Category: Community Service

Community Service Committee and information

Community Service/FHH – November 2023

By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
(207) 608-9193

I am excited to be the Community Service Director. My name is Brenda Dyer. I have been in Grange since I was a Junior Granger. I have been involved at all levels and presently serving as Master of Saco Grange #53, Lecturer of York Pomona #14, and Community Service Director at Maine State Grange. With the participation of Granges, members, and the community, we can help our communities in many ways.  

Congratulations to the winners of the Community Service Notebook

  1. Highland Lake Grange #87
  2. Maple Grove Grange #148
  3. Jonesboro Grange #357
  4. Valley Grange #144 and Saco Grange #53 (tied)

Congratulations to the Family, Health & Hearing winner–Highland Lake Grange #87

November and December are great community service months. Election Day – driving voters to the polls and or to the town hall to absentee vote, helping candidates to pick up signs after election day; Veterans Day – honor the veterans in the community, veterans’ luncheon, thank veterans for their service; Thanksgiving – spend time with family, friends, and neighbors; make a list of things to be thankful for and share it with others. The possibilities are endless. 

Family Health and Hearing Contest

  • November 2, National Men Make Dinner Day
  • November 4, National Candy Day
  • November 19, International Men’s Health Da.

November is also Diabetes Awareness Month. What is your A1C?

December is a Grange Holiday Season – display what it is to be in Grange not only during the holidays but all year round.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas

Celebrate Veterans’ Day 11-11-2023

The artwork is by Larry Bailey, Master of the St George Grange. The Grange invites all to celebrate our Veterans by joining the St George Odd Fellows on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 5 pm until sold out. This will be a sit-down Bean Supper at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Saint George Lodge #132, 7 Elementary School Road, Tenants Harbor, Maine 04860. Takeout will be available. Veterans eat free! Others by donation.

Free Mental Health Program Available

Lecturers, FHH Committees, Community Service Directors…

There’s a mental health crisis in rural America: Suicide rates are 64% to 68% higher for people living in rural areas than people living in big cities. And although people who live in rural areas have higher suicide and depression rates compared to city residents, they are less likely to access mental healthcare services.

There’s a new free program to help improve mental health in rural communities – the Rural Mental Health Resilience Program. Developed by Rural Minds and the National Grange, the Rural Mental Health Resilience Program is a collection of free, potentially life-saving mental health information and resources that can help provide support to those who are struggling with mental health.

To learn more about the Rural Mental Health Resilience Program and to access, download, and print the free program materials, click here: http://www.ruralminds.org/resilience.

Valley Grange and Local Schools Celebrate Dictionary Day

Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine.

Guilford–A team of Valley Granger members led by Walter Boomsma is delivering over 200 dictionaries to local area schools during the next several weeks. “We have a lot to celebrate,” he noted, “despite some of the troubling news, third graders in the area will have a Dictionary Day that focuses on tools, words, and the importance of learning.”

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 links and cooperation within the community are exactly what the Grange hopes to facilitate. “We’re all about Community Service,” 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. Last year, we also did a “sock it me” drive so we could include socks. These are usually given to the school nurse for kids who need a little help staying warm.”

An added feature this year is a “Musical Celebration of Rural Living” in the form of a concert on November 17, 2023, featuring Katherine Rhoda. Program Director Boomsma notes, “Katherine will be playing some unique instruments and featuring Grange Music from over the years. It’s truly a celebration but also a fundraiser to support our programs.” Admission is $15, kids under 12 are free. Additional information is available on the Valley Grange Website (http:valleygrange.com) and Facebook Page.

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.

Webmaster’s Note: Granges that sponsor a Words for Thirds Project are encouraged to use this press release as a model or template. Additional information including a sample letter to parents is available on the Valley Grange Website. Learn more about promoting your program in the MSG Communications Handbook.

Mental Health Support Resources

Reprinted in part with permission from an e-newsletter published by Senator Stacy Guerin

Anyone affected by the violence in Lewiston is encouraged to reach out and connect with behavioral health support. Incidents of mass violence can lead to a range of emotional reactions, including anxiety, fear, anger, despair and a sense of helplessness that may begin immediately or in the days or weeks following the event.

Seek help immediately if you or someone you know is talking about suicide, feelings of hopelessness or unbearable pain, or about being a burden to others.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

For those in need of immediate support:

Call or text 988: This suicide and behavioral health crisis hotline is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained crisis specialists offering free, confidential support for anyone. Specialists also can respond by chat at 988lifeline.org. (Veterans and their families can press “1” for specific assistance.) Information for the deaf and hard of hearing is available here.

Teens and young adults can text (207) 515-8398: The National Alliance on Mental Illness Teen Text Line connects youth with other youth to help them manage their challenges every day from noon to 10 p.m. (Note this is NOT a crisis line. If the situation is critical, use the Crisis Line. Simply text “home” or “hello” to 741 741.)

Clinicians, educators and first responders can call (800) 769-9819: The FrontLine WarmLine offers free support services to help these professionals manage the stress of responding to disasters from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

If you’re unsure, contact 211. It provides general information, including how to access behavioral health and social service resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information can also be found at 211maine.org.

All of these resources provide free, confidential support.

The State of Maine has created a dedicated webpage with these and other resources, including online support and resources for children and families.

Important Note!

Communications Director’s Note: *As many of you know, I teach in the Addiction Counseling Program at Beal University, offer Suicide Prevention Workshops, and am a NAMI certified mental health first aid responder. I am not familiar with the “National Alliance on Mental Illness Teen Text Line, but would strongly recommend The Crisis Text Line. Simply text “home” to 741741. (Actually any word will do!) It is data-driven and has an excellent track record. Please share this post freely–especially on Social Media, Grange Pages and Websites! The links below make it quite easy. If I can be of assistance, please contact me!

