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Welcome to the Rhode Island State Grange Agriculture Department
Hello, My name is Carol Gafford, Agricultural Secretary for the Rhode Island State Grange. Please feel free to explore my page to learn the ins and outs of the world of agriculture and what agriculture-related events take place throughout the year. If you have any questions on The Grange's Agricultural involvement or on anything agriculturally related, feel free to contact me.
Welcome Letter
Members of the Committee
New England Farm Year Calendar
New England Grange Fairs 2011
2011 Fiber and Wool Festivals
RISG Agriculture Book Club
RISG Year Long Agriculture/Environment/Conservation
Grangers Go Green Activity Project
RISG Agriculture Calendar Project- Life in Rural Rhody Photo Fundraiser. For 2012 calendar.
RISG Agriculture Coloring Contest
RISG Grange Pie Contest to tie in to National Pie Day-January 23rd. Adult program. Subordinate Level.
New Adult Contest-Birdhouse Contest which will take place in March 13 at the Hi Lo Jack Tournament
National Dairy Month. Dairy Poster Contest and Recipe contest.
Volunteer Opportunities for the Agriculture Chairpeople and Grange members
RISG Agriculture Programming Workshop
RISG Chairpersons Roundtables (4) per year
RISG Agriculture Committee
Carol Gafford 401-595-6655 (cell)
624 Metacom Avenue, Apt 103 508-674-9609 (work)
Warren, RI 02885
Farmgal046@yahoo.com
Patricia Gersbach 508-674-8521
tgersbach@comcast.net 508-493-1869
Judi Pendlebury 401-615-9556
Pendlebury388@cox.net
Jen Lawson 401-934-0296
Minibus25@verizon.net
Howard Paster 401-295-8381
Paster_howard@cox.net
Carole Paster 401-295-8381
Paster_howard@cox.net
NEW ENGLAND FARM YEAR
JANUARY
Winter Birds, Ice Cutting Time, Making Sausage, Working in the Woods, Winter Silence.
FEBRUARY
Trust the Ground Hog, February Walk, Pleasures of the Parlor, Sleigh Riding.
MARCH
Geranium in the Window, Working up the Wood, Housecleaning, Night Boiling.
APRIL
April Rain, Annual Horse Auction, Plowing, Sounds of Spring, Horse-Hair time, Pie and Biscuits.
MAY
May Flowers, Kitchen marvels, Fishing, Meadow Music Makers, Hedgerows.
JUNE
Old Swimming Hole, The Golden Grains, Meadow Music, Weeding, First Mess of Peas.
JULY
Picking Potatoe Bugs, Rain on the Roof, Cherries, Haying, Horseradish, Fourth of July.
AUGUST
Green Apples, Getting the Cows, Ladder and Basket Man, Aerial Circus, Hammocks, August Evening.
SEPTEMBER
Stacking Beams, Picklin Time, Old Iron Kettles, Picking Apples, Farm Evenings Long Ago, First Fire, First Frost.
OCTOBER
Autumn Voices, October Glory, Water Witch, Saturday Chores, Country lane, Ingather Time, Foretelling Winter Weather.
NOVEMBER
Indian Summer, Stump Sitting, Autumn Pies, Barn Chores, Smoke from Farm Chimneys, Buttoning up, Rising Wind.
DECEMBER
The First Snowfall, Skating Party, The Lamplighter, Kindling for Winter, Kitchen Rocking Chair, Feather Beds, December Sunset, Christmas.
2011 NEW ENGLAND GRANGE FAIRS
Rhode Island
Washington County Fair
Massachusetts
Dartmouth Grange Fair August
Dunstable Grange Annual Fair - August
Easton Grange Fair
Rochester Grange Annual Fair - August
Shelburne Annual Grange Fair
South Middleboro Agricultural Fair - August
Ware Grange Annual Fair
Williamsburg Grange Fair
Connecticut
Beacon Grange Fair September
Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair & Exposition August
Cheshire Grange Community Grange Fair September
Ekonk Community Grange Fair August
Granby Grange Agricultural Fair September
Harmony Grange Fair
Killingly Grange Fair September
Litchfield Grange Fair August
Meriden Grange Fair September
Riverton Grange Fair August
Simsbury Grange Agricultural Fair August
Southington Grange Community Fair August
Wallingford Grange Fair September
Whigville Grange Fair
Winchester Grange Fair
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont --- TBA
RISG Agriculture Book Club
Rhody ACERS
(Agriculture, Conservation and Environment Reading Society)
2010-2011 Book List
Anyone who has a library and a garden wants for nothing ~ Cicero
Month Book Title Author
November End of Nature - Bill McKibben
December Locavore Way - Amy Colter
January Animal, Vegetable, Mineral - Barbara Kinsolving,
February 52 Loaves - Michael Pollan
March Eaarth: Making a Life on a tough new planet - Bill McKibben
April Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer - Novella Carpenter
May My Empire of Dirt
June The Seasons on Henry's Farm: - Terra Brockman
July Farmer Jane: Women Changing The Way We Eat - Temra costa
August The Town That Food Saved - Ben Hewitt
September Bringing It to the Table: On Farming and Food - Wendell Berry
This is a new initiative in which the Agriculture Chairpeople in each Grange are encouraged to read these books and share them with their Granges encouraging patrons to read and discuss what is going on in the areas of agriculture, conservation and environmental science.
