Youth Update

 Youth Committee  No Responses »
Apr 022013
 

Youth LogoI’m writing to remind everyone about the Youth Meeting this Sunday, April 7th, 1:30 at Headquarters .

I’m always glad to see the Easter Bunny as I know Spring is around the corner. Flowers will soon be in bloom.

CJ is off to Texas. We will miss CJ at the Youth meeting this Sunday April 7th @ headquarters. We hope to see all the members we contacted. We need to work on the Youth Department . We would like to see 2 members from each Pomona. Pomona Master. Please send 2 members from your Pomona. We have invited some members.

I will attend the Eastern Youth Conference with my brother (Mark Rae), niece (Mia) and nephew (Cameron) April 12th. Despite Mia and Cameron show their horses in the Summer, they will attend The Northeast Youth Conference June 28th and find time for Jr Grange.

See you Sunday at 1:30pm.

Sincerely
Terry LaCombe, Co Youth Director
207-356-2492

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Lecturer’s News…

 Lecturer  No Responses »
Mar 252013
 
LecturerSherry Harriman, Lecturer
280 Kennebunk Rd   
Sanford, ME  04073-5515
Phone: 490-1029       
Fax: 490-0111                  
E-mail: sherryhatgwidotnet 

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2013

There will be NO  Talent Contest in April.  It will be in August  at the Maine Lect. Conference.  All are welcome.

APRIL IS GRANGE MONTH!!!  Order your Community Service Awards from National Grange!  Get Certificates of Appreciation from me or state office.

July 10  Registration Deadline.  North East Lecturers Conference  (Information comes out in May and is sent to the Grange Secretary.) (Send form & conference fee $195 double/$205 single to host state)  (Send registration card & $10.00 fee to State Lect.)

July 19-21– Family Campout Weekend Silver Springs Campground & Lodging,  Rt 1  Saco Saturday Judging Junior & other crafts at camp-out-Horseshoes & Bochee Ball Tournament Group potluck & ice cream social. Call campground for reservations – 207-283-3880

July 21–Rehearsal for NE Lect Conference  2:00 at HQ

Aug  5 – 7– NE Lecturers Conference at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT   (3 day)

Aug 24–Maine Lecturers Conference 9:00 to Noon  at HQ 9:00 -   New Program Review, workshops and ALL awards at 10:30, Skit & Story Performances, State Talent Contest;  2x2x2 (lect dept.) Contest at Conf. entries deadline  10:00 a.m.

Lunch served by CWA at 12:00

CWA Conference & Display of Needlework   1:00 p.m.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

POETRY CONTEST      JULY 1   Deadline Date  sent to Lect. home

AGE GROUPS: All Subordinate Members;  And  Juniors 5–9 , 10–14 (Age as of Jan 1)

CATEGORIES:   1. NATURE    2. LOVE   3. GRANGE   4. PATRIOTIC   5. OTHERS

Three (3) prizes will be awarded in each category to each age group.  Awards will be given Aug 24th  at the Maine Lecturers’ Conference.  (No monetary awards.)  

RULES:

  1. The poem(s) must be written by a Grange member.
  2. There is no restriction on length of poem.
  3. Entries are to be sent, e-mailed or faxed to the State Lecturer’s home address by July 1, 2013.
  4. There is no limit on number of poems submitted, however, you can receive only one ribbon/prize per category.
  5. YOU MUST SELECT A CATEGORY FOR EACH OF YOUR ENTRIES.
  6. ut your title, name and all the following information at the TOP of  EACH  poem: TITLE OF POEM;  CATEGORY;  NAME / AUTHOR;  ADDRESS;  GRANGE NAME & NO.; PHONE.          AGE OF JUNIOR (as of Jan 1 of current year).

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Supporting 2013 National Session

 National Conference  No Responses »
Mar 182013
 
Raffle prizes for fundraiser. Get your tickets soon!

Raffle prizes for fundraiser. Get your tickets soon!

Dear Maine Grangers,

As Maine’s Coordinator for the hosting of the 2013 National Session I am appealing for your help. Below is the list.

1. We will be decorating a wooden tree like structure with hats, mittens and scarves that can be either handmade or purchased. After the session is over the purchased items from Maine will be donated within the state to non-profits that can use them. The handmade items will be donated to the New England Grange Building store. These items will be collected at State Session in October.

2. Every person that registers for conference will receive a “ditty” bag. We are expecting approximately 500 registrants and Maine is expected to come up with 500 items for these bags. The theme of the conference is “How Sweet it is”. We are looking for items that could be donated by Maine businesses that fit this theme. Most of the folks coming to conference have to travel, therefore items should be light and edible so they do not have to add these items to their luggage. If you know of some businesses we could contact please email me or call my phone number in the roster.

