Category: President’s Perspective

Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange Master/President
207 490-1029

Reminder: Dues increase now in effect. As of January 1, 2026, the State quarterly dues have increased to $6.00 per quarter per member. Golden Sheaf members are exempt at the State level.

Insurance information request. We would like to hear from you. One of the resolutions that was passed by the delegates at the 2025 State Grange Session as a resource for Granges searching for insurance. We are asking Subordinate Granges to submit the names and contact information of their insurance agents and carriers, types of insurance the Granges have, such as fire, liability, and other (without disclosure of specific premium costs or coverage information, unless you choose to). We are looking strictly for the names of the companies that provide coverage. Please send your insurance provider’s information to the office.

Promote Your Grange. A display in a front window or a bulletin board on the Grange hall would help us promote ourselves more. We talk about a display in a public area only during Grange Month, but this display would be ongoing year-round. You could list program and other information in your display. Include activities or projects your Grange is involved with as part of your Grange work and include contest information for the different committees of the Grange. (Four 2” boards, an old aluminum storm window, a couple of hinges and a hasp makes a very nice outside bulletin board, using plywood or paneling for a backing if you wish.) It may just spark some interest in someone who wishes to help do something for the Grange or someone who may want to join.

You could also put a board in the hallway, entryway, or on the back of the entry door where the public comes in to wait for suppers, bingo, etc. Once seated, they don’t have the opportunity to look around or read something they see hanging on a wall, unless it is close or big, but while waiting in line, they might be nosy enough to check things out beside them on a wall close by. Use BIG print, keep it neat and attractive, give some details, add some color, and promote all the different activities, benefits, and programs we are involved with in the Grange. (See the various National and State program books for information.) If you don’t have these books handy contact someone who can get them for you and use them. Change things around every so often or add something new so it doesn’t get boring or outdated. The Grange has a lot of great things to offer, have brochures or sheets of information within easy reach, for someone who wishes, to pick one up and take along, (most people are more comfortable checking out information in private) or they can read it there while waiting.

Happy Spring! It will soon be spreading its wonderful colors all around us, and Happy Easter.

  

Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange Master/President
207 490-1029

Annual Passwords: The annual password ciphers were sent to the Grange Secretaries with the December quarterly report forms. The keys to the password will only be mailed to the Masters/Presidents when all dues are paid up to date, including the December 2025 Quarter. If you have not received your key, check with your Secretary or our office to confirm your dues are paid in full. Sharon did tell me recently that not all dues are up to date.   As an individual, to receive the new password, your personal dues must be paid up to date, you should receive a receipt as proof of payment to show the Master/President.

Degree Day:  April 26, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Manchester Grange #172, located at  953 Western Ave, (Rt. 202) Manchester, ME.  All four degrees will be conferred.  Let Norma Meserve (207-583-7211) or email her at:  meserve1965@gmail.com  if you have candidates or if you would be willing to help out. The candidates should bring their application for membership with them.

Spring isn’t so far away as it may seem at this point, but it is eventually on its way. Winter has been treating us fairly well, except for the big storm of 19” and a few inches here and there, some wind, and several cold days. I guess we really can’t complain all that much about the weather – after all, it is Maine and February. We are still hunkering down in place with the weather & doing well.

With spring comes reopening. It’s almost time to get back in the swing of in-person meetings in our halls. Spring is also clean-up time outside and inside for our own yards, but this should also include our halls.  Get the lawn raked up, clip the grass and bushes around the steps and foundation, pick up the branches and trash lying around, get the tattered plastic off the windows and maybe even wash the reachable ones. Repaint your sign, the steps, railings and even the door.  We all need an occasional facelift.  Closer to summer, get some new plants in the window boxes and garden.

As we are all involved in promoting Grange membership and growth, we should be advertising ourselves.  The name and number of a Grange should be on the building or on the sign at the road, and should include the day and time of the meetings.  This way, someone passing by or visiting the area will know when you meet.

Grange Month: It doesn’t feel like it, but here we are a little over a month away from Grange Month, a time of year we honor our community members and promote our Grange. Congratulations to those who have made plans for something special at this time. Why not incorporate something to honor our Nation’s 250th Anniversary at the same time. This was a resolution we accepted at the State Grange Session in October. You can plan your event honoring your community later in the year. Nothing says it can only be done in April, honoring someone special or a special activity can happen anytime, it’s the result that really matters. You can buy or make up your own certificates, plaques, etc., for honoring an individual or group, or items may be purchased from National Grange.  Whether you order on your own or from National Grange, remember to allow lots of time to get the items back, especially if you are getting it by mail or shipped.   We have lots of informational brochures as handouts in your halls available on request at the office. 

