Letter: Appreciation for Oregon State Grange Convention

Recently, from June 14 to 20, the Oregon State Grange convention came to our town. The Oregon granges get together every year in a different county or district. The Oregon State Grange convention was last held in Tillamook County in 1915, when Tillamook County had more than the three granges that are here now.

I’ve recently learned about some of what it takes to arrange and get ready for an Oregon State Grange convention. Wow…after selecting a host location, the local granges are responsible for providing the opening dinner and four lunches as a fundraising opportunity. I volunteered for Saldlake Grange to take on the meal duties. Duties included working up the menu, purchasing food and supplying equipment needed for the fairground’s kitchen.

Meal prep, food service and clean up was offered as a fundraiser to two local high school groups, Tillamook FFA and what I would call the travel club.

Hayden Bush’s cooking of the tri-tip for the opening convention meal was wonderful and the participation of your young members was invaluable for both the Saturday and Sunday meals. I can’t say thank you enough and I am proud to be able to help you reach your club’s monetary goals.

Melanie McCune and her four, teen helpers were all instrumental in making three days of meal prep, service and clean up move smoothly and provide some fun. The young folks are all terrific and I hope the monies raised are helpful to reach each of their goals for travel.

I had a blast planning the menu, shopping for food and calculating the necessary potions. It was an experience I will never forget.

To the other Sandlake Grangers, I so appreciate having your help and support Rose W, Sherry G. and Annette S.; you all are awesome.

To my husband Jim, thanks for helping pack, haul and unpack all the cooking utensils and supplies.

Jeff and Cindy, thanks for gathering the things we needed to leave behind.

My biggest takeaways from this experience were to celebrate where you live, get the youth involved in fundraising, try to buy local and welcome visitors to our county.

I am so glad to have had the opportunity to work and spend time with so many wonderful, courteous and friendly young people. They are still making me smile.

Shirley Hill

Tillamook County