Category: National Grange Information

National Grange information, including National Convention.

Notes from National – October 2024

Notes from National are gleaned from an email provided by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director.
  • There is still time to register for the 158th National Grange Convention in Bettendorf, Iowa, November 12-16, 2024. Information and registration links can be found at http://www.nationalgrange.org/158thconvention.
  • Subscribe to the National Grange’s Good Day! magazine. Only $16 a year gives you access to our print or digital subscription. Learn more about the magazine at http://www.nationalgrange.org/goodday or the digital issue at http://www.issuu.com/grangegoodday. The October issue is hitting mailboxes this week.
  • Subscribe to Grange Today! at http://www.nationalgrange.org/subscribe. Grange Today! is released on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month, full of news and information from Granges around the country. Through this newsletter, we hope to engage and inspire Grange members from coast to coast.
  • We are also looking for people to submit their Grange’s news so we can feature them in the newsletters or in Good Day! magazine.
  • The National Grange’s biweekly podcast “The Grange Hall,” is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or iHeartRadio. You can also listen on PodBean, the National Grange website, or watch on YouTube! Be sure to like and subscribe! If you have comments or questions, or if you’d like to recommend a member of YOUR Grange to be featured, you can contact us at grangehallpod@gmail.com.
  • The National Grange Social Media Calendar is available. This is intended to be a guide for State and Community Granges of topics/events that may be used to enhance social media. By no means is it a suggestion to post ALL of these things, but if you’re looking to get out of a rut or expand your social media reach. This could also be a great resource for Grange Lecturers/Program Directors who are looking for new programming ideas.
  • Many National Grange events are recorded and archived. If you missed an online event and would like to view it, please visit the National Grange YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/nationalgrange. 
  • Follow National Grange on Social Media! We’re on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube! This is generally the quickest and most up-to-date location to find out what’s happening at the National Grange.
  • I hope you’ve seen that the National Grange announced that registration is open for the 2025 National Grange Convention. The 159th Annual Convention will cruise from Miami to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao from November 8-16, 2025. I know there are a lot of questions about this, so we’ve created one-sheets on registration and a simple FAQ that are available on the National Grange’s website. More information, including how to book your cabin, is now available, and other details will be released soon, but it’s not too early to begin planning!

Notes from National are gleaned from an email provided by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director.

Communication Shorts 10-15-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

October Bulletin Available

Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

State Session Is Happening VERY Soon

Remember, complete information is available right here on the website!

Scholarship Information Reminder

We’ve seen a recent uptick in visits to the Scholarship Information Page. If your Grange offers scholarships, please visit this page and make sure the information is current and correct!

Holiday Craft Fairs?

Many Granges offer holiday craft fairs or “makers markets.” Please submit information about yours! We offer statewide publicity and make it easy for you to share information on Social Media. If you submit it before November 15, it will be included in the November Bulletin!

Annual Reports and Program Books

Those we’ve received are listed on the 2024 State Session page and have been added to the Program Books and Information Page.

Consider this Idea!

Plan some sort of simple gathering during the holidays. I wrote a “Special Report” last year about a community event we attended last year on Christmas Day. I was surprised at how many were there and what a great time it was.

Think about this

“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.”

Sharon Salzberg

Submit Dates

We’ve opened the 2025 Website Event Calendar. Don’t forget to submit your dates!

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site consult these directories often.

Communication Shorts 10-5-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

October Bulletin Deadline

October Bulletin columns and information are due by October 14th. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

Fifth Degree Reminder

On October 9, 2024, the Fifth Degree will be offered at Danville Junction Grange at 7:00 p.m. Contact Maynard Chapman at 207 312-5591 for information or to join.

State Session Is Happening Soon

Remember, complete information is available right here on the website!

Have You Ordered Dictionaries?

For most Granges, it’s “Words for Thirds” season! Look for some exciting news about this program here in Maine!

Annual Reports and Program Books

Those we’ve received are listed on the 2024 State Session page. We’ll be adding them to the Program Books and Information Page soon.

Consider this Idea!

Always have some kind of handout available at every event–even if it’s just a simple business card listing your meeting schedule.

Think about this

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” 

Henry David Thoreau

Submit Dates

We’re opening the 2025 Website Event Calendar. Don’t forget to submit your dates!

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct!

Communication Shorts 09-15-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

September Bulletin Available

The September Bulletin is available. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

Vaccinations at Big E

Our undercover reporter tells us that 200 COVID and/or flu vaccinations were administered at the booth in front of the New England Grage Building. The program continues through September 29th. For more information see this post.

Monroe Grange Store Reminder

As noted in this month’s Exploring Traditions Column, flags and holders are available from the Monroe Grange Store. Many Grange-related products available—even the hard-to-find stuff! They can help with fundraising programs, custom-printed apparel, promotional items, awards, signs, and banners. Check out the Grange Store!

State Session Page Updated

A page dedicated to the 2024 State Session has a “packet of information” that includes the forms necessary to reserve meals. It even includes deadlines for reserving and submitting information! This page is currently getting lots of visits!

Officers and Directors Note!

Annual reports and program books are coming due.

Consider this Idea!

