The National Grange Commends the FCC for Providing Broadband Coverage for Rural Areas

The National Grange Commends the FCC for  Providing Broadband Coverage for Rural Areas

 (Washington, DC-March 16, 2010) - The National Grange commends the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on their release of the National Broadband Plan. The Grange hopes that this plan will become the basis for a comprehensive public/private partnership that will finally assure that the benefits of broadband technology are available to every home, farm and small business in America, regardless of geographic location.

It is evident from the FCC’s recent study on broadband adoption, that rural America still lags behind urban and suburban communities in home, farm and small business broadband connections. Of non-adopters in rural areas, one in ten say they cannot get broadband where they live – more than double the national average. Rural Americans stand to benefit from online applications like telemedicine, distance learning and telework. The entire nation stands to gain from the economic and environmental benefits that integrating national, high-speed internet with farming, tribal and rural communities will bring. It is time for all Americans to have access to these life-changing opportunities, and the National Grange hopes that the National Broadband Plan will make this possible.

The National Grange thanks President Obama and Congress for their efforts to ensure that all Americans will, some day, live in a fully digitized, connected society, regardless of their geographic location. We also appreciate the FCC’s recognition of the importance that private sector investment must play when developing the National Broadband Plan. Such investment will be necessary to bring broadband to every corner of the country. The National Grange looks forward to working together with both the public and private sectors to make sure that the ambitious goals outlined in the Plan become a reality.

National Grange President Visits Tennessee to Address National Issues

National Grange President Visits Tennessee to Address National Issues

(Knoxville, TN, March 7, 2010) – At a Sunday news conference National Grange President Ed Luttrell scolded the Federal Government on its approach to broadband deployment in rural America. He described a recent Grange letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing deep concerns that the Commission’s policy focus is shifting from developing a National Broadband Plan encouraging universal deployment and adoption of broadband services to underserved rural, farming, and tribal communities, to a policy focused on regulating broadband network management practices. Luttrell stressed that the Grange believes deployment of broadband across the country and especially in rural America should be the Federal Government’s number one communications priority. He stated that the Commission should not be burdening “technology that it has little first had knowledge using” with unnecessary management regulations.

In November 2009 Luttrell of Sandy, Oregon was elected to his second two-year term as National Grange President. He has made rural access to affordable, reliable and competitive telecommunications technologies a priority of his administration. “Rural America needs and deserves the same access to new telecommunications technology as our urban neighbors. The Grange believes national, state, and locals laws that govern these technologies should remove the regulatory uncertainty that has deterred advanced telecommunications investment in rural America,” he stated

The event, held at the Volunteer Grange Hall, 1038 Tipton Station Road in Knoxville, was overseen by Tennessee State Grange President Judy Sherrod, a 44 year Grange member. Sherrod also holds the office of National Lecturer and was voted Tennessee “Granger of the Year” in 1996.

Founded in 1867, the Grange is the nation’s oldest rural advocacy organization.

With over 200,000 members, it is active in Washington, DC as well as in the capitols of 40 states across the country. Under the Grange system, the setting of legislative priorities for the coming year starts at the local level, moves up to the state level and is finalized at the annual national convention held every November. The top national priorities are published in the Grange’s annual Blueprint for Rural America.

National Grange President Visits South Carolina to Address National and Local Issues

National Grange President Visits South Carolina to Address National and Local Issues

South Carolina State Grange President Calls for Phone Regulations

(Batesburg-Leesville, SC, March 6, 2010) – National Grange President Ed Luttrell and South Carolina State Grange President John Hammett, Sr. spoke on national and local issues during a press conference held Saturday at Shealy’s Barbeque House in Batesburg-Leesville.

Leading off, National President Luttrell described a Grange letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing deep concerns that the Commission’s policy focus is shifting from developing a national broadband plan encouraging universal deployment and adoption of broadband services to underserved rural, farming, and tribal communities, to a policy focused on regulating broadband network management practices. Luttrell stressed that the Grange believes deployment of broadband across the country, and especially in rural America, should be the Federal Government’s number one priority. He stated that the Commission should not be burdening “technology that it has little first had knowledge using” with unnecessary management regulations.