State Office: I want to remind you that the State Grange office does have an answering machine to leave questions, requests, and information at 207-623-3421. Please leave a clear name, phone number, and brief message so we can return your calls.  We are in the office a couple of days a week.  We also have a new email address:  mainestategrange@gmail.com.

Our personal numbers, home and email addresses are in the 2026 Roster that each Grange Secretary will receive soon.  I must apologize for the error I made in the new Roster. I listed the wrong additional email under State Secretary’s name – it should be mainestategrange@gmail.com.  We had been given a preliminary email prior to the new Gmail one being issued. The State Grange web site is valuable and can provide information, the webmaster is very helpful, however, some of your questions should be directed to the State Grange Secretary or myself personally by email or phone.

Until we can be together again, take care of yourselves.   

Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029

The following is an overview of items that should be stressed at all meetings, following the manual (the most current version of the manual is 2023, but whatever year your manual is, it covers the needs of your meetings.) You may wish to add to or subtract from this list. We fully realize that conditions and situations vary with the different Granges.

Suggestions and Instructions for Grange Procedure

1. Following the manual, instruct proper procedures for Opening and Closing in full form. To open in “full form” means to follow the prescribed Ritual / instructions in the Grange manual, for either traditional or alternative opening which includes opening the Bible, opening the implement case and the Salutation given (prescribed hand salute), Salute to the Flag, and the Charter in the hall. Business cannot be conducted outside the meeting then announced to the rest of the membership. All must have the opportunity to discuss and vote on all issues.
2. The word “Ritual” means a set routine/pattern of conducting the meeting each time you meet.
3. Your Grange is required to meet at least once a month and open the meeting in full form. You may meet more than once a month as desired, but must open in full form every time.  (A minimum of 7 of your members must attend for a quorum to hold a legal meeting.)  
4. Stress the importance of beginning meetings on time and ending at a reasonable time.
5. If only 7 members are present the following Officers are to be filled:  Master, Overseer, Steward, Assistant Steward or Lady Assistant Steward, Chaplain, Secretary and Gatekeeper.
6. Prospective members may sit in on a meeting, but do not count toward the quorum.
7.  Emphasize the importance of committing parts to memory, (but not required) especially for Opening and Closing, the Obligation Ceremony and Degrees when conferred.
8. Demonstrate Grange Salutation. Demonstrate the Voting Sign.  (Read the specific instructions from the Code Book on how to make the Signs and Salutation properly.) Encourage and assist with reading from the Code Book.  (The secret work of the Grange) 
9. Demonstrate Flag Presentation, Balloting, & Draping the Charter. Do you need instructions?
10. Stress the importance of prompt advance payment and collection of dues. Encourage the Secretary and the Grange to make every possible effort to retain a member. Delinquent members should have 3 notices, one a personal contact, before they are suspended. Suspension may only take place upon vote of the Grange at a regular meeting.
11. Granges are to keep their by-laws up to date, in writing, (a copy to be on file at State Office).  Changes may be made after the initial reading of the proposed change, the vote is taken at a subsequent regular meeting, opened in full form with a quorum. Changes must be made with a 2/3 vote of those present and voting of the Grange. After the vote to adopt, the changes must be submitted in writing to the State Master for approval. Are your by-laws up to date? Does MSG office have a copy?t write out the current section of the by-law(s) and write out what changes are to be made.
12. All funds go through the Secretary regardless who is holding the money, and should be reported by a specific committee or under “Bills and Accounts” at every meeting. All Grange and committee accounts are to be audited at least yearly by either the finance committee or the Executive Committee of the Grange. All Grange accounts should have at least two (2) signers, from different households, on each account and all persons who handle monies are required by our by-laws to be bonded. Do you have a plan for fundraising? What are your goals and needs?
13. The minutes of the meetings must be read and adopted at the same meeting or adopted at the next consecutive meeting as the third order of business, while open is full form. The minutes of open meetings are included in the next meeting minutes. 
14. When you ask “Have reports to Pomona and State Grange been duly and promptly made?” This covers quarterly dues reports but also includes year end reports of committees, requests for roster information, survey and any other information requested  by Pom or State Grange.
15. Are your Committees active and reporting? After elections are completed, the Master selects or appoints the chair for the needed committees, the appointed chair takes over upon Installation of officers and they remain chair until the next election & installation. The Master can appoint their committee or the Chair can make their own selections.
16. The Gatekeeper may come into the hall after the completion of the Flag Presentation during the Opening after the Master has rapped the gavel to seat the Grange. (The Gatekeeper should go to the anteroom during the opening ceremony to take the outer gate password from members who arrive late and when candidates go out at the start of the degree.)
17. Balloting for candidates may only be done at a regular meeting with a quorum present. Presentation of applications, balloting and obligation/degree work may be at the same meeting.
18. Candidates who are waiting for obligation/degree work may come into the hall for the opening.
19. The Grange must be opened in full form for Degrees, Obligation Ceremony and Welcome Ceremony, even at a separate Degree Day where all degrees are done on the same day.
20. The Obligation Ceremony and Welcome Ceremony may be used in all Granges, but full Degrees (degree means a level in the Grange) are recommended to be viewed or read thru by the Grange. However, since it is harder and harder to get a team together or to take your candidates somewhere else, encourage the Grange to read aloud through each Degree, even one degree at a time at 4 different meetings. This gets everyone involved and is less overwhelming than viewing the degrees all at once. Don’t keep the prospective members waiting. *(There is a Pomona Obligation Ceremony also.)
21. Installation of Officers may be handled by your own Grange.  Encourage joint installations. There is an alternative Installation Ceremony now available for use, it is about half the length of the original ceremony, but still gives the Officers duties and instructions. The Installation Ceremony could be more informative to the members and the Officers, if each Officer take turns reading the charges at other times besides the Installation meeting.  It could be spread out over several meetings giving more time to absorb the messages.
22. Encourage community service and participation in the Community Service contest; at least send in the Community Service Report form, even if you are not doing a lot.
23. Encourage participation in various contests, attending other meetings, conferences, etc.
24. Encourage the Grange to send a listing of upcoming meetings and events for the Maine Grange Bulletin and website, at least two months in advance with reminders. And report afterwards. *Encourage members with internet to subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website.
25. Encourage Open House and Booster Night meetings during the year or Grange Month as good Grange promotion. Promote good publicity — Grange newsletter, press, radio, etc.
26. There are many published items to help in your work, items may be requested on the National Grange Website or the Maine State Grange website.
27. Encourage your membership to get involved with Junior activities (includes ages 5 – 14) even if the Grange does not have a Junior Grange. Children and Grandchildren may join the Junior plus 1 program. Handled at the Subordinate Grange.
28. Guest speakers and visitors are welcome to sit in on a meeting even during the full opening. Prospective members may attend a meeting.

