Looking for Recipes for Success in the Grange

 Community Service, Fund Raising, Grange News  No Responses »
Jun 142013
 

figure_help_wanted_400_clr_2561The National Grange Communications Department seeks to gather information to create a “Recipes for Success in the Grange: A Resource Guide” 3-ring style notebook that includes information on proven lecturer’s programs, membership recruitment efforts, fundraising, advocacy, media attention and other efforts.

We hope to produce this volume by the 2013 convention and have it available as a resource for every Grange at every level. Grantham Grange in NC is the only Grange thus far to submit a “recipe” but we hope to have at least a dozen in each category before SEPTEMBER 15, 2013!

Please identify successful programs that can be submitted for inclusion. The department is happy to answer questions or assist in the production of recipes. Please send any concerns or questions to Communications Director Amanda Leigh Brozana at abrozanaatnationalgrangedotorg  (abrozanaatnationalgrangedotorg)  .

These will be written as recipes, as the name of the book implies.

  • Each recipes should consist of at least the following:
    Name of Project
  • Type of Project (fundraiser; advocacy effort; membership effort,   etc.)
  • Grange Name, State, Number
  • Submitted By
  • # of People: (a range is fine)
  • $ Required: (again, a range is fine)
  • Other Resources Required (Ingredients):
  • Time Required:
  • Skills   Necessary:
  • Mix: (This   should be about 200-500 words and tell – as a recipe does – the steps of the   process from brainstorming to completion)
  • Notes/Hints:   (here is where you can put information like “if you try this project, it   may be best to invite a State Deputy” or “You may have to learn   about different types of insurance in your area for such an event” or   whatever)
  • Yield:

I look forward to beginning to gather these. I hope to have several from every state. I believe there is something positive happening in every Grange across our country and it’s time to showcase our efforts!

Please send all submissions to  abrozanaatnationalgrangedotorg  (abrozanaatnationalgrangedotorg)  . Submissions can come with digital photos (in fact, we encourage it) or links to websites that showcase the Grange in action.  ALSO: If you are citing a fundraiser by an outside company/vendor, please include their website.

Again, if you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to email them to our Department.

Thank you!

Amanda Leigh Brozana
Communications Director

 

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Quick Tip – Stop Summer Slide!

 Community Service, Quick Tips  No Responses »
May 312013
 
Share your ideas with other Granges!

Share your ideas with other Granges!

submitted by Walter Boomsma

As most know, Valley Grange is very much involved with our schools in regards to literacy and reading. Studies have validated what is called the “summer slide.” Children who don’t read or who read rarely over the summer encounter a stagnation or decline in their reading skills. At least one estimate suggests this can be overcome by children reading just five grade level appropriate books over summer vacation.

Can your Grange encourage this? Absolutely! You might consider partnering with your local library–many have summer reading programs and events. Or how about a community potluck supper with a side order of reading? This could have all sorts of variations: kids who bring a book they are reading eat free… or maybe there’s a “book exchange” where you invite kids to bring books they’ve read to exchange with others. At Valley Grange, we keep a milk crate of children’s books in the dining hall… whenever a child visits us for a supper or a program they are invited to take a book home as long as they promise to read it.

Don’t just think about reading to children–a key component of Valley Grange’s bookworm program is that we have the kids reading to us! Several months ago a second grader started a book with me that we didn’t have time to finish. When her turn came up again recently she brought the same book and remembered exactly where we’d left off. This is a kid for whom reading is important. It’s nice to feel our program is contributing.

Just get something started–it’s doesn’t have to be massive and complicated.

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”
―     Dr. Seuss

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Valley Grange Honors Two

 Community Service, Grange News  No Responses »
May 202013
 

Valley Grange celebrated community with a potluck supper and program on Friday night that seemed to be all about time. The program included some thoughts on the value of five minutes of community service every day. Noting that if every citizen in Piscataquis County between the ages of 20 and 80 gave 5 minutes per day to his or her community, Lecturer Walter Boomsma pointed out ”this would equate to 188 people working full time in our communities–an average of ten per town. Using the median income from 2011, the value of those five minutes would be the equivalent of an annual payroll of over six and a half million dollars per year.” Boomsma also noted “but there’s more than just dollar value, explaining how his association with Valley Grange has allowed him to discover his passion for working with kids–a passion that sees him now substitute teaching at the elementary school level and having his book Small People –Big Brains published recently. “Were it not for my association with Valley Grange, I might not be where I am today,” he admitted.

Mark Putnam, editor of the Observer, "a successful and effective community newspaper is a direct reflection of its community."

