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Tag: Grange Activities
Communication Shorts 8-16-2025
By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842
Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!
August Bulletin
The August Bulletin is finished and will be mailed soon. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.
Having a Raffle?
Raffles (gambling) are heavily regulated, and licensing is required! That’s easy to forget when fundraising because Granges usually fall under some exceptions provided in Maine Law. One exception is raffles where the prizes are less than $2,500. A second exception involves “certain organizations,” including “an agricultural society.” It can get complicated, particularly if the raffle is conducted as an “internet raffle.” While we, MSG, will promote your raffle, we are not assuming responsibility for meeting these legal requirements.
- Title 17, Chapter 62, Section 1832 (“Games of Chance”)
- Title 17, Chapter 62, Section 1837 (specific to raffles)
Dates and Deadlines
Fall is coming. Some might say it’s already here. With the start of another Grange Fiscal Year, essential dates and deadlines abound! Just one example is that roster information is now due!
Annual Purge Begins
We’ve already started removing dated information from the website. This includes documents, posts, and photos. While some things are considered timeless, a general policy is to remove items that are more than two years old.
Think About This!
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
William James
An Idea for Your Grange
We are currently drafting a resource and information page about establishing Little Free Libraries at Grange Halls. If you have one or are interested, please let us know!
Subscribe!
Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members!
Online Directories Available 24-7
Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!
- The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site consult these directories often.
- The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
Mill Stream Juniors Cleanup!
Maine participates in the National Grange Junior 1+ Program. If your Subordinate Grange has Junior 1+ members, please advise Maine State Grange.
Exploring Traditions – August, 2025
Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life
By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist
Let’s Take a Class
If you’ve been following this column, you know that I’ve been “sort of” reading Charles Gardeners book Friend of the Farmer 1867-1947. I confess that it probably doesn’t qualify as a page turner, but it is a fascinating read.
In the past, I’ve raised a question about how we describe the action of new members and the degrees. Most of the current common language is quite passive. I often hear that new members should “take,” “get,” or “receive” the degrees. Of course, as a writer, I find that it feels incomplete and maybe an opportunity. Could the reader form a mental picture of a new member being handed something labeled “degrees” and then wondering where to put it and what to do with it. Wouldn’t that make a great editorial cartoon for a Grange publication? It might also lead to questions like, “Can I get the degrees online?”
That could lead to yet another discussion around the question of how engaged the candidates should be while “getting” the degrees. Are they available in the Grange Store? I can order my groceries online and pick them up without even getting out of the car. Is that possible with the Grange Degrees?
A few years ago, I made a plea for us to consider celebrating the degrees. They are worthy of celebration. But it seems that the founders (as is often the case) had an even more straightforward and accurate approach. According to Gardner’s book, they referred to the degrees as “classes.”
We could certainly discuss whether the lessons offered in the degrees are taught effectively when we “do” the ritual. One of the reasons for these columns and my resulting book is to increase the effectiveness of the lessons of the degrees. Studying those lessons can be revealing and thought-provoking.
We can also consider the impact of the Grange Heirlooms. Created by the National Grange from the degree work and other sources, these snippets offer bits of wisdom that are no less applicable than they were 150+ years ago. In today’s vocabulary, these might be thought of as “micro learning.” I don’t think it would hurt us if the Grange became known as an organization based on learning and discovery.
It’s an interesting distinction. What would happen if we stopped telling new members, “You should get the degrees?” How about instead, “Just wait until you learn the degrees?”
Yes, there will be a test. Life gives it.
***
The Kindle Edition of “Friend of the Farmer” is available from Amazon, currently priced at $2.99.
Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.
Membership Moments – August 2025
By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915
There are many active Granges doing many events, which are well-advertised and appealing to the public. What a great way to attract new members. I know of a few that have done so successfully. This is probably the easiest way to attract new members. Keep in mind that any public or community event is also a membership drive, not just a fundraising event. Take advantage of this opportunity.
When speaking to interested parties, be prepared to answer their questions. Subjects in which they are interested include the following:
- The history of the Grange.
- What is the Grange?
- What does the Grange do?
- Rituals and traditions.
- What has the Grange done to affect our lives now and in the past?
- Is the Grange just for farmers?
- Is it family-friendly?
- Meeting times and dues.
- Why did you join?
- Benefits (insurance, discounts (for example car rentals)
If you are unsure of the answer of any of these questions, we have literature that explains and covers these areas. Give them contact names and numbers, and make sure they are not confused when you end your conversation. The Grange is a great organization and an opportunity to change one’s life for the better. There are many people out there who are waiting for you to ask or invite them to become a member. Do your best to encourage them into membership. Open up a new world for them; one of knowledge, history, and helping fellow community members. Make this world a better place in your little corner of it. Get out there and recruit!
Vermont State Grange Fall Festival
By Beth Morse, VSG Fall Festival Director
802 388-2653
Maine Grangers are invited to join us at the VT Grange Center (located at 308 West St, Brookfield, VT 05036) for our annual Fall Festival on Sept 5th, 6th & 7th.
Like many fairs, we give Grangers the opportunity to showcase the quality products they produce. (Forms are listed at the end of this post.)
Here is a copy of our schedule of activities for the weekend:
Friday:
- 5:00 pm – Entries for judging can be turned in with entry form
- 5:30 pm – Potluck Supper
- 6:00 pm Bonfire (weather & burn ban permitting, plan B movie)
Saturday:
- 7:00 to 8:00 am Breakfast ($8) Waffles, Bacon, Syrup, Fruit, Coffee & Juice
- 8:00 am Activities will commence:
Cribbage Contest
Checkers Contest
Hula Hoop Contest
Horseshoe Contest
Cornhole Contest
Selfie Photo Booth
Pumpkin Checkers
Pumpkin Ring Toss
Frying Pan Throwing
Rolling Pin Throwing
There will be sign-up forms available for each contest.
