Grangers and Kiwanis volunteers built garden boxes for people who need them

Equinox Garden Box Build April 13, 2025

The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and busy bees were humming around everywhere. It was not just the insect variety that was active, but rather a vibrant community of people who came out to the Sebastopol Grange on Sunday, April 13 to participate in the first ever Equinox Garden Box Build Day. To encourage more folks to experience the delights of home gardening, to share building skills, and to enhance bee habitat, members of the Sebastopol Grange and the Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol collaborated on this service project to provide a hands-on experience of building redwood garden boxes.

All ages and skill levels were invited to share proficiencies and resources to make something useful and beautiful. People signed up to either be a builder, a helper, a recipient, or to help with deliveries. Understandably, some people took on more than one role as people wanted to learn how to make their own box and donate money to help cover the costs.

Throughout the day, around 40 folks–teenagers to an almost 86-year-old juggernaut, gathered from Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Forestville, and Cloverdale, and joined together in small groups to work. Because of the talented group of skilled builders, many of the materials were arranged in pre-cut kits with sample boxes and dimensions ready to replicate. After a brief safety meeting, skilled builders guided helpers who learned how to assemble and fasten the boxes. The boxes were then finished with a bottom of hardware cloth (“gopher wire”) with participants working together to cut the wire to length and staple it to the bottom of the box.

Materials had been gathered in advance of the day. The redwood was a combination of newly milled wood (thanks to Full Circle Mill and Sturgeon’s Mill), purchased redwood (thanks to Sebastopol Ace Hardware for helpful pricing) and reclaimed redwood fence boards (thanks to Daniel O. Davis). The fasteners and hardware cloth were also from Sebastopol Ace Hardware.

Recipients could donate and receive a box. Many of these people also needed help receiving their boxes, so willing volunteers with trucks, loaded up finished boxes and took them to people’s doorsteps, grouping the deliveries by geographic location. It was quite a sight seeing people working together to load and strap the trucks with three or four boxes that had just been assembled moments before. It was an all-service production line.

From noon to four, folks worked, took shade and water breaks, and ate veggie burritos that were provided. At the end of the time, 36 boxes had been finished and 23 had been delivered or went home with their builders. This was a fantastic accomplishment for a first-time event.

This project was made possible because of seed grants of $500 from both the Grange and the Kiwanis Club. People have made donations online and with cash and checks. To be able to replicate this event again to give even more people a chance to grow food and learn skills, we need more donations. If you would like to help, you can make a tax deductible donation online or write a check made payable to Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol. Because of the outpouring of response, we know there is a need in the community. In these uncertain times, what we can count on is our community and the food we are growing in our own backyards. Like bees in the hive, we all have our part to play for the greater good.

Event organizers Dena Allen, Carol Henderson, Craig Litwin, and Brad Smith would like to thank the generosity of all who helped make this possible through labor, materials, or financial support. Let us do it again!


Photos by Carol Henderson and Dena Allen.

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March 2025 Grange General Meeting

At our March General Meeting, Grangers and friends enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner with an entree from Himalyan restaurant and lots of scrumptious sides and desserts! Our potlucks are a great time to catch up with old friends and make new ones!

Our Grange musicians got a standing ovation for their rendition of the Jefferson Airplane classic “Go Ask Alice”, with vocals by Cheryl White!

We swore in three new Grange members. Welcome, David Carlson, Michael Wagner, and Kaitlin Quistgard!

Our program, presented by Jose Arturo Ibarra, advocate for immigrant rights, was on “Know Your Rights”/ Conozca Sus Derechos, about what to do if you encounter ICE agents to empower and educate our community with critical information and tools to advocate for immigrant rights. Below is a recorded version of this information.

“Know Your Rights: Understanding Your Constitutional Protections”: Empower yourself with knowledge about the rights guaranteed under the Constitution. Regardless of immigration or citizenship status, everyone has Constitutional rights—learn how to recognize and assert them confidently.

Click here for the Presentación en YouTube (Español).
Find free or low-cost immigration legal services providers at WWW.APOYANTES.COM.
Know Your Rights Spanish Audio presentation.
Know Your Rights English Audio presentation.

