Dave and Kathy Gowen of Highland Lake Grange offer a synopsis of how the Grange carries out its mission.
In March, the Cumberland Historical Society invited Kathy and Dave Gowen to share the Grange’s history with members and guests. The Town of Cumberland’s YouTube channel hosts the recorded presentation. Kathy and Dave covered the National Grange’s origins and some basic Grange concepts, then used the history of Highland Lake Grange as the basis for the rest of the presentation. Towards the end of the presentation, viewers will learn about some of the many community connections Highland Lake Grange maintains.
Dave and Kathy are rightfully proud of this opportunity and the resulting presentation. The presentation could serve as a template for other Granges to use in their own efforts to reach out to local historical societies and other groups.
Valley Grange is located at 172 Guilford Center Road in Guilford, Maine.
GUILFORD, Maine —Valley Grange members and friends will soon return to school to celebrate Dictionary Days at five local elementary schools.
Grange teams will visit Brownville, Harmony, Piscataquis Community, SeDoMoCha, and Ridgeview elementary schools, giving every third-grade student a personal dictionary. Presentations emphasize the fun of learning and discovery, along with a lesson in how to “look it up.”
Program Director Walter Boomsma recently contacted each school to request third-grade enrollment counts. Since the program began, the Guilford-based Grange has distributed more than 4,000 dictionaries.
“We’re certainly proud of the numbers, but even more proud of the potential impact those dictionaries may have had on each individual child who received one,” Boomsma said.
The program began more than 20 years ago at one school. “We’re now reaching another generation,” Boomsma said. “Parents and school staff occasionally tell us they remember their Dictionary Day. Thanks to the support we receive, we are creating a legacy within and for our communities. This truly is an annual project where everybody wins.”
Once enrollment counts are received, dictionaries will be ordered from The Dictionary Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The order often totals as many as 10 cases.
“That’s when the real fun begins,” said Valley Grange Secretary Mary Annis. “We label each dictionary and schedule school visits. The visits are fun and exciting—sometimes a bit noisy, but always worth it.”
To learn more about the program, support its mission, or become involved, visit the Valley Grange website at valleygrange.com or contact a Valley Grange member.
Check out this story by WABI TV5. Another historic curtain has been restored and preserved, this one hangs at the Victor Grange Hall in Fairview, Maine. (Click the text link, not the photo!)
Thanks to Kathy Ward (Winthrop Grange) and Tracey Alsop (East Madison Grange) for using the new Grange event submission form! This form was designed to make everyone’s life a lot simpler and capture all the information! We use that information to create a simple advertisement for your event.
This ad (post) reaches a wide audience through search criteria and regular site visitors. Site visitors can also easily share the post on social media and by email using the buttons at the bottom of the post.
The MSG Event Calendar includes a short summary of the event that links to the post.
The Maine State Grange Communications Department (of one) focuses on the Granges in Maine, proving that the Grange is alive and thriving in Maine! Submit your news and events today!
East Madison Grange #228 Food Project giveaway day will be Friday, August 28, 2026, from 10 am-11:30 am at the East Madison Grange. One box per family. Come early, as supplies are limited.
This article was written by Paula Roberts for The Lincoln County News and is used with permission.
Willow Grange president Sharon Morton presents Jefferson’s Spirit of America Award to Lindsey Jones. (Paula Roberts photo)
The Town of Jefferson’s Spirit of America was presented to Lindsey Jones at Willow Grange on Thursday, July 23. Grange president Sharon Morton presented the award.
Jones has been a Girl Scout leader for five years. She started Troop 1336 in Jefferson in 2021. She is also a member of the Midcoast Service Unit, through which she has taken leadership in organizing Girl Scout camping events at Wavus and Kieve. Ther Service Unit also organizes events such as the annual cookie rallies.
She has been on the Jefferson PTA for 15 years, serving as president for the past five years. Previously she served as secretary for five years. She plays a big hand in organizing Jefferson Village School’s annual Jubilee, a fundraiser for student programs.
She has been active in Jefferson Sports Association, where she coached both soccer and basketball when her children were younger.
She is an 18-year member of Whitefield Lions Club and is active in working at their food booth at Windsor Fair.
Several Girl Scouts were in attendance and recited the Girl Scout Promise and Law which echo many of the characteristics of a volunteer.
Lindsey Jones (center in back) poses with area Girl Scouts after receiving Jefferson’s Spirit of America Award at Willow Grange on July 23. (Paula Roberts photo)
Two members of Willow Grange were recognized for their years of service to the Grange, Sandee Gordon – 65 years and Bob Clark – 75 years. Neither were able to be present.
