Upcoming Programs for the Whole Family

May 2023

Linda Hamilton

Charlotte Grange members are planning a variety of programs and events this spring and summer. Along with the community service side to our mission, we also love to create opportunities for the community to gather and have fun together! Here are some of the programs coming up:

Grange Hall Spring Cleaning: Saturday May 20, 9:00-11:00 am. We are preparing to open the Grange Hall doors once again for public events and activities this spring and summer! We are very excited to be able to do this after almost three years of being closed due to COVID precautions and some needed repairs. But first, a good spring cleaning is in order! Members and volunteers will work together on May 20 to spruce her up inside and out. Many hands make for light work, so please join us! Contact Charlottegrangevt@gmail.com to learn more. Thank you.

Memorial Day Placement of US Flags on Veterans’ Graves in Charlotte: Monday May 29, 9:00 am. Gather at Grandview Cemetery (behind Charlotte Congregational Church, 403 Church Hill Road) for brief remarks by Grange member Karen Tuininga and Charlotte Combat Veteran Jordan Paquette, and the playing of Taps by Charlotte Central School music students. Those who wish to stay can then help replace last year’s flags with fresh ones as a way to respectfully acknowledge each grave of a person who served in the US Military, whether they died in times of combat or returned home after their service. Families are encouraged to participate since it is an excellent opportunity to talk with children about military service in general and share stories about past or present family members who served. Please join in this long-standing Grange tradition.

Collection of Worn US Flags for Proper Disposal: May 29-June 3. Weather and sun in time wear out a flag. If you have a flag that is tattered or soiled, it is probably time for a new one. And Charlotte Grange can help you dispose of your old flag properly. On Memorial Day, we will collect worn flags from Veterans’ graves in Charlotte cemeteries and later in the week take them to the Vergennes American Legion to be respectfully “retired” by them in a Flag Day ceremony. You are welcome to add your worn flag to this collection, by either bringing it to the 9:00 am May 29 Grange Memorial Day event at Grandview Cemetery (described above), or dropping it off at the Grange Hall (2858 Spear Street) between May 29 and June 3. There will be a covered bin in front of the Grange Hall for this purpose.

Charlotte Walks: Not familiar with Charlotte’s public walking trails? Want to meet and chat with other Charlotters? Every second Thursday at 8:30am, you are invited to join Grange members Tai Dinnan and Karen Tuininga as they enjoy the various trails and public accesses around town! Our first walk will be on June 8th. Walks will last approximately 1 hour and will be led at an adult pace by. Visit www.charlottegrange.org to learn the location of each month’s walk. Sign up in advance if you’d like to be contacted if weather changes our plans (Charlottegrange@gmail.com).

Community Potluck Supper: Sunday June 25, 5:00-7:00 pm in the Grange Hall, 2858 Spear Street in East Charlotte Village. Gather with other Charlotters to share food and conversation. Connect with old friends and make new ones. Potluck suppers are a fine old Grange tradition, and we are very happy to start hosting them again. No charge; just bring a dish to share, and your own plate and utensils; beverage will be provided. Seating is limited, so if possible, please let us know if you plan to come (charlottegrangevt@gmail.com). Because the food at a potluck is whatever folks bring, we can’t necessarily promise a balanced meal, --but we do anticipate a good time!

Grange on the Green: This popular series of family-friendly music concerts on Town Green (in front of Town Hall and the Library) is back! This year they will be 5:30-7:00 pm on Thursdays July 6, 13, 20 and 27. Bring a picnic from home or grab a pizza from Stone’s Throw across the road or perhaps a sandwich from Red Onion or Backyard Bistro just down Route 7. There is plenty of room for your chair or blanket on the grass, with the musicians on the Library porch. Made possible by this year’s season sponsors, development and construction management firm ReArch Company, Inc. (builder of the wonderful addition to our Library), and regional awning provider, Otter Creek Awnings. Co-sponsored by Charlotte Library. And who are the season’s lead-off musicians? July 6 will feature none other than acclaimed Vermont singer/songwriter Patti Casey paired with the also much-admired Tom MacKenzie who excels on banjo and hammered dulcimer! It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy these talented musicians, right here on our own Town Green. Their bluegrassy style folk music is sure to leave listeners in a happy mood!

Watch for reminders and more details about these and other Grange events on Front Porch Forum and The Charlotte News, or visit www.charlottegrange.org. . 

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Charlotte Grange: Honoring our agricultural roots and helping build a resilient future for all.