GILBERTSVILLE - Butternut Valley Grange will meet Monday, December 11 at the Grange Hall, 7 Bloom Street, Gilbertsville. The membership has been divided into two teams, with Grange members encouraged to bring loose change whose proceeds will be given to a worthy cause. The contest runs through next spring.

At the November meeting, the Grange voted to proceed with Valerie Haynes proposal of a recipe book, “The Gifts of These Hills” which will be compiled during the winter months with the deadline for all submissions no later than April 1, 2024. Questions may be directed to illumewritersartists@live.com or a call to Haynes at 607-783-4045. The recipe book will include historical references and special notes about the recipes. Target date for publication is September 2024 with proceeds going to the Grange’s community service activities.

The local fire department, auxiliary and emergency squad held their annual holiday dinner and gathering at the Grange Hall on December 2. The breakfast with Santa is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, starting at 9 a.m. Families with children and seniors are invited for the gala event when Santa will have gifts for all the children. Reservations are requested for food planning and the ages and gender of children that will be visiting Santa are to be called into Barbara Rossanda at 607-783-2075.

Nate Lull will be reporting on proposals for a new sound system for the upstairs auditorium.

During the holiday season, 28 Grange members have attended the Salvation Army Kettle project at Price Chopper in Sidney on four days.

Light holiday refreshments will be available in the dining room at 7 p.m. prior to Monday’s business meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

- Submitted by Roger Halbert, Butternut Valley Grange