In November 2009 Luttrell of Sandy, Oregon was elected to his second two-year term as National Grange President. He has made rural access to affordable, reliable and competitive telecommunications technologies a priority of his administration. “Rural America needs, and deserves, the same access to new telecommunications technology that has been afforded to our urban neighbors. The Grange believes national, state, and locals laws that govern these technologies should remove the regulatory uncertainty that has deterred advanced telecommunications investment in rural America,” he stated.

Moving on to issues closer to home, South Carolina State President Hammett called for state legislation prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. He pointed out that the National Safety Council estimates that at least 1.6 million car accidents per year, 28% of all yearly car accidents, are caused by drivers talking on cell phones. Such behavior is especially dangerous in rural America, which accounts for 65% of fatal accidents, most occurring on rural, two-lane highways. “At least seven states and the District of Colombia have laws banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. It is time for South Carolina to get on board and prohibit the use of cell phones as well,” Hammett declared.

Founded in 1867, the Grange is the nation’s oldest rural advocacy organization. With over 200,000 members, it is active in Washington, DC as well as in the capitols of 40 states across the country. Under the Grange system, the setting of legislative priorities for the coming year starts at the local level, moves up to the state level, and is finalized at the annual national convention held every November. The top national priorities are published in the Grange’s annual Blueprint for Rural America.

National Grange President Visits Texas to Address National and Local Issues

National Grange President Visits Texas to Address National and Local Issues

State Grange Leader Calls Texas a Leader in Protecting Property Rights

(Elmendorf, TX, February 1, 2009) – National Grange President Ed Luttrell and Texas State Grange President Jack Smithers spoke today on national communications policy and individual property rights during a press conference held at the Davy Crockett Grange in Elmendorf.

Leading off, National President Luttrell described a recent Grange letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing deep concerns that the Commission’s policy focus is shifting from developing a National Broadband Plan encouraging universal deployment and adoption of broadband services to underserved rural, farming, and tribal communities, to a policy focused on regulating broadband network management practices. Luttrell stressed that the Grange believes deployment of broadband across the country and especially in rural America should be the Federal Government’s number one communications priority. He stated that the Commission should not be burdening “technology that it has little first hand knowledge using” with unnecessary management regulations.

Luttrell explained how, over its long history, the Grange has been a consistent champion of bringing the benefits of universal access to communications to all Americans. The 140 year old rural advocacy organization was instrumental in the Federal Government’s establishment of Rural Free Delivery mail, promoted universal rural telephone service and fought for commercial licensing of radio and television stations rather than direct government operation. “As new communications technologies evolve, the Grange will continue to represent rural America’s right to equal access,” Luttrell concluded.

Luttrell of Sandy, Oregon was elected in November 2009 to his second two-year term as National Grange President. He is a past president of the Oregon State Grange and has served on the boards of the Oregon Lands Coalition, Grange Mutual Insurance Company, and Timberland States Insurance Company.

“Texans value their land and their right to own it and live on it. That’s why this state was quick to pass legislation protecting individual property rights after the Supreme Court’s poorly reasoned decision in Connecticut,” declared Texas State Grange President Jack Smithers. In 2005 the Supreme Court ruled that the city of New London, Connecticut could take Suzette Kelo’s home as part of a redevelopment plan, because the economic growth would benefit the entire community. Kelo’s home was razed, the development plan failed with a faltering economy and the land sits vacant today. In response, Texas voters passed Proposition 11 by a margin of 81% to 19%. Proposition 11 specifically prohibits the taking of private property to give to another private entity for the purpose of economic development or enhanced tax revenue and requires a two-thirds vote of the Texas Legislature to approve taking by the State or the general public.

“Local and state officials do not have the wisdom nor the right to take private property based on their own economic forecasts, which may be influenced by developers. We have protected the Suzette Kelos of Texas and we will see to it that those who do have to give up their land for the public good are properly compensated,” Smithers assured the audience.

After twelve years as President of the Davy Crockett Grange, Smithers was elected state president in July 2008. He is a twenty year U.S. Army veteran. He and his wife Margaret have a son and a daughter and four grand children.