3. Several items have been donated to a Fund Raising Raffle. We have a quilt, some painted sap bucket lids, a painted basket and State baskets (items made in that state). As I travel this year I hope that many of you will purchase tickets, they are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.

4. Maine will host the Hospitality Room on the Friday during session. Once the coordinator has been announced I am sure he or she will be asking for volunteers to help in the hospitality room.

I know that this seems like a lot and every little bit helps, whether it is a homemade item, the purchase of a ticket or fundraising item or volunteering to help. The other members of the host team and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do.

Sincerely,

Vicki Huff

Maine’s Coordinator

Northeast Connection

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Legislative Report March 2013

 Legislative  1 Response »
Mar 062013
 

Legislative LogoSubmitted by Jim Annis, Legislative Director

Now is the time to think about your Grange’s resolutions for the next conference coming up in October. Subordinate Granges can submit their resolutions directly to State Grange. However, I’ve found it more favorable to share each resolution with our Pomona Grange. It can be more appealing when fleshed out by getting all Granges within the Pomona involved providing, of course, if it’s of interest to the Pomona. Resolution 13 as listed in last year’s convention bulletin directs that all resolutions to be sent to State Grange by August 15th. That means for those of you who meet but once a month, you have only four more meetings to put your resolutions together. OK, let’s get busy and top the 13 resolutions we had to discuss last year. Here’s a report of the status of last year’s resolutions.

In November 2012 I submitted five resolutions, as recommended by various Granges at the State Grange conference, to local legislators to be made into bills for the Maine State Legislature. The titles of the bills were Fluoride in the Municipal Water systems, Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bicycle Traffic Safety Laws and Secondary Roads.

The Fluoride in the Municipal Water Systems resolution asks that the Department of Human and Health Services and the Center for Disease Control enforce the public health recommendations regarding fluoridated municipal water systems.

The Smoke Detectors resolution asks that all pre-owned homes be equipped with working smoke detectors at the time title of the property passes.

The Carbon Monoxide Detectors resolution asks that all new and pre-owned homes sold be equipped with working carbon monoxide detectors at the time title of the property passes.

The Bicycle Traffic Safety Laws resolution asks that all law enforcement agencies enforce all bicycle infractions of the law governing the operation of bicycles as they would all other moving vehicles.

The Secondary Roads resolution asked that the State Department of Transportation, or the local municipality which maintains the roads, to paint a centerline on the secondary roads. I was informed by Senator Doug Thomas that the state could not enforce such a law on local municipalities. That responsibility is entirely up to town or city ordinances. This would require that the resolution be presented to every municipality throughout the state.

At this point in time I haven’t been made aware of the scheduling of these resolutions for a public hearing. However, as they are scheduled I will make State Grange is informed of the time, place and date of the public hearings.

 

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CWA Note…

 Community Service  No Responses »
Mar 012013
 

Karen Flagg, State CWA Director notes the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers has written saying that they need 1600 pairs of mittens in sizes newborn to 12 years of age. Karen thinks perhaps the members may be interested in making some and bringing them to State Session in October so that they could be presented at the same time that we present gifts and check. It’s not too early to get started!

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Northeast Leaders’ Conference Notes

 Events, Membership  No Responses »
Jan 202013
 

NE Leaders Conf ELNearly 150 Grange Leaders from New England and New York gathered in Portland Maine for the Northeast Grange Leaders Conference… a weekend of learning and inspiration–not to mention good food and fellowship! While this “reporter” was only present for a small portion of the conference, it was clear that those attending were having fun, learning, and would return home with new ideas and skills. The conference opened on Friday evening and closed after a devotional program lead by Maine State Chaplain Clyde Berry on Sunday. On Saturday alone, there were informative presentations regarding some of the benefits members receive, thoughts on leadership and media relations, ideas for renewing interest in membership, and more! As is often the case with conferences such as this, many questions were presented and answered.

National President/Master Ed Lutrell challenged many members with a number of “myths” about the Grange… perhaps a precursor to a Grange Trivia Program or contest!? National Membership Director Michael Marvin used a number of “optical illusions” to challenge conference attendees to think about what they see… there was plenty of good-natured heckling and spirited discussion throughout!

Attendees learned many techniques and ideas to move the Grange forward.

Attendees learned many techniques and ideas to move the Grange forward.

 

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Membership Workshop Announced

 Events  No Responses »
Dec 312012
 

Membership ThumbSubmitted by Rick Grotton, Co-Director of Membership Committee

The State Membership Committee wishes all brothers and sisters a Happy New Year. Keep on working to increase your membership for 2013. Our National Membership Director, Michael Martin will be at State Headquarters  on  Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 3-5 pm for a membership workshop. It is recommended to send a representative from your Grange to attend this very important session. Hope to see you there!

