Project Idea
NORTH EAST LECTURERS CONFERENCE (complete schedule below)
August 2 -- 5 Hosted in Vermont at Vermont Technical College, East Bethel Road, Randolph Center, VT 05061
2010 Conference Theme: “A VACATION TO … “
Maine’s Theme: “North Dakota”
Rehearsal for NELC July 18 at 2:00 p.m. in Augusta
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!! The conference will be held at Vermont Tech in Randolph Center, VT with VT as the host. The cost will be $185.00 (double) for the complete conference, plus a $10.00 registration fee. Pricing for individual days is available. We strongly encourage each Grange to send their Lecturer or Lecturer-elect to this very important conference. The 45 minute complete program for each state consists of stories, skits, music, etc. based on the theme. All of these components inspiration, education, music and recreation are included in the programs. You get 3 nights lodging, 8 meals & snacks, 7 complete programs, a variety of workshops you choose, material swap again this year, regional talent contest, entertainment, fun and fellowship, too! Pete Pompper, newly elected National Lecturer and Rusty Hunt, National Membership/Leadership Director will be our guests and will each present a couple of workshops We had a good turnout from Maine, so let’s get together again for another great time. (Information comes out the end of May and is sent to the Grange Secretary.)
The Youth and Junior Departments have been saving Campbell Soup Labels since February 12, 2001. We have turned in a total of 89,873 labels since then. We also earn points by filing out forms regarding the Community Service projects that we complete. We receive 500 points for each one.
This year we ordered and received a "Yoga and You" CD, a foam bowling set, a 24 foot parachute canopy, and a multi-sport ball pack for use at camp.
In the past we have ordered a Panasonic stereo music system, cash boxes, throw down bases, collection bins, a portable wireless PA system, a horseshoe set, rubber deck rings, numbered bean bags, game cones, and beverage
coolers. Most of these items are still around and still in use.
New Program for a New Year
The National Grange is happy to announce our partnership with the America the Beautiful Fund, which will allow Granges to participate in their seed program. Local Granges can get 100 packets of vegetable, flower or herb packets for free only paying $14.95 for shipping and handling. This program’s main goal is benefitting the community, whether it is teaching local school children about growing a garden or growing a vegetable garden to help the local food bank or to fundraise. All you need to do is write a short letter describing what you will do with the seeds and fill out the application from America the Beautiful Fund. So far this program has saved more than 800 tons of seeds and 7 million flower bulbs from going to waste in landfills and has grown 1.75 billion pounds of food for the hungry. To get more information please contact Samantha Johnson at 888-4-GRANGE ext. 109 or e-mail sjohnson@nationalgrange.org.
If your Grange is located in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, or Washington County, here's an idea for you! Your Grange can help the Eastern Agency on Aging with its "Fixit" program designed to help Seniors remain in their own home and live independently. The EAA is much in need of volunteers to help with the program... including conducting "safety audits" -- a relatively easy and rewarding project. And they'll train volunteers! The following article provides some general information.
If you think your Grange is interested, ask about having someone come to a meeting and speak about the opportunities. There's a good chance it will be a Granger!
INTRODUCTION TO THE JUNIOR GRANGE
MERIT BADGE PROGRAM
Do you dream of hitting a home run during your next softball game or making a touch down at your next football game? Do you like to gaze up into a dark summer night and point out the constellations to your family or friends? Do you enjoy camping with your family? What about growing vegetables, herbs or flowers?
If some of these things interest you, then you will enjoy earning the Merit Badges that are included in the Junior Grange Merit Badge Program. By working on the activities listed for each badge you will have the opportunity to learn new hobbies, practice new skills, or improve the ones you all ready have. Earning badges is one of the fun things about being a Junior Granger.
APRIL IS GRANGE MONTH! I would like to remind you now that Grange Month is in April. 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 Grange - - NOT the State Lecturer. (These plaques from National Grange do not have the recipient’s name already on them, so you can order them at any time and insert the name before the presentation.) Many Granges close for the winter and this leaves little time for ordering and receiving Plaques and Certificates, you need at least a month for your order to be returned. This seems like a long ways off but it is imperative that you get started on your plans now. You may not have a recipient yet, but you should get the plans moving. With Grange Month in April, I hope you have alrady ordered your Awards from National Grange. I only carry the Appreciation Awards at my home. These awards are a great way to promote your Grange and reward an individual or group in your community for their involvement or outstanding achievements. By inviting non-members to your Grange, you are introducing them to the Grange. By rewarding someone outside the Grange, you are able to give recognition to those who deserve it who might otherwise never receive that thank you that means so much to everyone.
These certificates are available anytime, they can be used for any person(s) in or out of the Grange or for any event and do not have a year on them until you fill in the blanks. Do you want to thank someone for an outstanding job done? Or just because you appreciate their help? Awarding a Certificate of Appreciation is the answer! Purchase a few to have on hand, no specific date need be given to use them.
It is an ivory colored 8.5x11 card stock document. It is to be used to honor or thank a Grange member. This certificate is suitable for framing. It bears the signatures of the State Master and State Lecturer. These certificates are not to be copied. They are available for $1 each and may be ordered by providing the following information and a check payable to the State Lecturer:
Anyone with memories, photos and/or papers and documents relating to Maine Grange history who is willing to share is encouraged to send them to:
Stan Howe
State Grange Historian
P.O. Box 113
Bethel, Maine 04217
Copies of anything sent will be made promptly and originals returned.