Luttrell concluded the press conference by relating the National Grange battle to protect its name and trademarks from corporations. The name “Grange” has many positive connotations thanks to what the Grange has done over the last 140 years. Companies large and small want to use the name to their own benefit and the Grange has had to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years protecting the name. Now the Grange is seeking legislation similar to that protecting the Red Cross, Olympics, Smokey the Bear and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. “Such legislation would cease the diversion of National Grange funds that would be otherwise used in supporting community service activities at the local level,” Luttrell explained.

Founded in 1867, the Grange is the nation’s oldest rural advocacy organization. With over 200,000 members, it is active in Washington, DC as well as in the capitols of 40 states across the country. Under the Grange system, the setting of legislative priorities for the coming year starts at the local level, moves up to the state level and is finalized at the annual national convention held every November. The top national priorities are published in the Grange’s annual Blueprint for Rural America, which is available at www.nationalgrange.org under “Legislation.”

North Carolina, Massachusetts Ambassadors Selected as National Grange Mentors

In a close competition, Caroline Tart of North Carolina and Christopher Szkutak of Massachusetts were selected as the 2009 National Grange Mentors. 

The announcement was made during the Evening of Excellence during the National Grange’s 143^rd annual meeting at the Amway Grand Plaza, here.

 

Caroline Tart is a freshman at North Caroline Sate University majoring in agriculture education and communication. Her activities include both state Grange and FFA where she has served in multiple leadership positions for both. In her spare time, she enjoys attending concerts, playing volleyball, attending North Carolina State football games and hanging out with friends. Her parents are Sandra and Denny Tart of Goldsboro. She is a member of Grantham Grange #968. In the state Grange youth program, she is a member of the youth executive committee, leadership team, and planning committee for the winter youth conference and youth grange camp.

Christopher Szkutak has been noted as saying he was “born in a Grange Hall and never left.” Because of his family’s activities in the Grange, he has been Grange member since 2002. He is the grandson of Massachusetts State Master Floyd Murphy and Shirley Murphy. His parents are Robert and Diane Szkutak of Northbridge, Mass. Szkutak is a senior at Holly Cross with a double major of political science and mathematics. After graduation he hopes to get his doctorate in political science focusing on campaigns and elections. In his spare time, he tutors elementary school children. As ambassador, he has attended state youth department events.

As mentors, Tart and Szkutak will represent the National Grange Youth Department for the next year. Their duties will include assist in planning youth activities for the 2010 National Session, participate in the 50^th Anniversary Celebration for the National Grange Building, and promote the programs of the National Grange Youth Department.

 
The selection process included earning a minimum of an 80 percent on the National Grange Trivia Challenge and completing an interview process.

The announcement of the 2009 mentor appointment was made by the outgoing National Mentors Gail Switzer of Pennsylvania and Cody Stevens of North Carolina.

The National Grange Youth program is sponsored by the National Grange, Order of the Patrons of Husbandry. The program is for youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 35. The National Grange is the nation's oldest general farm and rural public interest organization. Originally founded in 1867, today the Grange represents nearly 200,000 grassroots Grange members affiliated with 2,700 local, county and state Grange chapters located in 40 states. Grange members provide service to agriculture and rural communities on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, education, family endeavors, and legislation designed to assure a strong and viable rural America.

For more information on Grange youth programs, visit www.nationalgrangeyouth.org.

The Right Health Care Reform Needed - Pfizer Executive Says Grassroots Organizations Like the Grange Must Play a Role

(Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 19, 2009) – Janet McUlsky, Senior Director of Alliance Development for Pfizer, Inc., told attendees of the 143 rd National Grange Convention being held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel that “love him or hate him, you have to agree with President Obama that this country needs health care reform. Thirty-million uninsured in the United States is unacceptable.” Ms. McUlsky conditioned her endorsement of health care reform on the basis that it needs to be the right kind of health care reform.

“The U.S. has a ‘sick care’ health care system, which focuses on disease, not on wellness,” she opined. McUlsky pointed out that 75% of health care expenditures in the United States go toward curing core diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease and that, as a nation, we are not very wellness conscious. Obesity is a major problem in the United States and we are not a very exercise orientated population.

