Chico Grange Monthly Meeting: July 6, 2010

7:10     Meeting convened

Opening - Cass Mutters

1.      Welcome members

Administrative

1.      May meeting minutes approved as distributed

Ongoing Business

1.      Loan from State Grange-- monthly payments of $395.40 @ 5%have begun

2.      TriCounties Bank Loan-- paid off

3.      Remodel Update

a.      new well project --well drilling is finished--next step is to install a pump with necessary plumbing and electrical.  The pressure tank will be located in an enclosure on a 6 x6 pad next to the Grange building.  Extra space in the enclosure will be used for tool storage.

b.      bathroom remodel--cracks in walls have been caulked (thanks, Cass) and will be insulated.  Design committee (Kristy, Ruth, Yoshiko) will meet with contractor and decide on floor, stall, and wall colors and materials.  

4.      Future work days (summer as needed, organized beginning September)

a.      Work day leader will contact Cass to identify projects, then notify members and gather materials.  If no one volunteers to lead the work day, it will be cancelled.

b.      Workdays are scheduled for September 11, October 9, and November 13

New Business

1.      Request from GRUB to use the grange dishes and silverware for Chico Peace & Justice Center annual event.  Members agreed, on the condition that they meet with Grange volunteers to permanently mark our kitchenware prior to the event.

2.      Ed Luttrell, National Grange President visit on Wed, Aug 11 6:30-9:30

            a. Invitations to N California granges--Nancy will work with Cass to get email                         addresses so that announcements can be sent out

            b.  Kristy will contact KCHO with info for a PSA or news item

            c.  Cathy Carter and Kate will mail out invitations to N. Calif granges

3.      City counsel ag land preservation – J Luvaas

                        Chico City Council has responded to the Grange ag land preservation resolution                            by including language in the General Plan to explore ways to save farm land                          which may be             targeted for development.  They are investigating strategies such                            as land trusts and  "ag/residential zoning" .

4.      Rental Committee revitalization item was tabled until next month

a.      Contract revisions (liability insurance, parking guards, others)

b.      Grange alcohol insurance

5.      Resolutions for consideration at State Grange Convention, due Aug 13.

            Chuck will contact Richard Roth regarding the submission of his resolution regarding Type 2 diabetes in children.

Announcements

1.      Upcoming events

a.      Grangestock at the Orangeville Grange, July 17

       This grange has lots of fun ideas on their website

b.      Yankee Hill Grange Annual Chili Cook-off , Sept 25

c.      Taylorsville Grange  tri-tip dinner on August 21

2.      Announcements, general handouts

            Nancy encouraged Grange members to attend the Farmers Market in Chapmantown on Fridays, 5 - 8 PM

3.      Members sick or in distress

            Kate will send a card to Robert Catalano

Closing of the Grange

1.      Grange salutation – C Voss

2.      Adjourn (~ 8:25 pm)

Submitted by Ruth Kennedy for Sec'y Virginia Maier

Chico Grange Monthly Meeting: June 1, 2010 @ 7:00

No Program or Pot Luck for the summer months

Opening- Cass Mutters

1. Kristy and Justin Bergson were welcomed and initiated as new members

Word of Inspiration- Jim Dwyer

Musical Interlude-Robert Catalano “ Flowers of the Forest”

Administrative

1. The minutes of the May 4, 2010 minutes were approved
2. No committee reports

Ongoing Business

1. Work Day, May 15-Cass sent out a thank you to all who volunteered
2. Future work days-to be determined
3. Status of loan application to the State Grange-the loan has been approved for 5% loan for  $50,000 with a monthly repayment of $395.00 for 15 years for the replacement of the well and to pay off higher interest Tri Counties Bank loan
4. Status of well project-Cass has gotten 3 bids for the project and has selected Tim Besser to drill a 200 foot well with a 100 foot sanitary seal. He is also working on securing the necessary permits.
5. Status of Bathroom remodel- Cass is awaiting 4 of the 5 contractor bids for this project. Other than asking volunteers to dig to find appropriate plumbing lines, and  the work will be contracted. There was a discussion of the need to rent a port-a potty while this work is being completed. Ed volunteered to price port potties.

New Business

1.     Chico Grange Bag-Kate presented the possibility of having bags printed with the Grange logo and sell for a fundraising project. There was a discussion of tabling at various Farmer’s Markets to sell the bags. Kate will continue to work on the project.

