Spotting family in the crowd

Over the past year and a half, as I've traveled to many states with Amanda, I can't remember a trip to the airport that didn't result in at least one "Roll Tide."

See, Amanda's an avid Alabama fan, and she's not alone. There's a nation of Alabama fans out there as evidenced by the constant sightings of folks adorned in crimson, white and hounds tooth wandering to and from their destinations and taking with them the visible pride in the school they cheer for - having attended or not.

But there's also a nation of Grangers out there. While our numbers may not rival that of the legion of alumni, parents and others infatuated with Big Al, we number in the tens of thousands.  We travel. We eat out. We shop for groceries and attend parades.  But I've never seen Amanda do a double-take, run some unsuspecting person down and say "hey Brother/Sister" when recognizing Grange paraphernalia adorning their head or chest.

 She can be kind of loud and embarrassing, but I get it.  You want to see people who make up your extended community or family, connect with them and smile that you're not alone.

So why do we feel alone when she puts aside her "A" shirts and wears a Grange t-shirt instead? Is it time we all invest a bit in showing our pride and family affiliation?

Actually, I guess I should say is it time you invest since I'm still waiting for a Grange shirt that will fit.  There are some great new products - t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies - and some older ones that shouldn't be overlooked like polos, jackets and denim shirts.

Why don't you peruse the Grange Store website and find the apparel championing our organization and put it into rotation in your wardrobe when you go to non-Grange events and places?  Maybe you'll just be the next spokesperson for our great Order.

Have comments or want to send a picture of you in your Grange attire so I can share it with the world?  Email me today!

The Countdown is On

One month from today I’ll be settling into the production room at the Radisson Hotel, helping the staff prep for the 147^th Annual National Grange Convention before delegates and members arrive. 

This will be my second convention, how about you? If you've registered, have you shared your excitement about attending with friends and followers of your social media profiles?

Convention is an exciting event for a lot of reasons, including the chance to visit with the friends I’ve made from all over the country and see the passion for this great organization.

On Tuesday after the session opens, National Grange President Ed Luttrell will deliver his annual internal and external addresses - one of my favorite things. The external address will live-stream on the National Grange website at about 2:15 p.m. EST on Nov. 12.

This year's convention is packed with excellent speakers, new programs and much more. There are so many vendors already on board for the Idea Fair, a display of many Grange arts and crafts and elections for 15 officers and the three members of the Assembly of Demeter.

The Grange will also be celebrating the 125^th anniversary of the formation of the Junior Grange and a new program will be rolled out on Saturday, Nov. 16.  Junior Director Lillian Booth will present training for directors that will be live-streamed online for those who are unable to make the event.

I’ll write more about the merits of the Junior Grange in coming weeks, but for now, I’m digging through Grange documents in the basement of the national headquarters to learn more about the history of this amazing program. Did you know Texas State Grange was the one to first authorize the Junior Grange and bring a resolution to the 1888 National Session to establish it as a national organization?

So, will you be in Manchester? If so, make sure to stop by and say hello. Maybe we can even get a picture together.

If you haven’t yet registered, sign up today. 

In the meantime, why don’t you share your best convention memories or send questions about the convention to me by posting here or email me .

Welcome to my blog. I'm just getting my social profile started but I'm looking forward to using this platform to speak to the Grange family!