GRANGERS GO GREEN
A Year Long ACE (Agriculture, Conservation, Environment) Activity Project
This project is for the Subordinate Granges. Each Grange will work on an activity sheet included in this book. Make copies and enter as many times as you like. Each Grange will complete every activity on the sheet by September 1, 2011 at which time it will be submitted to the State Agriculture Committee Director Carol Gafford. Certificates will be issued to all Granges that complete the Activity Sheet. Each Grange that completes the sheet will also have their name placed in a raffle for a “Go Green” Prize.
Subordinate Granges are encouraged to work on this project as a way to learn more about farming, the environment and their local community. It will also be a great way to participate in group activities that will foster a team spirit amongst Grange members. Have fun with this and promote this project to your grange. Every member has a chance to do something on this sheet and many granges may be able to complete more than one sheet.
Reduce Reuse Recycle
RISG Agriculture 2012 Calendar Project/ Life in Rural Rhody Photo Fundraiser
Calling all amateur photographers. Take part in history by capturing the beautiful farms and rural landscape of the littlest state in the union. Rhode Island is a treasure of historic landmarks, from the beauty of South County to Little Compton, from Westerly to Warren.
You are invited to enter the 2012 Rhode Island Agriculture Photo Fundraiser, Life in Rural Rhody.
12 pictures will be chosen for the 2012 Calendar and winners will be announced at State Session. Winners will receive a copy of the calendar.
Rules
All photos must show some aspect of Rhode Island Agriculture or rural life. Photo’s must be taken in Rhode Island and be within the last two years.
All entries must be either 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10 in size. Digital photos must be submitted as prints.
Entrants may submit up to four pictures each.
Place label on back of picture with name, address, phone number, location of picture and date taken.
Fill out form and give to your Grange Master. They will be collected by RISG Agriculture Committee members Trish Gersbach and Judi Pendlebury.
Any questions, please contact Carol Gafford at 401-595-6655 or farmgal046@yahoo.com
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
Rhode Island State Grange
1st Annual Pie Contest
Subordinate Level
January 2011
Help the RI Grange celebrate National Pie Day!
January 23, 2011
The RISG Agriculture Department announces the 1st Annual Pie Contest in honor of National Pie Day. As part of our New England heritage, this is a perfect time to enjoy pie making and pie eating and pass down these traditions to future generations.
The Rules are simple.
Contestants must be members of the RI Grange.
One pie per entry contestant. Bakers must be over 14 years of age.
Any pie you make must include a local ingredient.
Making your own pie crust is your choice.
Pies will be cut and served to the members attending the Grange meeting.
Recipes must be included and can be used for a local publication.
Be as creative as you want to be.
Scoring will be based on the following criteria:
Taste 50%
Appearance 25%
Texture 25%
Ribbons will be awared for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place
Prizes to be determined by individual
Agriculture Chairperson in the Subordinate Grange
Each Subordinate Grange will celebrate this contest at their meeting closest to January 23, 2011
JUNE IS NATIONAL DAIRY MONTH
THE RHODE ISLAND STATE GRANGE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR DAIRY FARMERS WITH TWO CONTESTS
RISG GRANGE/RHODY FRESH POSTER CONTEST
Who? All Rhode Island Grange Members
What? Be creative and design a poster from 12x18” to 24x36” showcasing the RISG and Rhody Fresh Milk.
Why? To promote the Grange and the wonderful products of Rhody Fresh.
When? Posters are due on the first day of the Washington County Fair Week and will be judged on Tuesday of Fair Week.
Where? Washington County Fairgrounds.
For more information contact RISG Agriculture Director Carol Gafford at 401-595-6655 or farmgal046@yahoo.com
RISG AGRICULTURE DAIRY FOODS RECIPE CONTEST
RECIPE CONTEST INCLUDES USING RHODY FRESH PRODUCTS
CONTEST RULES
This contest is open to all subordinate grange members
Contest will be divided into two categories: Main Dishes and Party Ideas.
Must use Rhody fresh products
Must include completed recipe printed for display
This will be judged at the June Pomona meeting
Entries will be judged on use of Rhody Fresh products, originality of recipe, clearness and accuracy of the recipe and original ideas for serving.
Contestants do not need to be present to enter.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.
1st place = $15
2nd Place-$10
3rd Place = $5
Recipes will be printed and given to grange members.
RISG Agriculture Department Ideas and Suggestions
December
* Christmas Down on the Farm. Make a wreath. Promote Local trees and products and gifts. Consider having a wreath making workshop at your local grange and inviting the public. Many groups have such one day activities that involve using natural greenery to make stunning holiday centerpieces and decorations. The Grange is the ideal place to hold this type of workshop.