2.     Summer building maintenance- a major project is refinishing the auditorium floor dates TBD

3.     Summer yard maintenance-CCC is not doing a through job for $250 a month. Robert volunteered to get prices for the service. Ed suggested contacting the Work Training Center. There was a discussion of how to get water to the newly planted trees on the south side of the building.

Announcements

1. Ken from Greenville Grange report on the Hemp Festival held last weekend and shared some Hemp products. Hemp is illegal to grow in California, however Ken said that the California Grange is considering supporting the legalization to grow and market the product. Ken also shared that the Greenville Grange is hosting a Tri-tip dinner on august 21st and invited Chico Grange members to attend.
2. Yoshiko shared that Julia Holderbein a member will soon celebrate her 93rd birthday.

Closing of the Grange

1. The Grange Salutation was lead by Chuck
2. Adjourned at 8:20 P.M.

 Chico Grange Monthly Meeting: May 4, 2010

6:15 – 7:00    Program            Managing for Biodiversity in Northern California -- How homeowners, farmers and ranchers can manage for deterrence of invasive species, promote of native plant populations, and conserve resources.   Dr. Kristina Schierenbeck, CSU, Chico, 7:30    Membership meeting (following cleanup)

Opening - Cass Mutters, President opened the meeting at 7:15 PM

1.      Welcome new members and guests

2.      Membership update   Lost 48  --35 were $5 members from last year, gained 23

3.  Words of Inspiration—Cass (in for Jim Dwyer) Preamble for Grange Charter

Musical interlude – Jon Luvaas shared from the early Grange songbook

Administrative

1.      Approval of April meeting minutes—accepted as circulated

2.      Committee reports--Executive Committee is continuing to deal with the mandated well and other necessary/desired building improvements--see new business below

Ongoing Business

1.      Grange Open House, April 17 – Thank you.

a.      Recognition and thanks to all who participated

b.      Fund raising from silent auction and donations—raised ~ $1000

New Business

1.      Loan application to the State Grange – Jon Luvaas

a.      Rationale—Fire Marshall and County mandates create a need for add’l funds

b.      Proposed building improvements

**County mandated well

**Emergency/ADA exit in auditorium

**Kitchen—stove hood mandate

*Bathroom--ADA

*Other kitchen improvements

Acoustic ceiling replacement and paint for Dining Room

Attic Insulation

TOTAL estimated need for ALL                       $57,500

TOTAL estimated for REQUIRED                   $39,000

c.      Review loan scenarios---research handout distributed to members present

Strategy:       

            Apply for State Grange loan up to $50,000 at 3%-4%, ~$500/mo

            Pay off existing $11,000 loan at 7%, costing $239/mo, raising monthly             payment by $260--seems feasible given our income

            Pay extra on principle when income allows

            Keep $5000 in grange account for any future immediate needs.

             Prioritize needs-- do the required improvements and then look at    others

Motion and second to allow Executive Committee to authorize a loan for 10 - 20-years, up to $50K with a monthly payment up to about $500, to be used for building improvements.  Membership understands there will be a deed of trust placed upon this grange by the State Grange.

Discussion

            Review of various loan scenarios

                        Request donations specific to projects from those who                       will want to use them (e.g. kitchen).

                        Keep it on the table to search for grants, etc.

The motion passed unanimously.  Jon Luvaas will contact State Grange.

2.      Bathroom remodel – Cass Mutters

Motion to authorize Cass Mutters to submit the remodeling plans to Butte County and sign the application for a building permit for the bathroom project carried unanimously.

3.      Events parking – Cass Mutters

Need to revise contract language regarding number of cars and parking.  Grange has       about 70 spots.  Need to oversee large events regarding parking. 

      According to sheriff, we will need to erect parking barrier at orchard.  Chuck has agreed that for ~$60 - $75 more per month, he will take on that responsibility.

Increase rental rates for larger groups, at their cost?

Contact HP and find out what acceptable parking practices are? Peter will check.

