Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
The email address is mainestategrange@gmail.com.
For website matters, email webmaster@mainestategrange.org.
Webmaster’s note: The format of this column includes all of the Quill’s Endians participating at various times and in various ways! Phil writes this month’s column.
Having poultry on Quill’s End Farm has always seemed like a no brainer. In natural ecosystems, ground nesting birds follow ruminants and “clean up” the larvae that invariably populate ruminant’s waste. This helps break the pathogen cycle and also cuts down the fly population. The poultry also add their own manure to the soil to stimulate growth.
The Quill’s End hens and meat birds move on a regular basis in pens or behind electric netting that ensures their safety from ground predators. This gives them insects and pasture to augment their diet. It also makes for an incredibly tasty egg or chicken.
The business of getting eggs and chicken to you is not as idyllic. We currently process around 250 chickens three times per summer. These days are both long but immensely enjoyable. A crew gathers to make light work of the task, and a lunch unlike any other follows the work. Because the task is not loud, the conversation and laughter around the table elevate the work. Anticipation of the shared meal spurs the crew on.
Processing eggs lacks the communal aspect. Because eggs come in at a steady rate every day, washing and packing eggs usually is solitary work. We try to add a little whimsy to the process by “mixing” up eggs in the cartons. You might find a large egg next to a small one. You may find green or white eggs in your carton. You may find patterns in the placement of said colored or colorless eggs. The specialness of the eggs happens in the field, the patterns and size games are just for your, and our, entertainment.
We have oh so much plenty of eggs and chicken right now, we can cover your mornings and suppers all month. Avail yourself of the bounty.
Heather and Phil Retberg and their three children run Quill’s End Farm, a 105-acre property in Penobscot that they bought in 2004. They use rotational grazing on their fifteen open acres and are renovating thirty more acres from woods to pasture to increase grazing for their pigs, grass-fed cattle, lambs, laying hens, and goats. Quill’s Endians are members of Halcyon Grange and publish a newsletter for their farm’s buying club of farmers in the area, and generously permit us to share some of their columns with Grangers. Visit the Quill’s End Farm Facebook Page for more information.
By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915
Let’s do something a little different. In these next columns, let’s be interactive. Send in your success stories or ways you think we could attract more members (or even to prevent them from leaving). In a positive tone, sharing stories and opinions helps everyone, especially your Grange brothers and sisters. Actually, let’s make it competitive to see which Pomona area sends in the most suggestions by the end of the year! Membership increases are up to ALL OF US, so help me with your suggestions. I hope your summer activities have attracted new members, and Grange awareness has been happening. Send your stories and suggestions to ricti@aol.com and I will put them in future columns. Let’s work together to keep our Grange motor running smoothly so that our great organization will continue for many years to come. I have given you our success stories from Chelsea Grange and am looking forward to sharing yours! I know there are many stories out there as I do keep up an awareness of Grange happenings and want to thank those who have the devotion, loyalty, love and respect for the Grange. Your work is making a difference and is very much appreciated by your brothers and sisters!
The above paragraph was part of my column in August 2019, and I still have not heard from anyone concerning the request. That was seven years ago, and our membership has been declining since. Some Granges have been consistently increasing their membership over that period; however, many of you have not and do not seem to make membership gains your priority. The Membership committee could go out and schedule workshops and meetings, but will that help? We have done so in the past without much attendance or cooperation. Without cooperation and joint efforts, how are we to succeed? It is the duty of the Membership committee to provide you with tools and information to help, but what happens to that information? We all know what we must do, but most don’t take it seriously or are not interested.
As we prepare for the busiest time of the Grange year with agricultural fair exhibits, installations, and the reaping of our harvests, please keep in mind that membership gains are also important. The gains are not important just for your Grange, but for all who belong across this State. We are always looking for new ideas, new leadership, and direction. Please help us in our quest to boost membership numbers in every Grange!
By Sharon Morton, MSG Secretary
Effective May 1, two changes took place in the Grange Store. This was reported in the April 24, 2026 issue of Grange Today!
The price of Golden Sheaf, Silver Star, and 75-year Awards, as well as the 80 – and 85-year letters, will increase to $15.00 each plus shipping.
Additionally, shipping rates – which have remained unchanged for nearly a decade – will increase as shown on the chart.
As a reminder, orders must be made using the Membership Recognition Form, which is sent to me.
By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
Putting Our Best Face Forward
One of the Communications Department’s functions is to strive to present our best face externally. One way we do that is with honesty and transparency. However, that honesty and transparency should be expressed positively.
