Physical and philosophical changes at Sonoma Valley Grange

If you’ve driven by the Sonoma Valley Grange in recent weeks, you may have noticed a big change to the façade. Gone are the front entrance, handicap ramp and all, replaced by two ominous-looking boarded-over windows.
According to Grange President, Jim Callahan, the changes are good and the building improvements in the works are thanks in part to the Highway 12 sidewalk construction going on throughout the Springs. As it turns out, the handicap ramp wasn’t compatible with the new sidewalk design and would have rendered the sidewalk impassable at that spot.
“We’ve moved the entrance around to the north side of the building, off of Highway 12.  The new ramp is ADA compliant and the whole thing is a little nicer for people coming and going,” said Callahan. He noted that the historical sign on the side of the building would be kept intact for the sake of nostalgia.
Redevelopment funds for the project came by way of Sonoma County’s Community Development Commission (CDC). According to Albert Lerma, redevelopment associate for the CDC, acquiring right-of-way access has been part of the sidewalk improvement process and businesses up and down Highway 12 have been dealt with individually and compensation given as necessary.
The Sonoma Valley Grange has been an institution since 1927. Always active in Boy Scouts and scholarships programs, corned-beef dinners at the ready, the organization on a national level has a long and storied history. Born after the Civil War as an organization to help Southern farmers get their crops to market and make a profit, the Grange is an egalitarian group with men, women and children over 14 voting equally. In 1935 the Grange pushed Congress for rural electrification and today is working to expand broadband access in farming and rural communities.
It is this type of forward thinking mentality that is bringing a new vitality to the Sonoma Valley Grange with membership now coming from a much younger crowd, according to Callahan.
“Over the past few years our median age has dropped from about 75 years old to the mid-50 year old set,” said Callahan.  “This new energy is helping us host the community activities that the Grange is famous for and ring in a new era of sustainable food, respectfully prepared and responsibly consumed.”
An upcoming event at the Grange – the pancake breakfast on August 8 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. – is a case in point. In keeping with the new organic menu the pancakes will be made from freshly ground flour and local eggs. Homemade syrup and agave nectar will also be served alongside freshly squeezed orange juice and espresso. The event is open to the public and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
“We have almost 60 members currently and they range in age from 30 all the way up to our treasurer, Marianne Erickson who is 90 and has been a member for over 50 years,” said Callahan. “It’s a great group and one that is a force for good in the world.”
Grange member Kathy Swett reiterated Callahan’s words saying that the group is a wonderful mix of old members and newcomers who get along well and have a great time at meetings and functions alike.