Happy New Year! 2016 was a busy year for the Swauk-Teanaway Grange. Some of the highlights this year include:
Our Grange donated the proceeds of our Hunters Breakfast raffle to the Upper County Senior Center for the Upper County Christmas Giving Fund. Our gift of $1,036.38 will be used for gifts for children and food for families in need in our community.
This year we awarded $1,000 scholarships to three Kittitas County high school seniors; this is the second year in a row we have been able to offer three scholarships in one year, and that is because of the wonderful support we have from our members and community! Sally Gililand, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, reports that since 2004 we have given $18,750 to twenty three graduating seniors in Kittitas County! Our 2017 Scholarship Fundraising Dinner is coming up Saturday, February 11. Tickets will be available soon, to reserve yours call Gerry Lloyd 509-607-6624 or Claire Lucke 509-857-2580.
Our building and grounds received some much needed attention this year. In February volunteers completed work needed to make the projection screen in the stage area operable. This screen had been donated by Jim Gylling and we were able to use it for the Scholarship Dinner later that month. In March a damaged window was replaced by John Berglund with help from Kurt Lucke. In July the interior basement walls were painted by a determined trio of ladies – Patti Gylling, Gerry Lloyd and Claire Lucke. Gerry neatened up the space by hanging a row of drapes in front of the storage shelves to make this a more inviting space for Boy Scout Troop 488 and for our wedding rental folks. Dennis Giannotti improved the drainage at the north end of the parking lot to channel runoff away from the parking area. A fresh seal coat was added to the parking lot at the beginning of August. This maintenance will extend the life of the asphalt. Last month the rear door was repaired and a heavy-duty pneumatic closer added to combat the high winds we have in the spring and summer months.
Thank you to all who came out to help – to clean, paint, mow, cook, attend meetings, keep the books, take the photos, chair the events, organize the catering, work on the scholarship, bake, and just say “yes” when asked to volunteer. You are the energy that makes this Grange run!