Marilyn Stinson advises us that in addition to the “mugs” listed, a plastic cup is also allowed as long as it has the Grange logo or emblem. The complete rules have been posted to the Documents You Asked For, Program Books section of the website.
David Colby Young has graciously offered access to the photos he took during State Conference in Rockland noting, ”As people write articles about the State Grange they might need a photo to go along with their report…” The photos can be found at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainerunningphotos/collections/72157631858081592/
If you are submitting an article or report regarding Conference and decide to use one of these photos, please download the appropriate photo(s) and attach the file (photo) to your email including your submission. It will also help if you identify people included in any photos. Thanks!
Submitted by Steven Haycock, Publicity Director
Augusta, Maine – Patrick Brewer, Master (President) of the Maine State Grange announces that the 139th Annual Session of the Maine State Grange will be held October 19-22 25-27 at the Rockland Elks Lodge in Rockland.
Approximately 140 Granges from across the state will send delegates to debate various resolutions from National to State legislative to issues to assorted internal issues. Resolutions passes at the session will become policy of the Maine State Grange and will be lobbied for at the Maine State Legislature. Those pertaining to national policies will be sent to the National Grange Session held in November where delegates from across the country will consider them. On Friday Walter Whitcomb, State of Maine Commissioner of Agriculture will address the session.
During the session there will be many awards for yearly achievements presented to Granges and individuals in a wide variety of categories including membership, publicity, and community service. Plaques will also be presented to the Grange Farm Family of the Year & the Tree Farmer of the Year. This also an opportunity for Grangers from to show off their talents in the annual art and photo contests.
One of the highlights of the session will be the annual conferral of the Sixth Degree, by the officers of the Maine State Grange, on Friday evening, featuring a Rose Drill under the direction of Yvonne Johnson and Terry Lacombe Stevens. Special guest at this years convention will be Duane Scott, Executive Committe(Board of Directors) of the National Grange, and Master of the Wisconsin State Grange who will be the featured speaker on Friday evening. Also on Friday evening the former officers of the Maine State Grange who are present will be recognized. Wayne Sherman, former Chaplain of the Maine State Grange and President of the Past Officer Association will present a plaque and check to the Subordinate Grange of the year.
Saturday mornings session will be opened by the youth of the Maine State Grange (ages 14-35). This will be followed by presentation of awards by Co-Youth Directors Celeste Roy and Terry Lacombe Stevens. Then Junior Director Laurie McBurnie will present information about the Junior Grange (ages 5-14). Also on Saturday the Educational Aid and Howe’s Nursing Scholarships committees will present scholarships to several individuals.
The Grange is fraternal community service organization with a special interest in agriculture. For more information about the Grange please call 1-800-464-3421 or visit us online atwww.mainestategrange.org or www.nationalgrange.org.
submitted by Worthy Master Brewer
I know this is an afterthought, but…. does anyone have a good picture of all the State Officers after they were installed last October?? And if so, may I get a copy of it?
Fraternally,
Patrick Brewer
Master, Maine State Grange
Marilyn Stinson, Enterprise Grange writes:
Walter, with the dictionaries, we ran into a problem with permission to use kid’s pictures in the newspaper, but you are able to and so is Topsham. We couldn’t use the ‘if you don’t want your kid’s pic, please notify us’ thing. They became very strict because some parents might not get the slip and not know to reply. Hopefully, new rules this year will get around it, but I liked your pic of looking over a kid’s shoulder so her face wasn’t used.
If Richmond’s new paperwork doesn’t change matters, how do we take care of this? Last year, a parent who is a professional photographer offered to take the pictures and get one to me to use (she even volunteered to take care of the permissions) but never got a pic to me and I lost contact with her. Maybe get a pic of the teachers holding dictionaries. Thanks for ALL you do!!! God bless, Marilyn
Marilyn,
I wouldn’t want to guess, but it’s likely that Richmond has an “opt in” policy–meaning students’ parents must give permission for the child to be photographed. My experience suggests this is overwhelmingly the most common policy–most districts do not use the “opt out” policy for exactly the reasons you cite.
Photographers (grange or otherwise) do not control this policy but we must abide by it–in many cases children cannot be photographed for their protection–it is not simply a personal choice. The policy goes beyond photographs to cover whether or not the child’s work can be displayed publicly. Much of this is driven by FERPA, the federal Family Rights and Privacy Act which (in short) prohibits educational institutions from disseminating students’ information without parental consent.
Since I work with the media and our local school on a number of events, we’ve developed several ways of making sure we comply. For one event in a somewhat controlled area (like a classroom), we will ask the teacher (or office) to assist us by identifying children whose parents have not given permission. This is not usually a long list and it becomes easy to avoid including him or her. (Please be very sensitive to that child or children and not call a lot of attention to the situation.) When the children come to the Grange Hall there are 60-70 and this approach can be challenging. In this case, we ask the teachers to assist by having the kids who can’t be photographed sit somewhat in the same area–we then tell media representatives to avoid photographing or filming that area. Most media representatives will be very aware of this regulation and will appreciate the help!