To insure that health care reform includes focus on wellness, grassroots organizations such as the Grange and Rotary need to remain active even after passage of a bill by Congress. McUlsky pointed out that, in spite of its nearly 2,000 pages, the health care reform bill now in the Senate leaves many, many decisions up to regulatory bodies and that is where the going gets tough. Advocacy organizations like the Grange know very well who their Congressmen are, but many do not have any idea who to talk to at the regulatory agencies. McUlsky urged Grange members to continue to talk to their Congressional representatives at the local level while the Washington staff targeted regulatory leaders.

While taking questions after her remarks, McUlsky related some of her own health care experiences and the importance of taking responsibility for her own health. “People have to do what they need to do to stay healthy,” she stressed.

National Grange Honors "Heroes of the Grange"

(Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 18, 2009) – Eight National Grange members were honored as “Heroes of the Grange” at the 143rd National Grange convention held in Grand Rapids Michigan this week. These individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Grange.

The first recipients of this prestigious award are Wib and June Justi for their work as coordinators of the Grange Germany/USA Friendship Program. In 1950 the National Grange initiated the Grange Germany/USA Friendship Program (GG/USA). Under this program, more than 500 farm youth from Germany and other ravaged European nations were brought to the United States and placed with Grange farm families for one year to directly experience the benefits of freedom, prosperity and democracy.

Mr. Justi coordinated the GG/USA program from 1950 through 1966 as part of his assignments as a staff member of the National Grange. His wife June served as a volunteer assistant with the program. Since his retirement from the National Grange in 1966 Mr. and Mrs. Justi have served as volunteer coordinators for the GG/USA alumni program continuing to achieve the program goals of building international goodwill, friendship and understanding. In a world that continues to experience continual conflict, the history of the GG/USA program demonstrates that two people working with quiet perseverance can still positively touch the lives of thousands of people around the world. After receiving the award, Mr. Justis stated, “One word…courage. Please think of the word courage when you think of the German exchanges in the GG/USA program and their American host families when they accepted one another at a time immediately after WWII. This tribute is for these people.”

Next honored were Ted and Zula Bryan who traveled to Alaska to organize a State Grange pausing only to work at an information booth at the Kenai Peninsula State Fair . In addition to organizing the Alaska State Grange they are currently one of the two couples who serve as the Directors of the Washington State Membership Department and are getting new members and revitalizing Granges all across the State of Washington. Ted Bryan stated, We try to carry the Grange message and give people who have never heard of the Grange the opportunity to be a Grange member and belong to this great organization.”

Marge Bernhardt, Connecticut State Grange’s Lecturer (educational coordinator), is unquestionably a valuable resource for Lecturers in her state as well as throughout the New England region. She is extremely talented and dedicated to equipping fellow Lecturers with the things they need to be a valuable asset to their own Grange. In addition to her other accomplishments, she leads a training workshop every year at the New England Lecturers’ Conference.

Jessica Horton was the next honored “Grange Hero” as a Membership Director for the North Carolina State Grange for 2 years where she has been a key asset in growing the organization. She has organized 3 new Granges including the formation of a Youth Grange. She has also helped organize a Pomona Grange which encompasses 3 counties and 4 Granges. Jessica is a constant support for local Granges by leading membership rallies, giving presentations on Grange membership growth and helping lead a weekend-long state officer’s meeting focused on goals set forth by the National President. She has initiated innovative public relations and recruiting efforts by networking at a local farmer’s market, county extension office, and agricultural teacher’s conference.

Next honored Jack Cottrell Brother Jack Cottrell, who for 10 years has been the manager of a Grange Store that operates during the annual Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, Massachusetts. The exposition is the largest fair in the New England region. The Grange store specializes in selling over 60 different specialty foods products and homemade crafts. More than 75 Grange volunteers annually donate time during the 17-day fair to work at the Grange Store, to manage the sale of raffle tickets and to be promotional Grange Ambassadors.

The last “Hero of the Grange” award went to Carl Meiss, Communications/Public Relations Director for the Pennsylvania State Grange. Carl is proactive when it comes to Facebook, Twitter, and his own State Grange blog. As the National Grange Communications Department takes steps to move the National Organization into the 21 st Century with the newest communications technologies, Pennsylvania with Carl at the helm, will lead the charge.

National Grange President concluded the award luncheon by stating, “I am tremendously honored to be at the podium to present these individual as “Heroes of the Grange.” They each deserve the award bestowed upon them and we applaud their ongoing efforts to live by example and promote this wonderful organization.”