E Sangerville Grange MOFGA Organizational Meeting

 Agriculture, Events, Grange News  No Responses »
May 222013
 

Webmaster’s Note: I decided to post this as news as well as an event, because it is an example of how Grange’s can collaborate with and assist other like-minded organizations.

Members of the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association in Piscataquis County and neighboring towns are invited to the East Sangerville Grange on Sunday, June 9th at 5 pm for a discussion about the possibility of creating a Piscataquis County MOFGA chapter.

There are currently four MOFGA chapters in Maine: Cumberland County, Waldo County, Sagadahoc County, and Midcoast. Each chapter engages in its own choice of activities. Creating a local chapter involves sending a proposal to MOFGA stating the geographic area the chapter would serve, the number of potential participants, the frequency of meetings and a description of the chapter’s focus or purpose.

One possibility for a Piscataquis County chapter, for example, could be to create easier access to MOFGA’s rich knowledge base and pool of experts by providing a local venue for MOFGA demonstrations and educational talks. The Piscataquis MOFGA chapter would serve Piscataquis County and surrounding towns in the Maine Highlands Region.

The purpose of the June 9th meeting is to gauge interest in the idea and to brainstorm about what a Piscataquis County chapter might look like. If there is enough interest in the idea, East Sangerville Grange is willing to prepare a proposal and would consider acting as the Chapter host.

R.S.VP is not required but appreciated. If you have any questions, or just want to let us know you’re planning to come send a message to the East Sangerville Grange at esangervillegrangeatgmaildotcom  (esangervillegrangeatgmaildotcom)  .

Share

Wayside Grange Plans Programs

 Events, Grange News  No Responses »
Apr 142013
 

Webmaster’s note: As many know, Wayside Grange in North Dexter has recently reorganized… in an effort to keep their communities informed and engaged they are distributing summaries of their meetings as press releases. A number of the local weekly papers are printing them!

At the Thursday meeting of the Wayside Grange-Theatre plans were finalized for the first supper of the season on April 13. Barbara Bekier reported everything is all set and the kitchen staff is ready to serve a menu of pork roast and all the fixin’s. Guitar dinner music will be played by Ram Das Singh during the meal.

The opening music show will be on April 27 featuring the highly acclaimed Abbott Hill Ramblers band under the direction of Chris Prickett. Liz Breault made a request for volunteers to bake an assortment of desserts for intermission.

Grace Lommel reported fliers have been distributed all around the local area showing the dates of the bands playing at the grange from April to November. The police Department public sign will also list the dates. Grange suppers are to be held on the second Saturday of each month through October. Joe Kennedy and Wally Warren will work on a roadside sign to advertise each supper.

Tim Breen reported on the upcoming Talent Night. There are now enough candidates that have volunteered to make a full show but will advertise for actors to be in the skits. Window repairs, a possible chimney water leak, and loose floor tiles were discussed and will be investigated by the Building Committee. The window in the attic has been fixed.

Dawn Huntt and Joe Kennedy volunteered to work on a scrapbook of clippings of the publicity we have generated so far and continuing. The Treasurer’s report included a request to renew the Victualer’s license and to pay the Annual Incorporation fee.

The Dexter Community Band has requested using the auditorium stage for their weekly practices. This was tentatively approved for a few months providing enough chairs can be located for the band.

The next meeting will be on May 9th at 6:30 PM following the Talent Night meeting at 5:00 PM

Share

Enterprise Grange Honors Citizens

 Community Service, Events, Grange News  No Responses »
Apr 122013
 

Enterprise Grange #48, 15 Alexander Reed Road, Richmond will celebrate National Grange Month with an Open House, Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 3:00 pm.  The event is free, but non-perishable items will be accepted for the Richmond Area Food Pantry.

Community Citizen Awards will be presented to Mary Hurley of Richmond and Sharon Lilly of Dresden.  Each of these women has been involved in their respective communities with behind-the-scenes caring for their neighbors.

Mary (Moody) Hurley is the widow of Jack Hurley and moved from Blinn Hill, Pittston to Richmond in 1960 when they married.  Together, the two of them raised 3 children, Cynthia, Cheryl and John. Mary is a member of St Ambrose Catholic Church, where she has taught religious education, worked cooking and serving meals at holiday fair luncheons, coordinated giving tree donations and preparing holiday food baskets.  She takes shoes and clothing to Richmond Schools for children in need, supports bake sales with donations of home baked goods and provides transportation and meals to friends in need of a little help.

Sharon Hatch grew up in Dresden and married Gorham Lilly. They have one adult daughter, Amy.  Sharon attended Bridge Academy and then Wiscasset High School when BA had to close.  She is a member of both Alumnae groups and has been very involved with the Dresden Volunteer Fire Department, serving as dispatcher. She is a member of the Dresden Historical Society and when someone in the community is in need she on the spot to help.

Friends, family and neighbors will have an opportunity to share stories about both women.  There will be a short program and light refreshments.

The Grange is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, fraternal organization with more than 160,000 members across the United States. Our more than 2,100 Granges contribute millions of volunteer hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars to our hometowns each year.

Share

Valley Grange To Honor Piscataquis Observer and WABI-TV5

 Events, Grange News  No Responses »
Apr 112013
 

NewsGuilford—For over a decade, Valley Grange has honored a local citizen each year with their “Community Citizen of the Year” award. This year the Guilford-based organization is breaking tradition by presenting two awards. One will go to the Dover Foxcroft based Piscataquis Observer and another to Bangor based WABI-TV Five at the Grange’s Community Celebration on May 17th. “

This is not the first time we’ve presented the award to an organization,” noted Mary Annis, Valley Grange Community Service Chair. “But it is the first time we’ve given two awards in one year.” Annis explained that members always use a “boots on the ground” standard when selecting the recipient. “And these two organizations have supported our communities by taking interest and sending reporters to cover news and events that are important to the welfare of our communities.” By coincidence, the Observer is celebrating their 175th anniversary this year and WABI-TV5 it’s 60th making the honor seem even more appropriate. For all these reasons, Grange members agreed unanimously to double up the award and create a media event for media.

Publicity and Program Director Walter Boomsma noted there is some irony surrounding the event. “Who’s going to take the photos and write the story? The people who would usually do so will be the featured guests!” Boomsma further noted that the program is also a celebration of community. “While we are honoring these two organizations, we are also celebrating our communities. We should be proud of the things we achieve by working and playing together as friends and neighbors.”

The May 17th program will begin with a community potluck supper at 6 PM and attendees are invited to “bring a dish to share.” The program begins at 7 PM with a brief introduction of the Grange’s work and mission. The formal presentation of awards will be followed by an opportunity for individuals and organizations to express their support and appreciation in the form of brief testimonials or additional honors. Those who cannot attend are encouraged to send letters to Walter Boomsma, 17 River Road, Abbot 04406 to be read during the program.

Valley Grange Master/President Jim Annis notes that the invitation is extended to local organizations in the area. “I can’t think of any local organization—non-profit, school, or business—who hasn’t in some way benefitted from the work of The Observer and WABI,” he said. “We hope many organizations will send a representative to the program and join us in saying ‘thanks.’”

Valley Grange is located at 172 Guilford Center Road at the corner of Butter Street in Guilford. Additional information is available on the Valley Grange website: http://valleygrange.com.

Share
 Older Entries