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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Memorial Day Thoughts…

 Agriculture  No Responses »
May 252013
 

World PPLby Walter Boomsma, webmaster

Our Grange heritage and what we often refer to as the “work” of our order serves as a constant reminder of the importance and joy found in agriculture. “Since God placed man on the earth, agriculture has existed. There is no occupation that precedes it, no order or association that can rank with the tillers of the soil…”

Earlier this week I happened on a poem that seemed to affirm the connection between mankind and the earth–a poem that offered an interesting perspective as we approach a day of remembrance.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

 Mary Frye – 1932

Perhaps as we take a moment this weekend to remember those who gave so much, we might consider how we all remain so connected–to each other and to the earth. It’s a thought that does not diminish the sacrifice many have made; it is a thought that honors that sacrifice. “There is nothing that blooms with such unfading colors, there is no perfume on earth fraught with such fragrance, as the flowers of good works…”

How appropriate it is that a day of memorial takes place in the spring when we think about rebirth and life. (One theory is that May was chosen because flowers are in bloom in all parts of the country.) It is a day to display the flag of our country. It is a time to purchase a poppy… to shake hands old and young of those who are willing to defend that which we cherish. While we may shed a tear we might also feel a “swift uplifting rush”–that sense that in spite of losses and the many difficulties we face, we can smell the fragrance from the flowers of good works. The good work of some required the ultimate sacrifice, but we all contribute and we each share the world that is ours.

 

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Wayside Grange May News

 Grange News  No Responses »
May 222013
 

The Dexter Wayside Grange Theatre at their meeting last Thursday made plans to welcome Ken and Jane Brooks for their May 25th appearance. A full house is expected to enjoy old-fashioned  Classic Country music along with songs the Brooks’ have written.

The Talent Night committee reports they now have 1 hour of skits being prepared but need more talent for acting and musical presentations.

The community band will be using the grange stage for practice beginning on June 11. They will do a concert at the grange in September.

Charlie Haiss will provide dinner music at the next grange supper. There was a lengthy discussion regarding improvements to the supper sign which is posted along the roadside advertising the monthly meal.

Chester Bekier reported a number of cracked and broken windows through out the building that require replacing  and glazing. Repairs to the broken windows in the dining hall will be done first. Concern was expressed about the construction of the steps leading up the front porch.

The May schedule for mowing the grange lawn was set.  Grange Master Pearson, will have the honor of the first mowing of the season on May 11th.

It was agreed to remove the overgrown arborvitae trees that were planted some years ago in front of the porch.  They are now quite large and are causing a moisture problem with the wood of the porch.

The matter of concert admission fees to be paid by Wayside Grange members  was discussed.  It was voted that Grange members working at the concert can choose either to attend the show for free, or pay ½ or full admission price.  Non working member can attend the show for ½ price or full price.

The next meeting will be June 13th at 6 PM at the Wayside Grange.

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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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Facebook Pages…

 Web Site Information  No Responses »
Apr 282013
 
WB Logo

WWW – Webmaster Walter Writes

I will willingly acknowledge that I am not a huge fan of Facebook… that said, I’m also willing to acknowledge that a number of Granges have created pages and a number of members are “on” Facebook.  One of my major issues with Facebook is the lack of privacy that results… I recently discovered, for example, that at least two of my “friends” are involved with an online dating service. (I thought one of them was married!)

Anyway, before we talk about Facebook Pages you may be creating for your Grange, let me just remind you that your behavior on Facebook may well reflect on your Grange. You are a Grange Ambassador! Please think before you post!

In February 2011 National Grange recognized the growth of social media and the National Grange Executive Committee adopted a website and social media “code of conduct.” The code is part of the Maine State Grange Web Policy, but let me share a few points from it with a few editorial comments.

All websites, Facebook groups or pages, and all other internet based social media platforms representing the  Grange must be under the jurisdiction of a Subordinate/Community, Pomona, or State Grange.

In short, an individual should not just decide to start a Facebook page on behalf of his or her Grange. There are many good reasons for this, but let’s focus on the fact that the page is representing the Grange–not an individual. As such, members should be engaged and involved in order to assure the page is monitored and posts and comments are appropriate. This also helps if the original member loses interest because there will be others ensuring the page/group is kept up-to-date.

No partisan or sectarian comments, opinions, statements, or endorsements may be posted on the website or page.

For reasons sociologists are still exploring, many people feel very free to make bold, sometimes outlandish statements on social media. If your Grange has a Facebook page or group, members should be monitoring themselves and the page to make certain inappropriate comments are not being posted. If the page is identified as a “Grange page,” one person’s opinion should not be represented as Grange thinking.

Note that these guidelines apply to websites as well. Regardless of the venue, we need to keep our Grange Face smiling and positive. That’s not to say there is no room for “healthy debate”–in fact  (lecturers note!) I’ve had one or two folks suggest we might consider more debates as part of our programming.

One additional thought: The National Grange Style Book includes the statement, “For external purposes, you may refer to the Subordinate Grange as a Community Grange or pluralized as local Granges.” We truly do have our own language in the Grange… but we might well consider the impact our language has on others. Step outside tradition and habit and ask yourself if most people would be more inclined to be involved in a “Subordinate Grange” or a “Community Grange.”

I thought so! Want to take it one step further? I actually had someone (not a Granger) recently explain that she thought “Grange Meeting” meant members only, but that a “Grange Program” was for everyone. So just maybe instead of Subordinate Grange Meetings we ought to be promoting Community Grange Programs!

 

 

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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

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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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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.

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