Texting Ban Effective December 1

Adult drivers are still be able to talk on the phone, but texting could land the offender a $100 fine plus court costs. "When you're texting, you have your brain and your hand and your eyes all off the road at the same time," said Arthur Goodwin, a senior research associate with the UNC Highway Safety Research Center. "Texting is about one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving."

The Grange supported the texting while driving ban and are pleased to see that tomorrow, December 1, a ban on this practice will be in place in the state of North Carolina.

Closer to the Capitol

I have many goals as a Legislative Director, but one priority is to have a strong presence at the NC General Assembly. We have been able to do that very well in the past and I am determined to follow those footsteps. One way is to to move the Legislative Department to Raleigh. I will now live and work in Raleigh so that I will have greater access to our elected officials at the state capitol. I hope that this move will bring increased effectiveness to our legislative program and I can continue serving our members to the best of my ability.

National Convention

The annual session of the National Grange was held November 16-21 in Grand Rapids, MI. The Midwest region hosted this year's convention and it was such a great time! I assisted Leroy Watson, Legislative Director for the National Grange, with committee meetings and the business session. I enjoy seeing all of the resolutions that come from various states. It's interesting that there are common issues that affect all of us, regardless of location. I also love listening to the discussions that accompany the issues that come forward. The variety and mixture of expertise that is brought to the table when discussing issues makes policy development for the Grange so wonderful. When our policy is developed, we all stand together as a collective unit to advocate for these issues.

It wasn't all business in Michigan though.. there was plenty of time for fun and fellowship! From tours, luncheons, dinners and museums to workshops, the Idea Fair, the Evening of Excellence and Celebration Banquet... we all had such a great time being with our Grange friends! Although I've only been to 2 National Conventions, it's such a great feeling to be able to go to a place and feel so welcome! The opportunity to meet and interact with folks from across the country is an irreplaceable experience that everyone should have. Luckily, the 2010 National Convention will be held in Charlotte, NC next November and all of our North Carolina Grangers won't have far too travel to experience a wonderful National Convention!

Sustainable Local Food Policy Advisory Council

A new state law created the North Carolina Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council. One of the issues to be considered by the Council is an in-depth analysis of the potential impacts that the production of sustainable local food would have on economic development in North Carolina, both the direct impacts for the producers of sustainable local food and the actual and potential indirect impacts, such as encouraging restaurants that feature locally raised agricultural products and promoting food and wine tourism.

The Council is made up of 27 members and the Grange was given a position. Phil Hudson from Westbrook Grange was appointed by the Speaker of the House to represent the Grange. Phil is the owner and manager of John Hudson Farms, Inc. in Newton Grove.