“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
Happy New Year to one and all! I hope you had a very nice and rewarding Christmas season. Please remember that the season just doesn’t end on the sixth of January.
The Lord God did not want us to just worship Jesus’ birth; He wanted us to carry the feeling of love into the world every day. He wanted us to help the downtrodden. By helping those who are mourning, you will be helping yourselves.
Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”
Benediction: “Gracious Father, help us to be better people. Teach us to learn how to help those who are sad and mourning. Amen.”
Thought for the month:
“May good luck be your friend in whatever you do, and may trouble be always a stranger to you.”
While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
If your New Year’s resolutions include finding a new job, work-from-home opportunities may sound appealing. While many remote positions are legitimate, some aren’t what they appear to be. Criminals often pose as legitimate employers on job boards, social media, or send unsolicited texts, promising easy money, flexible hours, and a quick hiring process.
What they’re really after is personal information or our money by asking to pay upfront for “training,” purchase expensive equipment, or provide sensitive details—such as your Social Security number—as part of the application.
Be cautious of sudden, unusually high-paying opportunities that require little to no experience. Avoid sharing personal data until you’re certain the job offer is legitimate and take time to research the company by searching its name along with the words scam, complaint, or fraud. If you see concerns from other job seekers, consider it a clear red flag.
Sherry Harriman, Maine State Grange President/Master 207 490-1029
The following is an overview of items that should be stressed at all meetings, following the manual (the most current version of the manual is 2023, but whatever year your manual is, it covers the needs of your meetings.) You may wish to add to or subtract from this list. We fully realize that conditions and situations vary with the different Granges.
Suggestions and Instructions for Grange Procedure
Following the manual, instruct proper procedures for Opening and Closing in full form. To open in “full form” means to follow the prescribed Ritual / instructions in the Grange manual, for either traditional or alternative opening which includes opening the Bible, opening the implement case and the Salutation given (prescribed hand salute), Salute to the Flag, and the Charter in the hall. Business cannot be conducted outside the meeting then announced to the rest of the membership. All must have the opportunity to discuss and vote on all issues.
The word “Ritual” means a set routine/pattern of conducting the meeting each time you meet.
Your Grange is required to meet at least once a month and open the meeting in full form. You may meet more than once a month as desired, but must open in full form every time. (A minimum of 7 of your members must attend for a quorum to hold a legal meeting.)
Stress the importance of beginning meetings on time and ending at a reasonable time.
If only 7 members are present the following Officers are to be filled: Master, Overseer, Steward, Assistant Steward or Lady Assistant Steward, Chaplain, Secretary and Gatekeeper.
Prospective members may sit in on a meeting, but do not count toward the quorum.
Emphasize the importance of committing parts to memory, (but not required) especially for Opening and Closing, the Obligation Ceremony and Degrees when conferred.
Demonstrate Grange Salutation. Demonstrate the Voting Sign. (Read the specific instructions from the Code Book on how to make the Signs and Salutation properly.) Encourage and assist with reading from the Code Book. (The secret work of the Grange)
Demonstrate Flag Presentation, Balloting, & Draping the Charter. Do you need instructions?
Stress the importance of prompt advance payment and collection of dues. Encourage the Secretary and the Grange to make every possible effort to retain a member. Delinquent members should have 3 notices, one a personal contact, before they are suspended. Suspension may only take place upon vote of the Grange at a regular meeting.
Granges are to keep their by-laws up to date, in writing, (a copy to be on file at State Office). Changes may be made after the initial reading of the proposed change, the vote is taken at a subsequent regular meeting, opened in full form with a quorum. Changes must be made with a 2/3 vote of those present and voting of the Grange. After the vote to adopt, the changes must be submitted in writing to the State Master for approval. Are your by-laws up to date? Does MSG office have a copy?t write out the current section of the by-law(s) and write out what changes are to be made.
All funds go through the Secretary regardless who is holding the money, and should be reported by a specific committee or under “Bills and Accounts” at every meeting. All Grange and committee accounts are to be audited at least yearly by either the finance committee or the Executive Committee of the Grange. All Grange accounts should have at least two (2) signers, from different households, on each account and all persons who handle monies are required by our by-laws to be bonded. Do you have a plan for fundraising? What are your goals and needs?
The minutes of the meetings must be read and adopted at the same meeting or adopted at the next consecutive meeting as the third order of business, while open is full form. The minutes of open meetings are included in the next meeting minutes.
When you ask “Have reports to Pomona and State Grange been duly and promptly made?” This covers quarterly dues reports but also includes year end reports of committees, requests for roster information, survey and any other information requested by Pom or State Grange.
Are your Committees active and reporting? After elections are completed, the Master selects or appoints the chair for the needed committees, the appointed chair takes over upon Installation of officers and they remain chair until the next election & installation. The Master can appoint their committee or the Chair can make their own selections.
The Gatekeeper may come into the hall after the completion of the Flag Presentation during the Opening after the Master has rapped the gavel to seat the Grange. (The Gatekeeper should go to the anteroom during the opening ceremony to take the outer gate password from members who arrive late and when candidates go out at the start of the degree.)
