In conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Randy was able to get funding for several projects on the farm to preserve the quality of water. Presently he is in the process of obtaining environmental grants to build a methane digester to turn manure into electricity for the farm and, hopefully, sell extra power produced to National Grid.
Joining Holden Grange at age 14 began his journey into leadership roles. Beginning at Gatekeeper, he worked his way through the offices to Master of the Subordinate Grange and Worcester Central Pomona. On the State level, he was active with the Youth and later served on the Youth Committee. He was named Youth Ambassador in 1992 and Young Couple in 1998. Along with his wife, Mary, Randy was a delegate to National Grange for four years, serving on the Agriculture Session Committee.
Presently, he holds the office of Overseer of Holden Grange and Master of Worcester Central Pomona. Always being a “doer”, Randy has his hands in activities of all committees, but he has spear-headed many new projects for Ways and Means and Community Service. Thanks to Randy’s effort, Holden Grange is in its 12th year of its Peach Festival, selling shortcakes at major community events in Holden and Rutland, it’s 11th year of publishing a Community Calendar with local advertisers, and its second year of its “In Remembrance” project, placing Grange markers and flags on the gravesites of former members in cemeteries in three towns.
Randy’s leadership has gone beyond the farm and the Grange into his community. Becoming involved in the Rutland Volunteer Fire Brigade, the idea for a family-oriented community event that would raise funds to restore the 1800’s fire station in town was born, with Randy, along with his wife and father, at the helm. Local restaurants prepare chowder for attendees to sample and many tables manned by community organizations complete the annual Central Tree Chowder Challenge. Along with Randy’s involvement in this August event for 12 years, he can also be seen working on and participating in the annual Fourth of July float and has gained the rank of Captain of the Brigade. To increase fund-raising for the Fire Department, Randy introduced a tent rental project. Storing tents in a trailer on the farm, Randy serves as the contact person and organizes workers to set them up for public and private events.
Two years ago, Randy set a new goal – this time – politics. As a result of numerous hours spent campaigning and debating the incumbent, he was elected Moderator for the Town of Rutland and then re-elected again last year. His Grange experience in conducting a business meeting, coupled with his study of Town Meeting Laws, Randy has successfully led Annual and Special Town Meetings.
Randy takes his skills as a leader, his knowledge of his trade, and his desire to work with others into the promotion of agriculture within the community. Along with five other residents of Rutland , he actively helped in the formation, and now serves on the Agricultural Commission. Through Randy’s efforts, his farm has been the site of the Worcester County Conversation District’s Annual Arbor Day tree and plant sale. Also, he participated in the activities of the Hardwick Farmers’ Cooperative.
Whether one brings an idea to Randy or he derives his own, the words “It can’t be done” or “It’s impossible” never enters his mind. With every venture, he sets a goal and carries out an action plan, overcoming any obstacles that arrive. When we approached Randy about holding our wedding at the farm, he listened to our vision for the country setting and then went to work. Eliciting the help of Mary and other family members, the mission was accomplished beyond our expectations. The setting included “the Randy flair”, right down to the hay bales, milk crates, and baskets with daisies. We’re still wondering if Randy planned to have the milk truck pass during the ceremony as an extra touch. Our city friends are still talking about the wedding ten years later. This event led to a new title for Randy, “the wedding planner”. This past year, he was asked to host a wedding, but four times the size and complete with a reception.
Family, agriculture, and community are all important parts of Randy’s life. We admire his willingness to lend a helping hand, expecting nothing in return. His inner drive to work with his family on the farm, with fellow Brothers and Sisters, and with communitymembers for the betterment of the endeavor, and not for personal recognition, is what Randy is all about. We feel his life is representative of a State Grange Agriculturalist.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Janet & Don Segur
Warren “Unc” Jordan
