Pioneer Grange Celebrates Members

Pioneer Grange #219, located in East Union, recently celebrated some member milestones: Sherwood Hilt was recognized for 65 years of service, Donald Burke for 25 years, and Jessica Hilt for 20 years.

Sherwood has served as Pioneer Grange #219 Steward for over 65 years and has contributed time, energy, and support to the Grange organization and community, helping strengthen its traditions. Donald Burke is currently Pioneer Grange #219 President and has been a faithful member of Pioneer and Medomak Granges for 25 years.

L to R: Sherwood Hilt, Jessica Hilt, and Donald Burke

Jessica Hilt was recognized for 20 years of continuous membership and is currently Pioneer Grange #219 Secretary. She has dedicated her time and service in helping to strengthen the Grange values and commitment to the community.

The following members were recognized for their commitment and recent membership to Pioneer Grange #219: Keith Hilt, Debbie Hilt, Sophia Popli, Ed McDonald, Donna McDonald, Sandy Fuller, ย Maddie Fuller, Mary Kinney, ย Devin Yaeger, Sarah Hewitt, and Junia Norris.

L to R: Keith Hilt, Debbie Hilt, Sherwood Hilt, Junia Norris, Sandy Fuller, Maddie Fuller, Sophia Popli, Jessica Hilt, Mary Kinney, Devin Yaeger, Donna McDonald, DonaldBurke, and Ed McDonald

Pioneer Grange currently meets monthly at 110 Payson Rd in Union. Please reach out to Donald Burke if you’re interested in joining the Pioneer Grange.  

Grange Today! 10-23-2026

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • Are you ready to Pave the Route to the Future?
  • ย Authenticity cannot be Faked: Ethical Use of AI in your Grange
  • Members aged 18 or older asked to take a survey on the National Youth program
  • The Fellowship Factor: Need a Ride?
  • Pave the โ€œRoute to the Futureโ€ at the 160th Annual National Grange Convention
  • View from the Hill
  • Flag Retirement Ceremony: A Share Your Projectโ€™s Story Submission
  • Connecticut Elects New President
  • Tired of the gym grind? Find your next fitness obsession outdoors
  • Recipes from the Heartland
  • Grange Member Benefit: AVIS/Budget Car Rentals

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!


Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.

Communication Shorts 10-17-2026

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!

The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
 mainestategrange@gmail.com. For website matters, email webmaster@mainestategrange.org.

October Bulletin

Yes, we have produced an October Bulletin โ€” it is a reduced edition and will be snail-mailed late due to the State Session, but it’s important to maintain the practice, especially for those who do not attend the State Session. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on theย Program Books and Information Pageย in the communications section.

Bogus Email

Remember to keep your radar on! Here’s an example of a different type of bogus email you might receive claiming some of your email wasn’t delivered. Just delete it!

Breaking News Icon/Logo

Congratulations to Manchester Grange for being the first to be assigned our new “Breaking News” Icon! When a Grange submits news about their programs or events, we’ll be using it to identify the post as a “developing story.” Is that too subtle a hint that you should be sharing your news for posting?

Submitting Events Is Easier

Remember, we now have a specific form for submitting eventsย on the site, and we’re using it! Keep submitting! Ideally, submit event announcements at least thirty days in advance. Then send us a “breaking news” update two weeks before the event. Remember, people are visiting the site from all over Maine and beyond!

Craft Fairs/Sales

Sendus your plans! We’ve created a special page on the site listing the ones we know about! Make sure we know about yours!

Christmas Craft Shows

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

John Quincy Adams

An Idea for Your Grange

Check out this month’s Communications Column for several ideas, including the idea of sending an annual report of your activities and accomplishments to your Town Office for inclusion in your Town’s Annual Report.

Made Your Plans? Hope to see you there!

Visit the 152nd State Convention Webpage!

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

  • 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 frequently consult these directories.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.

Androscoggin Christmas Craft Fair

“Gathering of Dyers” at Evening Star Grange

Welcome to our first “Gathering of Dyers” Day! Not a class, really, but a gathering of people with stained hands, creative hearts, a passion for dye pots, curiosity about what other dyers are up to, and a desire to make new friends.


We meet at Evening Star Grange in Washington on Saturday, November 14, from 10 AM to 3 PM. There will be a dozen dye pots ready and lots of different fibers to sample.

Everyone can dye or tie-dye a silk scarf or cotton bandana to take home with their samples. New dyers are welcome, but this will not be a formal class. The fee, which includes supplies, is $75 for Maine Fibershed members and $85 for non-members.

Advance registration and payment are required so that we have enough material for everyone. Bring your lunch and curiosity! Contact Wendy Carr for more information or to register.

Evening Star Grange is located at 31 Old Union Road in Washington, Maine.

Grange Craft Fairs in Maine

Helping you prepare for the holiday season!

  • October 17, 2026, Harvest Fair at Saco Grange #53 from 9 am to 2 pm.
  • October 24, 2026, Fall Craft Fair at Manchester Grange #172 from 8 am to 2 pm. FMI, including vendor information.
  • October 24, 2026, Danville Junction Grange Christmas Craft Fair from 9 am to 2 pm. FMI
  • November 14, 2026, Fall Fair at Saco Grange #53 from 9 am to 2 pm. FMI
  • November 14, 2026, Christmas Fair at Androscoggin Grange, 9 AM to 2 PM. FMI
  • November 15, 2026, Fall Fair at Saco Grange #53 from 9 am to 2 pm. FMI
  • December 5, 2026, Craft Fair and more at St George Grange #421 from 9 am to 2 pm. FMI
  • December 12, 2026, Christmas Fair at Saco Grange #53 from 9 am to 2 pm. FMI

Granges, please verify your listings for accuracy and advise us of any changes! Submit your craft show listing here.

Welcome to State Session

By Christine Hamp, National Grange President

Grange Today! 10-9-2026

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • National Grange Challenges Congressional Candidates: Protect Rural Healthcare and Fix 340B
  • Accepting Nominations for Foundation Advisory Board
  • Grange Heirloom for October
  • Attend the 160th National Grange Convention
  • Fellowship Factor: Be Their Biggest Fans
  • Michigan State Grange Participates in Local Fair
  • Bag and Boob Babes Sew Day: A Share Your Projectโ€™s Story Submission
  • Hamp Watch: Where is our National Grange President?
  • Think Before You Click: Understanding Social Engineering Scams
  • Recipes from the Heartland
  • Grange Member Benefit: Clouse Insurance
  • Grange Store: Membership Pins

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!


Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.

St. George Grange Fall Craft Fair

Fall Craft Fair at the St. George Grange on Saturday. October 10, 2026, from 9 am until 2 pm includes fresh-baked goods, coffee, mulled cider, homemade jelly, jam, fudge, and canned goods. Lunch will be available: soup w/biscuit, hot dogs, and drinks. For more information, contact the St George Grange Secretary at 207-372-8904.

The St George Grange is located at 32 Wiley’s Corner Road.

Danville Junction Grange Christmas Craft Fair

Danville Junction Grange will hold aย Christmas Craft Fairย on Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 am untilย 2:00 pm. The Grange is located at 15 Grange Street (off Route 202) in Danville. Six-foot tables are available for rent for $20 each, plus an item donated to the Grange raffle. A light lunch will be available. To rent a table, please contact Barbara at 310-0652 or Norma at 583-7211.