WATERLOO — The 154th annual session of the New York State Grange was held at Lux Hotel and Conference Center on Friday, Oct. 16 through Monday, Oct. 20. Many local Grangers attended including Butternut Valley Grange members Calvin Wilcox, Roger Halbert, Cathy and Sarah Galley, George Dempsie, Roberta Halbert, Lynn Porter, Laura Palada, Helen and Anna Ritchey. Others attending from Otsego County were Gail Lewis, Susan Drake and Irene Fassett from Pierstown Grange, Pat and Tom Hornbeck, Ken and Elaine Smith from Colonel Harper Grange.

On Friday evening, George Dempsie performed the song he wrote about Butternut Valley Grange during the banquet.

On Saturday the announcement of the yearly community service reports was given. Butternut Valley received a first place for Ideas Unlimited of Garden to Table project which was held this summer in conjunction with the Gilbertsville Baptist Church. The annual report from September 2025 to 2026 received second place.

The State Oatmeal Cookie Contest was held with Anna Ritchey receiving first place in the regular contest and Helen Ritchey placing third in the diabetic cookie competition.

Sunday morning, Cathy Galley received the Gerald Eastman Award. This award is presented each year at the annual meeting to an individual Granger who exemplifies Christian principles and influences others in a positive way. Cathy is a quiet leader who persistently thinks of others first to lessen the burdens of others and to make life fuller in our communities. In addition to Grange, Cathy is a vital member of the Garrattsville Presbyterian Church and has been a leader in many 4-H projects locally and across the state.

Pat Hornbeck was reelected as President of the Lecturers Association.

Roger Halbert was elected to the New York State Foundation board for a four year term.

—Information from Butternut Valley Grange