter, Anne Sebeck, Roger Halbert and Calvin Wilcox.

– Roger Halbert, Butternut Valley Grange