by Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director
I’m pleased to offer some highlights from the 2026 MSG State Session. I’ll post additional reports and information over the next few days, or as it becomes available! There’s much information! This is not a record of the meeting, just some highlights of information presented that should be of interest.
State Master’s Annual Address and Report
The full text of the State Master’s Annual Address and Report is available here.
Conflict Resolution Workshop
A Summary of The Conflict Resolution Workshop presented by Rick Grotton is available here.
Resolutions
Both Resolutions passed. Resolution #1 dealt with requesting an annual report from the MSG Executive Committee and was recommended by the Good of the Order Committee. (The 2025-26 report will be posted soon as an “Annual Report.”) Resolution #2 dealt with the Maine Secretary of State’s position when running for office and was recommended by the Legislative Committee.
Memorial Service
A summary of the Memorial Service by Chaplain Christine Hebert will be posted soon.
Community Service Awards
Community Service Awards and honors are summarized and posted. For the Community Service Notebooks, Highland Lake Grange #87 received first place, Old Town Riverside #273 second, Mill Stream #574 third, and Saco #53 fourth. The contest is no longer held at the National Grange level.
CWA Contest Winners
CWA contest winners are listed in the 2025-26 CWA Annual Report–it’s a long list! CWA Director Margaret Henderson pointed out that Class A winner Laurie McBurney also received first-place honors at the Big E.
Membership Awards
Sixteen Granges were recognized for a net gain in membership. Leaders included Farmington #12 with plus seven, Harraseeket #9 with plus seven, and Branch Mills #336 with plus five. The complete list is included in the Membership Director’s Annual Report.
National Award
Distinguished Grange Mill Stream #574 received a standing ovation for their achievement. The official presentation will be made at the National Conference on November 20th, and it will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. We’ll post more information before then!
Additional reports and information will be posted!
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Special Note!
You’re all reporters! If you have photos or information from State Session, please submit them. You can email photos as attachments directly to webmaster@mainestategrange.org. Please include brief information such as what was going on and who is in the photo. You could also submit a Guest Article!
All former annual reports and program books are being removed, effective immediately. If you need any, please save them!