Items posted on the website are immediately available to anyone, including members, prospective members, community partners, and members of the media. It’s too easy to forget that! A strength of fraternal organizations can easily become a weakness when the bonds we value create a sense of exclusion among others. We may be brutally honest with ourselves. (“We’re having trouble getting a quorum at our meetings.”) That doesn’t mean we need to announce that “fact” to the world. Putting our best face forward means we communicate using the “Three C’s.”
There could be a fourth “C,” credible. Wild, overstated claims (positive or negative) might be made clearly and confidently; they won’t create connection if they aren’t credible. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather visit the Grange that offers some “pretty good coffee” than listen to a Grange claim they serve the best coffee in the state.
These things may not always be easy, but they definitely are simple.
FACT: Since we migrated the site to a new server, we’ve had over 5,000 site visits! (Sharing that is putting our best face forward!)
The five Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Maine serve as “one-stop-shops” to answer questions from older adults, individuals with disabilities and their care partners about a wide range of in-home, community-based, and institutional services.
AAAs are experts at answering questions about in-home care services and other types of long-term support. Maine’s five AAAs are also Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) that:
Maine’s Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) are designed to serve all older adults, people with disabilities and their care partners who have long-term care, community or program needs. To see which center serves your area, visit the Office of Aging and Disability Services’ website.
By Clay Collins, Guest Columnist
207 837-0564
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10-11
Here we are, the middle of the beautiful, hot, humid, lazy, hazy days of summer. Right where we said we wanted to be last winter! You remember those cold, blistery days when we were all huddled around the old “cook stove”.
I trust you all are having a fantastic time enjoying all there is to do in this wonderful state of ours. Before we know it, the children will be back in school, and the temperature will be dropping like a “lead balloon,” and the heating bills will be showing up. I apologize for being a “gloomy Gus”
Before I end this for another month, I want to remind you that the month of August is “International Peace Month”, and it is observed throughout the month of August. It was founded on August 16, 1926, at the Fifth International Democratic Peace Conference in Rheims, France, to reflect on the devastation of World War One and to promote global cooperation
It was created by 4,000 pacifists from 30 countries to study international peace work and to prevent future global conflicts. (It doesn’t seem to be working very well today!).
We might not be able to do very much on the global front, but we can do something in our own town and neighborhoods. Whenever a conflict arises, don’t just bull your way into the situation. First, try talking, trying to defuse the situation. I have noticed that cool heads are a lot better than a fiery temper with a lot of shouting.
Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”
Benediction: Gracious Father, help us to remember that it doesn’t take a hot temper and loud voices to settle disagreements, but calm, cool minds and friendly attitudes to calm angry situations. Amen
Thought for the month:
“Bless the food before us, the family beside us, and the love between us.”
While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.
Maine State Grange President Sherry Harriman recently announced that National Grange Pomona Barbara Foster will represent the National Grange at the Maine State Grange’s 152nd Annual Convention held in October. This is Barabara’s second visit.
Barbara Foster of Pennsboro, West Virginia, was elected as National Grange Pomona at the 157th Annual National Grange Convention in 2023. Barbara is the only daughter of Earlene & Jim Foster, former West Virginia State Grange President and National Grange Chaplain. She has three brothers. She was born in Tennessee, but grew up an “Air Force military brat” living in Delaware, South Carolina, Taiwan, and Japan before Jim retired and bought a farm in West Virginia, where they have lived for 49 years.
Barbara joined the Grange in 1985, and is a member of Oxford Community Grange #526 and Central State Pomona Grange. She has held several offices at the community, Pomona, and State levels. The Fosters were Grange Family of the Year in 2003.
Barbara is retired as a full-time teacher after 32 years, and a total of 44 years in education. She taught home economics and elementary students with learning disabilities. She is the former President (20+ years) of the West Virginia Professional Educators’ Association and works with the Doddridge County Community Education Outreach.
In addition to her other involvement, Barbara is a retired member of the Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary, and a member of the Pt. Pleasant Baptist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the South Side Baptist Church, where she is the assistant treasurer. She enjoys sewing & quilting and reading, and lives with her two dogs. Max & Ellie, and three cats. Strips, Frisky, & Runt.
Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange Master/President
207 490-1029
STATE GRANGE SESSION
The banquet buffet is scheduled for State session on Friday evening, October 30, at the Black Bear Inn. They will be serving beef tips, chicken cordon bleu, red potatoes, rice pilaf, green beans & baby carrots, stir fry vegetables, salad, rolls, and dessert. Tickets $40 each, purchased in advance, October 1st deadline. Lunches will be on your own. Session info has been mailed to Secretaries and Masters/Presidents of each Grange.