                 ~ ~ ~ We wish you much success.  ~ ~ ~

Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Richard and I wish you all a very wonderful holiday season. 

Deputy School and instructions will be held in the spring, date and place to be determined.

We are very excited to announce this great news. Our office building at 146 State Street has been sold! We have moved to a new office and hope to be completely in our new space by December 13, 2025. Sharon, Henry, Richard, and I have worked many hours to get everything sorted, packed, and ready to go, especially Sharon & Henry. THANK YOU-THANK-YOU-THANK-YOU. Thanks Jimmy & Roberta who also came to give us a hand. We hired professional movers to get everything from one place to the other. They took two days to get the bulk of our items moved, placed and set up for us.  A few odds and ends are left to transfer.

Our new mailing address and location is: 36 Anthony Ave., Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330

Our phone will remain the same: 207-623-3421 and the same toll free number 1-800-464-3421

Our email address will change.   (To be finalized upon installation on the 10^th of Dec.)

To get to the new office

• From Rt 95, Exit 112B going north or Exit 112 going south. Stay to the right.
• Follow Rt 27 North, toward Belgrade about ½ mile.
• Take left at the light between Irving and Kentucky Fried Chicken. 
• Take 1^st left onto Anthony Ave  (go past Great Wall Buffet and past Fairfield Inn)
• Number 36 is the third building on the right. It has a brick archway at the entrance with glass doors.  Suite 102 is straight back through the lobby to the left.

