Busy night at Highland Lake Grange. 37 people turned out, including Grange members and guests, to celebrate this year’s Community Citizen Award recipient: Suzanne Joyce. We also recognized six members of Highland Lake Grange for their dedication and membership over many decades. Maine State Grange Assistant Steward, Membership Director, and Past Master/President Rick Grotton presented the certificates with the assistance of Judy Meserve, Maine State Grange Ceres, and Jim Meserve, Maine State Grange Executive Committee. It was a wonderful evening of celebration, conversation, laughter and, of course, food!
Category: Community Service
Community Service Committee and information
Educational Aid Scholarships
Educational Aid and Howes Nurses Scholarship Funds
Nancy Farrington, Secretary – Treasurer
317 Holman Day Road
Vassalboro, ME 04989
207-623-0395
May 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is imperative to get the current application out to the college students in your area and make them aware of our scholarship’s availability. The Trustees of the scholarship funds have developed updated criteria, opening the application to any college student seeking assistance and helping the trustees decide who should receive scholarships. Students today need all the help they can get. Won’t you help them? The Trustees of the Educational Aid & Howes Nurses’ Scholarship Funds, ask for your support as we continue our annual appeal for financial help!
Please include the following information with your donation.
The current criteria and scholarship application are available on the website in the event you have an eligible applicant in your Grange area. Please return the completed application and college transcript to the above address by September 15, 2026. (Make as many copies as you wish and share them.)
Please destroy application forms that do not have the revision date of 5/2026.
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
Fraud Watch- Bereavement Scams
After the loss of a loved one, families deserve support—not scams. Unfortunately, criminals comb through obituaries, funeral home websites, and online memorials to find names and personal details they can use to target families.
The schemes include impersonating the funeral home or cemetery about payment issues, appearing as a “long-lost” relative, promising healing through “spiritual advisers,” and identity fraud against the deceased loved one.
In the wake of a loved one’s death, consider the public nature of an obituary and online memorials, and limit information that could be used to deceive you. If the funeral home calls demanding money, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be legitimate. And if a “long-lost” relative or friend reaches out, ask other family members or longtime friends if they know the person.
Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight back—one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
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Valley Grange to Make Fabric Hugs
Fraud Watch- Free Trials that Aren’t
The AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline (877-908-3360) is hearing from more people about misleading “free trial” offers. These schemes make cancellation difficult, if not impossible.
In many cases, someone signs up for what appears to be a free trial and then cancels before having to pay for the subscription. However, the charges continue to appear each month, and the companies make it hard to cancel them. Before you sign up for a free trial offer, review all the terms and conditions to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to, how and when to cancel, and what happens if you don’t.
Also, review your bank and credit card statements carefully and watch for recurring charges you didn’t authorize—even after you’ve canceled.
Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight back—one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
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Valley Grange to Celebrate Community
Guilford—Valley Grange has announced its annual Celebration of Community, to be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Guilford Grange Hall. The event includes honoring the local organization’s Community Citizen(s) of the Year. This year, the Grange will honor the Recovery Wellness Center based in Sangerville. The event celebrates the strength of rural communities with a community potluck supper at 5:30 pm, followed by a program featuring a presentation of certificates of recognition at 7:00 pm. The program includes an opportunity for guests to share testimonials and appreciation.
Program Director Walter Boomsma noted in announcing the celebration, “We always try to honor people or organizations who have their boots on the ground and give of themselves to strengthen and build our communities. These too often unsung heroes are a lifeline for our communities. The event itself brings neighbors and friends together. Even the meal demonstrates the strength and value of our communities, as the communities prepare the potluck supper by bringing dishes to share.”
The Recovery Wellness Community Center in Sangerville, Maine, located at 20 Douty Hill Road, is a community-driven, non-profit center founded in 2024 to support individuals affected by addiction. It provides a safe, sober space offering free services including peer support, All Recovery meetings, Narcan training, and career exploration.
“The Center provides many sources and resources,” Boomsma notes. “But it also proves a supportive community place for those dealing with substance abuse and addiction recovery in both traditional and non-traditional ways.”
Community Service Chair Mary Annis adds, “This is always such a great evening as we enjoy the chance to connect with each other, share a great meal, and celebrate our rural lives. So many people benefit from the Recovery Wellness Center’s work. The center is peer-led and focused on community-driven support. This is a chance to thank the organization and its people in person and maybe shake hands and give a hug.”
Additional information about the event is available at http://valleygrange.com and on the Valley Grange Facebook page.
Fraud Watch- Social Security Notice?
Take an active pause!
You receive an unexpected communication from the Social Security Administration (SSA). It might warn that your Social Security number has been linked to criminal activity and suspended, or it could offer good news, such as a supposed benefit increase. Regardless of the story, the goal is the same: to steal sensitive information or money.
Most scams come to us with three common red flags: a contact from out of the blue that heightens our emotions and contains urgency. When you notice these three red flags together, take what AARP calls an “active pause.” Take an intentional step back and reflect on what you might know about the scenario – “Does this make sense? Have I heard something about this before?” This pause gives you time to apply logic—something the criminal playbook is written to avoid—and protect yourself and your assets.
If someone contacts you saying they represent the SSA, call the agency directly at 800‑772‑1213 or visit ssa.gov/myaccount instead of responding directly to the communication. If you shared your Social Security number and believe it was part of a scam, go to IDtheft.gov for step-by-step guidance.
Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight back—one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
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Seeds of Service Community Recognition Dinner
Webmaster’s Note: This event is taking place in Manson, CA! Since it was submitted to the Maine State Grange website, we’re posting it for two reasons. First, to show our support, and second, as a great example of community connection! Special thanks to Debbie Conwell of Manson Grange #796!
The Grange continues to stand as a testament to the enduring values of service, character, and community.
As part of this commitment, our Grange will be hosting a “Seeds of Service” Community Recognition Dinner to honor distinguished members, community partners, and those who have contributed to the success of our recent renovation and program growth.
Over the past year, our efforts have included both facility improvements and expanded community engagement through events such as educational programs, social gatherings, and local partnerships.
While this event is by invitation only, it reflects the broader mission of the Grange—to foster strong, connected communities through service and shared purpose.
Valley Grange Seeks Blanketeers
Volunteers will create blankets for children in need
Valley Grange of Guilford is sponsoring a blanket-making event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, and volunteers are needed! Organizer Pat Engstrom notes, “No sewing skills are needed. If you can measure, cut a straight line with scissors, or tie a simple knot, you can become a ‘blanketeer’ and help support Project Linus. We’ll show you how!”
Project Linus, a non-profit organization, provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Last year’s event resulted in more than 100 blankets being completed. Since the need isn’t decreasing, Engstrom hopes to see the number of blankets made increase again this year.
“We have a great time doing this, and truly just about anyone can help. We create quite a production line, and it sometimes gets quite competitive! It’s exciting to realize we’re providing love in the form of ‘blankies’ that represent security, warmth, and comfort for kids. We consider them fabric hugs.”
While supplies will be provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring scissors, rulers, and masking tape. Light refreshments will be served.
For additional information, contact Pat Enstrom at 564-8290 or visit the Valley Grange Website at http://valleygrange.com. Valley Grange is located at 172 Guilford Center Road, at the corner of Butter Street.