Category: Grange News

Communication Shorts 02-15-2026

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.

February Bulletin

The February Bulletin is now available for download. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Seeking Someone

Do you, your child, or your grandchild have some knowledge of WordPress? (For those unfamiliar, WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that allows users to create, manage, and customize websites without needing advanced coding knowledge. The Maine State Grange Website uses it.) If so, let’s connect and explore some opportunities. I could use a few hours of volunteer help occasionally.

Rapid Resource

We’re always seeking resources of potential interest to Grangers and Friends that are not necessarily specific to the Grange. These will be short and easy to digest. As an example, the first concerns finding and tracking scholarships. You can help! Let me know what you think and, by all means, submit ideas and suggestions.

National Grange Notes

Remember, applications for National Grange Rural Life Initiative Grants are due by February 28, 2026. (You must submit through the online portal.)

Your Grange Presence

If your Grange has an active website or social media presence, please make sure to let us know! We maintain a list on the site and publicize them as a source of more information.

To ponder…

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”

attributed to Abraham LIncoln

An Idea for Your Grange

I recently stumbled upon an organization offering a free “How to Write an Obituary” workshop. It might sound unusual at first, but offering some legacy-planning information could be a valuable service. Hospice workers, funeral directors, financial planners, etc., could be included.

What’s Going On?

St Patrick’s Day and Grange Month programs and events needed now!

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine.

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.

Grange Today! 2-13-2026

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • Make a strong impression in your grant proposal
  • Apply for a Rural Life Initiative grant
  • Grange Heirloom for February
  • 2026 National Grange Programs now available online
  • Support the Grange Foundation through the Common Routes Challenge
  • Understanding Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Numbers to Know in 2026
  • Apply for the Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship
  • Hamp Watch: Where is our National Grange President?
  • Recipes from the Heartland
  • Member Benefit: Aflac
  • Grange Store: Veteran Recognition Pin

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

Read the Current Issue

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.

Changes at Enterprise Grange

Submitted by Marilyn Stinson

Enterprise Grange is located at 15 Alexander Reed Road in Richmond, Maine.

Enterprise Grange #48 has changed its meeting nights. It is now the third Tuesday of each month (except October, due to the State Session). Public Pot Luck Supper at 6:00, meeting at 7:00.

Our January meeting was close to February, and we held a candle-lighting ceremony to observe Four Chaplains Day with veterans reading the four paragraphs and Master CJ lighting the candles. As I researched the program and learned that the priest, two Protestant pastors, and a rabbi went down with the ship, praying and singing hymns, I wondered which hymns would be central to their different faiths. I settled on Faith of Our Fathers.

Enterprise Grange Public Super

Submitted by Marilyn Stinson

Enterprise Grange is located at 15 Alexander Reed Road in Richmond, Maine.

Public Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

Saturday, March 14, 2026, 5:OO PM – 7:00 PM

Corned beef OR ham, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, rolls, desserts, beverages, home made pickled beets. Served buffet style, but we will assist anyone; takeout available without the coffee.

Only $18.00 (cheaper than most restaurants and no tip), Seniors 65+ only $15.00, Family rates.
Reservations or FMI – Marilyn at 207-308-3901. Gluten-free dessert option.

Kennebec Valley Grange Flea Market and More!

Every Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM, Kennebec Valley Grange hosts a flea market on two floors. Seamstress in attendance 10 AM-2 PM. You’ll find baked goods such as whoopie pies, regular pies, and Needhams. (Pies by preorder. Doris 399-1191) There are also baked beans, Dynamites, and haddock chowder available to go, by the pint or quart. Fresh local eggs. We also offer a small lending library of books and magazines on homesteading, cooking, and farming. FMI Diane Pinkham, Master, 314-5135

Kennebeck Valley Grange is located at 560 Main Street in Madison, Maine.

Kennebeck Valley Grange Facebook Group

Communication Shorts 02-2-2026

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.

February Bulletin

The deadline for the February Bulletin is Valentine’s Day (February 14)! Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Rapid Resource

We’re introducing this on a trial basis. We’re always seeking resources of potential interest to Grangers and Friends that are not necessarily specific to the Grange. This will be short and easily digestible. As an example, the first concerns finding and tracking scholarships. You can help! Let me know what you think and, by all means, submit ideas and suggestions.

National Grange Rural Life Initiative Grants

Remember, applications are due by February 28, 2026. (You must submit through the online portal.

Your Grange Presence

If your Grange has an active website or social media presence, please make sure to let us know! We maintain a list on the site and publicize them as a source of more information.

To ponder…

“To lead people, walk beside them. As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate. When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!“

Lao-Tsu

An Idea for Your Grange

What are you planning for Grange Month (April)?

What’s Going On?

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine.

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.

Fairview Grange Makes Plans!

By Rick Watson, Master of Fairview Grange #342

Fairview Grange is located at 826 Village Road in Smithfield.

Fairview Grange members got together recently for the monthly meeting. We had 15 members present, which was a great turnout for below-zero temps and freshly cleared driveways of 12” or more a day prior. Hot coffee and fresh brownies on the counter. Our first meeting since the holidays, and it was nice to get together again.