Letters announcing the change were mailed to all Subordinate & Pomona Masters and Secretaries, Officers, Deputies, Department heads & Committees giving them the same information as listed above. The effective date of the change of address of December 1, 2025, has been provided to the Post Office.  All communications, quarterly reports, etc., are to be sent to the new address listed above. For those of you who drop things off directly at the office, there is a mail slot in the door of our Suite 102.    

As a reminder, the password(s) and key will be mailed this month to the Secretary and the Master/President of each Grange after the Grange’s quarterly dues & report forms are submitted to the State Secretary. We must receive the report and monies before the passwords are sent to your Grange. Do we have your current and correct information for your Master/President and your Secretary at our office?  As an individual member, your 2026 dues must be paid before you may receive the password.

Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029

We had a very busy schedule at our 151st State Grange Session, which went well. Thank you to the Officers, Delegates, Members, Deputies, Directors, and Committee members who attended. I appreciate your participation and input during the business and activities. Thank you to all those special helpers and workers for your assistance, whether a large part or a small piece of the work, I personally appreciate every one of you. I would like to hear your comments and/or suggestions about State Session – schedule, facilities, location, banquet or any other comment you care to make. Send to my email address.

We welcomed Kathy Gibson, Lady Assistant Steward of the National Grange, who gave us inspiring words of wisdom and also taught us “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in sign language, we all managed to get through the entire song in rounds. Some of our “boats” didn’t “row” as good as others. Kathy’s enthusiasm is definitely contagious. Brother Glenn Gibson, Executive Committee Member & Past Master of the Massachusetts State Grange and Amanda Gibson, Communications Dir of the MA State Grange both enjoyed being with us also.

A heartfelt Memorial Service was presented. Resolution work started and continued on Saturday with much discussion on each. A wonderful banquet was shared, and the various Committees presented many awards. We held a full election of officers with most of us being re-elected, thank you for your confidence in me. I am pleased to welcome our new officers, Judy Meserve as Ceres, Tracey Small as Pomona, and Dale Holst to the Executive Committee for a four-year term. I want to express my appreciation to our retiring officers Betty Huff, Ceres; Kathy Gowen, Pomona and Jim Owens from the Executive Committee for their dedication and years of service to the Manie State Grange. We welcomed five new State Grange members who received the 6th degree on Saturday afternoon. Vicki Huff installed our officers in an impressive manner. Thank you!

The new Department Program Books and Annual Reports were given to the Delegates for your Grange. If you did not have delegates at the session, you may download the programs and reports from the web under “Program Books,” or if you want a printed copy, email or call the office or me, and we will send them to you. You may request all or just select certain ones. Agricultural Scholarship, Educational Aid & Howes Nurses Scholarship requirements and applications can also be found on the website or requested from the office. We need to promote these scholarships and awards in our communities; each is a wonderful opportunity for our young folks. Grange Enterprise Award (formerly Farm Family) information with the application can be found on the web too or requested.

I hope to get the 2026 Roster done in the near future. Do I have your most current information? I know I have only about 2/3 of them. Welcome to our new Subordinate and Pomona Masters/Presidents, Lecturers, Secretaries and Committee people. There have been a few changes to Deputies and Committees. Several of our dedicated Deputies have retired after long years of service on behalf of the Maine State Grange. I want to THANK each of them, Maynard Chapman as Chief Deputy, David Gowen, Basil Mosher, Harriet Spencer, Holly & Burt Welch, and Phil Parsons. I know I keep repeating myself with the thank-yous. Still, it is well deserved, heartfelt and important especially to me to do so.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Hug your family and friends. Help someone every day.

Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029

Among many other things, Master Sherry is busy preparing her annual address for the 151^st Annual State Convention. It will be posted after she gives it!

The October View from the Farm is “Moving a Bit Faster.” That might be an understatement as we begin another Grange Year!

Please also understand that while the October Bulletin will be available online just before State Session, mailing of the printed version will likely be delayed. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

See you in Orono!

---

Written by Walter Boomsma, Maine State Grange Communications Director

By Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029

The full election of officers for the Maine State Grange will take place on Saturday, October 18.

Any Grange member in good standing may be elected to a State Office. Your dues must be paid up to date in your own Subordinate Grange and Pomona Grange.

