State Lecturer

Sharon Kimmel
State Lecturer
1036 Lindenhurst Road
Yardley, PA 19067
(215) 968-3348
(215) 860-6162
cell: (215) 801-6843

SLKimmel@comcast.net

Well folks, our summer is almost over. All the kids will be going back to school soon. Does anyone know what that means? It means that the talent eliminations are right around the corner (September 15, 2007 to be exact.)

Worthy Lecturers let’s all try to encourage our members to attend this special day/evening and share their talents with everyone. It would be so nice to have all of the categories (vocal, instrumental, variety) at State Session represented by our wonderful members of all ages to share a song, musical selection, dance, poem, story, skill, trick, joke (the list could be endless). There is no reason for the performers to be embarrassed or scared! They are all among friends and family who enjoy the entertainment of talent night at State Session. For those who do not like performing on stage we have numerous other categories for you to “show off” your talents by entering a craft, photo, artwork, etc. Please take the time to peruse the 2006-2007 Guide to Contests and Programs and select from the categories offered. (If you have any ideas for additional categories for next year’s guide please let me know.)

As I have mentioned on numerous occasions, please remember to dress appropriately if you enter the talent contest! For example, if you plan to sing something from the Sound of Music an Austrian costume would be ideal. If you are singing something that is not affiliated with a movie or play or if you are playing an instrument, then formal attire is very appropriate, the idea is to be presentable and eye appealing to the audience and the judges. I do not like seeing performers in street clothes and I particularly dislike revealing clothing (as do the judges!)

If anyone is interested in attending the Talent Eliminations and have any questions you may contact the representatives of my Lecturer’s committee in your Region. In case you did not read The Advocate last month I will remind you who these wonderful people are:

If you are unable to reach anyone on my Lecturer’s Committee, please do not hesitate to contact me so that I may relay all the necessary information and answer questions. My number is 215-968-3348 or email slkimmel@comcast.net  Please specify “Grange Question” as the subject matter so that I know the email is legitimate.

In case some “newcomers” are wondering just how the Districts for the talent eliminations are determined, they are as follows:

  • District I - Regions A&E;
  • District II - Regions B&F;
  • District III - Regions C&G and;
  • District IV-Regions D&H.

I did not receive too many scrap books this year (or Lecturer reports for that matter) and I assume it is due to the deadline date that was moved back since State Session was being held so early in October this year. We’ll have to change that for next year. I know that July and August are extremely busy for many people and, like myself, have no time to devote to a scrapbook. I hope that the entries displayed at State Session for judging this year are as plentiful as last year. We had a lot of wonderful talent that filled that entire display room in all the departments.

I would like to say a few words about animal safety. My Grange just held its 59th Annual Fair in August and some of the behavior that I witnessed from the public was appalling. Parents, please take the time to teach your children how to act around animals (any animal) and instill in them a little common sense. It was unbelievable how many children get excited when they see an animal and run up to it waiving their fingers in its face or (worse yet) reaching out suddenly to pet the animal (and believe me many adults are just as guilty).

The public needs to learn to approach an animal quietly, speak softly and most importantly NOT to touch the animal unless you ask permission from the owner! Do not wave balloons, clothing or umbrellas around or make sudden movements. This could “spook” an animal and cause harm to the animal, the handler, or an innocent bystander.

If an animal is in a cage, stall, pen, corral, etc. you should not reach in and touch the animal (or worse yet try to feed it) regardless of how cute, tame, quiet or friendly the animal seems to be, unless of course, you ask permission of the owner and he or she has control of the animal. Never reach out and pet a dog (even on a leash) unless you get permission. Sudden movements towards the dog could make it uneasy and cause it to snap or bite. Unfortunately, many animals are destroyed each year due to their “bite history” and it was not their fault.

Animals are living, breathing entities that react to their surroundings and should be respected. I still maintain that there are no problem animals...it is the human that is the problem! If animals are treated correctly, trained and cared for properly, there are no problems.

A prime example is the “bad rap” that the Pit-bull has (likewise the Rottweiller, German Shepherd, Chow, etc.) These supposedly “ferocious” breeds are wonderful animals. It is the human that trains dogs to fight for human entertainment and betting money.
Then there is the back yard breeder that breeds their dogs thinking they will get rich selling puppies yet they pay no attention to the bloodlines, temperaments, or confirmation of the dog (these problems occur in all breeds of animals, not just dogs). A responsible owner should spay or neuter their animals to prevent unwanted animals from ending up at the pound or at auction or roaming on the streets, ultimately being destroyed.

So, come on America, be responsible and treat all animals with the respect they deserve. They are NOT to blame. (No this is not a commercial for the “Dog Whisperer!”)

That’s all for now folks! I hope to see you at State Session.

Fraternally

Sharon

District Talent Eliminations
September 15, 2007

  • District I-Regions A & E: Scrubgrass Grange @ 6:30PM, Venango County

  • District II-Regions B & F: Bedford Grange @ 11AM, Bedford County

  • District III-Regions C & G: California Grange @ 2PM, Montour County

  • District IV-Regions D & H: Pioneer Grange @ 7PM, Berks County