Mark Putnam, editor of the Observer, “a successful and effective community newspaper is a direct reflection of its community.”

The Grange recognized two news organizations for their community service: local newspaper The Piscataquis Observer, and Bangor-based WABI - TV 5. Both organizations were praised for their “boots on the ground” involvement in local communities and their willingness to work with local organizations such as the Grange. Dover Foxcroft Historical Society President Mary Annis offered testimony and an additional award in acknowledgement of both organizations’ contributions. Representatives from UMaine Extension, Kiwanis, Center Theatre, and other Granges in the area added accolades for both organizations’ local emphasis and their responsiveness to individuals and organizations. Piscataquis Community Elementary School Principal Julie Orton noted that the school genuinely appreciates the recognition students receive for their accomplishments and the kids value that recognition and find it rewarding and motivating.

In his response thanking Valley Grange for the honor, Observer Editor Mark Putnam spoke about how the digital age is changing media, but also noted that “our paper truly belongs to the community” adding “there’s no way we’d be celebrating our 175th Anniversary if that were not true… Much like the Grange, our newspaper wants to be relevant and essential in what will be known as the Digital Age.”

WABI News Anchor Terry Stackhouse noted that there was a certain irony to the fact that he is a “six month employee accepting the award on behalf of a sixty year station.” In reporting the story later, he noted that “everyone was very kind and even sent me home with leftover food.” (You can see his report on the WABI Website. )

As part of the celebration of community, Valley Grange also honored members Herb Dunham for 55 years of Grange Membership and Carolyn Campbell for 65 years of membership.

Observer Staff Mark Putnam, Stu Hedstrom, Jeanette Hughes, Linda Kain, and Keri Foster

Observer Staff Mark Putnam, Stu Hedstrom, Jeanette Hughes, Linda Kain, and Keri Foster

Valley Grange is currently conducting a membership drive with the theme, If you’ve got some passion, we’ve got a place…. Membership Chair Janice Boomsma notes “We’re trying to give opportunities for people who want to build community and experience the rewards that come with doing so. We’ll take those five minutes if that’s all someone can spare, but we also have the structure and facilities to assist anyone who want to somehow improve our communities in some way.”

 

 

 

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Bangor Grange Honors Community Citizens

 Community Service, Grange News  No Responses »
May 062013
 

A family, an individual, and a non-profit organization were honored for their commitment to the community during the recent Community Citizens Night at Bangor Grange #372. The meeting was open to the public. Those honored were the Violette family, Dennis, Holly and Julia; Ellen Fisher; and Food and Medicine, represented by Jack McKay, Director. Certificates of Appreciation were presented by Grange Master, Rolf Staples, Sr. as various members recounted the accomplishments of the recipients. The Violettes and Fisher have donated countless volunteer hours in improving the lives of area citizens. Food and Medicine’s policy is that people should not have to choose between food and medicine. The organization has been instrumental in obtaining funding to support CSA, (Community Supported Agriculture), and the 50% discount available to food stamp users at the local farmers’ markets. Grange Community Service Chairman, Anne Staples told those present about the history of the Grange and its present aims and activities. She emphasized that Bangor Grange and the individual members perform community service, including Make-A-Wish, Relay for Life, Disabled American Veterans, sponsorship of the Ohio Street Farmers’ Market, as well as many other activities. The meeting was followed by music from members of the NEVAH Band and refreshments.

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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.

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Enterprise Grange Presents Kiddy Ditty Bags

 Community Service, Grange News  No Responses »
Apr 082013
 

Enterprise 2013Enterprise Grange #48 Community Service Chair, Marilyn Stinson, is shown presenting 18 Kiddy Ditty Bags to Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry for West Bath Court House.  Enterprise, of Richmond and surrounding area, partnered with Dresden-Richmond United Methodist Women to make and fill the bags.

A Maine State Grange Project, Kiddie Ditty bags are small bags that are filled with fun things like books and toys, small stuffed animals, puzzles, little cars, color/activity books & crayons, and tissue packs. With the permission of a child’s parent or guardian, the Clerk’s Office staff can distribute these bags to children who come to the court for hearings or other matters that can be lengthy, confusing and disturbing to adults and children alike.

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Quick Tip — Earth Day!

 Community Service, Quick Tips  No Responses »
Apr 042013
 

look_who_has_an_idea_150_clr_7993Earth Day is April 22 this year… is it a coincidence that it comes during Grange Month? This year the EPA has adopted a “Pick Five” program with some ideas for simple things we can do to help the earth. Can your Grange come up (quickly, there’s only 18 days left until Earth Day) with a couple of simple activities or programs to conduct to demonstrate the Grange’s commitment to good stewardship of our earth and its resources? Is it time to spruce up the Grange Hall…? Landscape and plant in an environmentally friendly way? Do something to improve the community…?

