Caledonia Grange #9
A Chapter of the Vermont State Grange
The Caledonia Grange in East Hardwick, Vermont seeks to strengthen our local community, families, and individuals through education, service, and nonpartisan advocacy. ​​​
Milk Matters! Community Gathering
Throughout Vermont's history, dairying has helped shape our communities and landscape, and is still integral to the rural character of the place we call home. Even if you are not directly involved in farming, what happens to local dairy farms is of immense importance to how we use the land, feed our neighbors, raise our families and connect with the world.
Please join us to celebrate this essential part of our community, and to discuss its future. The program will include a conversation with local dairy farmers, a presentation of artisan farm implements, historical and current photos, dairy treats and other snacks. Saturday, August 1 at 1 PM at the oldest continuously operating Grange in New England: Caledonia #9 Grange Hall, 88 East Church St., East Hardwick.
Interested in renting Grange Hall
for a private or public event?
Contact Ranny Bledsoe at ranny.bledsoe@gmail.com
Our motto: ​​​​In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
MILK MATTERS! July 29-31 and August 1
Children’s Program: July 29 - July 31 from 1- 4 PM
Community Gathering: August 1 from 1- 4 PM
Thanks to a grant from the National Grange Rural Life Initiative, Caledonia Grange #9 is offering an educational program for children and adults celebrating the importance of dairy farming for our community. Our goal is to celebrate our agricultural heritage and to offer hands-on experiences about rural life for children.
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The children’s program will be led by Jeanne Segretto Miller and Will Miller. Jeanne is a local musician and longtime educator, currently vice-principal of the Cabot School, with years of experience offering programs for children. Will has recently worked with youth in summer programs through Wonder Arts. The children's program is open to children from 6 to 12 years.
Day 1 - Wednesday July 29: All About Butter & Life on the Farm
Children will learn about churning butter and will be able to make butter by hand-shaking and using a Daisey churn. They will then begin to explore life on the farm by making puppets of characters on the farm and performing with them. Snacks: Bread and butter and jam!
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Day 2 - Thursday July 30: Making Soft Cheese & Telling Stories
Children will learn about how heat and acid transform fresh milk into soft cheese; they will make and strain curds into simple soft cheese. They will use the things they have learned and historic photos to make up stories about farm life, and they will paint cardboard structures illustrating them. Snacks: Crackers and Cheese!
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Day 3 - Friday July 31: Fermentation & The Grand Finale
Children will learn about "live cultures" and healthy microbes while assembling customized yogurt parfaits using local honey and fruit. They will practice their puppet shows and then perform for parents and the community at 3 PM.
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3-4 PM Feast: A community reception where attendees can tour the historic photo gallery, view a selection of antique farm equipment, and watch the children’s puppet shows. They willenjoy a tasting menu of the kids' handmade creations: fresh butter, Farmer's Cheese, yogurt parfaits and homemade ice cream.
This program is offered to the community free of charge, but space in the children’s program is limited. For more information or to register, contact Ranny Bledsoe: email ranny.bledsoe@gmail.com, phone (802) 424-5216.
The cow doesn’t give milk – you have to milk it!