During the election process, one of the voting delegates must present the name of the prospective person for that particular office. You may not present your own name, and there will be no speeches or campaigning. The voting delegates then vote on their choice, by written ballot, from the names presented, or by writing another name on the ballot; the majority of the ballots cast elects the officer. If your name is presented for an office, you may decline without giving a reason if you choose to.

Who may vote at the Annual State Grange Session?

The Delegates are those members selected by the vote of their Subordinate or Pomona Granges to represent their Grange and vote on issues and elections. The Grange dues must be paid up to date at the time of the State session in order for your delegates to be entitled to vote. Each Grange may send two members as delegates and may select two alternates as well. The names of the two delegates and two alternates must be registered with the State Grange Secretary on a form provided. No other persons may be substituted to vote as delegates if they are not on the registration form. (Emergency changes may be made by phone or email prior to opening of the session.) A member may only represent one Subordinate Grange and/or one Pomona Grange.

Custodial Accounts held by Maine State Grange

We are holding funds for several Granges with our State Grange accounts. Also, several Granges have merged over the past few years, and the NET proceeds from the sale of the closed property are held in a “Custodial Account” on behalf of the consolidated Grange for their use for repairs and upgrades to their present hall and property. To get these funds for use, you must submit written estimates from a contractor, on their letterhead or billing invoice: describing the work to be done, listing materials, estimated hours, and terms of the contract – including deposit amount, payment expectations, and expected work dates, etc. This written estimate and information must be sent to the Maine State Grange office, either by email or standard mail, for my review and acceptance. Then it will be passed on to the State Treasurer for issue of the check(s). The check(s) will be made out to the contractor and mailed to the Secretary of the Grange or other designated person of the Grange. Upon completion of the work, the payment request must go through the Maine State Grange in the same manner. Each time you need more funds for repairs or work to be done, the same process must be followed. If these funds are in a CD, there may be a fee to withdraw funds before the maturity date of the CD.    Net Proceeds: After the sale of property there are charges taken out of the gross or total sale price: Realtor Commission(s) vary according to the contract; State closing costs; Attorney fees for deed transfers and other pertinent paperwork; State Corporation fees; insurance coverage; utilities, if applicable and any other costs associated with the property before and after the final sale. The Maine State Grange does not use your money except as it is associated with the property. Maine State Grange does not charge a custodial fee – even though we could. We are not trying to keep you from your funds, but ensuring they are used as intended and in accordance with the By-Laws of the National and State Granges.

By Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029

Roster Information is now due.

Resolutions – The August 15 deadline has arrived for resolutions to be at the office. After the 15th, delegate registration forms, meal forms, and resolutions will be mailed to each Grange.  The delegate registration form will not be posted on the website. Other State Session items have been posted. By vote of each Subordinate and Pomona Grange, you are entitled to name two Delegates and two Alternates to represent your Grange at State Session.  You must be a member of that Grange to be a delegate for them. The Grange dues must be paid up to date, through the Sept 2025 quarter, to be qualified to have delegates. An individual may only represent ONE Subordinate Grange, and may also be a delegate for their Pomona, but again, they must be voted on by the Grange.

Installation of Officers – The Installation Ceremony may be handled by each Grange on their own. Granges are required to install their officers annually, usually in September.

Annual Audit

“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.“

Maine State Grange By-Laws:  Article XXI – Subordinate Officers and Their Duties   Section 8.1

You will need the  Secretary’s Records and Secretary’s Order Book, 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, should also keep written records to be audited at the end of the Grange year.

Grange Behavior – There is no place in the Grange for the use of foul language, no matter what you feel the circumstances are; it is not acceptable behavior. I must stress again your Obligation you took when you joined the Grange. It states in part…  “ I will not knowingly wrong or defraud a Brother or Sister of the Order or allow it to be done by another if within my power to prevent it…”  I have had more calls from members in different areas to complain about the use of profanity during meetings and public events. Whether in a meeting, around the kitchen, or at an event, you may feel it is just words, but it is offensive to others.  Maybe you normally talk that way, or you don’t think about the words you are using.  If you feel the need to talk like that, I would suggest you go to the bar or sporting event where you will fit right in. But even those places have rules and limits, and even those places, where that talk is common, you would be asked to leave! I am sorry if you are offended by this message but it needed to said. Sadly, those who do the cursing, won’t be the ones to heed the comment.  The Master/President of the Grange has the right to ask you to leave if you are being disruptive and offensive. They also can ask you not to return.