FINLEY>>> The Clear Lake Grange No. 680 has been serving the rural community of Lake County for many years, offering a reasonable rental event space that includes a commercial kitchen and stage. Yet beyond a building, the Clear Lake Grange serves as a house of warm welcomes and good times spent with your neighbors.
Located at 1510 Big Valley Road in Finley, the Clear Lake Grange occupies an antique building which is over 75 years old. President and rental manager for the organization Jeff Brand said, “We are in a 75-year-old building, it’s a lot. We need grants.” He continued “We survive on memberships and events. Currently, we don’t have any grants, but we need them.”
Historically granges were rural outfits, connected to a state association, that served as supply centers for farmers and ranchers. Evolving over time to fit the needs of their communities, today the Clear Lake Grange 680 has opened their doors to the public. It is not only available for private rentals with a full commercial kitchen, but the grange also hosts monthly events. The grange has an “active calendar” and holds a potluck with live music every third Tuesday of the month. Last month’s potluck hosted Dave Broida’s Blues Farm with RJ Mischo, a concert of dueling harmonicas. The next potluck is scheduled for July 15 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. featuring the Andy Rossoff Quartet with special guest saxophonist Nancy Wright. Brand claimed that their events are “very popular” as memberships have exceeded a few hundred at times in the past.
Andy Rossoff shared his appreciation for the Clear Lake Grange as he has performed there several times over the years. “The grange is a great place for people to get up on the dance floor,” he said. Having busked in New Orleans for over a decade playing piano, Rossoff added, “I try to bring New Orleans style music to Lake County.” In regard to the upcoming grange concert, Rossoff said, “I put a band together, though I often play solo.” Therefore, there will be a three to five piece band which Rossoff said will be perfect for dancing. He added, “It’s great the community has an event space like the grange, and so nice that it’s owned and run by the community.”
Upcoming this Fall on October 12 the Clear Lake Grange will be hosting a benefit style fundraiser for ongoing maintenance costs. Brand said, “We are doing the maintenance and upgrades we need to do to continue to have a good time.” Both vendors and musicians of all types are invited to reach out and attend as the group is hoping for a large turnout.
The Clear Lake Grange is always welcoming of new members as membership has its perks, like a monthly discount off of the rental, and discounted show tickets among other benefits. Annual membership fees for a family of four are $80, while individual memberships are $40. At the moment memberships sit around $50 with Brand commenting “We would love to see some more for the summer.” More information can be found on the Clear Lake Grange website grange.org or their Facebook page Clear Lake Grange No. 680. They are also reachable via phone at 707-530-6357 or via email at clearlakegrange680@gmail.com.
