Ralston Grange holds annual Planning Meeting

The Grange held its annual “Planning Meeting” on Jan. 15 to discuss upcoming activities, fundraisers and other events the Ralston Grange will sponsor in 2019.

The Grange will continue fundraisers sponsoring a dinner for trail riders who overnight in Ralston as part of the cross-state ride on the Palouse To Cascades Trail in May, provide breakfast at the Lind Combine Derby in June, run their food and bingo concession at the Wheat Land Communities Fair in Ritzville Labor Day weekend as well as provide the dinner for Superintendents at the fair and continue selling their Ralston Grange t-shirts and mugs. Additional fundraisers either for the Grange’s general fund or for special needs in the community will be added if needed.

The Grange will organize a couple of trips for members and friends this year with Silverwood, Mica Moon zip line, a Spokane Indians baseball game, area museums and the Harrington Opera House suggested at the meeting.

Improvements to the Grange hall and park are planned this year including refinishing the hall floor, painting in the basement, additional security lights and a park playground update.

The next meeting of the Grange is on Tuesday, February 19 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The next Grange-sponsored event, open to the public, is the annual “Cribbage Tournament,” scheduled for early February.

The Ralston and Rimrock Granges are again sponsoring the David L. and Frances G. Ray Scholarships. Up to $3,000 is available to high school seniors, home-schooled seniors or graduates from the Lind-Ritzville, Washtucna and Lacrosse school districts. Applicants do not need to be Grange members.

In addition to these qualified districts, any senior who is a descendant of a current Ralston or Rimrock Grange member living outside of these districts may also apply. The scholarship is managed by the Innovia Foundation and applications can be found at their website, innovia.org. The Ray Scholarship was established to assist qualified students in furthering their education while promoting the involvement of community members in the Ralston and Rimrock Granges. The application deadline is April 1.