May 152011
- Winsome Souls Winning Performance
Excelsior Grange #5 in Poland recently held a successful open house that attracted a number of members and guests from the community. Guests enjoyed a great potluck supper with lots of fellowship followed by a diverse program led by Brother Steve Verrill.
Excelsior, like many Granges, is rich in history… and the significance of the #5 lies in the fact that it was the fifth subordinate grange chartered in Maine. There are a number of historical items displayed within the hall. Brother Verrill noted that while the heritage remains, the grange has changed without losing the community focus.
Guest speaker Walter Boomsma from Valley Grange in Guilford built on that theme by explaining how “easy” it was (in a sense) for Valley to win the National Community Service Award. “All we had to do was keep doing what we are passionate about and enjoy doing,” he said. He also pointed out that this was one of the big benefits of joining the Grange: “You can pursue your passions.” Noting that “Kids are my thing…” he told several amusing and touching stories about the impact the Grange has had on the local kids and community.
The program was wrapped up by an energetic concert by the Winsome Souls Quartet. The Winsome Souls is a gospel quartet based in midcoast Maine. Many of their songs are written by local people. You can sample some of their music on YouTube and find additional contact information there as well.