Another approach is the one you describe–taking creative photos that do not include children who can be recognized: teachers, the dictionaries themselves, photos from behind the children, etc. How about a photo of grangers carrying boxes of dictionaries into the school?
In addition to doing good work, the Words for Thirds program gives us a wonderful opportunity to create a positive image of the grange in our community and with our schools. I recently wrote an article for The Dictionary Project newsletter that concluded, “We tend to overuse the word ‘communication,’ but that’s what we need to rely on… Ultimately, we all want the same things: kids with dictionaries and an enthusiasm for using them.” Working with your school’s teachers and administration will usually result in good solutions!
Click to read the entire article, “When I Was Their Age…”
Taken from the recent Lecturer’s Newsletter…
I am making some changes to the dates and contests for my department and want you to be aware of them. Please be sure to pass the changes along to your members.
No Lect. contests Talent, Skit or Stories on April 21, moved to Sept. 15
NOTE: You should check with the Junior and Youth Directors about other contests, manual alphabet, sign-a-song, public speaking, etc., listed for April 21.
SKIT WRITING CONTEST Deadline: March 31 sent/e-mailed/faxed to me at my home address above. Open to All Subordinate members.
Categories: Original and Not Original / Internet. Profanity or inappropriate items will not be accepted. Length of play or skit must not exceed 10 minutes.
LABEL: AT THE TOP OF EACH SKIT. Include all the following information:
NAME; ADDRESS; GRANGE & NUMBER; PHONE; TITLE; CATEGORY.
NOTE: All non-original material must have an author’s name on the item and must be checked & have copyright information!!
<> <> <> <>
ORIGINAL_STORY WRITING CONTEST “With Pen In Hand”
Deadline: March 31 sent/e-mailed/faxed to my home address above.
Open to All Subordinate members. Categories: Fact and/or Fiction (Original stories only) Profanity or inappropriate items will not be accepted. Length of story must not exceed 10 minutes — 500 word maximum. Enter as many stories as you wish.
LABEL: AT THE TOP OF EACH STORY. Include all the following information: NAME; ADDRESS; GRANGE & NUMBER; PHONE; TITLE; AND CATEGORY.
Judging of skits & stories will be done in April and winners announced.
If you wish to perform your Skits and Stories this will be done at the Lecturers Conference held in Sept., in Augusta. Let me know so I can plan.
(This is a change from the original program books sent out and previous years.)
<> <> <> <>
GRANGE TALENT CONTEST. Date has been changed. Judging September 15 at 10:00 a.m. in Augusta at the Lecturers Conference. Open to all Members and( Junior members 5–9, 10–14 judged separately). You may enter Vocal; Instrumental or Variety Act. Six (6) minutes maximum. You may enter once under each different category, but as all categories are judged with one winner as best of show act, you may receive only one award. Please let me know in advance if you wish to enter so I can plan.
<> <> <> <>
APRIL IS GRANGE MONTH!
Information is available from National Grange, our publicity director and on the Web for “Grange Month”. If you are making presentations using the “National Grange Community Citizen Award” or “Pomona Award for Public Service” you MUST order them early from National 1-888-447-2643 not me. I only have plain certificates for purchase, not the special plaques or awards.
<> <> <> <>
ART CONTEST: Rule changes: All Art entries must have frames or matting, with a hanger. (No glass on any entry.) Maximum size including frame or matting has been changed to: 18” X 24”. All other rules are the same.
PHOTO CONTEST: Rule change: “OTHER” category added to make a total of six (6) categories. All other rules are the same. No frames on photos but each must have a backing or matting. Size maximum 11” X 14” with backing.
Many thanks to Chris Hadsel for sending a CD with photos and surveys of her work throughout Maine. As a result we’re able to share the photo that triggered the questions about Granges in the Presque Isle area. One interesting note is the advertisement near the bottom center for the Aroostock Cooperative Co.–your grange store.
We’ll try to feature a curtain on the Maine State Grange website from time to time both for your enjoyment and as a reminder to contact Chris (chris
hadsel
gmailcom) (802 863-4938) with questions or concerns about the care of the curtain in your hall or any others you may hear about.
The photo is back from the framer… and closer examination reveals enough new information to justify a new post.
The year was actually 1929… and the event was a Lecturer’s Conference. The original photo is a bit the worse for wear (we all should look this good when we’re this age), but Debbie took some photos making it possible for us to share… Debbie also tells us, “…the woman in the last row, upper left is my great grandmother Gladys Ridley from the Mousam Lake Grange in Shapleigh.”
I’ve included a small copy of the complete photo… remember that it’s 31 inches wide–quite a feat both technically and practically. As one who “dabbles” in photography I have quite an appreciation for what the photographer must have gone through getting all these people positioned–and holding a pose long enough to take the shot.
If you should recognize someone… post a comment here or send an email to Debbie Petersen (infoactonshapleighcom) .Submitted by Sherry Harriman, State Lecturer
Performed: 1st – A 300-Foot Long Hen House Assignment by Frank Reynolds, Harvest Home 52. 2nd – The Mailman’s Package by Christine Hebert, Norway 45. Non-Performed: 1st – A Special Day At The Homestead by Jeanette Taylor, Deer Isle 296; 2nd – A Shaman’s Tale by Cindy Dyer, Harvest Home 52; 3rd — He Asked For It by Robert Cookson, Harvest Home 52.
