We will post information as it becomes available. You may also check with the secretary of your Subordinate or Pomona Grange.
Greetings from National President Betsy Huber
Deadlines
- August 15, 2023, any and all resolutions must be submitted.
- September 15, 2023, Annual Reports and Program Books are due from Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs. Please send the webmaster a copy of the Annual Reports and Program Books!
- October 5, 2023, Reservations are due for Thursday’s Banquet and Friday’s Luncheon.
- October 13, 2023, Delegate Registration Forms are due at State Headquarters.
Basic Schedule
Note this is a preliminary schedule and is subject to change. A more detailed schedule is available in the 2023 State Session Packet.
Friday, October 20, 2023
- 1:00 PM Opening in Sixth Degree, Lowering to the Fourth
- 2:00 PM State Master’s Address
- 2:45 PM Memorial Service, MSG Chaplain Clayton Collins
- 3:45 PM Resolutions and National Grange Guest Cindy Greer, NG Ceres
- 6:00 PM Banquet and Award Presentations*
Saturday, October 21, 2023
- 9:00 AM Opening in the Fourth Degree, Acceptance 0f Minutes and Reports
- 9:30 AM Acceptance of Budget, Election and Installation of Officers
- 12:00 PM Ag Luncheon*
- 1:30 PM Call to Order, Resolutions Continued
- 2:30 PM Conferral of the Sixth Degree**
*Note that Banquet ($16) and Luncheon ($10) tickets must be purchased in advance. Information and forms are included in the 2023 State Session Information Packet. The packet includes a preliminary schedule, hotel information, frequently asked questions, and the form for meal reservations.
**$10 fee for Sixth Degree Candidates. Note that candidates must have completed the Fifth Degree Ritual or Fifth Degree Obligation to be eligible.
Registration
Note that delegates must be registered by your Subordinate or Pomona Grange Secretary. Non-delegates are welcome to attend and can speak to resolutions with the permission of the delegate body. Non-delegates do not need to register to attend!
Documents and Forms
- 2023 State Session Information/Forms Packet includes schedule, hotels, frequently asked questions, and the form for meal reservations.
- 2023 State Session Meals Reservation Form is the form required to make your meal reservations. (It is included in the packet but also listed separately for your convenience if that’s all you need.)
- National Grange Ceres Cindy Greer Bio. Cindy is the National Grange Representative to Maine’s 2023 Convention.
- 2022 MSG Convention Journal of Proceedings is a complete summary of last year’s convention and might be helpful background material for delegates.
Motels in the Auburn, Maine Area
AUBURN:
Residence Inn, 670 Turner Street, 207 777-3400
America’s Best Inn,170 Center Street, 207 784-1331
Hilton Garden Inn, 14 Great Falls Plaza 207 784-4433
The Munroe Inn B & B, 123 Pleasant Street, 207 376-3266
Bass Motel, 571 Washington Avenue, 207 783-0532
Sleepytime Motel, 46 Danville Corner Road, 207 783-1435
Fireside Inn & Suites, Auburn, 1777 Washington Street 207 783-1454
LEWISTON:
Maine Motel & Cabins, 1101 Main Street, 207 784-7925
Mom & Dad’s Guest House, 121 East Avenue 207 783-3032
Ramada, 490 Pleasant Street, 207 784-2331
Motel 6, 516 Pleasant Street, 207 782-6558
Super 8,1440 Lisbon Street, 207 784-8882
Travel Inn, 1968 Lisbon Road 207 784-5476
Additional motels and hotels are available in the area, a little further away. Campgrounds are available in the area. This list is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers provided MSG Master/President Sherry Harriman
What will be required of me to be admitted to the meeting/session?
Any Grange member may attend the session. Business is conducted in the Fourth Degree. You will need the Outer Gate password, the Fourth Degree annual word, and the degree word. (You are entitled to receive the passwords from the Master of your Grange when your dues are paid for the current year.) Business is conducted in the Fourth Degree. To be admitted for the Sixth Degree opening Friday morning, you must also have the Fifth and Sixth Degree words. If you are unfamiliar with the process and what the passwords are, contact your Master or other members of your Grange. Any Grange member may attend the session.
What if I arrive late?
You will give the passwords at the Gate (door) then you will be admitted to the hall and take a seat. (You do not need to salute the Overseer on entering or leaving the meeting.)
Who may vote at the Annual State Grange Session?
The Delegates are those members selected by vote of the Subordinate or Pomona Granges to represent their Grange and vote on the issues. The Grange dues must be paid up to date at the time of the State session in order for your delegates to be entitled to vote. Each Grange may send two people as delegates, most often the delegates are the Master and Spouse (or other designated person if Master is unmarried) of the Grange. If the Master and spouse cannot attend the session, others are chosen by the Grange in their place. In addition, each Grange may select two alternates, also. The names of the two delegates and two alternates must be registered with the State Grange Secretary on a form provided. No other persons may be substituted to vote as delegates if they are not on the registration form.
Who may be elected to a State Office?
Any Grange member who is in good standing (dues paid up to date in their own Grange) may be elected to any State Office. During the election process, a voting delegate must present the name of the prospective person for that particular office. All the voting delegates then vote on their choice, by written ballot, from the names presented or by writing another name on the ballot.
What is the attire for the session?
There is no definite attire requirement for session for delegates or other attendees but business casual would be appropriate. Officers and Deputies are required to wear suits and dresses.
Do I have to attend the session to attend the Banquet and/or Luncheon?
You may attend the Banquet and/or Agricultural Luncheon without attending other parts of session but must you must purchase your ticket(s) in advance. Non-members may also attend but must purchase your ticket(s) in advance. Deadline date for meal reservations is October 5, 2022.
How do I receive the Sixth Degree on Saturday at 2:30 pm?
.To receive the Sixth Degree, you must be a Fifth Degree — Pomona member in good standing, previously Initiated or Obligated in the Fifth Degree, have the Fourth and Fifth Degree passwords and your Sixth Degree application to get into the meeting on Saturday. You may sign up for the Sixth Degree at the registration table anytime after the session opens. You will pay a one-time $10.00 fee per person. (We do accept cash or checks made out to Maine State Grange). Session attire business casual. You may be asked to be a marching candidate, wear comfortable shoes.