                 Motion to defer the discussion to rental committee who will bring a motion to the                                membership.  Carried

Announcements

1.      Announcements-- Workday May 15

2.      General handouts--Ag book giveaway by Cass---old, useful gov’t pub'ns

3.      Members sick or in distress--black drape honors Edna Thelander's passing

Closing of the Grange

1.      Grange salutation

2.      Adjourn--8:55 pm

   Respectfully submitted by Ruth Kennedy for Secretary Virginia Maier

Minutes for Chico Grange Monthly Meeting: April 6, 2010

            Program – Waste Management Programs in Chico

                       Eli Goodsell, AS Recycling Coordinator
                       Adele Pfister, former Recycling Ed Coordinator

  Oce Ingram, Recycling & Rubbish Exhibit--RARE

7:20    Membership meeting

Opening

1.      Welcome (14) members – President Cass Mutters

2.      Words of inspiration – Chaplain Jim Dwyer

Musical interlude – Robert Catalano, Grange musician

Administrative

1.      March meeting minutes approved

2.      Committee reports--Rental Committee

Ongoing Business

1.      Grange Open House, April 17

2.      Overview of the event (Kate)

a.      Set up time  4PM Friday the 16th,  kitchen prep helpers by noon

b.      Silent auction (Cass)  -- more donations welcome

            *Pyramid Michael will donate massage

            *Ruth will check with some local businesses

3.      Report: Grange volunteers for KZFR, KCHO on-air fund raiser (Cass)

4.      Report: March Fund Raiser (Chuck) raised about $500

New Business

1.      Grange water well (Cass)

            *Because Grange is a center with more than 25 people more than 60 times per year, it is categorized as a public water supply, and must meet strict state guidelines.  The following problems have been identified:

                        - water does not meet  quality standards (too high nitrate content)

                        - the top of the well is below ground in a vault

                        - the well lacks the prescribed seal for a public water supply

            *Options to remedy the problem:

                        1-cut back use of the well to private (not public) water supply, which would effectively close the Grange as a public venue

                        2-hook on to Cal Water--at a cost of around $85,000--prohibitive

                        3-drill a new well--at a cost of around $15,000 (including capping of present well), with no guarantee the water will meet requirements

            *Exec Committee has studied the problem and all options.  The only feasible one, if the Grange wishes to continue growing and maintain a public presence, is #3--drill a new well.  Exec committee has permission to test water from a neighbor's new well (from 200 feet) to help determine whether water from that level would meet standards.

2.  Motion by Jon Luvaas and Second by Suellen Rowlison to authorize Exec Committee to

Commit the funds for purchase of a new well in order to provide a long-term water source for the Grange.  After thorough discussion, the motion passed unanimously.

3.  Jon will provide wordage for a sign to be displayed at the April Open House, appealing for donations  toward the expense of the well.  Cathy Carter will make the sign.

Announcements

1.      Announcements, general handouts

            * Cass recommends UC, Davis publication, the Home Orchard as an excellent resource

            *Cass brought a copy of a recent study by the American Farmland Trust entitled Paving Paradise, which can be viewed on line at (http://www.farmland.org/programs/states/ca/Feature%20Stories/documents/PavingParadise_AmericanFarmlandTrust_Nov07.pdf.

            * Suellen recommends the book Food Rebellions!:  Crisis and the Hunger for Justice by Eric Holt-Gimenez, who spoke April 5 at CSUC. Read more at http://www.foodfirst.org/

            *Jon Luvaas is coordinating a "Buy Fresh, Buy Local" summit, to bring together various organizations with common interests in that goal.  The Grange will be well represented there, and information will be brought back to Grange members. Read more at http://www.landconservation.org/events.php

            *Pyramid Michael reported on attending the Grange Renaissance, which now has a Yahoo group open to all, as a forum and a resource.  He recommends attending the next Grange Renaissance event, as it was motivating and informative.

2.      Members sick or in distress

DeSabla Grange Gold Sheaf member Edna Thelander passed away recently.  A card has been sent to her family. Obituary available at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicoer/obituary.aspx?n=edna-l-thelander&pid=141313555

Closing of the Grange

1.      Grange salutation

2.      Adjourned at 8:55 PM

1.      Welcome (~24) new members and guests – President Cass Mutters

2.      Words of inspiration – Chaplain Jim Dwyer

Musical interlude – Robert Catalano, Grange musician:  City of New Orleans

Administrative

1.       February meeting minutes approved

2.      No Committee reports

Ongoing Business

1.      March fund raising event  (Kate Mutters)

a.      Overview of the event:  Entertainment, food, drink

b.      Volunteer assignments  Jim Dwyer—Save the date poster for Open House

c.      Additional volunteers needed: parking attendant,

d.      Sunday kitchen help—2:00

e.      Set up time:  12:30  Sat

f.        Area for coats – chair rack,  need hangers

g.      Grounds maintenance, CCC and/or membership (Chuck Voss)  grass already mowed by CCC

