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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Junior Department News – May 2013

 Junior Department  No Responses »
May 172013
 
Laurie McBurnieJr. Logo
laurie_mattidewaterdotnet
 563-5347

 

The Maine State Junior Grange met on May 4 in Augusta. Before the meeting the Junior Grangers worked on pages for the scrapbook contest. Bobby Faulkner did an excellent job filling the Master’s chair. Mia and Cameron Rae became Jr. Grangers by obligation and were put right to work as Lady Assistant and Steward. Thank you to the committee members and subordinate Grangers who helped with the meeting.

Preparations for Junior Grange Camp are underway. Camp will be held Saturday-Sunday, July 6-7 at South Sangerville Grange and is open to all youngsters 5-14 yrs. old. If a child is not yet a Junior Grange member, we will be conducting the degree work during the weekend. Other activities planned include crafts, ritual instruction, community service and other fun activities. Camp registration forms are available on the Maine State Grange website (Junior Program Resources) or from the Junior Director (293 E. Neck Rd., Nobleboro 04555-8608).  Detailed information will be sent on receipt of registration, or contact me.

The 2013 Maine State Junior Grange program, the National Jr. Grange program and the flyer for the Memorial Bricks are posted on the state grange website. Memorial bricks ordered during the fall and spring have arrived and been placed in the garden. Additional bricks may be ordered at any time.

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Fraternal Concern – M. Yvette Herbert

 Chaplain, Fraternal Concerns  No Responses »
May 172013
 

Submitted by State Chaplain Clyde Berry

It is my sad duty to inform the Grange membership of the passing of former State Grange Flora and Secretary, M. Yvette Herbert.  Yvette died Thursday morning after several months of failing health.  Condolences may be sent to:

Philip Herbert
PO Box 70
Passadumkeag, ME 04475

Services will be held on Saturday, May 25 at Old Town Riverside Grange Hall on Route 9E out of Brewer, if you pass the Eddington town line you have gone too far.  The hall is just before the Eddington town line.  Visiting hours will be 10am to noon with a Memorial Service at noon, refreshments will be served after the service.

Webmaster’s note:  View the official obituary here: http://bangordailynews.com/2013/05/16/obituaries/mary-yvette-herbert/. According to it, online notes of condolence may be expressed at http://www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.

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Order Memorial Bricks Now!

 Junior Department  No Responses »
Apr 222013
 

Junior Director Laurie McBurnie has asked us to note that an order for the memorial bricks will be placed soon. If you or your Grange want to get in on this springtime order they should get their information and payment to her right away. You can download the form here.

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Junior Department Report – March 2013

 Junior Department  No Responses »
Mar 312013
 
Jr. LogoJunior Department
Laurie McBurnie, laurie_mattidewaterdotnet  (laurie_mattidewaterdotnet)  , 563-5347

Maine State Junior Grange will be meeting on Sat., May 4, 9 a.m.-noon, at State Headquarters in Augusta. We will start with a craft project and then hold the meeting. We will be welcoming a couple new Junior Grangers during the meeting. Any children ages 5-14 who would like to join are welcome to join us. We will also have judging for the Manual Alphabet and Sign-a-Song contests. After the meeting, lunch will be served. Parents and Grangers are welcome to join us.

Plans for Junior Grange Camp are in the works for the beginning of July. Camp information will be announced when arrangements are finalized.

Orders for Memorial Bricks may be sent to me at any time. The delivery of the bricks will be expected this spring, when they will be able to be placed in the Memorial Garden.

The Junior Committee plans to again sell Grange Memorial flags. We are comparing several companies to get the best quality at the best price. Watch for an announcement later this spring.

The 2013 Maine State Junior Grange program, the National Jr. Grange program and the flyer for the Memorial Bricks are posted on the site for downloading. Also note that the current issue of Maine-ly Juniors Newsletter 03-2013 is available for download–as is a Jr Meeting Flyer 05-2013–print both out and pass both out!

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Planting Memories in the Garden

 Grange News  No Responses »
Nov 182012
 

Photo by Ed Worthley

In 2010 the Junior Department established the Maine State Grange Memorial Garden at State Headquarters in Augusta. The garden is shaped like a sheaf of wheat and welcomes visitors to the State Grange offices.In the center of the garden have been placed engraved bricks purchased by both individuals and Granges in memory of late members or in honor of present members.

There are still blank bricks waiting to be replaced with ones honoring members of your Grange. Check the brochure (found in Documents You Asked For) for details or contact Jr. Director Laurie McBurnie, laurie_mattidewaterdotnet  (laurie_mattidewaterdotnet)  , 563-5347.

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Christmas in July?

 Community Service  No Responses »
Jul 212012
 

Wreaths Across America is a year-round effort…

Maine is rightfully proud of the Wreaths Across America project–the non-profit organization behind it says their mission is simple: remember, honor and teach. Best known for the week-long “Veteran’s Parade” that includes tractor trailers delivering wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery, the organization actually includes a number of activities here in Maine and around the Country.

Lois DeRaps, treasurer of Benton Grange #458 had the distinct privilege of participating in the laying of wreaths in Augusta a few years ago. She said she was especially impressed with the way young people were involved in helping and as a result became deeply committed to supporting the program.

Lois is also a member of VFW Post 8835 in Winslow and vice president of her VFW District. She says she is committed to mustering as many resources as possible in support of the program because she “really believes in it.” She reports that last year two tractor trailer loads of wreaths were delivered to Arlington National and the goal this year is to make it three.

Lois is offering a “short talk to any Grange interested in the program” to share her experiences as well as additional information about the program and how individuals and organizations can get involved. You can email Lois or contact her at PO Box 261 in Fairfield ME 04937.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992. This year’s parade begins on December 9th in Harrington ME and finishes on December 15th at Arlington.

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Answering The Call

 Web Site Information  No Responses »
May 272012
 

“But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye.”

Thomas Dunn English

There is surely no better memorial to those we honor this weekend than the freedom we have and our very country… but it is still more than fitting that we pause this weekend to remember those who gave their lives for us. According to the Home for Heroes Website, since the birth of the United States in 1776, over one million have purchased freedom with their lives. This is the weekend when we should each do our best to feel a very personal connection to them. I would likely not be sitting here writing this–you would likely not be reading it–were they not prepared to give as they did.

So take a moment to look around you… and understand that what you have and who you are was made possible in large part because a million plus men and women answered the call. Yes, that’s a big number. But they did so one at a time in a very individual and personal way. And that is how we perhaps best honor them. Parades and monuments are important. Flying the flag is good. But remembering is what it is really about–if just for a moment–and celebrating and guarding the freedom we have is the ultimate monument.

Walter Boomsma,
Webmaster

 

 

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Ocean View Grange No.463

 Community Service, Grange News  No Responses »
May 222012
 

submitted by Larry Bailey

This notice is a bit late but I wanted to let it be known that one of our longest term members passed away in March. Enid joined the Grange in April 1940. I was honored to present her with her 70 year pin and certificate. Sister Enid was also the Town Postmaster in Port Clyde for 53 years…a record. She will be sadly missed by the Grange and the community.

Every year for the past 7 years, our Grange members gather to place American flags on the graves of our military men and women at the Ridge Cemetery in St George Maine. We did so last Saturday. It humbles and honors one to take on this task.

Also, every year our Grange adopts a road in St George for the annual road clean-up. It is fun, invigorating and is a great community activity.

We hope the fuel heating season is over as our funds are almost depleted. As of our last payment this week, Ocean View has paid out $8,425 to help St George families to stay warm this season.

 

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