Category: Family Health & Hearing

Family Health and Hearing Committee and Information

Mill Stream Grange Visits School

Kindergartners Start Farming

Recently, Mill Stream Grange members Jill Sampson, Lisa Goucher, and Paula Hanley visited teacher Melanie Hall’s kindergarten class at Mt. Vernon Elementary School to share information about the Grange and farming.  Each child was given a new book titled “Farming” by Gail Gibbons, a coloring book on farming, and animal stickers. Jill read “Farming” to the students, then Lisa and Paula helped each of them to plant sunflower seeds, which were placed on the windowsill in the sun.  

Mt Vernon Kinders had fun learning
Jill reads to future farmers.
Jill reads to future farmers
The farmers’ tools and future crops

Farming by Gail Gibbons is a popular nonfiction children’s book that uses clear, colorful illustrations and diagrams to explain the year-round work on a farm, from planting and harvesting crops to caring for animals and dealing with seasonal changes. An updated edition includes new safety equipment and procedures, making it an engaging and educational resource for young readers (ages 4-8) about agriculture, tractors, and where food comes from. It is available from Amazon.

What’s not to love about Jill’s apron? “Romaine Calm and Carrot On.”

Maine Senior FarmShare Program

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) Maine Senior FarmShare Program (MSFP) will soon begin enrolling participants for the 2026 season. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Maine Senior FarmShare Program, which has helped connect older adults with fresh Maine-grown produce, cut herbs, and honey while supporting local farms across the state.

Enrollment for the 2026 season will open on June 1, 2026.

Interested older adults may complete an online application on the MSFP website. This application includes a menu that lists farms by county, so they can select the farm they would like to enroll with in MSFP. An applicant can choose a farm in any county, regardless of where they live. Applicants will receive immediate email notification indicating whether they are eligible or ineligible.

Click it or Ticket!

Reprinted from an e-newsletter by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin, District 4.

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety (BHS) announced the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” seat belt education and enforcement campaign began May 11 and will run through Sunday, May 31. The campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday weekend, will involve Maine State Police and local agencies across the state.

There have been 23 motor vehicle occupant fatalities in Maine so far in 2026. Of those, 13 (57%) were unbelted. Nationally in 2024, 9,758 passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts.  Among the young adult (18-34) passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2024, 59% were unbuckled— one of the highest percentages for all age groups.

Seat belt violations became a primary traffic infraction in Maine in 2007 and carry a fine of $50 for the first offense, $125 for the second offense and $250 for the third and subsequent offenses. BHS said participating law enforcement agencies are taking a no-excuses approach and will be writing citations day and night. BHS also reminds drivers that child passengers must be restrained with smaller children secured in a safety seat that fits their weight, height and the vehicle in which it is secured. For more information or tips on properly securing a child safety seat, visit their webpage

Happy Mothers Day!

“A mother’s love is the heartbeat of every family.”

Multiple Sclerosis Awarenss Month

Reprinted from an enewsletter by Maine Representative James White, District 30.

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness of the current state of research on multiple sclerosis, including new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves of the CNS and can potentially injure the nerves as well. This damage causes reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common MS symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, depression and cognitive issues, and various levels of impaired mobility. The prevalence of multiple sclerosis is estimated at nearly one million people nationwide and most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Researchers continue to learn more as they look for both a cause and a cure.

To learn more about MS and available support options for you or a loved one, please visit the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Web site.

Cold Weather Tips for Farms

Based on an email from the MDACF.

Take Care in Extreme Temperatures

Farmers and animals need the same basic care in very cold weather. These reminders are for farmers of all experience levels and for those who support them.

  • Stay dry and dress in warm layers; keep skin covered.
  • Take regular breaks to warm up when working outside.
  • Check on farming friends and neighbors. Severe weather can add tasks and disrupt normal routines.

Signs of frostbite: red or painful skin; white or grayish-yellow patches; skin that feels hard, waxy, or numb.

Signs of hypothermia: shivering, extreme fatigue, confusion, trouble using hands, or slurred speech. If hypothermia is suspected, check body temperature and seek medical help immediately if it is below 95°F.

Reduce Stress and Plan Ahead

Pace yourself and plan ahead to reduce stress for both people and animals.

  • Make sure drinking water is unfrozen when animals need it; provide a safe alternative if repairs take time.
  • Focus first on essential tasks, such as animal care. Less-urgent work can wait until after the storm.

Ten Tips to Stay Safe Farming during Maine Winters.

Baby, it’s cold outside!

Image is AI-generated

And snowy! Not that you needed to be reminded. But we will remind everyone to check on their neighbors (not just when it’s cold and snowing). A phone call, text, or social media message can mean a lot!

Let’s stay safe together!

The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.

Hubert H. Humphrey

Heating Assistance

MaineHousing’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) are open and accepting applications for the 2025-2026 heating season.  Apply online through the HEAP online application.  Applications are accepted through May 29, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.

HEAP helps eligible homeowners and renters with heating costs, emergency fuel delivery, and utility assistance.  Weekly benefit payments have already begun.

Households facing an energy emergency should also contact their local community action agency.

A “community action agency” that may assist is your local Grange–some around the state participate in different ways. One common approach is to provide funds to local oil dealers to assist customers who are struggling.

South Sangerville Grange Challenge

As an example, South Sangerville Grange has challenged other Granges to participate by purchasing at least 100 gallons of fuel from a local dealer. You can reach South Sangerville Secretary Barbara Hatch by email to report your efforts or for more information.

Community Service/FHH – December 2025

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

Every Grange has started the Community Service Projects. Please keep an individual form for each project. I am waiting on National Grange as to whether book reports will be sent to National or if they will just be sent to the state report.

Family Health and Hearing

Plan or help with family things to do in the community

  • sponsor a blood drive, mittens, hats and scarves for community,
  • sponsor a workshop on hearing. Check with the community about free hearing tests.

Enjoy the rest of Autumn and the upcoming Winter. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy 2026!

Community Service/FHH – November 2025

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

Thank you for your entries in the Community Service and Family Health and Hearing Contests. Keep up the good work. Thank you to the judges who worked on the entries.  

I want to encourage you to go through the Community Service Program Book.  Do what you can to help people during Thanksgiving, and keep up with the Heirloom and Substance Project. Keep good notes about your activities and refer to your Community Service reports to see what we are looking for when judging at the end of the program year.  

For Family, Health and Hearing — It is flu season, so please take precautions.  

Thank you all for your calls, cards, and prayers for me at this very challenging time. Your encouragement is appreciated.