New Business

1.      April 17 Open House (Kate Mutters)

a.      Update & volunteers needed—tabling organizations., letters handed out to various members for distribution

b.      PR:  Jon Luvaas radio, the Buzz, CN&R;  Virginia M , Ruth ,Membership table; Kitchen, Spring, Cathy C , D. Guzetti, Paul, Lee, Kate .  Serving:  Kate, Cathy, Mary, talk to Richard Roth--would his anonymous donor from last year be willing to sponsor poster printing? – Poster--Nancy P and Cathy C;  Peter A—ice and check beverage availability

c.      Robert C and Ruby Hollow; Whipple, Local World, Sekond Nature,

d.      Contact Sue Hildebrand at Chico Peace and Justice for PR

2.      GMO alfalfa public comment period ends tomorrow (March 3):  Cass to make a statement on behalf of the Grange

3.      BCHCC, Shalom Free Clinic, Cal OneCare donated $300 back to Grange from their Feb 27 event

4.      KZFR on-air fund raiser March 22 to April 2—Grange staff telephones for 2 hours for their fundraiser American Pasttimes--Nancy P, Guzetti Woody and friends on Monday morning --Robert C and Jim D, (Blues Bayou Mon evening, Sustainability evening shows),

5.      KCHO – Nancy will call Lorraine to check on getting a couple blocks of time. 

Announcements

1.      Announcements, general handouts

**Delta water plan @ Masonic Center March 10 2-4 PM local water issues public meeting

**2009 Comprehensive water package with all provisions of upcoming water bond, and issues from Cal Dept of Water Resources http://www.water.ca.gov/

3.  Master Gardener Handbook available through UC Davis Ag and Natural Resources http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/LawnGarden/ Master Gardener Program information http://camastergardeners.ucdavis.edu/

4.  Congrats to Yoshiko—inducted into 5th degree at the Pomona Grange on Feb 28

5.      Members sick or in distress--Dave Guzzetti

Closing of the Grange

1.      Grange salutation

2.      Adjourned ( 8:57 pm)

MINUTES OF CHICO GRANGE MEETING – FEBRUARY 2, 2010

6:00pm  Potluck

6:40pm Program – Bioneers  2010 DVD shown of Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Solution

7:23pm Musical tribute – Robert Catalano, Grange musician led us in “This Land is Your Land”.

1.      OPENING THE MEETING – President Cass Mutters welcomed members and guests. Chaplain Jim Dwyer gave words of inspiration reading “Canyon Wren”.

2.      INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS – Pres. Mutters inducted to membership Robert Catalano, Robert Montgomery of Durham Family Farm and Susan Sullivan.  

3.      ADMINISTRATION –

a.) January minutes were approved unanimously.

b.) Financial Report of 2009 and Proposed 2010 Budget was presented and discussed. Motion for approval by Paul Suhy, seconded by Jim Dwyer and approved unanimously.  Discussion was had on Expense of Improvement contracts and materials, which was left blank. There was consent to decide on amount after estimates are received for bathroom remodel.  As of 12-31-09 bank balance was $22,758, plus estimated revenue over expenses for 2010 of $6,479 will go towards building improvements and reserves. Discussion was had on the percent or amount of reserves to maintain, somewhere between 10-14%.  The decision was tabled.  See budget handout.

c.) Committee Reports – Richard Roth informed us that he is requesting support from the California Grange and Foundation for his proposal to Robert Woods Johnson for

$250,000 over three years to decrease obesity and Type 2 diabetes (adult onset) in children by developing leaders of color in at-risk communities of Thermalito, Palermo and Southside (of Oroville).

4.        ONGOING BUSINESS

a.) President Mutters installed Paul Suhy as Treasurer and Robert Catalano as Musician.

b.) Kate Mutters updated us on the March 7, 5pm-8:30pm fundraiser with KZFR. A volunteer sign-up sheet was circulated. Cost is $12/15 at the door. Purchase of food is extra. There will be a discount for volunteers. Ken Donnell will do auditorium set-up for entertainer Sid Lewis, and others.   An e-mail request for volunteers is to be sent out.

