Category: Exciting Granges

Coming Soon-Another Resource!

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

For many Granges, the fall season includes a Words for Thirds Dictionary Program. (“Words for Thirds” is the phrase coined by the Grange to represent participation in The Dictionary Project.)

Your Communications Department is working on some additional resources for Granges that are providing dictionaries to local schools. In anticipation of releasing these resources, it would be helpful to know which Granges in Maine plan on holding dictionary days during the Grange Year 2024-25.

So far, we’ve created a list based mainly on what the folks at the Dictionary Project have listed, supplemented by previous website submissions. I think (hope!) it’s incomplete. Those Granges include:

  • Chelsea Grange #215
  • East Madison Grange #228
  • Maple Grove Grange #148
  • Mill Stream Grange #574
  • Old Town Riverside Grange #273
  • Valley Grange #144

Words for Thirds was once a “signature” community service project for Granges. One of our resources is an article by The Dictionary Project’s Director, Mary French, explaining why it is still relevant today–perhaps even more than it was in the past.

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of this program. Valley Grange has reaped many benefits from providing dictionaries in our area for nearly two decades. This will be our twentieth year! We don’t do it as a fundraiser, but it sure helps us with it!

Enthusiasm and communication are key elements. We’ll help with communication resources! You can help by letting me know about your participation. That includes what challenges you are facing, ideas you may have, etc. Right now, I’m especially interested in learning who is participating or considering it!

Simple! Fill out the form below—don’t forget to press [submit] at the bottom! Thanks for your help and support!

Name of person submitting
Email address of person submitting
What position, if any, you currently hold.

Witches Faire at E Madison Grange

The Witches Faire is a magical makers’ market and community event, with divinators, herbalists, crafters, and artisans vending. We’ll have crystals, ritual items, herbal products, jewelry, and more for sale, along with refreshments and kids’ activities. Sunday, Oct 27, 2024, 10 am-3 pm, at the East Madison Grange Hall. FMI call 716-6441 or email hideandgopeep@gmail.com

East Madison Grange Poster

October Events in Maine

  • October 4, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
  • October 4, 2024, Community Potluck Supper at Trenton Grange, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
  • October 5-6, 2024, Community Bazaar (crafts, farmers’ market, yard sale…) at Trenton Grange from 9 am until 2 pm both days. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
  • October 9, 2024, The Fifth Degree will be offered at Danville Junction Grange starting at 7:00 pm. Danville Junction Grange is located in Auburn. For more information contact Maynard Chapman at 207 312-5591.
  • October 10, 2024, Blood Drive at Harraseeket Grange in Freeport, 12 – 5 pm.
  • October 11, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
  • October 12, 2024, St George Grange Community Supper at 5 pm. Adults $10, Children $5, under 10 free. For more information see this post.
  • October 14, 2024, Deadline for the MSG Bulletin
  • October 18, 2024, Senior Circle at Victor Grange in Fairfield. Potluck lunch at 11 am for Seniors to get together with others for socializing, networking and a game or two. Held the 3rd Friday monthly. FMI Deb 207-453-4844 or Sherri 207-815-0615. No Charge.
  • October 18, 2024, Mystic Valley Grange Rummage and Bake Sale, 9 am until 12 noon. Mystic Valley Grange is located at Route 17 and US Route 2 in East Dixfield. FMI Nancy Farrington 207 623-0395.
  • October 18-19, 2024, Maine State Grange Annual Convention
  • October 26, 2024 Wayside Grange Concert featuring Half Moon Jug Band. Doors open at 6:30 pm. More information at Wayside Grange & Theatre Facebook Page.

Valley Grange Welcomes New Members

Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine

Valley Grange is pleased to introduce and welcome our three newest members. Although they’ve been members for a few months, the recent “Obligation Ceremony” makes it official. The ceremony is actually quite mutual, with new members pledging to the organization and the organization making pledges to the members. The last step is called a “Friendship Circle,” during which all join hands and commit to the spirit of the 150+ year-old fraternal organization.

L-R New members Joyce Flanders from Dover Foxcroft, Elaina Fortier, and Matthew Fortier from Guilford.

“As we in form thus enclose you within a sacred circle, so does this Grange in the name of our noble and beneficent Order pledge to you a pure friendship, enduring through life to shield you from harm.”

Program Director Walter Boomsma notes that the Grange is uniquely positioned to provide connection, particularly after COVID created a lack of it. “We’re about a lot more than a face on a screen or a post on social media. Our potluck suppers are a great opportunity to ‘break bread together’ and be together in person, in spirit, and in conversation. In some ways, the work we do to strengthen our communities and rural living is a bonus.”

