Dairy Goat School at Evening Star Grange

Submitted by Wendy Carr

June 14, 2026 at 11 am
Evening Star Grange
31 Old Union Road
Washington, ME

For more information, contact fullmooncreamery@gmail.com

Website Status

Every day, and in every way, we’re getting better and better! We’ve had a few glitches–one regarding email that I think has been solved today.

There are a few minor things we’re discovering and fixing. If you see anything weird, please let me know!

There are also just enough differences with this new server to create a steep learning curve. The good news is that the differences are mostly positive.

I’ve been using a good friend’s observation a lot lately. Jack says, “Life is like a rollercoaster. You can’t steer a rollercoaster, so hang on and enjoy the ride!”

Communication Shorts 05-03-2026

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
 mainestategrange@gmail.com.

May Bulletin

Articles for the May Bulletin are due by the end of the day, May 14th.. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on theย Program Books and Information Pageย in the communications section.

Website Status

We’re back! So far, I’m impressed! The site seems to be running faster. There’s probably some “cleaning up to do,” but nothing major. I’m sure glad this doesn’t happen often!

Grange Visiting

We’ve been getting questions from folks interested in visiting Granges other than their own. It’s a great idea! Check out this post for resources to help you plan that!

Photography Tip

There’s a rule of thumb for publicity and news photos. “No feet!” That’s not always possible, but remember to “move in” close. A bonus tip: see the background. The camera will and it can result in some funny photos with things growing out of the top of the subject’s head!

What’s Going On?

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine. We also love photos and reports of events that have happened. What’s your meeting magic?

To Ponder…

“Happiness is not by chance but by choice.”

Jim Rohn

An Idea for Your Grange

Mystery rides are surprise outings or trips in which the destination and itinerary are kept hidden from participants until the last moment. You could visit another Grange and stop for ice cream on the way back!

Subscribe!

The recent website issues demonstrated the value of subscribing! We were able to keep subscribers informed of what was going on even though the site wasn’t available. Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.

Mill Stream Grange Goes to Church

Mill Stream Grange members visited the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church on April 26, 2026, as an April Grange month event. Member Ingrid Grenon, whose grandfather builtย the current meeting space in the basement, rang the bell in the belfry to welcome us to the service.ย  A lovely luncheon was providedย after the service.

Mill Stream Grange Officers

1st row: Lecturer Kirsten Heck, Treasurer Debbie Lavender, Overseer Allan Harville, Master Jill Sampson, Chaplain Judy Dunn, Lady Assistant Steward Barbara Gilman.
ย 
2nd row: Pianist Ellie Andrews, Assistant Steward Paul Lavender, Flora Paula Hanley, Stewardย  David Varney, Gatekeeper Ingrid Grenon, Pomona Bonnie Gilman, Ceres Lisa Goucher. Missing from photo, Secretary Laurie Cunningham.

Degree Day Success

Five candidates from three Granges enjoyed experiencing the Four Degrees on Sunday, April 26, 2026. While we don’t have all the specific names and numbers yet, we should thank Androscoggin Pomona for making the day happen and Manchester Grange for serving as host.

Photo of candidates by David Colby Young

If we lacked quantity, we made up for it with quality. Quality not in the sense of a flawless delivery, but quality in the sense of “a good time was had by all.” It even seemed appropriate that the sun shone brightly on the backs of the harvest marchers.

I wish more people could hear the language of the degrees, it really is beautiful.

(Overheard)

With rare exception, most of those participating as officers relied on manuals or “cheat sheets.” Even those who have the language memorized are finding that the infrequency of Degree Days leads to forgetfulness. (Age has nothing to do with it, right?)

The ice cream store next to the Manchester Grange was nearly gridlocked as we experienced one of the warmest spring days this year. This led to speculation that ice cream, rather than apples, might be appropriate at the end of the Fourth Degree.

Mill Stream Grange Happenings

Mill Stream Grange’s youngest and oldest members together on Grange Sunday, April 26 at the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. On the left is Junior member Natalie Heck, age 11 (almost 12), and on the right is Beverly Wight Smith, 95 years.
Photo of Kirsten Heck and Jill Sampson
Kirsten Heck (l) of Mill Stream Grange experienced the Four Degrees at the recent Degree Day at Manchester Grange. Shown with her is Master Jill Sampson

Ocean View Grange Cleans Up!

By Larry Bailey, Master

A few of our members got together yesterday to paint the entire first floor of Ocean View. They did a magnificent job. Also, we replaced our 50-year-old cook stove with a new one. The old 10-burner, double-oven has provided wonderful service all these years, but time has aged it to the point where we can no longer rely on it.

There is a stirring of the energy here at Ocean View Grange in Port Clyde!

Grange Today! 4-24-2026

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • Make Grange Month Count All Year Long
  • Rural America Is Paying the Price for Medicare Loophole
  • Senior Social Hour: A Share Your Projectโ€™s Story Submission
  • View from the Hill
  • Volunteer Opportunity: Share Your Hands On Automotive Know How
  • Worried about the use of pesticides? Participate in research!
  • Spring Into Health: Vaccination Continues to Protect Against Severe Illness
  • Grange Store Notice
  • 5 Tips for Gardening with Kids
  • Recipes from the Heartland
  • Member Benefit: Life Line Screening
  • Grange Store: Veteran Recognition Pin

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!


Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.

Valley Grange to Make Fabric Hugs