c.)    VP Chuck Voss and John Dubil, electrician, explained fire safety improvements that have been made in the Hall: panic exit doors; pull/push interior doors; exit signs; smoke alarms, hard-wired with battery back-up; and  fire extinguishers  updated.  The Hall may need to have fire resistant curtains and stage curtains. Paul Suhy estimated that $1800 is needed for a fire safe commercial stove with propellant fire extinguisher automatic in hood.  And, the kitchen needs a Type K fire extinguisher.

d.)    Pres. Mutters distributed an architectural diagram by TJ Glenn Architecture of the bathrooms and took input from members.  The women concurred that one sink in the women’s bathroom be replaced with a fold down baby changing table.  Several people requested access to the bathrooms from an outside door, but were told it  is not feasible. See diagram handout.

e.)    Pres. Mutters announced that a Chair for the Rental Committee is needed. It meets quarterly coordinating with Kristen del Real, rental manager, renters and the Grange.

There was consensus for Pres. Mutters to appoint Rental Committee member Chuck Voss to be interim chair until a permanent chair can be found.  Pres Mutters postpones appointing Voss as Rental Committee chairs in hopes of that other members will take a more active role.

5.      NEW  BUSINESS

a.) Past President Jon Luvaas met with folks at CSU Chico to discuss storing historical Grange records   in Special Collections. Consensus was positive. Jon meets with them again on Feb. 5 to iron out details and report back to Grange membership. Jim Jesse in the CSU Chico History Department would like to present a program about the Grange Hall and neighborhood, going back to when the building was a school.

b.) Request by Robert Montgomery to use Grange Hall free of charge for Shalom Free Clinic fundraiser.  Motion for approval submitted by Suellen Rowlison, seconded by Jon Luvaas and passed unanimously.  Details to be worked out with Rental Manager.

c.) Request by Lori Weber, Prof. at CSUC, representing Slow Food Shasta Cascade, to use

Grange Hall for monthly meeting.  Motion for approval by Suellen Rowlison, seconded by Jim Dwyer to rent Hall free of charge with the caveat that they might be bumped if a paying renter wants to rent on the same night. Motion passed unanimously.  She or a Cascade rep would like to attend Grange meetings for better communication.

d.)    Request by Lone Pine 4-H for the Grange to waive their monthly meeting fee of $30 for the rest of the school year, Feb. through May 2010.   Lone Pine 4-H is very active in Butte County.  Motion for approval by Richard Roth, seconded by Jim Dwyer and passed unanimously.  Pres. Mutters asked if Chico Grange could be their sponsor as is the case in many Granges.  Pres. Mutters to research and report back.

6.      ANNOUNCEMENTS

a.) Buy Fresh Buy Local Grower Workshop Feb. 10 at Farm Bureau, Orland, sponsored by Community Alliance with Family Farmers, No. Calif. Regional Land Trust, USDA Rural Development.  Robert Montgomery may attend.

b.)  Grange Renaissance Summit, March 27, at W. Yolo Grange, Guinda, Capay Valley.  Pres. Mutters will send e-mail announcement and encourages Chico Grangers to attend.

7.      CLOSING OF THE GRANGE

a.) Grange salutation

b.) Meeting closed at ~9pm

Respectfully submitted by Suellen Rowlison for Secretary Virginia Maier

1)      OPENING THE MEETING

a)      Welcome Members and Guests -Outgoing President Jon Luvaas

b)      Words of Inspiration - Chaplain Jim Dwyer

2)      NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTION

a)      No new members present for induction into voting membership

3)      ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

a)      Minutes approved, no financial report (treasurer absent)

b)      Executive Committee report:  committee authorized treasurer to pay pending new budget development

c)      Virginia Maier has been trained on updating web page, but WEB PAGE MANAGER NEEDED:  see Richard Roth

4)      MUSICAL INTERLUDE - Musician Robert Catalano will begin in Feb.  Cass will induct him into the       office.

5)      UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a)      Installation of New President Cass Mutters, Secretary Virginia Maier, Chaplain Jim Dwyer, Exec. Committee Member Peter Allison

b)      Moved and seconded that the outgoing president join the exec committee to advise and ease the transition.

c)      President will be meeting with Secretarial Team regarding communications and with all other committee heads

d)     Intro  by Cass---his background and experience in ag 

6)       NEW BUSINESS AND REQUESTS FOR THE GOOD OF THE GRANGE

a)      BUILDING COMM CHAIR NEEDED.  President will appoint if need be

b)      Status of building improvements – Bathrooms first priority, Kitchen next priority.  Ballroom exit to be considered after those two projects 

