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Chester County Press

Russellville Grange honors citizens and members

06/25/2013 06:03PM ● By Acl

Front, from left: Melanie Murray, Francis Watterson, and Frances Astle. Back, from left: Frances Reyburn, Michael Ruoss, Joyce Hershey, Arthur Hershey, and Nadine Hook.

Russellville Grange No. 91 of Oxford recently honored two citizens and several members for their years of service to the grange.

Michael Ruoss, of Kennett Square, was recognized for his volunteer work in numerous community organizations, including Jennersville Regional Hospital, Genesis Health Care, Kennett Food Cupboard, and Good Will of Oxford. He has been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society because of his academics and participation at the Technical College High School.

Grange member Melanie Murray, of Cochranville, was recognized for her past service as corresponding secretary and in other offices in Russellville Grange. She has also been active in the Pomona (Chester County) Grange and currently serves as its vice president.

Membership awards were presented to Howard Reyburn for 25 years of membership; William Garrett, Arthur Hershey, and Joyce Hershey for 30 years; Nadine Hook, Frances Reyburn, and Dean Yarnall for 40 years; Harold Bryson, Jr., for 50 years; Frances Astle for 60 years; and Francis Watterson for 70 years.

The grange is a family, fraternal organization that began in 1867 as an agricultural organization. Today, the grange focuses on issues of rural interest, legislative advocacy, and community service. Founded in 1874, Russellville Grange meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The Junior Grange, for children ages 5 to 14, meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.