The Southard Grange on Route 9 in Howell has many opportunities for the community to take advantage of this season.

According to Elaine Taylor, who oversees the community service events at the Southard Grange, Christmas trees, wreaths and grave blankets are currently being sold during the hours of 6-9 p.m. weeknights and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, the Southard Grange has purchased a trailer of hay which will be available to the public at a cost of $6.50 per bail Saturday mornings after 10 a.m. Grange members will receive a discount.

Taylor said this is to help offset the shortage of hay caused by a drought in other parts of the country. Due to a shortage in those areas, farmers are purchasing hay from the northeast, thus creating a shortage in this area.

All those interested in learning about horticulture, sharing plants, learning to grow things, flower shrubs, vegetables and more, are welcome to join the garden club which is currently being formed.

Open microphone nights are offered the last weekend of every month. A junior open microphone night for youths to perform or just listen is held every Friday night and an adult open microphone night takes place Saturday evenings. The next open microphone events will be held Dec. 28-29.

For information about any events at the Southard Grange, or to become a member, call (732) 901-0388 or (732) 901-8777.