Think about “rebranding” your potluck into a community event. Encourage residents to meet and greet each other and build the community. Welcome, children so it’s a family event. Request participants bring food, hot or cold, to share. Make available bottled water, paper goods, cups, tables, games, and music. Include activities like face painting, corn hole, drawing, and dancing.

Think about this!

Doing things is not the same as getting things done!”

Jared Silver

Submit News! Be “famous”

Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct!

National Grange Arranges Vaccinations at the New England Grange Building

National Grange is excited to invite you to visit the National Grange’s FREE vaccination clinic at the Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts, hosted with the support of our New England State Granges!

If you are heading to the Big E this year, be sure to stop by our booth in front of the New England Grange building to receive free, updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Professional pharmacists from PharMerica will be there to assist you and answer any questions.

For more information: https://www.grangevaccinationeffort.com/

Communication Shorts 09-03-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

September Bulletin Deadline

The September Bulletin Deadline is September 14, 2024. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

Danville Junction Grange Bingo Postponed

Danville Junction Grange will resume Bingo at the Grange Hall on Saturday, December 7, instead of in September, as previously mentioned. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

Monroe Grange Store Reminder

This is just a reminder that the Monroe Grange Store has many Grange-related products available—even the hard-to-find stuff! They can help with fundraising programs, custom-printed apparel, promotional items, awards, signs, and banners. Check out their Grange Store!

State Session Page Is Updated

A page dedicated to the 2024 State Session now has a “packet of information” that includes the forms necessary to reserve meals. We’ve recently posted a copy of the 2023 Journal of Proceedings, a record of last year’s convention.

Many Contest Deadlines Are Coming Up

Get your entries in! Officers and directors note that annual reports and program books are coming due.

Consider this Idea!

Where’s your Grange’s Cornucopia? What’s it look like? It just might be time for rehabbing your “horn of plenty” and having it prominently displayed somewhere in the hall. H-O-P-E!

Think about this!

“Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you into trouble.”

Frank Tyger

Submit News! Be “famous”

Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct!

Notes from National – August 2024

  • With September upon us, we are in the home stretch to the National Grange Convention. We are holding a special Zoom meeting on September 4th about this year’s Convention that I would encourage all to sign in for.

Notes from National are gleaned from an email provided by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director.

Communication Shorts 08-16-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Send us your ideas and thoughts!

August Bulletin Available

The August Bulletin is available for download and distribution. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

Androscoggin Grange #8 Schedules Big Day!

Androscoggin Grange in Greene has a big day planned on September 14th! Check out the events calendar on the website for details, but activities include a pancake breakfast, pie contest, chili cook-off, and roaring twenties celebration with mocktails and dancing!

Information Available: Castle Hill Grange

The Castle Hill Grange Hall Preservation Society was formed in 1993 to save the Grange Hall in Castle Hill. We have now disbanded due to lack of funds and membership. We have some papers from Grange #260, which disbanded in 1976(?). If you would like any of these papers and certificates. you can contact me by email: Sheena McHatten

State Session Page Is Updated

A page dedicated to the 2024 State Session now has a “packet of information” that includes the forms necessary to reserve meals.

Many Contest Deadlines Are Coming Up

Get your entries in! Officers and directors note that annual reports and program books are coming due.

Consider this Idea!

Are there events in your community sponsored by others that you could piggyback on and be part of?

Think about this!

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is to  work hard at work worth doing.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Submit News! Be “famous”

Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct!

Note from National – August 2024

The National Grange is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Grouper, a social fitness movement that supports healthy living through social connections. 

By joining Grouper, eligible members can earn a $50 payment for signing up and $20 every three months for staying active in Grange community projects and gatherings. 

Join our Live Q&A Session to learn more and get your questions answered directly from Grouper and Grange representatives. 

Date: August 12th | Time: 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT | Join via Zoom: grange.biz/grouperzoom.

To see if you qualify for these benefits, visit hellogrouper.com/grange. For any questions, contact the Grouper Member Engagement Team at 833-445-2400 or info@hellogrouper.com.

Notes from National are gleaned from an email provided by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director.

Communication Shorts 08-07-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Send us your ideas and thoughts!

August Bulletin Deadline

Articles and columns for the August Bulletin are due on the 14th! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

Information Wanted: Winthrop Grange

We have made the 2024 National Grange Digest available directly from the MSG Website. It is listed in the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page. This booklet will answer many of your questions regarding Grange Law and Practice.

Information Available: Castle Hill Grange

The Castle Hill Grange Hall Preservation Society was formed in 1993 to save the Grange Hall in Castle Hill. We have now disbanded due to lack of funds and membership. We have some papers from Grange #260, which disbanded in 1976(?). If you would like any of these papers and certificates. you can contact me by email: Sheena McHatten

State Session Page is Available

A page dedicated to the 2024 State Session is now available with preliminary information. This will be a work in progress!

Many Contest Deadlines Are Coming Up

Get your entries in!

Consider this Idea!

Fall is a great time to celebrate the harvest! How will your Grange do that?

Think about this!

“So, the next time you visit a fair, take a moment to soak in the sights and sounds, to let your inner child run wild, and to appreciate the magic that surrounds you. Because in the world of fairs, anything is possible, and happiness is just a ride away.”

Unknown

Submit News! Be “famous”

Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct!