08/06/2026
While the Grange turned 90 in May, we had the chance to celebrate tonight.
See the what our president, Megan Stang, had to say. And stay tuned for photos from the night to follow.
Good evening, everyone. I’m excited to stand here as we celebrate 90 years of the Big K**b Grange—ninety years of community, service, tradition, and heart.
When you look around this room, you’re not just seeing members… you’re seeing the legacy of generations who poured their time, talent, and love into this Grange so that we could be here today.
Over the decades, our officers and members—some no longer with us, and some who are sitting right here—built the foundation we stand on. They led with dedication, they showed up when it mattered, and they believed in what the Grange could be. Their leadership didn’t just guide us; it shaped us. And tonight, we honor every one of them.
And let’s be honest—some of that leadership came from the real powerhouse crew: the kitchen ladies. The ones who ran a tighter ship than the Navy, scared us just enough to keep us in line, and somehow still managed to be the heart of every dinner we served. If you survived a shift with them, you earned your Grange stripes.
And as we look ahead, we know things will continue to evolve. The building might get a remodel, leadership roles will change, and traditions will adapt—but at the heart of it all, the Big K**b Grange will always hold true to who we are.
This year, we didn’t just continue that legacy—we planted our roots even deeper.
The addition of the Maple Syrup Festival has been nothing short of incredible. What started as a crazy idea quickly became one of our most successful events, bringing families together, showcasing local talent, and reminding us all what community looks like when it’s thriving. It’s proof that the Grange is not only strong… it’s growing.
And that spirit of growth has always been part of who we are.
Every time the Grange has evolved, it’s been because our members were willing to step forward with courage and flexibility. That adaptability is woven into our history.
When the Grange held its final meeting at the Brush Creek Road location on September 20, 1950, members didn’t hesitate—they embraced the future. By June 20, 1951, the first meeting was held at our current Big K**b Road location, even though construction was still underway. The walls weren’t finished, the building wasn’t complete, but the mission of the Grange was. Our members gathered anyway, worked anyway, and proved that progress doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. That resilience and adaptability are part of our DNA.
But even as we grow and adapt, we hold tight to the traditions that define us. For 23 years, our Pancake and Sausage Benefit Dinner—held every Shrove Tuesday since 2001—has brought the community together over the everfamous buckwheat cakes and freshground sausage.
And our commitment to service shines through programs like providing dictionaries to every 3rd grader in the Freedom and Rochester School Districts—a tradition that continues to make a lasting impact.
At the same time, we’re embracing the talents and passions of our members in new ways. Swing dance classes, baking classes—these aren’t just activities; they’re expressions of who we are today. They show that the Grange is a place where longstanding values meet fresh ideas, where tradition and creativity live side by side, and where every member has something meaningful to contribute.
As for the future? I have so much hope. I believe the next chapter will be even brighter—more growth, more community, more opportunities to serve, and more memories made. We’ve proven time and time again that no matter what changes around us, this Grange knows how to move forward with purpose and heart.
Tonight, we celebrate the past, we appreciate the present, and we look forward to the future with excitement. And as National President Chris always reminds us: “Make it fun. Make it work. Make it yours.” That’s exactly what we’ve done for 90 years, and exactly what we’ll keep doing.
Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to 90 years—and to many, many more.
- Megan Stang
Big K**b Grange President
August 5, 2026
