The Grange organization may be the nation’s oldest farm organization, but during evening festivities on May 3, Virginville Grange proved that although the group has kept roots in rural America, it has evolved into so much more. Today, the Grange is a family organization dedicated to the betterment of the American way of life through community service, education, legislation, and fellowship. “Unlike many civic groups, we involve the entire family in serving our local communities,” remarked Henry Seidel of Spring Township and current president of the order.
It was a step back in time for the 275 grangers and friends who attended the 1950s sock-hop-themed event. Even before entering the building, lively music, a fleet of classic cars, and festive dancers welcomed the crowd on the parking lot. In timely fashionable attire, gals outfitted in poodle skirts, cat glasses and big hair paired with guys in white t-shirts, blue jeans and greased hair to perform skits and jokes. Membership milestones and musical numbers blended with numerous community donations resulting in a phenomenal production.
The Virginville Fire Company accepted a $750 donation to benefit their volunteer group, and the Ontelaunee Region of the Antique Car Club of America received $300 to aid their scholarship awards program. The most heart-warming donation of the night concluded the event. Through efforts of a benefit bingo held in late March by Virginville Grange’s Community Service Committee, $9,000 was raised to benefit the Christy (Brett) Ryan Family of Greenwich Township, Pennsylvania. Christy, a music teacher at Hamburg Area High School, is recovering from complications resulting from a brain tumor surgery last fall. She has overcome the odds, proving to be a fierce fighter, and continues to amaze all. “We are so blessed to reside in the most wonderful and caring communities of Kutztown, Hamburg, and beyond. The outpouring of support is truly unbelievable,” proclaimed Christy’s humbled husband, Don, upon accepting the donation.
Grange members truly love a challenge. Melissa Blatt, granger and volunteer at Victory Junction, presented a program earlier in the year to promote awareness of the charity. Founded in North Carolina by the Kyle Petty family, Victory Junction is a camp for children whose lives are filled with limitations and boundaries. She summoned grangers to create stuffed teddy bears to donate to each child participating in the camp. Filled with joy, Melissa accepted more than 60 bears and afghans to take along to camp.
Allen R. and Tracy L. Schaeffer of Perry Township were honored with a surprise award of Grangers of the Year, an annual award given for faithful service. Members of Virginville Grange honored for their commitment to the group – 70 years: Paul R. Seidel; 65 years: Betty J. Kerchner; 60 years: Carl E. Hollenbach; 55 years: Lillian K. Mengel and Helen A. Wanamaker; 50 years: Sandra P. Hill, Richard R. Kieffer, Wayne E. Mengel, James P. Miller, and Linda L. Stump; 40 years: John A. Kunkel and Brenda E. Lengel; 25 years: Edmund J. Adam, Mary Ann Adam, Jane L. Sprecher, Jeffrey L. Sprecher, Donna M. Werley, and Phillip J. Werley. Just shy of 97 years-old, Norman O. Merkel of Windsor Township was decorated the order’s longest membership holder commemorating 83 consecutive years with Virginville Grange.
Featuring an old-fashioned drive-in menu, the celebration came to a close with tasty treats and fun fellowship for all. Neil Merkel, vice president of the group, declared, “This annual event is the climax of our grange year and promotes exactly what we are all about.”
