[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9042]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    THE BETHLEHEM GRANGE NUMBER 121

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2011

  Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Bethlehem Grange on their 120th anniversary. The Bethlehem Grange 
Number 121 is one of nearly sixty National Grange chapters in the state 
of Connecticut. On January 6, 1891, the Bethlehem Grange was organized 
by 24 charter members. Through the years, the Bethlehem Grange has 
grown substantially, having at one point over 150 members. The 
Bethlehem Grange has maintained a strong commitment to the rural 
communities of northwestern Connecticut.
  The Bethlehem Grange has a rich history of promoting family farming 
and community service in rural Connecticut. In 1891 the Bethlehem 
Grange sponsored their first Grange Fair in the Town Hall. The fair has 
grown and expanded since then, eventually becoming the popular 
Bethlehem Fair, which I've had the pleasure of attending numerous times 
over the years.
  The Bethlehem Grange is committed to fostering a deeply-rooted sense 
of community. In addition to their monthly activities, the Grange 
supports their local food bank, donates dictionaries to the local 
elementary school, and provides scholarships to local high school 
students. Their dedication to civic responsibility doesn't end there: 
the Bethlehem Grange holds an annual community flea market and 
participates in the Adopt-A-Road program.
  Over its 120 years of existence, the Bethlehem Grange has done its 
part to preserve the cherished historical character of northwestern 
Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we can all learn from the 
Bethlehem Grange's dedication to fellowship and service, and so I ask 
my colleagues to join with me, and the people of Bethlehem, in 
recognizing the Bethlehem Grange Number 121 on their 120th anniversary.

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