- 9:30 am All Vegetable, Flower, Cooking, and Craft Contest entries are due with the entry form (no form, no entry).
- 10:00 am Winter Building will be closed while the judging is going on (signs will be posted on the doors).
- 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Lunch ($12) Meatball Grinders with/without sauce, Macaroni & Potato Salad, Brownies & Ice Cream, and Drink
- 1:00 pm Activities will recompense, and Winter Building will reopen for viewing winners.
- 1:30 to 2:30 – Live music provided by Granville Daze.
- 3:30 pm Action – items that have been exhibited and donated to auction.
- 5:30 pm Dinner ($15) Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Vegetables, Coleslaw, and Apple Crisp
- 6:30 pm Awards and prizes for the activities will be announced and presented.
- 7:00 Movie
Sunday
- 7:00 am Breakfast ($10) Egg Sandwiches, Bacon or Ham, Hash Browns, Fruit, Coffee & Juice
- 8:00 am Chapel Service
- 9:00 am Clean/Pack Up
Festival Registration (Meals and accommodations)
Festival Information (Contest Categories)
Festival Entry Form
Vermont State Grange Website
Staying Cool…
Can you stand one more reminder to use caution during the heat we’re experiencing in Maine? Here are some resources we’ve found. (If you receive this post as an email, you’ll need to visit the site to watch the video.)
The American Red Cross offers a fairly complete page of resources including a guide to the three types of heat illness and a complete Extreme Heat Safety Checklist.
This is a great time to be a good neighbor by checking on others. Something as simple as handing out bottles of cool water can help. Staying hydrated is important. If your Grange Hall can serve as a “cooling center,” send us the details and we’ll post an annnouncement.
Duck Pond Heritage Day Update
Duck Pond Variety, Highland Lake Church, Highland Lake Grange, and Lenny’s at Hawkes Plaza are pleased to announce a celebration of history at Duck Pond Corner, located at the intersection of Route 302, Duck Pond, and Hardy Roads in Westbrook.
The Day will feature open houses at the church, Grange, and Lenny’s, live music, historic photos, Scout & 4-H activities, food sale fundraisers, a special church service, displays of artifacts, Westbrook Police K9 demonstrations, a display of historic signs at Duck Pond Variety, and much more!
Come join us to explore the long history of this community. No cost to attend.
These are some of the many raffle items available.
Oxford Pomona Raffle Supports Words for Thirds
Submittted by Steven Haycock
Oxford Pomona Grange #2 is holding a Lottery Ticket and Cash Raffle! The proceeds of the raffle will be used to purchase dictionaries via the Words for Thirds program for various third-graders in Elementary Schools in Oxford County! This is an ambitious goal, and we need everyone’s help to make it happen!
The details:
- Prize: $250 in Maine State Lottery Scratch Tickets and $50!
- Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.00
- Drawing will be at our September 2, 2025, meeting at Porter Grange.
If anyone is interested in supporting this worthy community service program, please reach out to Steven Haycock, Secretary of Oxford Pomona at:
44 Pond Road, Raymond, Maine, or Granger04071@aol.com
You can also find me on Facebook
Thanks in advance for your Support!
President’s Perspective – August 2025
By Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029
Roster Information is now due.
Resolutions – The August 15 deadline has arrived for resolutions to be at the office. After the 15th, delegate registration forms, meal forms, and resolutions will be mailed to each Grange. The delegate registration form will not be posted on the website. Other State Session items have been posted. By vote of each Subordinate and Pomona Grange, you are entitled to name two Delegates and two Alternates to represent your Grange at State Session. You must be a member of that Grange to be a delegate for them. The Grange dues must be paid up to date, through the Sept 2025 quarter, to be qualified to have delegates. An individual may only represent ONE Subordinate Grange, and may also be a delegate for their Pomona, but again, they must be voted on by the Grange.
Installation of Officers – The Installation Ceremony may be handled by each Grange on their own. Granges are required to install their officers annually, usually in September.
Annual Audit
“It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee of each Subordinate Grange to see that the books of the Secretary and Treasurer and any other funds of the Grange are audited at the end of the fiscal year.“
Maine State Grange By-Laws: Article XXI – Subordinate Officers and Their Duties Section 8.1
You will need the Secretary’s Records and Secretary’s Order Book, the Treasurer’s books, checkbook, bank statements, savings book, etc., and receipt book (for funds received from the Secretary). You compare the Secretary’s minutes and Order Book with the Treasurer’s checkbook and statements for receipts and expenditures. All items should match between the Secretary and the Treasurer. All Committees of the Grange, that handle funds, should also keep written records to be audited at the end of the Grange year.
Grange Behavior – There is no place in the Grange for the use of foul language, no matter what you feel the circumstances are; it is not acceptable behavior. I must stress again your Obligation you took when you joined the Grange. It states in part… “ I will not knowingly wrong or defraud a Brother or Sister of the Order or allow it to be done by another if within my power to prevent it…” I have had more calls from members in different areas to complain about the use of profanity during meetings and public events. Whether in a meeting, around the kitchen, or at an event, you may feel it is just words, but it is offensive to others. Maybe you normally talk that way, or you don’t think about the words you are using. If you feel the need to talk like that, I would suggest you go to the bar or sporting event where you will fit right in. But even those places have rules and limits, and even those places, where that talk is common, you would be asked to leave! I am sorry if you are offended by this message but it needed to said. Sadly, those who do the cursing, won’t be the ones to heed the comment. The Master/President of the Grange has the right to ask you to leave if you are being disruptive and offensive. They also can ask you not to return.