Performed Skits — Original: 1st – The Ground Hog Skit by Christine Hebert, Norway 45. Performed Skits – Non-Original: 1st – Bait Tasting by Glenys Ryder, Danville Junction 65. Non-Performed Skits –Original: 1st – Reading Of The Will by Gareth Anderson, Merriconeag 425. 2nd – Hi Tom by Ceneretta Ward, New Norland 580. 3rd – Different Eggs by Helen Brooks, Robbinston 443. HM – President Skit by Christine Hebert, Norway 45. Non-Performed Skits –Non-Original: 1st – Alaska by Lois Zezima, Dirigo 98. 2nd – The Two Escapees by Merton Ricker, Topsham 37. 3rd – Teaching Him A Lesson by Miriam Black, Arbutus 450.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons were awarded in the 5 categories. The judges enjoyed your entries very much. Everyone who entered a poem received a free copy of the Poetry Book and participant ribbon.. Nature 7: ”Look To The Sea” June Woodman, Wayside; “My Garden” Wes Marble, Farmington; “The Sanctuary” Kathy Mekelburg, Robbinston. Love 4: “Forever” Nanci Greene, Somerset; “Dear Mom” Cindy Dyer, Harvest Home; “Thank You Mother” Wesley Ryder, Danville Junction. Grange 9: “To Caroline” Arlene Cole, Willow; “Many Hands Of The Grange Poem” Christine Hebert, Norway; “A Has Been” Wesley Ryder, Danville Junction. Patriotic 2: “Impossible Freedoms” Nanci Greene, Somerset; “Doughboys: The Forgotten War (WWII)” June Woodman, Wayside. Other 13: “I’ve Been There, Haven’t You” Wesley Ryder, Danville Jct.; “Elegy To A Country Schoolhouse” June Mansfield Woodman, Wayside; “My Friend Lynn” Joanne Boyington, Androscoggin.
35 submitters reported reading 2,858 books and 937,544 pages. The top 3 readers received special awards. 1st: Carol Dorian, Schoodic for reading 107,069 pages in 316 books. Margaret Morse, John F. Hill read 215 books for 2nd and 66,315 pages for 3rd place. June Henderson, Golden Harvest read 205 books for 3rd, and 68,539 2nd place for pages. All persons reading more than 75 books received bookplates. All persons reading more than 25,000 pages received a special bookmark. All others submitting lists received bookmarks.
There were 8 entries in the 2 X 2 X 2 contest. ALL the entries were just wonderful. Those present selected “Grand Champion” Cindy Dyer making a great Shadow Box. 2nd Cheryl Moore, Pin Cushion Tea Cup; and 3rd Bill Guptill, Wood Burning.
PHOTOGRAPHY — ADULT total entries 188:
GRANGE – 6 entries: First: Pauline Spencer, White Rock 380; Second: Emily Parsons, Bangor 372; Third: Ann Burns, Maple Grove 148
PEOPLE – 33 entries: First: Tabitha King, Center Minot 266; Second: Debbie Lancaster, Old Town / Riverside 273; Third: Ralph Hammond, Harvest Home 52
ANIMALS AND OTHER CREATURES – 37 -entries: First: Merton Ricker, Topsham 37; Second: Laurie McBurnie, Meenahga 555; Third: Robert Shaw, Danville Junction 65
NATURE AND SCENERY – 75 entries: First: Laurie McBurnie, Meenahga 555 This photo of a milkweed was selected Best Of Show and will go on to National Grange for display. Second: Betty McCrillis, No. Jay 10; Third: Norma Meserve, Sabbathday Lake 365
BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES – 23 entries: First: Charles Hammond, Norway 45;
Second: Maureen DiSilva, Kennebec Valley 128; Third: Robert Smith, Farmington 12
PHOTOGRAPHY JUNIOR:
ANIMALS AND OTHER CREATURES – 2- entries: Ages 5 – 9 Abbygayl Stevens, Androscoggin 185; Ages 10 – 14 Caleb Stevens, Androscoggin 185.
ART ADULT – total entries: 12
OILS AND ACRYLICS – 9 entries:
First: Don Albertine, Anson 88
Second: Bill Guptill, Harvest Home 52
Third: Shirley Hatch, Danville Junction 65
WATERCOLORS – 2 entries:
First: Lorraine Barriault, Mt. Etna 147
Second: Shirley Hatch, Danville Junction 65
CHARCOAL OR PENCIL DRAWINGS – 1 entries:
First: Shirley Hatch, Danville Junction 65
A newspaper editor once shared a tip she offers folks who are taking pictures for publication. “I don’t want to see feet in my news photographs!” We had a good chuckle over it… and it’s easy to remember. There are entire books on how to take pictures, but this is probably the most important point if you are going to send your photo to a newspaper or website–including this one. NO FEET!
We’re really talking about getting up close and personal… or in photography lingo “getting a tight shot,” especially when you are taking a group picture or that ho-hum shot of somebody handing a certificate or check to somebody else. Continue reading »