BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: THE GRANGE

Orangevale Chamber Business Spotlight: The Grange by MaryAnne Povey

I’ve always wondered – what’s a Grange? I mean I’ve heard about the breakfasts they serve, I’ve attended community events and fundraisers there, but still I wonder “what’s a Grange?” Luckily I got a chance to find out more about this very old and unique Orangevale community organization. This is what I found out.

The Grange was the first community center! That’s right! It’s the place where the local folks would congregate to discuss, socialize, eat, dance and anything else they needed to do together! It was sort of the “hall for everything”. Fun fact: the first Orangevale library was established in a Grange members home who served as the town’s librarian for 45 years!

The Orangevale Grange sits on 5 ½ acres of beautiful, lush, rural property in the heart of Orangevale on Walnut Avenue. It’s one of the oldest organizations in the community dating back to 1887. Founded by seven members, the Grange has maintained a steady membership over the years and currently has over 120 members. 

The Grange is not a business but a member owned, non-profit, grass roots organization. Anyone 14 years or older is welcome to join and gets equal voting rights. Today the Grange still stands firm in its rural roots by supporting farms, providing ag related classes, supporting 4H and Casa FFA. Beyond that, they support the community by annually awarding scholarships to graduating seniors, providing backpacks filled with supplies for elementary and middle school  kids and have provided over 13,000 dictionaries to local third grade students in their “Words for Thirds” program.

“We are a motherhood and apple pie organization,” said longtime Grange member Bob Clouse. “We are also a family organization and I’m very proud to say that we salute the flag every meeting, say the pledge and have an open bible on the table too.”

According to Clouse, family involvement is key to the Grange’s future and invites the community to take a look and see what the Grange has to offer and get involved. 

Clouse is a prime example of family involvement. He shared an example of the Grange’s democratic process and the power of each voting member. Clouse, who has held positions at the state and even National level for the Grange, recounted with affection, a somewhat “humbling” experience as a past Board President. 

“I was pushing for a certain initiative and wasn’t expecting opposition,” reflected Clouse. “Imagine my surprise when my 14 year old son got up, stated his opposing view and won the support of the members!” Clouse was proud of his son and admitted to congratulating him on the drive home.

The Grange is still a meeting place for the community with a fully certified kitchen and an affordable rental facility too. The community is always welcome to join in the many events hosted by the Grange including breakfasts served the second Sunday of every month, and classes on topics like canning and growing tomatoes. There is a sewing and crafters sale coming up April 13. Some of their other popular annual events include a Bunco fundraiser and, the 3rd of July fireworks celebration.

This year they are hosting a few firsts including an Expo, featuring the creative talents of locals for the Orangevale Town Fair May 31 – June 2 (go to orangevaletownfair.com for info) and a summer concert series on starting May 11 (go to ovsummernights.com). A community garden is also in the works out back so stay tuned to the Grange website for more info.

“We are excited about hosting these upcoming events and hope the community will come be a part of it,” said Board member Jim Beilgard. “Our hope is to rejuvenate interest in the Grange and give the community a chance to come see and enjoy our beautiful property.”

Beilgard invited anyone interested in learning more about the Grange to come to one of the monthly meetings held on the third Wednesday of every month. The meetings start at 7 p.m., but newcomers are invited to come at 6:30 pm for a little “meet and greet”. For more information about the grange and upcoming events, go to www.orangevalegrange.org.