Category: Exciting Granges

Mill Stream Grange Supports Education

Mill Stream Grange members (back row l-r) Paula Hanley, Lisa Goucher, and Jill Sampson presented dictionaries to the two third-grade classes at Cape Cod Elementary School on March 7.  The students had fun learning about all the different ways to use the dictionary, and each spelled their name using the sign language chart.  The school is very supportive of Mill Stream’s effort and wholeheartedly welcomes us back every year. We’re honored to help support education in our area.

Fifth Degree Offered in Richmond

Sagadahoc Pomona will have our annual Fifth Degree at Enterprise Grange #48, on Wednesday, April 29, 2025, with a potluck supper at 6:00 pm and a meeting at 7:00 pm. Candidates from other Pomonas are welcome. Please bring your entry form signed by your master or secretary. For more information, contact Marilyn Stinson at 207-737-2611 or marilynstinson41@gmail.com. Enterprise Grange is located at 15 Alexander Reed Road in Richmond, Maine.

Mystic Valley Grange

Rummage, Craft, & Bake Sale

April 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Grange is located on Route 17 in East Dixfield next to the East Dixfield Fire Department. For more information, contact Nancy Farrington, (207) 623-0395.

Chelsea Granges Grant Information

Special thanks to Linda Weston and Marion Bowman, members of Chelsea Grange for making this happen and sharing the news and information.

We have more information regarding the successful grant that made the new chair lift a reality for Chelsea Grange. Member Marion Bowman is credited with much of the work involved. She explains that partnership and collaboration are the keys to success.

The grant application period is closed for this year, but for Granges that might be interested, it’s not too early to think about and plan for next year. The nationwide Community Challenge Grant primarily falls under the leadership of AARP with a focus on “making communities liveable for all ages.” You can find a brief history of the program and its funded projects here. A user-friendly FAQ (frequently asked questions) page is also available here.

Marion notes that Chelsea Grange “partnered with the community by sponsoring lunches, summer outdoor concerts” and making sure “the old hall is truly a community hall in every sense of he word.”

While the MSG Communications Department cannot provide in-depth assistance with securing grants, we are always happy to provide information and especially pleased to discover potential grant opportunities for Granges. Please check this one out and let us know if you decide to pursue something!

We’re Grangers. We help each other.

Mill Stream Grange Gets the Word Out!

Mill Stream Grange members Lisa Goucher (back row left)  and  Jill Sampson  (back row right) presented dictionaries to Carolyn Watkins’ third grade class at Mt. Vernon Elementary School on February 5th.  The students were enthusiastic about learning different ways to use the dictionaries, including the longest word, information on states, the Presidents, and the planets.  Each student was given a chance to sign their name after being shown the sign language chart. This is always the most popular part of the presentation. It was a fun learning experience for all!

Valley Grange Seeks Blanketeers!

Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine

On March 22, 2025, volunteers will create blankets for children in need.

Guilford–Valley Grange of Guilford is sponsoring a blanket-making event on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, and volunteers are needed! Organizer Pat Engstrom notes, “no sewing skills are needed. If you can measure, cut a straight line with scissors, or tie a simple knot you can become a ‘blanketeer’ and help support Project Linus. We’ll show you how!”

Project Linus, a non-profit organization, provides homemade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Similar events in previous years have resulted in dozens of blankets being made by a diverse group of volunteers. Engstrom hopes to see the number of blankets made increase.

“We have a great time doing this, and truly just about anyone can help. We create quite a production line, and it sometimes gets quite competitive! It’s exciting to realize we’re providing love in the form of ‘blankies’ representing love, security, warmth, and comfort to kids. We consider them fabric hugs.”
While supplies will be provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring scissors, rulers, and masking tape. Light refreshments will be served.

For additional information, contact Pat Enstrom at 207 564-8290 or visit the Valley Grange Website at http://valleygrange.com. Valley Grange is located at 172 Guilford Center Road, at the corner of Butter Street.

Highland Lake Grange “protects”

Highland Lake Grange not serves their Westbrook Community, the “protect” those who protect it with “Survival Kits” for their law enforcement officers. Fifty kits containing a lot of goodies were recently delivered to the local officers.

Captain Goldberg accepts the kits from Highland Lake Master Dave Goven
That’s a lot of goodness given in appreciation and fun!

The Survival Kit for Law Enforcement Officers includes:

  • Gum -to get you out of sticky situations
  • Lifesavers – because you are one!
  • Chocolate kisses – to show you are appreciated
  • Starburst – for an extra burst of energy
  • Pencil – to keep you sharp, focused and for writing tickets
  • Kit Kat – for when you need a break
  • Snickers – to remind you to keep your humor
  • Smarties- to give you wisdom for those split minute decisions
  • Tootsie Roll – to help you roll with the punches
  • Peppermint Patty – to help you keep your cool
  • Doves – the symbol of peace, freedom and love
  • Mounds- for the mounds of courage you show
  • Candy Coins – you don’t get paid enough

“Thank you for all you do from Highland Lake Grange #87”

NOTE: This is an idea worth (shhhh!) “stealing” as a way of protecting and serving your community and its resources. Well done, HIghland Lake Grange!

Highland Lake Grange Serves

Highland Lake Grange provided a place for Westbrook City Councilor Jen Munroe to hold two community meetings to hear from residents of the district she represents (the Highland Lake Grange Hall is located in her district) and address concerns and issues.

Westbrook City Councilor Jen Monroe meets with residents
Highland Lake Grange serves as place for conversation