Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
Community Service Committee and information
Valley Grange is proud to have handed out close to 250 dictionaries to third-graders this year. That puts us well over 4,000 since starting the program several decades ago. Enjoy some photos of this year’s program.
Dictionary Days are fun because learning is fun!
If your Grange is interested in starting a Words for Thirds Dictionary Program, complete the form below. No obligation!
By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
(207) 608-9193
The Community Service Committee would like to thank all Grangers (Community Service Chairperson, committee members, individuals, and groups) and non-Grange members (groups, citizens and individuals) for their hours of community service and supporting the Grange.
Community Service Notebooks
These notebooks are a report of the Community Service Projects usually one to two pages (three if absolutely needed) for each project. The 1-2 pages will describe the project, planning involved, advertising for project, pictures of project, recognition and thank you.
Ten notebooks were submitted. A certificate of participation recognition was presented to each Grange. Monetary awards were given to the first four places.
10. Willow Grange #366
9. Evening Star Grange #83
8. Hudson Grange #457
7. Valley Grange #144
6. Maple Grove #148
5. Jonesboro Grange #357
4. Saco Grange #53, $50.00
3. Highland Lake Grange #87, $150.00
2. Lakeside Grange #63, $200.00
1. Enterprise Grange #48,$250.00 (Enterprise Grange Notebook goes on to National Grange, representing Maine State Grange.)
Marilyn Stinson of Enterprise Grange was selected as Granger of the Year. Granger of the Year chooses a cause to receive a $100 donation. Marilyn selected the Home for Little Wanderers.
Highland Lake Grange #87 was awarded $50 as the winner of the FH&H Contest.
For a complete report, see the 2023-24 Community Service Annual Report of winners.
Thank you all for participating in the Community Service Programs! Congratulations to all participating Granges and winners!
Please note that there is one correction to the story–The Dictionary Project has actually distributed 37,000,000 dictionaries in total!
BROWNVILLE — Grade 3 students at the Brownville Elementary School now have thousands of words and accompanying definitions at their fingertips, along with other assorted facts. The pupils do not need to worry about charged laptops or cellphones to access this information, as each of the nearly 50 youngsters now has their very own dictionary thanks to Valley Grange No. 144 of Guilford...
Check out this amazing article in the Piscataquis Observer about the words for Thirds Dictionary Day in Brownville Elementary School!
Well, at least for now! We still have some confirming to do, but it looks like at least ten Granges in Maine are participating in the Words for Thirds Program.
Thanks to the folks who have answered the call and provided information. If you still haven’t, just complete this simple form!
Our resource page is shaping up nicely and should be ready to release in a week or so. It includes a customized logo for participating Granges, many sample documents such as a letter for parents, press releases, media advisories, and a sample presentation outline.
We owe a special thanks to Mary French, Director of the Dictionary Project, for her enthusiasm and support of this effort!
Guilford–A team of Valley Granger members led by Walter Boomsma is delivering nearly 250 dictionaries to local area schools during the next several weeks. “We have a lot to celebrate,” he noted, “third graders in the area are celebrating tools, words, and the importance of learning and getting their own dictionary to keep.”
The Grange began its “Words for Thirds” Program in 2004 by giving a dictionary to every third-grader at the then-Guilford Primary School. Over the years, the program has expanded to include Piscataquis Community, SeDoMoCha, Brownville, Harmony, and Ridgeview Elementary Schools. Boomsma estimates the Grange has distributed nearly 4,000 dictionaries since. “But it’s really not about the numbers. One kid, one dictionary. The stories are many, but each one is personal. A dictionary can make a big difference in a child’s life.”
Grangers visit schools to make the gift personal and emphasize the importance of people helping each other. Jim Annis, president of the local Grange, rarely misses a presentation. “I love how excited the kids get. These dictionaries are truly empowering, and the program has become a rite of passage. We’re glad we can continue the tradition.”
Boomsma noted that these sorts of connections and cooperation within the community are exactly what the Grange hopes to facilitate. “We’re all about building strong kids and communities,” he said. “We’re also looking for people who share that passion, whether it’s working with the schools and children or seniors or other community organizations.” He cites the Grange’s Blistered Finger Knitters as an example. “As a result of their efforts, we distribute some knitted hats and mittens along with the dictionaries. These are usually given to the school nurse for kids needing little help staying warm.”
“The kids get excited about the books, but I think for most, it’s about more than just getting a dictionary. It’s also about seeing that organizations and individuals in the community care for each of them and want them to succeed.”
The Dictionary Project is based in North Carolina, making low-cost dictionaries available to organizations like the Grange to aid third-grade teachers in their goal to see all their students leave at the end of the year as good writers, active readers, and creative thinkers. Extra dictionaries are always available for new or home-schooled students or students transferring in during the school year. Parents of home-schooled third-graders are urged to call their local school for additional information. For information about the Grange and its many opportunities, call Walter Boomsma at 343-1842 or Mary Annis at 564-0820 or visit the Valley Grange Website (http://valleygrange.com) or Facebook Page.
As we celebrate our veterans next month on Nov. 11, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services has a variety of resources available for Maine veterans and their families.
Assistance for Maine military members and their families is available here or by calling 888-365-9287.
Those veterans who are having difficulty readjusting to civilian life can find resources here or by calling 877-927-8387.
If you are a veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, you are encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance or visit their website.
Women veterans can contact the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636 for information about a variety of services and benefits available including women’s health and maternity care. For veterans in crisis, seek help by dialing 988, then press 1. There is also a dedicated website for veterans and their families that has additional resources to help a veteran family member in need.
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:
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!
Screenshot from Facebook
By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director
The National Center for Bullying Prevention initiated National Bullying Prevention Month. The campaign is designed to unite communities nationwide through education and awareness. Much attention is rightly given to preventing bullying among kids, but adults can be victims as well.
This year, October 16 has been declared Unity Day. Wearing orange will increase awareness and encourage kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. That sure sounds like something the Grange does! We don’t stop with wearing orange–“we help build community throughout the year.”
In a simple sense, bullying is about power and communication. Our words and actions are important, and words can be powerful, both in a negative and positive way.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt
I believe that an important aspect of preventing bullying is building resilience and strength in potential victims. “Where you fly makes a difference.” We can start with ourselves, certainly. But a question worthy of discussion is “What is our Grange doing to promote kindness in our Grange and our Community?”
(Family Health And Hearing Committees take note! Can you provide some resources for members? Maybe include some thoughts in your next report?)
Some Resources:
StopBullying.gov: A comprehensive resource from the U.S. government that provides information on recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying.
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: Offers resources for students, parents, and educators, including toolkits and educational materials.
The Trevor Project: Focuses on LGBTQ+ youth, providing support and resources to prevent bullying and promote mental health.
National Bullying Prevention Month: An annual campaign in October that raises awareness and encourages communities to take action against bullying.
Stomp Out Bullying: Provides resources, support, and information for students and parents to address bullying and cyberbullying.
There are also some mental health resources on my website.