GILBERTSVILLE - The Butternut Valley Grange in Gilbertsville will convene for its monthly meeting at p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at the Grange Hall, 7 Bloom St.

From the last meeting’s discussion, a decision will be made regarding the Grange’s position on supporting a Junior Grange +1 Program, which would allow children in the area to participate in Junior Grange programs without having a local Junior Grange.

At the last meeting, Anna Ritchey reported that the Butternut Valley Grange was awarded first place in 2024 Community Service endeavors, announced at the recent State Grange convention in Oswego. The report represented the New York State Grange in the annual national Grange competition when the national convention was held in Iowa in November. The results of that judging will be shared with members at the Dec. 9 meeting.

Several upcoming projects were reviewed, including a new fundraiser selling Heidelberg bread in November, Thanksgiving holiday pie preorders, and the Breakfast with Santa, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. Reservations, including the gender and age of children, should be made by calling Barbara Rossanda at 783-2075 by Dec. 10. Each child up to age 12 will receive a gift from Santa if reservations are made in advance. Crafters interested in having a space at the craft displays on the same date should also contact Rossanda. The quilt raffle, directed by Paula Evans, will be held at 10:30 a.m. during the breakfast.

The Grange also participated in the recent Community Night of Fun at Unadilla Valley School, where 17 members were involved. Roger Halbert is coordinating four days of participation in the Salvation Army Kettle campaign at Price Chopper in Sidney during the holiday season, with 23 members volunteering their time. The Grange continues to provide meals to shut-ins or those recovering from health issues, often serving nearly 40 individuals.

The Grange appreciates the gift of a new American flag from the local Legion Auxiliary, which now proudly flies at the front entrance of the Grange Hall.

Greeters for the Dec. 9 meeting are Paula Evans, Sean Herbert, Colleen Bushnell, and Laurie Johnsen, who will share light refreshments before the meeting begins.

- Information from Butternut Valley Grange