Community Service
Our Community Service Work Recognized
Rowley Grange was awarded First prize in the 2004 National
Grange Community Service Contest. The award was presented at the Massachusetts State
Grange Session held in Plymouth in late October. A plaque, plus a check for $100 was
presented to Ann Prest, Master (president) of Rowley Grange. This year's report was
among 25 others from throughout the state. Rowley Grange volunteers gave over 6000
hours of service during the year.
Rowley Grange’s community service work, has received numerous awards in past
years. Grange members never hesitate to help where needed. We are always looking for
new community service projects.
Sarah W. Peabody Scholarship Fund
Four scholarships were awarded in June of 2004 to students
of Trition Regional High School. The $1000 scholarships were awarded by Allan W.
Gaspar, a member of the scholarship committee.
The Sarah W. Peabody Scholarship Fund was established in 1999 by Rowley Grange through
the generosity of Sarah W. Peabody, a long time Grange member. This Scholarship is open to
student residents of Rowley planning to attend a college upon graduation. Applications for
the 2005 scholarships will be available in March, 2005.
The Rowley Grange has been a supporter of the new library building, which was completed
in February of 2004. Rowley Grange sponsored a youth scrabble tournament there in
March of 2004. The Grange will continue to support the Library through yearly
donations.
Pine Grove School Support
In 2004 Rowley Grange sponsored 3 enrichment programs through the Rowley Public
Education Fund. The amount donated for these programs was just over $1000.
For 2005, Rowley Grange has made committment to sponor 2 enrichment programs, with
sponsorship fees again exceeding $1000
Rowley Grange also hopes to provide personal dictionaries for students during the
2004/2005 school year.
In March of 2004 Rowley Grange sponored it first Youth Scrabble Tournament. The
tourney was held at the Rowley Public Library and there were 18 participants. All
who participated received a thank you gift and prizes were awarded for different
catagories of play.
Rowley Grange will again be sponsoring a Youth Scrabble Tournament and the date will be
announced. Location of the even it not known at this time, but sites under
consideration are the Pine Grove School, Rowley Grange Community Hall, and the Public
Library.
Public Service Departments
Rowley Grange continues its tradition of making donations to the Public Safety
Departments of Rowley. Donations are made yearly to the Rowley Fire Department
and the Rowley Police Department.
Community Outreach Program (COP)
Rowley Grange's Community Outreach Program is in its infant stages. The Program
has been created with the intent to bring the resources and resource people together to
help other community members in need. Rowley Grange provided over 6000 hours of
community service to the Rowley community during the Grange year of 2003-2004.
Through COP we hope to be able to assist more people and organizations with increased
talent resources. Anyone wishing to be part of Community Outreach Program should
call the Grange Hall office and leave message.
Participation in the Topsfield Fair
Each year, Rowley Grange has a display/competitve booth at the Topsfield Fair.
There are competition rules, which all Granges adhere to. During the week, Grange
volunteers help to man the fund raising sales booth and the Grange raffle that sponsors
Scholarships for Essex Agricultural School.
Rowley Junior Grange is currently inactive
Rowley Junior Grange is currently inactive. Rowley Grange is looking for an adult
leader to activate the group again. Junior Grange is for children ages 5 to 14 years
and provides leadership and organizational training as well as social conscience and
community service opportunities. Leadership training and assistance will be provided
for adult(s) seeking to take on this role. CORI information will be required of all
volunteers that work with Junior Grange.
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