We quickly took care of our Grange business, and we remain well-financed and full of optimism for our Grange and our Community. Thankfully, we have a steady income stream from our Grange rentals, allowing us to keep moving forward.

The bulk of time spent was on 2026 activities, which include the Skowhegan State Fair display, Hunter Safety Class on August 12 and 22, Hunter’s Breakfast on November 7th, April 11th Vintage Snowmobile Show, and a plan to celebrate our Nation’s 250th birthday with events held at our Grange and on our Lakes in Town.

None of this happens without the enthusiasm and commitment of our members. I thank the long-time members who have seen the highs and lows and have hung in there, as well as our new members who bring fresh perspectives and ideas, all in support of our Grange and Community. Thank you!

Fairview Grange Facebook Page

Communication Shorts 01-27-2026

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.

February Bulletin

The deadline for the February Bulletin is Valentine’s Day (February 14)! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

To ponder…

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

Anthony J. D’Angelo

An Idea for Your Grange

Create a Greeters Committee to welcome new residents. If you work with the town office, you could inform them of resources and encourage their engagement in local activities, including your Grange events.

Waz up?

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine.

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.

Grange Today! 1-23-2026

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • National Grange Announces Rural Life Initiative: “Bridging the Gaps” Grants
  • Tune in for the Strategies to Strengthen Our Communities webinar series
  • Help shape the future of the Grange
  • New National Junior Grange Director appointed
  • View from the Hill: National Grange Policy & Issues Updates
  • Celebrate the Semiquin with America250: A Guidebook for Granges
  • Join the Grange Foundation’s Common Routes Challenge
  • Apply for the Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship
  • Recipes from the Heartland
  • How to Live to be 100 Years Old
  • Grange Store: Guidelines for Grange Leaders
  • Grange Store: People, Pride and Progress
  • Member Benefit: StartHearing
  • Grange Store: Grange Jewelry

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

Read the Current Issue

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.

National Grange Announces Rural Life Initiative: “Bridging the Gaps” Grants

By Philip J Vonada, National Grange Communications Director

The National Grange continues its commitment to revitalizing rural communities with the launch of a new competitive grant cycle through the Rural Life Initiative.

On January 13, during a webinar entitled “From Ideas to Impact,” National Grange President Christine Hamp announced the start of the “Bridging the Gaps” grant cycle through the Rural Life Initiative (RLI), a program designed in partnership with Grange Advocacy to strengthen rural communities through health, wellness, agriculture, and community projects and events.

Bridging the Gaps allows Community and Pomona Granges to identify unmet, underserved, or under-attended needs in their areas, and to create projects, programs, or events to assist in meeting those needs.

“We want to help give Granges the results to show that they can be a change agent in their communities through partnerships that haven’t been possible before,” said Hamp. “This is about building capacity and resiliency in local communities.”

To date, more than $175,000 has been distributed to State and Community Granges through previous Rural Life Initiative grants and programs.

The grant is as follows:

$1,000 Bridging the Gap Grants (40 available)

  • Applications reviewed as received. Must apply by February 28, 2026
  • Projects must be completed by August 31, 2026, with final reports submitted by September 30, 2026.

While the grant amount is fixed, additional incentives are available for each verifiable new member Granges gain through their projects.

Because RLI aims to build stronger communities across the country, there are a few main components to the grants:

  • Events must address a disparity seen within your community.
    • The goal of the Rural Life Initiative: Bridging the Gaps grant cycle is to get Granges active, encourage flexibility, and help place Granges at the forefront of educating the community and addressing and mitigating a local disparity within your community.
  • You must include at least one partner organization beyond your Grange.
  • You must submit a current membership list with the application proposal.
  • You have the flexibility to choose topics based on local needs, but:
    • Projects cannot involve building improvements or equipment purchases unless they’re essential to carrying out the project.
    • Projects must include a plan for recruiting and engaging new members.

“We have seen Granges come alive through the previous grant cycles,” said Hamp. “Granges are thinking bigger and getting engaged in their communities again at a time when this kind of connection and involvement is crucial. They are connecting with each other and building bridges to future success and lasting impact. The Rural Life Initiative is an essential lifeline for community resiliency in towns of all sizes nationwide.”

During the January 13 webinar, presenters Beth Westbrook and Nona Bear outlined several ways the Bridging the Gaps grant could be used by Granges, walking participants through every step. They encouraged attendees to “dream big” and think outside of the box.

The tips and tricks presented also encouraged Granges to pursue other community-based grants, always aiming for success.

“By giving Granges—and Grangers—the tools to succeed, the permission to think big, and some grant funding to get started, we are sure to see meaningful, engaging, life-changing programs and events,” said Nona Bear, one of the webinar presenters and a longtime advocate for rural communities.

Two additional webinars in the Strategies to Strengthen Our Communities series will be held on February 10 – “Lessons Learned: Success Stories from 2025” and March 10 – “Engaging New Energy.”

“We encourage you to stay engaged – you never know what’s coming next,” teased Hamp.

To watch the full announcement, visit the National Grange YouTube channel, view the full grant requirements, and submit your applications at the Rural Life Initiative page on the National Grange website.

Bridging the Gaps Information Page