1.      Suggestion:  Contact Mo Cortez for plumbing, as well as 2 others for contract bids

2.      Suggestion:  Outdoor access to one of the bathrooms

c)      RENTAL COMMITTEE CHAIR NEEDED

1.      Motion to support Biggs Grange fundraiser event at 100% contingent on their application and agreement to contract issues such as parking for such event, and availability of the Grange.  Motion carried.  Ruth will send application for sponsorship to exec committee.  Kristen will have Biggs applicant submit that application to the exec committee.

d)     Need for program/education ideas and suggestions:  Lee Altier,  Nani Teves, Pyramid Michael and  J Luvaas are the Community Action team responsible for programs

1.        Would Transition speaker be available for Feb?  

e)      Discussion about rituals to open/close meetings, i.e., Pledge, open Bible, “prayer”, salutation, etc.

(a)    Motion approved to change from Pledge of Allegiance, to songs like This Land is Your Land, and other similar songs in appreciation of land and country.

f)       Discussion regarding meeting with fire chief.  Generally favorable—Chuck will contact Cass for the next meeting.               

g)      Motion:  approval for two 8 ft banners (one for here, one for state) designed with Chico’s Resolution regarding return to original purpose of the Granges.  Sue Ellen and Charles Withuhn will work on this.  Motion passed.

h)      Grange/KZFR March 7th  fundraiser.  Volunteers will be needed for setup, takedown, cleaning.  KD is co-planning.  So far, the program includes Swami Beyondananda, a comedian, and music.  Events committee will meet next week and will update membership next month.

i)         Need to add a parking agreement section to our rental agreement. Currently there is no mention of the need for security at large events, parking requirements, etc

7)      ANNOUNCEMENTS       

a)      workshop to subsidize solar USDA Rural Development Rural energy for America Program

b)      YouTube video on local apple farmer (www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrJeSZWoKSc)

c)      Scholarship for Small Farm Conference in February  (www.californiafarmconference.com)

Ask Cass for details.

d)     Fifth Degree Pomona (county level) meeting will be held at the Palermo Grange on Jan 24 with ritual ceremony

e)      Next workday project will be painting the hallway, January 23

f)       Pruning and winter care for home orchards workshop in Hamilton City Jan 16 10 AM online registration.  Go to http://calendar.ucanr.org/eventdisplay.cfm?caleventnum=69164.

g)      Send card to Aloha.  She needs transportation to meetings.  Can anyone help???   Did anyone send the card?

h)      For next, discuss non-profit status, email/snail mail contacts

i)        Handouts from CWC for Bioneers series.  Go to http://chicowomensclub.org/docs/Bioneers2010.pdf.

j)        Snowgoose Festival Jan 28-31.  Go to www.snowgoosefestival.org

8)      CLOSING OF THE GRANGE – 9:00

a)      Grange Salutation

b)      Meeting closed

Submitted by Ruth Kennedy

Minutes of the Chico Grange Meeting on December 1, 2009

(16 members and 3 guests present)

Meeting Opening:  7:15 p.m. by Chuck Voss, Vice-President

a.       Pledge of Allegiance

b.       Words of Inspiration – “A Prayer for Peace” -  Jim Dwyer

New Members:  none

Administrative Matters:

a.       November  minutes approved

b.      A vote was taken to determine whether ballots would be needed for the election of officers.  Grange members voted unanimously to use a show of hands in lieu of ballots.

New Business:

   President Nomination:  Cass Mutters – vote unanimous

   Vice-President Nomination:  Chuck Voss – vote unanimous

   Secretary Nomination:  Virginia Maier - vote unanimous

   Treasurer Nomination:  Paul Suhy - vote unanimous

   Executive Committee Nomination:  Jim Dwyer – vote unanimous

   Chaplain Nomination:  Jim Dwyer – vote unanimous

   Executive Committee Nomination:  Peter Allison – vote unanimous

   Continuing Executive Committee Members:  Chuck Voss and Jim Dwyer

   The new Grange President, (Cass), will nominate the committee heads after December 31st.

Old Business:

Chuck gave a fire safety update.  A fire inspection took place this month.  Necessary upgrades were made.

The original lights in the vestibule were recently installed by John Dubil.

Announcements:

Suellen announced the upcoming CCOF event. 

Kate announced the upcoming Grange fund-raiser on March 7th, in collaboration with KZFR.