January
National Pie Day
*
National Soup MonthAlong with National Pie Day, January is also National Soup Month. Consider holding a soup swap in your grange. Everyone brings a different soup, has a nice meal and everyone goes home with more soup. This is a great way to build community and make use of local grown produce.
February
Rhode Island Flower Show.
*
Consider volunteering to man a table at the Flower Show with Rhode Island Grange material and information. If we share this with the Membership Committee it would be a great way to promote the Grange, meet people, and find new program ideas and what is going on with other agriculture type organizations.
March
Maple Syrup Month
* Enjoy the sweetness of March by attending statewide or regional events, visit sugarhouses, spend a day at a local farm or one of Rhode Islands historic farms. Celebrate all things Maple. Consider holding a flapjack fundraiser with all natural, local grown products. This would make a great locavore meal. Celebrate National Agriculture Day.
April
National Grange Month
* Place press release in local papers regarding the Grange and its agricultural activities.
Participate in local Earth Day Community Activities and promote your local grange
Celebrate Arbor Day by having a tree planting ceremony or working on a project with the RI Tree Council or local Tree Societies
May
National Strawberry Month
*Take your Grange on a field trip to a local berry farm for berry picking. Have a jam making workshop at your local grange. National Herb Week is the first week of May 1, 2011. The herb for 2011 is Horseradish.
June
* National Dairy month
July
* Agricultural Fair Season Begins. Promote local, state and regional agricultural fairs to your grange. Think about planning a Grange Fair. Promote and visit local Farmers Markets, participate in a Community Supported Agriculture Program, get a plot and grow vegetables, herbs or flowers in a community garden. Attend a local fair such as the Eastern 4-H fair at Glen Farm.
August
* Washington County Fair Time
Think about planning a one day event for the Fall such as a:
Fall Family Farm Day
Pumpkin Festival
Apple Harvest Day
Farm and Ag Day
RHODE ISLAND STATE GRANGE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
GRANGERS HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT, IN AGRICULTURE AND WITH CONSERVATION
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer Opportunities for the RI State Grange Agriculture Department and Grange members
RI Food Bank
Farm Fresh Mobile Unit
Project Bread Walk for Hunger (MA) or other RI based walks for hunger or fundraisers helping to fight hunger
Share Our Strength Great American Bake Sale
Agriculture Chairpeople and Grange members volunteering in Soup Kitchens
Gather a team of members of your grange to spend one day at a local soup kitchen.
If you have grown vegetables in a Community Garden or at home think about donating vegetables to a Food Bank or soup kitchen
Help out at one of the Children’s Gardens located at public and private schools throughout RI. Check the Children’s Garden Network for more information.
Agricultural Chairpeople get together and serve or prepare food at a soup kitchen in each of the 4 Pomona Grange Communities.
Volunteering at your local land trust.
Have your Grange hold and Eco-Sustainability-Renewable Energy Fair.
Get a team of Grangers to help Save the Bay, and other groups like that.
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with your community.
RHODE ISLAND STATE GRANGE AGRICULTURE PROGRAMMING WORKSHOP
Rhode Island Granges do a phenomenal job with their programming. Many Agricultural Directors have good ideas and great programs. This inaugural workshop will evaluate past and current programs, develop new programming and work on projects for the 2011-2012 Grange Year. We will have a once a year meeting to cover topics and areas of potential programs and speakers. Our Meeting will be in March 26rd with a guest speaker.
Location and Time TBA.
RHODE ISLAND STATE GRANGE AGRICULTURAL ROUND TABLES
What is a Roundtable? It is a way that will allow for communication of the agriculture chairpeople to sit down and discuss issues, share opinions, strategies, outcomes, or just to brainstorm. A round table discussion is an excellent form of small group communication and is extremely useful when it comes to learning and sharing. We will use this opportunity to work keeping up with agriculture, conservation and environmental concerns in Rhode Island and keep our Grangers better informed.
1 Roundtable at each Pomona
We will have a small meal with refreshments
JANUARY – PROVIDENCE COUNTY (Chili) January 23, 2011 at Rumford Grange
APRIL – KENT COUNTY (Blueberry) April 17th at Moosup Valley grange
JULY – WASHINGTON COUNTY (BBQ) Date, time and place TBA
OCTOBER - NEWPORT COUNTY (Chowder) Date, time and place TBA
2011 Fiber Festivals
RI Wool and Fiber Festival - May 2011
Fiber Festival of New England - November 2011
Fiber Revival - August 2011
Franklin County Fiber Twist - September 2011
Annual Mass. Sheep/Woolcraft Fair - May 2011
Connecticut, Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival - April 2011
New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival - May 2011
2011 New England Alpaca Classic Show - November 2011
6th Annual Rhody Wool Collection Day - June 2011
Maine Fiber Frolic - June 2011
Vermont Wool and Sheep Festival - October 2011
Jamaica Fiber Festival - May 2011
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