Karen, with a Fine Arts Degree and ever a student of Astrology, is a retired Child Care Provider in the Hood River Valley. Food was a big part of the curriculum at  StarShine ChildLife Habitat. Where food comes from, its qualities, how the nutrients help our bodies; as well as gratitude for Mother Earth, the farmers, plants, soil, Sun and rain, were all regular conversations during the meals she served for 30 years. Currently Karen sings in community choir Voci; and Gorge Threshhold Singers for those crossing thresholds in life. She is a member of Riverside Community Church-UCC, Gorge Braver Angels Alliance, and MamaBears women’s circle. 

The Grange Movement’ strong populist history, Grange events and rituals that celebrate the seasons, and the resourceful, worthy Grange family make Karen proud, and humble, to serve as Rockford’s current Grangemaster.

Aera is a 20-year resident of the Gorge and Grange member since 2010. Previously in Hood River valley, now in Wahkiacus amongst the oaks, and learning to grow food in this new terrain. Rockford Grange continues to keep a hold on her heart and she’s excited to help further all the exciting new developments planned for 2026.

Dennis retired as an industrial forest technician from the Hood River County Forestry Department after a 30-year career.  He is an avid gardener and homesteader.  His focus is on soil and animal health through soil testing and mineral amendments.  Local food production and resiliency are other interests that align with the Grange mission and history.

Seeing after the welfare of the members. Blessings & Kind Words in opening meetings.

Marna brings 30+ years in permaculture and regenerative design practice and education in the Pacific Northwest to the position of facilitating programming as Lecturer with the Rockford Grange. Marna earned a PhD in Sustainability Education from Prescott College and enjoys designing and facilitating adult experiential learning. A member of the Work that Reconnects, Marna has published broadly, won awards and grants, and teaches and presents internationally on topics such as place keeping, land dreaming, the living earth, regenerative creativity and cultures, and climate justice. Marna co-nurtures Harmony Hill Farm, on the traditional lands of the Chinookan and Wasco Nations, a slow reclamation project transitioning pasture to food forested sacred gardens in the Hood River Valley. Marna brings experience helping organize Cully Neighborhood Farmers in NE Portland before moving to Hood River.  She is honored to co-envision the Rockford Grange as a generative site of culture-making, healing, skill-sharing, joy-bringing, and inspiration. Marna deeply appreciates the abundant and visionary creativity, talents, and cultural wealth of this region and looks forward to convivial, life-giving learning and collaborations.

Angie grew up attending events at the Rockford Grange and developed a deep appreciation for its values and traditions. Supporting the local community and maintaining a nonpartisan, welcoming space are central to her work. With a Global Studies degree she places a strong emphasis on community, diversity, and inclusion and is committed to ensuring the Grange remains an active, accessible resource for Hood River residents now and into the future.

Tom sees the Grange as a wonderful community center and has been involved with it since the 1990s. Tom is involved in Building Coordination and is a great benefit to the Grange in his knowledge and care of a complex 100 plus year old building and it’s needs.

Bob is a semi-retired family physician, who along with his wife Kim Jones, live in Hood River. Bob recently retired from his role as the family medicine residency director for the Providence and One Community Health Rural Program since 2013. He has many fond memories of the Rockford Grange since moving to the Gorge in 1988 including learning how to square dance with the Wy'east whirlers, going to Country dances and solstice ceremonies with his young daughters and having every residency graduation at the Grange since 2016. Now that he has a little more time, aside from his role as the co-medical director at the Hood River Post Acute Nursing Home, he hopes to plant a full garden again, play his accordion more and become more involved in the Grange and other community events and efforts. He is a passionate Timbers and Italian Soccer fan to boot and enjoys hearing Kim sing and play base with her bluegrass band "The Ditch Diggers".

Sam trained and worked as a chef in Oakland before moving to Portland in 2011. She continued her culinary journey for several years before shifting to social services. She has a passion for food and teaching the culinary arts and hopes to make new connections after recently moving to the Gorge.

Dick is delighted to participate in the Grange tradition of celebrating our connections to the earth and to one another. He is hugely grateful to find himself and wife Bonnie thriving in the verdant Hood River Valley after retiring from compensated employment in law, non-profit management, public health and local government.