The ceremony was conducted by Valley Grange Master Jim Annis and Program Director Walter Boomsma.

The Valley Grange Hall is located at 172 Guilford Center Road on the corner of Butter Street but the Grange is more accurately described as “in the community,” For information about participating and joining visit the Valley Grange Website or Facebook Page. Better yet, talk to a member or join us for supper!

Parkman Grange Scholarship Supper Celebrates Students

The Parkman Grange awarded six MSAD#4-area college students Minnie Welts Bridge Scholarships of $500 each for the 2024-25 school year. Winners this year include Anna Zimmerman, Guilford, a Psychology major at the University of Maine at Farmington; Cadence Clukey, Abbot, a Counseling major at Grand Canyon University; Emma Calnan, Parkman, a Nursing major at Husson University; Elizabeth Kendall, Guilford, an Education major at the University of Maine at Farmington; Kendall Kimball, Parkman, an Interdisciplinary Global Studies major at the University of South Florida; and, Hannah Dow, Guilford, an Education major at University of the University of Maine at Presque Isle. 

Parkman Grange Master Susan Manchester was joined by recipients Emma Calnan and Hannah Dow (l-r) took a break from their studies to share their career plans.

The six 2024 recipients were celebrated at a Minnie Welts Bridge Scholarship Supper on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Attendees enjoyed pork loin, potatoes, salads, and assorted desserts. All proceeds will go to the Scholarship Fund for future awards. Donations may be made to Parkman Grange at PO Box 114, Guilford, ME 04443. Note Scholarship Fund on the memo line.

Minnie Welts Bridge was a lifelong Parkman resident, a teacher, and a Grange member. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 102. Since then, the Parkman Grange has awarded a total of $18,000 in scholarships in her memory.

Welcome, New Members!

New members, as reported in the July 2024 Issue of Good Day!

Congratulations to Tranquility Grange for adding 18 new members, Victor Grange for 11, and Trenton Grange for welcoming 9. A hearty welcome to all 56 new Patrons of Husbandry who will enjoy the “Grange Way of Life.” Don’t forget, we’d love to hear your answer to “Why I Love the Grange!”

Bauneg Beg #382
Pam Gerry

Fairview #342
Mika Levitt
Nicole Vera

Merriconeag #425
Jim Alexander
Jan Davis
Abigail Hight
Will Hight
Elizabeth Manning

South Sangerville #335
Warren Nuite

Trenton #550
Robert Allison
Greg Askires
Joanna Dotts
Lynn Gregonei
Bing Miller
Macy Miller
Teryn Miller
Mary Turner
Cecla Zaveskotis

Union Harvest #591
Deborah Bailey
Beatrice Martin
Jeffrey Todd

Victor #49
Margaret Blair
William Blair
Donald Green
Joyce Green
Adam Lerette
Joe Robles
Lisa Robles
Richard Tompkins
Sherry Tompkins
Mark Williamson
Sabrina Williamson

Cambridge Valley #582
Gail A. Watson

Jonesboro #357
Janice Philbrook

North Jay #10
Angelia Courchesney

Norway #45
Dennis Feeney
Jeffrey Windom

Tranquility #344
Diane Berenzy
Lee Cronin
Dwight Emerson
Wade Graham
Elizabeth Hand
Jany Hardy
Stephen Hardy
DeAnna Hartel
Alan Larson
Sandy Lehman
Diane O’Brien
Robert Olsen
Pat Shannon
Jack Silverio
Susan Silverio
Cyrene Dlegona
Cheryl Wienges
Karen Womer

Winthrop #209
Robert Faucher

Valley Grange Wants PB & J

Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine.


Again this year, Valley Grange is supporting Bangor Savings Bank’s annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive! During the month of September, we’ll be collecting and donating jars of peanut butter and jelly. All donations will be distributed to local food insecurity programs in our communities—from food pantries to backpack programs to local shelters, and more. The PB&J Drive is all about coming together to spread kindness and make a difference in our communities.

Since 2012, the Bangor Savings Bank Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive has collected more than 120,000 jars and donated them to local food insecurity programs. That’s over 100,000 children, families, and individuals impacted by your donations! In over 12 years, BSB employees, customers, and communities helped provide the equivalent of nearly 2 million peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for those experiencing food insecurity.

Donating a jar can make a big difference to a neighbor in need. Peanut butter, a protein-rich food item, is too often in short supply and in high demand at local food insecurity programs. By donating jars, you’re helping to provide a simple yet impactful meal option for those in need. And with school back in session, let’s support our local schools and backpack programs by donating a jar of peanut butter or jelly to the PB&J Drive!

