| JUNE 15, 2026 -- Mountain Laurel Pomona Grange No. 15 held one of its most successful and well-attended meetings in recent memory on May 9th at Whigville Grange in Whigville, Connecticut. President Dave Roberts called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM with 36 members present, representing Community Granges from across the Pomona jurisdiction. Members commented positively on the many recent improvements to the Whigville Grange Hall and praised the hospitality and refreshments provided by the host Grange. State Grange President Ted Powell and State Grange Gatekeeper Aili McKeen both addressed the attendees on behalf of Connecticut State Grange.
The Lecturer’s Program was presented by James Mele, who stepped in while Lecturer Debbie Vail continues recuperating. Members appreciated the thoughtful and engaging program on the May holidays, which contributed to the positive spirit of the afternoon. All members were presented with a package of Oreos, and a complimentary raffle was held for fun giveaways.
The meeting itself was highly productive and completed in just 90 minutes. Members unanimously approved three resolutions for consideration at the next Connecticut State Grange Convention. The 2026–2027 Pomona calendar was also reviewed and approved.
In recognition of Memorial Day and local veterans, following a presentation by American Legion Commander (Riverton Grange member) Tim Sweeney, members raised $100 to support the Riverton American Legion Post #159 Poppy Program.
One of the most significant actions of the afternoon was the unanimous approval of a new Community Grange Incentive Program designed to encourage both communications outreach and membership growth among subordinate Granges. Under the 2025-2026 program, a Community Grange within our Pomona may either: spend up to
$200 on communications, publicity, or marketing efforts and receive reimbursement from Pomona, OR meet or exceed the National Grange membership goal by adding three or more members during the current Grange Year.
The Community Grange must submit their written funding request in person to Mountain Laurel Pomona at the upcoming August 22nd meeting.
The initiative is expected to cost Pomona no more than $1,800 annually and will be funded entirely through interest earned from Pomona investments. Members expressed trong support for the program as a practical way to strengthen local Granges and encourage innovation in outreach and recruitment efforts. The next meeting of Mountain Laurel Pomona Grange No. 15 will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Riverton
Grange #169, 17 Riverton Road, Riverton, Connecticut. Members and guests are welcome.
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