Berks County Grange

Grange Departments

Depending on your interests, the Grange offers a variety of departments in which to become involved. These departments are offered both on the county Grange level and within each of the individual 12 Berks County Granges.

Legislative

The Grange members provides each member a voice on local, state and national issues. Many resolutions affecting Berks County, Pennsylvania and the nation begin in this grassroots format.

Each year the Berks County Grange hosts a Legislative Banquet at a  Berks County Grange hall.  Berks County Dignitaries and candidates are invited to an open forum question and answer banquet.  Attendance is typically sold out and is generally held in early April.

Family Activities
          Denise Clare
                 Berks County Family Activities Chairperson
                 Phone:  610-562-3876

Activities planned by the Family Activities Committee can be enjoyed by the entire family. This department helps to strengthen family values through the presentation of education programs and community involvement.

The Family Activities is also active as a food committee preparing meals for meetings, banquets and providing the concessions at the annual Berks County Grange Consignment Auction.

Community Service
          Denise Clare
                 Berks County Community Service Chairperson
                 Phone:  610-562-3876

Service to our communities is the cornerstone of Grange.  Service projects differ based on current needs.  Past projects have included planting trees following the Lyons, PA tornado, holding fundraising basket bingos, participating in the Berks County Relay for Life, donating items to local food pantries, shelters and our American soldiers.

All family members can be actively involved in this department, and we are looking to form a committee and develop new ideas.

Family Health
          Jane Reppert
                 Berks County Grange Family Health Chairperson
                 Phone:  610-562-2647

Agriculture
          Feryl Treichler
                 Berks County Grange Agriculture Chairperson
                 Phone:  610-683-8200

The Agriculture Committee meets several times per year for round-table discussions on agricultural issues facing the Berks County region and Pennsylvania.  Resolutions for legislative changes affecting agriculture are often initiated by these discussions. 

Both members and non-members are invited to attend the round-table discussions.

Juniors
          Karen Mohn
                 Berks County Junior Grange Coordinator
                 Phone:  610-589-2473

The Junior department is designed specifically for children ages 5-14.  Activities are geared to the interest of these younger members. 

Leadership development, public speaking skills, confidence and respect are fostered through this program.

Each year in mid-May, the Berks County Junior Grange hosts its very own Junior Grange camp at Camp Swatara, Bethel.  During this weekend retreat outstanding Junior members are selected to represent  the Berks County Junior Grange.  Both a Princess & Prince along with a mini-Princess and mini-Prince are chosen.

The 2009 Berks County Junior Grange Royalty; Mini Prince: Isaac Rohrbach, Mini Princess: Kayla Schlegel, Prince: Ricky Wike, Princess: Kerissa Rohrbach

National Grange Super JG winners from Berks County 2009, back row: Michelle Lengel, Ian Lengel, Karen Mohn; front row: Lindsay Schroeder, Meredith Lengel

Youth & Young Marrieds
          Andrew Kieffer
                 Berks County Grange Youth & Young Marrieds Director

The Youth Department includes members aged 15-35.  Activities specific to the interest of this age group are planned (although any member can partake of the fun).

Recent activities have included a snow tubing night at Blue Marsh, a bus trip to Baltimore Harbor and the annual French Fry stand at the Berks County Grange Consignment Auction.

The 2009 Grange youth, made up of members from various Berks County Granges. Many have been members since age five.