I recently came across the following listing for a documentary about a local (and national) society that traditionally played an important role in rural communities. (It was also extremely progressive for its day.)
https://www.historicnewengland.org/explore/everyones-history/115292-2/
"Created in partnership with the Middle Branch Grange in East Bethel and Riverside Grange in West Topsham, 'Rooted: Cultivating Community in the Vermont Grange' explores the social, economic, political, and agricultural impacts the National Grange has had on Vermont's rural communities over the past 150 years. The documentary, filmed by the Vermont Folklife Center, weaves archival images and oral histories with footage of modern-day Grange events to paint a comprehensive picture of the organization and the New Englanders it supports."
I'm urging folks to come out for this (free; donations accepted) screening at the East Bethel Grange at 1 p.m. this coming Saturday.
In the context of relocalization and some of the community discussions we've been having, the Grange could have a renewed role to play.
Nov 22, 2024, 5 to 7 PM
Feeding the Valley, ThanksgivingNov 22, 2024, 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Community Story Circle: Imagining Tomorrow's RiverNov 24, 2024, 3 to 5 PM