Closing of the Grange Meeting:

No members reported to be sick or in distress.

Meeting closed by Chuck Voss at 7:45 p.m.

Next Grange Meeting on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.   (Business meeting at 8:00 p.m.)

1.                  WELCOME Members and Guests - President Jon Luvaas

2.                  ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

a.                   Approve minutes, no financial reports

b.                  Executive Committee report:  if  high revenue, low expenses--- $$ will be available to proceed with kitchen/bathroom projects

3.                  UNFINISHED BUSINESS--none

4.                  NEW BUSINESS AND REQUESTS FOR THE GOOD OF THE GRANGE

a.                   State Grange Convention report---will be sent to members via email

b.                  Discuss Election of Officers in December.  Nominations as follows:

i.                     President--Cass Mutters

             Vice President--Chuck Voss

             Treasurer--Paul Suhy

             Secretary--Virginia Maier

             Chaplain--Jim Dwyer

             Musician--Nancy Pyle

                        ii          Executive Committee nominations:  1 year position--Jim Dwyer

                                                                      3 year position--OPEN

c.                   Business for the next meeting:  Election of Officers

            Instead of “program” for Dec 1, have a potluck/social/possibly fire ring & songs

5.                  ANNOUNCEMENTS

*Chico Grange recognized at state for large membership growth the last two years

* Request to email Chico Grange resolution to members, as it is being considered for national adoption

*Jon speaking for Grange on food, community and democracy for This Way to Sustainability

*Sustainability/Green Group-- a hub to promote local response to peak oil and planet change meets here Nov 15

*Cookie bake and exchange Saturday, Dec 5

*January 17th Pomona at Grange for 5th degree participants

*Bread baking for children Feb 6

* KD putting together a musical grange tour—musicians to benefit Grange—March 11

* April 17th membership drive for Grange month

*Workdays Nov 14, Jan 23, Feb 27

6.                  CLOSING OF THE GRANGE - 8:30

a.                   Grange Salutation

b.                  Meeting closed—8:07

Submitted by Ruth Kennedy

Where do we want to be in the next year? And after that?

                        (Ideas from the members for activities and outreach/service opportunities)

                        Continue building and grounds upgrades (include upgrading bathrooms to ADA standards)

                        Upgrade kitchen for commercial use by local food producers to expand their capabilities

                                    Explore grant $ available--e.g. USDA, rural development grants

                                    Check with Thermalito Grange on their kitchen upgrade

                                    Consider possibility of user-investors to help finance it

                        Post a large Grange sign on our corner and explore a historical sign on East Avenue

                                    Also parking directions on our corner

                        Consider benefits we could provide to local growers and others to draw their interest

                        Work to attract more farmers/food producers into active membership roles

                        Work to attract youth activities and memberships e.g. FFA, 4-H, CSUC ag students (Lee

                                    Altier, Rich Rosecrantz), sports team sponsorship

                        Consider a youth in agriculture conference as part of annual CSUC sustainability conference

                        Consider events during Farm-City Week

                        Consider programs for California Nut Conference

                        Highlight local growers/producers and their food at our meetings/programs

                        Host workshops for Grange members to use kitchen for projects like canning and supplies

                        Build on connections with groups with similar goals, e.g. Think Local Chico, Slow Food

                        Emphasize involvement in community activities like Farm/City week, Sierra Oro Farm Trail

                        Explore/work toward Grange Health Insurance (or investigate state single- payer plan)

                        Explore possibility of getting supply and equipment discounts for local growers, gardeners

                        Support farm-to-school programs

                        Establish a commercial (large quantity sales) farmers market or CSA

                        Become a drop-off /pick-up point for a Community Supported Ag (CSA) organization

                                    Check with Richard Price from Butte County Ag about "Butte is Best" CSA

                                    Check with GRUB re their need for outlets

                        Create a promotional display and flyer for distribution at Farmers Markets, GRUB, and events

                                    Details and benefits of the Grange

                                    Indicate Grange support for local food and ag

                                    Survey: How could the Grange help you?

                        Actively participate in the Chico and Butte County General Plan process

                        Recruit members for volunteer needs, e.g. webmaster, time banking, member survey, recipes

4.                  NEW BUSINESS OR REQUESTS FOR THE GOOD OF THE GRANGE -None

5.                  ANNOUNCEMENTS

a.                  Workday handout for October 17, 2009

6.                  CLOSING - Meeting closed with Grange Salutation