Jars can be brought to our Valley Grange meeting on Friday, September 20th, dropped off at the hall anytime (there’s a tote on the porch), or given to any member.1 If it’s more convenient, just drop them off at any branch. (Tell ’em Valley Grange sent you!) If you have any questions or need some help, contact Community Service Chair Mary Annis or Program Director Walter Boomsma. You can also visit the Valley Grange Website or Facebook Page. Spread the word! (Pun intended.)

By the way, this is a “two-fer” opportunity! For each donation received, Bangor Savings Bank will donate one additional jar of peanut butter or jelly to local food insecurity programs! 

  1. Note that this program is conducted throughout Bangor Savings Bank’s service area, and anyone–Grange or individual–can participate! Just take your donation to an local branch. ↩︎

Highland Lake Grange Honors Farrell

On August 20th, members of Highland Lake Grange No. 87 presented the Grange’s 2024 Community Service Award to Jim Farrell, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the City of Westbrook over his lifetime, specifically his role in founding Westbrook Volunteer Rescue in 1969 (along with Frank Donahue). Grange member and former Westbrook police officer, firefighter, and mayor Mike Sanphy and Ronald Jones, former deputy chief of Westbrook EMS, spoke on Jim’s achievements. Many members of Jim’s family and friends attended the ceremony (including two of Frank’s children), which was held at Jim’s residence at Stroudwater Lodge Assisted Living Center. Refreshments and fellowship followed the ceremony. The Grange thanks the Westbrook Historical Society’s Bucket Brigade for creating an excellent slide show.

  • Dave Gowen, Master of Highland Lake Grange shares a happy moment with Jim Farrell
  • Congratulations, Jim!
  • Jim Farrell responds with appreciation.
  • The Westbrook Historical Society’s Bucket Brigade focreated an excellent slide show.

September Events

September is a busy Grange Month! Lots of events, contest deadlines, etc. Is your Grange event listed?

  • September 1, 2024, Lecturer’s Skit Writing, Poetry Writing, and Book Reading Contest entries are due.
  • September 1, 2024, Community Service and FHH Reports are due.
  • September 6, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
  • September 6, 2024, Community Potluck Supper at Trenton Grange, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
  • September 7, 2024, Victor Grange 150th Anniversary Celebration with a meal at noon followed by a program at 1 pm. See this post for more information.
  • September 7-8, 2024, Community Bazaar (crafts, farmers’ market, yard sale…) at Trenton Grange from 9 am until 2 pm both days. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
  • September 10, 2024, St George Grange Community Supper at 5 pm. Adults $10, Children $5, under 10 free. For more information, see this post.
  • September 12, 2024, Blood Drive at Harraseeket Grange in Freeport, 12 – 5 pm.
  • September 13, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
  • September 14, 2024, Minnie Welts Bridge Scholarship Supper, 4:30-6:00 pm, at the Parkman Grange Hall on the corner of St Hwy 150 and North Dexter Rd. The supper will be pork loin, potatoes, salads, and dessert, by donation.
  • September 14, 2024, Androscoggin Grange #8 Breakfast from 7 am to 9 am before the Greene Village Day Parade starts! $8.00 per person. FMI see this post!
  • September 14, 2024, Androscoggin Grange Chili Contest, 12 – 2 pm. FMI and rules see this post!
  • September 14, 2024: Androscoggin Grange Roaring 20s Celebration, 6 pm, includes hors-d’oeuvres, mocktails, and dancing! See this post for FMI!
  • September 14, 2024, Androscoggin Grange Pie Baking Contest, 11 am. See this post FMI!
  • September 14, 2024, Deadline for the MSG Bulletin
  • September 14, 2024, MSG Lecturers’ Conference at Manchester Grange. Contact MSG Lecturer Missy Baldwin for More information.
  • September 17, 2024, Special Piscataquis Pomona Meeting at Wayside Grange at 7 pm.
  • September 20, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
  • September 20, 2024, Senior Circle at Victor Grange in Fairfield. Potluck lunch at 11 am for Seniors to get together with others for socializing, networking and a game or two. Held the 3rd Friday monthly. FMI Deb 207-453-4844 or Sherri 207-815-0615. No Charge.
  • September 21, 2024, Junior Grange Meeting at Headquarters. Contact Director Betty Young for more information.
  • September 21, 2024, Wayside Grange Concert featuring Denny Breau; doors open at 6:30 pm. More information at Wayside Grange & Theatre Facebook Page.
  • September 27, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).