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Webmaster’s Report, December 2012

 Junior Department, Web Site Information  No Responses »
Dec 122012
 

Greetings of the Season!

Words from Walter...

Words from Walter…

Our big web site news this month is that the Junior Department now has their own “sub page” under “documents you asked for.” There you’ll find a number of resources regarding the Junior Grange Program including a brochure with application and several program books! Many thanks to Director Laurie McBurney for assembling these resources and sending them so they’d be readily available to all members! Even if you’re not yet involved in a Junior Program, you can certainly appreciate Laurie’s effort. Why not send her an email  (laurie_mattidewaterdotnet)   and say “Thanks!” You can find the page by visiting the site, clicking the [Documents you asked for] tab at the top center… this will bring up a drop-down menu with [Junior Department Resources] right at the top. Here’s a direct link for your convenience: http://mainestategrange.org/?page_id=4670.So we now have a Secretary’s page and a Junior Department page with 24 hour access to the documents you need! Similar pages can be created for any department who will send me copies of program books, information and resources.

Site maintenance continues, with outdated information being deleted. Member help with this is sincerely appreciated… it’s a big site and it’s not easy to keep track of everything. If you find “old” information, broken links, etc. please send me an email   (webmasteratmainestategrangedotorg)  so I can investigate and fix. Some of you have heard me say, “There’s only one of me and many of you…” We can use that to our advantage if you’ll share some ownership of your website and help keep it current. Again, please try to remember when you are submitting stories and events to include ALL the details. An important value of the Internet is ready access to lots of information!

Media & MembersI hope to see many of you at the Northeast Leaders’ Conference next month… on Saturday morning I’ll be speaking on “Media and Member Relations.”  While we won’t just be talking about the Internet and social media, we will be exploring how both have impacted relationships both positively and negatively. (Wait until you see some examples!) You’ll also learn what a “nutgraph” is and how to use it… and why it’s important to understand that the media always “cuts from the bottom.” This is your final a reminder the deadline for registering is this Saturday, December 15th. Hurry!

Lastly, I’m working on a Christmas story for my brain leaks and musings blog and can share just a little “pre-publication”… I was walking down the hall at school with a second grader… when we passed the “giving tree” (where students leave donations for the local food cupboard). My young friend asked, “Mr. Boomsma, what do you suppose would happen if every kid in school brought something for the tree every day from now until Christmas?”

My adult brain saw two opportunities–I stalled for time by telling her she’d asked an interesting question. I was debating whether to explore discussing the concepts of sharing and generosity… or take advantage of a “teachable moment” and suggesting we do some math…

Her child’s brain was quicker than mine and she quickly asked a followup question. “Do you think the school would explode?”

I prefer thinking that the conversation was really not about destruction and that she had combined both opportunities with a pretty important question. What would happen if everyone did one simple act of kindness and generosity every day?

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Northeast Leaders’ Conference

 Events, Grange News  1 Response »
Nov 302012
 

Grange Leaders from the Northeast Region will assemble in Portland Maine from January 11 through 13 for the annual leaders’ development conference. This year’s conference is hosted by the Maine State Grange and features a number of workshops, breakout sessions, and addresses designed to develop leadership skills and move the organization forward.

Maine State Grange Administrative Coordinator James Owens notes that the conference is open to any Grange member. “We’re excited to be hosting this year’s conference,” Owens noted. “Having it in Portland means a great resource and opportunity for existing and potential Grange leaders is very close to home.”

Featured guests include National Grange Master Ed Luttrell and Mike Martin, Membership/Leadership Director of the National Grange. Among the workshops being offered are “Media and Member Relations” by Maine State Grange Webmaster Walter Boomsma and a Sunday morning devotional program my Maine State Grange Chaplain Clyde Berry. Breakout sessions are designed around specific functions and offices of the Grange. State Masters will gather on Saturday for a  “Northeast Connection” meeting.

The Conference will open on Friday evening at the Seasons Event and Conference Center and close following a Sunday morning business meeting.

Rooms are available at the reduced rate of $55 per night (plus tax) single or double occupancy but reservations must be made by December 31, 2012.

Note that the conference registration deadline is December 15, 2012. The conference registration fee is only $10. (Meals are not included.)

Download additional information regarding hotel, meals, directions to the hotel, and a complete schedule:  2012 Northeast Leaders’ Conference Information

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National Conference Table Contest

 National Conference  No Responses »
Nov 302012
 

Submitted by Vicki Huff

A friendly reminder that the deadline for this contest is fast approaching. Please have your entries to State Grange Headquarters on or before January 1, 2013 or bring them to the Northeast Leaders’ Conference on Friday night January 11th. They will be judged sometime during the weekend of the conference.

View the original post regarding this contest…

View the flyer and rules for this contest…

 

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