By Sherry Harriman, MSG Master
207 490-1029
As you have heard, the Northeast Regional Combined Leaders, Lecturers and Youth Conference scheduled for March to be hosted in Maine was canceled due to Covid concerns. This conference was to include the Regional Youth Contests (Grange Baseball, Public Speaking – [Prepared Speech; Impromptu Speech; Grange Commercial; Youth Ambassador/Young Patron Prepared Speech], Sign-A-Song, and Grange Ritual Contest [Code Reading]). Youth Contests are open to all Grange members: Youth 14-21; Young Adults 22-35; and Youth Alumni 36+. See NG Youth Program Book, which has been posted to our website for complete information, details, and rules. Regional Conferences are open to anyone who would like to attend, at your own expense.
At a recent zoom meeting of the Northeast Connection (State Masters/Presidents & Overseers/VPs), we discussed the regional contests and how we can make that happen. The discussion included the possibility of a one-day in-person and/or zoom event. It was decided to have a zoom meeting with the NE Presidents and NE Youth Directors to make a decision and plan an event. As an alternative option, participants from our region have been invited to participate at another region as a possibility.
Before we start the discussion I would like to know if anyone is interested in participating or attending? I would like a response within the month at: SHarriman@twc.com or my home phone.
Is there interest in participating in the contests?
- The 2022 Northeastern Conference has been cancelled by the host state Maine. In order to allow members in this region the opportunity to still partake in a regional conference they are being invited to attend the Eastern Regional Conference in Delaware. Youth and Junior Grange members who are competing in the different regional contests will be judged according to their region. Best of show winners from the Eastern and Northeast region will be allowed to move on to National Convention.
- The Mid-Atlantic (DE, PA, NJ, WV, MD, DC) and Southeast (NC, SC, VA, TN, FL) regions have now combined to one regional conference that will now be referred to as the Eastern Conference. This regional conference will now be held the third weekend of June, June 17-19, 2022 in Delaware. (Details will be provided when available.)
I will keep you informed of the plans.