I am very pleased to announce our National Representative at State Session will be Barbara Foster, Pomona of the National Grange and Master/President of the West Virginia State Grange. I know you will give her a warm welcome.
Once again, anyone may attend the State Grange Session, as long as you are a 4th Degree (Subordinate/Community level) Grange member and have the passwords for the gate. (To receive the passwords from your Grange, your dues must be paid.) After the opening on the 1st day of State Session is completed, we lower to the 4th Degree and all work is conducted in the fourth degree, like your regular Grange meeting you are welcome to sit in at the meeting and listen. Only registered delegate(s), may vote on the issues and elections, but this does not exclude you from attending.
OFFICER and DEPARTMENT REPORTS
These are due in the office no later than September 15th. (written or emailed to my email SHarriman@twc.com and to the office). I prefer emailed reports. These dates may seem early, but getting everything put together for the session takes time, especially when we have to keep adding on the procrastinators.
MASTERS/PRESIDENTS and SECRETARIES
Of the 71 Subordinate/Community and 12 Pomona Granges, we have received 42 total roster forms. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE PROVIDED THEM! Another strong reminder to the rest of you: WE NEED YOUR CORRECT ROSTER INFORMATION– Which day or days and time is your meeting, (example 1st & 3rd Tues at 7 pm) Name, address, phone, cell phone and email address for each –Master/President, Lecturer, Secretary and CWA Chairman are due. Please type or print clearly. If you don’t have a form, send the information we requested anyway. During the meeting, when the Master asks, “Have the reports to State Grange and Pomona been made?” This question includes any information requested from your Grange. Even if there are no changes, please drop us an email or note to let us know that.
While on this subject of roster information I have received, several of you have changed the day or days and/or time of your meetings to something different. This is a bylaw change and does need a vote of the Grange and State Grange approval. So get those by-laws typed up and sent to me. If you have changed your dues fee, that is also a by-law change, if your bylaws say $3.00 that’s what you charge, so adjustments must be made to your bylaws to accommodate the change. When you make the changes, the word “minimum” may be added to cover future adjustments.
ANNUAL AUDIT OF GRANGE ACCOUNTS
This is a good time to remind you that your Grange Secretary’s and Treasurer’s books are to be audited at least once a year and carrying that out close to installation is the perfect time to get it done. The Executive Committee and/or the Finance Committee of your Grange are the ones to carry out the audit. Written records should be kept for all accounts in the Grange, receipts, and expenditures.
Maine State Grange By-Laws: Article XXI – Subordinate Officers and Their Duties
Section 8.1 It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee of each Subordinate Grange to see that the books of the Secretary and Treasurer and any other funds of the Grange are audited at the end of the fiscal year.
You will need the Secretary’s Records and Secretary’s Order Book. This is the 5×7 book the Secretary writes what bills have come into the Grange and need to be paid with an amount listed. This record book also includes donations made to whom, etc. You will need the Treasurer’s books, checkbook, bank statements, savings book, etc., and receipt book (for funds received from the Secretary). You compare the Secretary’s minutes and Order Book with the Treasurer’s checkbook and statements for receipts and expenditures. All items should match between the Secretary and the Treasurer. All Committees of the Grange, that handle funds, such as CWA, Lecturer, Chaplain, Bingo, Dinner, Fund Raising, etc. should also be keeping written records of receipts and expenditures to have audited at the end of the Grange year.
GRANGE COMMITTEES
Committees are appointed by the Master and the Overseer and are responsible for organizing and implementing their programs in Subordinate, Pomona and State Granges. Each level has more responsibilities and activities for the membership. If you would like to serve on a committee, please contact the Master/President.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
We have just installed a new metal roof; it affects and/or blocks my cell phone and internet service, so be patient, I’ll do my best to answer calls and emails. Happy Summer!
Submitted by Manchester Maine Grange
Manchester Grange is now accepting vendor applications for the fall craft fair!
Saturday, October 24, 2026
8 am to 2 pm
Vendor tables available (8’ x 2.5’)
First floor: $25 each or 2 for $45
Second floor: $20 each or 2 for $35
Dealer set-up:
Friday, October 23rd 4-6 pm
Saturday, October 24th 7-8 am
Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a table, contact email Paige Tobie or call (617) 800-4564. Include name, brief description of goods, requested floor, and number of tables. Reservations are secured when contract and payment have been received. Contract available electronically at https://tinyurl.com/grangecraftfair2026. Payment accepted by checks payable to Manchester Grange #172, cash, or Venmo.