Valley Grange Gives Words and More!

Third graders at Brownville Elementary School received lots of words recently in the form of brand-new dictionaries from Valley Grange. The students learned a little bit about Valley Grange, farming, and agriculture, not to mention how to use a dictionary. Since there is a lot more than words in their books, we even said “Hello” to each other using sign language.

Mr. Boomsma demonstrates the use of the shepherd’s hook.
Students really get into their dictionaries.
Getting ready for a dictionary race–whowill find the word first?
Is that hand going up or down?
The welcome mat is out!

Valley Grange #144 is located in Guilford, Maine.

The Dictionary Project is designed to aid third-grade teachers with their goal of seeing all their students leave at the end of the year as good writers, active readers, and creative thinkers. The dictionary is for the student to keep, take it into the fourth grade, and use it throughout his or her entire school career. “The kids become really engaged,” Valley Grange Program Director “Mr. Boomsma” notes. “I think they like the idea that people in the community care about them and, as we explain, they own the dictionary and all the words in it.”

“We also get to talk about the staves as farmer’s tools and how the Grange uses them as reminders of the qualities we should strive for in our classrooms and communities.”

The Valley Grange Program extends across four districts and five schools. This is our 24th year and we’ve given out close to 4,000 dictionaries since starting the program. Additional Dictionary Days are being scheduled at SeDoMoCha Elementary in Dover Foxcroft, PCES in Guilford, Harmony Elementary, and Ridgeview Elementary in Dexter.

Community Service Contest Winners

Gleaned from the Annual Report

Community Service Notebook Contest Winners
First Place: Highland Lake Grange #87
Second Place: Maple Grove #148
Third Place: Jonesboro Grange #357
Tied for Fourth Place: Valley Grange #144 and Saco Grange #53
Of 84 Subordinate Granges, ten reports were submitted. We are required to have a 25% participation rate to receive monetary support from the National Grange. We did not make it this year.

There were no entries for EMT/Firefighter/Educator of the Year and no entries for Granger of the Year. Previous Grangers of the Year included:
2017 – 2018 Victoria Huff
2018 – 2019 Ann Burns
2019 – 2020 Walter Boomsma
2020 – 2021 Rebekah Hodgson
2021 – 2022 John Cox Jr.

Family Health and Hearing Contest Winner
Highland Lake Grange #87

Parkman Grange Kicks Off Santa Project

Santa Project Helps MSAD 4 Families in Need

The Parkman Grange is again helping out Santa to make Christmas special for MSAD 4 area kids with the Santa Project.  This program provides warm winter coats, boots, and a toy to local kids, from newborns to high school seniors whose families could use a little help this holiday season.  Applications can be picked up at the following town offices: Abbot, Cambridge, Guilford, Parkman, and Sangerville and at the Parkman Grange on the porch. They are also available through the schools.  The application deadline is November 11, 2023. Distribution will be on Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 10 AM to noon. The Parkman Grange is located at the corner of State Hwy 150 and North Dexter Road. 

 If you would like to help out, donation checks can be made out to Parkman Grange, memo line Santa Project, and sent to PO Box 114, Guilford, ME 04443.

Save the date: December 9, 2023, from 1-3 p.m. Parkman Grange hosts a kids’ Christmas party. Santa will be there with simple crafts to make for gifts. There will be cookies, cocoa, and lots of fun for all!

Additional information is available from Sue Manchester, Parkman Grange Master, at 207 717-6248.

Kennebec Valley Grange Take-Home Lunch

Annual Carroll Dean Memorial Agricultural Scholarship Fundraiser

October 28, 2023, 12 – 2 p.m. at the Kennebec Valley Grange, 560 Main Street, Madison, Maine, during their weekly flea market.

The menu includes Pit ham, baked beans, mac and cheese, and a variety of other casseroles, apple crisp, or pumpkin pie for $10.00. We will also have our regular pints and quarts of baked beans or dynamites for sale to go. For information, contact Diane Pinkham at 207-314-5135.

Valley Grange Is Going Nuts and Having Fun!

Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine.

Bangor Saving Bank has announced its annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive, encouraging folks to “go nuts and have fun! Valley Grangers have no problem with going nuts and having fun. In fact, we plan to support it!

In short, we’ll collect jars of peanut butter and jelly to contribute to the drive. As Bangor Savings explains, “Peanut butter, a protein-rich food item, is too often in short supply and high demand at local food insecurity programs. And what’s a more classic pair than peanut butter and jelly? Something as simple as donating a jar can make a big difference to a neighbor in need. And with school back in session, we can support our local schools and backpack programs by donating a jar of peanut butter or jelly!”

You can, of course, drop off your donations at any bank branch. For our part, we’ll have a collection box on the porch of the Valley Grange Hall (172 Guilford Center Road, corner of Butter Street). This worked well during last year’s “Sock it to us” collection. We’re also asking Grange Members to collect. We’ll complete the collection at our September 15th meeting and deliver what we’ve collected to the Dover Foxcroft Branch before the September 30th deadline.

Last year, we had a boxful! Will we need a bigger box this year?

Bangor Savings will be matching donations–for every jar received, one additional jar will be donated to local food insecurity programs. It’s a “two-fer!”

We have a few ideas for going nuts and having fun, so stay tuned!

Webmaster’s note: Since this is a statewide effort, perhaps some other Granges will consider “going nuts and having fun” by supporting it!