Please share this valuable information with family, friends, and on social media. Help protect and inform our communities.

Jose A. Ibarra, born in Mexico, became a U.S. citizen in the 1980s. A former seminarian, he earned a degree in Clinical Psychology with minors in Theology and Philosophy from Our Lady of the Lake University. Jose spent over 40 years as an international flight attendant, engaging in labor negotiations and cultural outreach, supported by his fluency in Spanish, English, and some French and Japanese. Deeply committed to human activism, his Conozca Sus Derechos/Know Your Rights presentations reflect his lifelong passion for justice and empowering others through knowledge and action.

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February 2025 Grange General Meeting

Grangers and friends enjoyed our February General Meeting and potluck, where we feasted on tamales made by the California Homemakers Association and lots of delicious sides and desserts. We had some great music and conversation.
Our guest speaker was Myriah Volk, Executive Director of the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce, who talked about the Farmer’s Market, businesses that are part of the local food economy, Chamber information and events, and the upcoming Apple Blossom Festival and Parade April 26 & 27.
We welcomed new members Richard Baril and Dolores Barrett.

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February Mend & Befriend was a sweet gathering!

The first Mend and Befriend of 2025 was well attended with more than 20 participants crafting, mending, spinning, making Valentine Day cards and friends!

At Mend and Befriend gatherings, everyone is invited to socialize while mending or crafting! It’s an informal time to chat while helping each other increase our skills.
The Grange will host four M&B events in 2025: Feb. 11, Apr. 1, June. 3, and Oct. 7.
Each event will include a clothes swap/ fabric swap. Watch our website and our Hall Happenings newsletter for announcements of special guests bringing craft supplies for teaching an optional project.

  • Mend and Befriend at the Grange

February Mend & Befriend was a sweet gathering! Read More »

January General Meeting and Elections

  • Leadersip team January General Meeting of the Sebastopol Grange

Grangers and friends enjoyed a fabulous meal, good company, and great music at our January General Meeting. We elected our 2025 Leadership Team and we’re so grateful for their service!
Chaplin Barton brought us together in gratitude, noting that people we know are in need of our help. He shared the poem by Lew Welch. about Mt. Tam: “Step out onto the planet”.
Our musicians Peter, Lawrence, Richard, Dorothy and Fish sang “Long Tall Granger” and “Birthday” for the January birthday members
President Lawrence shared three objects he holds dear: a1951 Martin Mandolin from Gary that has been lovingly repaired; Murcott Mandarins, originating from Morocco, and a gavel made from the trunk of an original, ‘California’ Navel Orange tree, AKA Bahia, or Washington Orange. He discussed the Grange Declaration of purposes from 1870.
Amy Crawford shared about a conference she attended on Regenerative Farming.

Gary Abreim shared this heartfelt story about Lawrence Jaffe, “People Gardens”:

They say Elon Musk is the wealthiest man in the world. That isn’t true. My friend Lawrence Jaffe is one of the wealthiest. Not something you’ll see in the media, but those who know Lawrence will confirm. He is rich in life experience and wonderful relationships.

Elon Musk is no Lawrence Jaffe.

Lawrence Jaaffe and Gary Abriem at the January General Meeting of the Sebastopol Grange

