WHEREAS, Washington has been blessed with local granges since 1873 and a statewide grange organization since shortly before the admission of Washington Territory to statehood in 1889; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Grange enjoys the distinction of having more Grangers than any other state -- currently around 40,000 members of a nationwide total of 350,000 members in 37 states; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Grange coordinates the activities of the state's 281 subordinate granges; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Grange invites all state residents to consider becoming members of this progressive, active, and concerned organization; and
     WHEREAS, The Grange continues to honor its long-standing commitment to boosting the standard of living for farmers and other rural residents; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Grange, a nonpartisan, grass roots organization, takes pride in sponsoring a multitude of activities ranging from presenting college scholarships to legislative involvement and coordinating projects and contests; and
     WHEREAS, Dedicated to community building and involvement, many Pomona Granges organize countywide events such as softball or bowling leagues, camping clubs, or fund-raising drives for food banks, charities, or other community services; and
     WHEREAS, The Grange maintains a strong and abiding interest in quality of life issues important to rural and urban residents of our state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate congratulate the Grange on more than 130 years of service in Washington Territory and the State of Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the Washington State Grange for its many positive contributions to our communities and encourage officers and members to keep up the good and useful work they do; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington State Grange President Rob Horgen at the Washington State Grange headquarters in Olympia.