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Valley Grange Announces Winners

 Community Service, Grange News, Publicity Posts  No Responses »
Mar 252013
 
NIE 2013 gr4-1

Ad by Nyla Larrabee

Valley Grange Master Jim Annis and Program Director Walter Boomsma were at Piscataquis Community Elementary School in Guilford on Friday, March 22 to satisfy a lot of kids’ curiosity! A few weeks ago third and fourth graders had made a big effort to design the ads that would ultimately be selected to appear in the special Newspapers in Education Section of the March 27th edition of the Piscataquis Observer. The Grange has sponsored the contest for a number of years as an extension of its “Words for Thirds” and Bookworm program with the local elementary school. The program is conducted by the local newspaper and typically features ads drawn by middle and high school students. The Grange decided to offer an opportunity to lower grades, publishing one from third and one from fourth grade.

The winning third grade advertisement this year was drawn by Matthew Burdin and the winning fourth grade ad was drawn by Nyla Larrabee. “The judges had a real hard time,” Mr. Boomsma told the students. “If you did your very best, we think you’re all winners. But we still had to pick just two for publishing in the newspaper.”

None of the winning students were prepared to give an acceptance speech, but each left with a smile and the support of their classmates. Mr. Annis noted that Valley Grange “really enjoys the many projects we do with the school. You guys make us proud.”

Winning ads will also appear in Valley Grange publications and flyers throughout the year and at the school’s annual art show.

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Let’s Get The Words Out!

 Community Service  No Responses »
Mar 032013
 

Submitted by Walter Boomsma

On a national level, the Grange has been an active participant in the Dictionary Project’s effort to assist all students in becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal dictionary since early on. In fact, early on we dubbed our effort as “Words for Thirds” making it something of a signature project for the Grange.

Dictionary GraphAccording to records provided by the Dictionary Project, Maine Granges first participated in 2004-2005 by distributing just over 1500 dictionaries throughout the state. Annual distribution climbed to a high of nearly 2700 in 2o08-2009 and has been somewhat steadily decreasing since. Fortunately, other organizations such as Rotary, Lions, and Elks have been active participants and the number of dictionaries reaching our students continues to grow.

There are, however, many schools and children who are not “getting the words.” With the assistance of the kind folks at the Dictionary Project, I have a rather complete list of schools in Maine showing a large number not being sponsored.

There’s a lot to like about this program, including how affordable the dictionaries are to purchase and the payback these books generate–short-term and long-term.

Thank you for coming to our class. Thank you for giving us Dictionaries. We need Dictionaries to look up words that are longer… Thank you for showing us the Grange tools. I liked them…

from a thank you letter written by a third grader

We invested $1.75 and a few minutes of our time in that nine-year old. Maybe he’ll write a best seller some day. One of his classmates wrote that she remembered the first word she looked up was “steward.” She must have gotten the meaning because she promised to keep her dictionary safe for a very long time. In fact, the Valley Grange program now includes invited sixth graders to help when we present dictionaries to the third graders. They always bring their somewhat worn dictionaries and talk to the kids about how great it is to have a dictionary.

A Guilford Scholar looks it up!

This student is getting the words

Another great aspect of Words for Thirds is the amount of community support it generates. That support is not just about the dollars, it’s about the principle. In these days when we think kids are easily bored and addicted to television and video games, communities enjoy hearing how excited they become over a good “old-fashioned” book. So it might be time to consider taking a look at the list and finding a school you can “adopt.” (Due to consolidations the list may not be totally accurate. If you need assistance, the folks at the Dictionary Project will be only too happy to help.)

If you’d like some assistance putting a program together, I’ll be happy to share our experiences and help you get started. We are now covering three districts and five schools. Two of those schools make field trips to our Grange Hall every year. But we also have a little school where we visit with 7-8 third graders every year. I’ll even share the PowerPoint Presentation I’ve developed to share some history and information about the Grange with the kids.

No matter how many dictionaries you end up distributing, you’re impacting kids like the little girl at the right who just couldn’t stop looking up words. In larger communities, consider a Words for Thirds Pomona Project or sharing the cost between several Granges. You can view the entire list of schools here: ME Schools – Dictionary Project. The list is color-coded to show schools with sponsors and those without. Let’s get the words out!

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