Lawrence was once a farmer but went on to develop people gardens. He’s been planting relationship seeds for as long as I have known him. He is a minstrel man whose heart sets his compass direction.
15 years ago in the days of peak oil and Richard Heinberg, I was part of a group that included Carolyne Stayton (former chaplain), Jerry Allen (former Grange president), Susan Butler and Denise Meiers. We called our group ‘Ready for Anything’. Lawrence’s neighbor Carolyne invited him to our meeting and Lawrence talked about the Grange which he had just joined.
Lawrence had with him at the meeting a bunch of Grange membership applications. Lawrence always had some application or something to get involved in…that’s who he is. That hasn’t changed. Lawrence is always planting-a-seed. He emanates joyful participation.
Well, a month later back in 2010, we all followed Lawrence’s lead and joined the Grange. He led a renaissance of the Sebastopol Grange that at the time only had 5 or so active members. Back then the Grange was this building on Highway 12 that no one really used. Like so many others, I would drive by and wonder what it was.
Our Grange, within a few years under Lawrences’ leadership, became a star in the State Grange universe. We were a model of community-building and very much a hub of great things in West Sonoma County. Lawrence has been a magnet for our Grange. Attracting all sorts of great events and people like yourself.
However, Lawrence is not about Lawrence. He’s about you. He inspires, supports and encourages others to play…to people garden with him.
He is a master of making friends and influencing people. He told me many years ago that Dale Carnegie’s book of How to Make Friends and Influence People is something that he had read over and over….cultivating human connection is a life principle he lives by.
Even now, as our country has entered a dark time, Lawrence still speaks about the ever more importance of community. He does what he does as a cheerful expression of his wonderful heart….our Grange is a form of Sangha…we gather, meet, share wholesome food, participate and support one another and our community in service.
Fun is a key ingredient which Lawrence has demonstrated is essential.
So brother Lawrence, I am humbled to have you as my mentor, Grange partner and amazing good friend. You have helped me become wealthy too, as you have done for so many others.

Thank you.
Your friend
Gary

Find out what’s coming up at the Sebastopol Grange!

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Mend and Befriend at the Grange

Everyone is invited to socialize while mending or crafting at Mend & Befriend! The Grange will host four seasonal M&B events in 2025, each an informal time to chat while helping each other increase our skills. Each event will include a clothes swap/ fabric swap. Stay tuned for announcements of special guests bringing craft supplies for teaching an optional project.

When: Mark your calendars!

Tuesday, February 11th from 4:30-6:30 pm (a Valentine station will be set up for kids of ALL ages to make cards)
Tuesday, April 1st from 4:30-6:30 pm
Tuesday, June 3rd from 4:30-6:30 pm
Tuesday, October 7th from 4:30-6:30 pm

Where: The Sebastopol Grange 6000 Sebastopol Ave, Hwy 12
Who: Community members of all ages.
Bring: Mending or craft project, tool or simple item in need of repair, sewing supplies (your sewing machine if needed), clothing or fabric for the clothes swap and a snack if desired.
Wanted: New friends to mend & craft with and to learn new skills from.
More Info: https://sebastopolgrange.org/
produce@rahus.org

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November 2024 General Meeting

  • Nov general meeting

Grangers and friends enjoyed a delicious potluck meal.
Our Grange musicians Elaine Stanton, Paul Shwebel, Peter Schurch and Lawrence Jaffe performed a song from “The No Pan Hand”.
Craig Litwin shared a presentation on the 25 year anniversary for PEA – Planting Earth Activation, a community based garden-giveaway and seed saving group in Sebastopol.
Jessica Seevers was awarded a scholarship for her third year of herb school.
We welcomed new members David Gray Laverine, Cynthia Poirier, and Patricia O’Connor.

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The Grange Virtual Farm provided a Harvest Meal

The Grange Virtual Farm provided a Harvest Meal for the Grange community made with love and produce from their gardens and farms on October 29, 2024. The Virtual Farm members met in person this past August to discuss growing food and local food security over a delicious potluck. It was at this dinner party that members decided to offer their fellow grangers a harvest meal from their surplus produce and to provide a resource list for the Grange website to help others that want to share their surplus produce with our community. The Harvest Meal included homemade/homegrown butternut squash and garlic greens lasagna topped with homegrown tomato sauce and homegrown apple crisp for dessert.

Learn more about the Grange Virtual Farm and find the application form to join.

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Gardening Day at the Grange Nov. 2024

On November 1st, Carol Henderson and Laura Shafer planted geraniums and garlic in the metal planters in front.

Bogatyr is a rare hardneck variety with marbled purple stripe. Fiery, raw heat. Large dark purple/brown bulbs with 4 or more large cloves. One of the longest storing hardnecks. Will store 7-9 months. A Chester Aaron variety, originally from the Moscow area.
Donated by the Seed Garden. This is our 2nd year growing garlic at our Grange.

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