Northborough Grange Continues Revival on Saturday

The Northborough Grange has been closed since 2007, but that may change soon.

An open house this Saturday is part of efforts to reorganize the group.

The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. at First Parish Northboro, Unitarian Universalist, 40 Church St.

"For 122 years, Northborough Grange had been a part of the community and we felt it was time to bring it back," Massachusetts State Grange Gatekeeper and Legislative Director Christopher Szkutak said Wednesday.

"When the Grange is reorganized, it will become an annual event.

This interview was conducted by e-mail.

Northborough Patch
How will the open house be structured? Will there be speakers?

Christopher Szkutak

The open house will begin at 10 a.m. I will be giving a brief introduction to the Grange, its founding, its mission and information about Northborough Grange. It will basically be Grange 101. After that, there will be time for people to ask questions. At the end, we will give more information about how to join the Grange and explain the next steps to reorganize the Grange.

Northborough Patch

How many members does the Northborough Grange have? Is membership growing? Declining? Staying steady?

Christopher Szkutak

Currently Northborough Grange has no members. We need 13 people to reorganize the Grange, we currently have two people signed up and we need 11 more to official reorganize. These can be anyone 14 years and older, male or female. Anyone is welcome to be a Grange member.

Northborough Patch

What's the Grange's appeal?

Christopher Szkutak

The Grange appeal has always been the fellowship between the members. The Grange meeting is structured around taking care of business and then having the opportunity for a program to entertain and educate members about different topics. The two main backbones of the Grange are agricultural and community development. The Grange was founded as an agricultural organization and we still support local food and gardens, though there is no requirement that you be a farmer in order to join. The Grange is also very involved with community service. The only requirement, besides the age requirement, to be a Grange member is that you care about your community. Whether your specific interest has to do with agriculture, gardening, local food, community service, etc, there is something for the Grange to offer. Lastly, the Grange is about family. All the members of your family from children to adults are welcome at Grange meetings, there is something for everyone.

Northborough Patch

How do you see the Grange's role in Northborough?

Christopher Szkutak

In the future I see the Grange as a partner with other organizations that currently exist in town, working together for the betterment of Northborough. I see Northborough Grange as a place people in the community can come together, to work together, and to learn together. Northborough Grange could be a forum for people interested in local food or homesteading activities, but also a place people come together to give back to the community. The possibilities for what Northborough Grange could do are endless and will depend on the people who join.

Northborough Patch

Does the Northborough Grange have other events planned for this year?

Christopher Szkutak

Future events will depend on the turnout Saturday. If we find there is enough interest we will have another meeting in November to discuss formal reorganization. Regardless we will have another open house/ informational meeting in the near future because I believe very strongly that Northborough Grange can make a positive impact on the community. If people are not able to attend Saturday and would like more information they can contact my at NortboroughGrange@gmail.com or 508 234 3892 or find us on Facebook.