Balloting for candidates may only be done at a regular meeting with a quorum present. Presentation of applications, balloting and obligation/degree work may be at the same meeting.
Candidates who are waiting for obligation/degree work may come into the hall for the opening.
The Grange must be opened in full form for Degrees, Obligation Ceremony and Welcome Ceremony, even at a separate Degree Day where all degrees are done on the same day.
The Obligation Ceremony and Welcome Ceremony may be used in all Granges, but full Degrees (degree means a level in the Grange) are recommended to be viewed or read thru by the Grange. However, since it is harder and harder to get a team together or to take your candidates somewhere else, encourage the Grange to read aloud through each Degree, even one degree at a time at 4 different meetings. This gets everyone involved and is less overwhelming than viewing the degrees all at once. Don’t keep the prospective members waiting. *(There is a Pomona Obligation Ceremony also.)
Installation of Officers may be handled by your own Grange. Encourage joint installations. There is an alternative Installation Ceremony now available for use, it is about half the length of the original ceremony, but still gives the Officers duties and instructions. The Installation Ceremony could be more informative to the members and the Officers, if each Officer take turns reading the charges at other times besides the Installation meeting. It could be spread out over several meetings giving more time to absorb the messages.
Encourage community service and participation in the Community Service contest; at least send in the Community Service Report form, even if you are not doing a lot.
Encourage participation in various contests, attending other meetings, conferences, etc.
Encourage the Grange to send a listing of upcoming meetings and events for the Maine Grange Bulletin and website, at least two months in advance with reminders. And report afterwards. *Encourage members with internet to subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website.
Encourage Open House and Booster Night meetings during the year or Grange Month as good Grange promotion. Promote good publicity — Grange newsletter, press, radio, etc.
There are many published items to help in your work, items may be requested on the National Grange Website or the Maine State Grange website.
Encourage your membership to get involved with Junior activities (includes ages 5 – 14) even if the Grange does not have a Junior Grange. Children and Grandchildren may join the Junior plus 1 program. Handled at the Subordinate Grange.
Guest speakers and visitors are welcome to sit in on a meeting even during the full opening. Prospective members may attend a meeting.
Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.
Use the icons below to share this Grange Heirloom on social media and help others understand what the Grange stands for! If this heirloom has a particular meaning for you, click the “leave a comment” link at the left and share your comment with us!
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.
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!
January Bulletin
Deadline for the next Bulletin is January 14, 2026. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.
To ponder…
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every year find you a better person.
Benjamin Franklin
An Idea for Your Grange
Write an annual report of your Grange’s activities and accomplishments. Submit it for consideration in your town’s annual report. And submit it for publication on the Maine State Grange Website.
January Tasks
It’s actually a bit late, but is your roster information current? Once the new roster is out, we’ll be updating the online directory. Let’s keep it current!
He’s playing as fast as he can. With the move and the end of the year, there’s a lot to be done on the site. Recent illnesses in the Boomsma household have been taking a toll! The docs keep reminding us that we’re not as young as we used to be and that it will take time. We’re gainin’! (If you see something that needs fixing, 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 and Grange friends!
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 frequently consult these directories.
The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated November 15, 2025.
Sue Hackett peacefully passed away on January 2, 2026. She was a former Maine State Grange Youth Director, a position she dearly loved. She was a member of the former Merrymeeting Grange #256, & when that Grange sadly closed, she joined Topsham Grange #37. Over the years, she held the offices of Lecturer, Master, & Lady Assistant, with Lecturer being among her favorites. She always got many compliments on the great programs she put together. She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur & Shirley Curtis, former state deputies and members of Merrymeeting Grange. She is survived by her husband Steven Hackett, her sister Rebecca Curtis, her daughter Barbara Hackett & granddaughter Paige & other loved ones. A funeral is planned for spring, where she will be laid to rest with her parents at Bayview Cemetery in Bowdoinham. Details will be announced at a later date. She will be greatly missed, yet we are thankful that she’s no longer suffering.
by Maia Zewert, Editor Lincoln County News Submitted by Laurie McBurnie
It’s not often a teacher walks out of a student of the month assembly with an award, but such was the case at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro on Monday, Dec. 22.
Kali Martin (right), a special education resource room teacher at Medomak Valley High School, accepts the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award from Maine State Grange Secretary and Willow Grange Master Sharon Morton on Monday, Dec. 22. Members of Willow Grange 366 in Jefferson nominated Martin for the award, which she was presented during the student of the month assembly. (Paula Roberts photo)
In front of a gymnasium full of MVHS students, faculty, and staff, members of Willow Grange 366 in Jefferson surprised special education resource room teacher Kali Martin with the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award.
“I’m just completely blown away,” Martin said after the presentation. “I had no idea this was coming.”
Willow Grange member Paula Roberts introduced the award during the assembly, describing the recipient without initially naming them.
“This teacher saw a need in the Medomak community and acted on it to make a difference here at Medomak and beyond,” Roberts said. “And she has involved her students and the student body to show them, although community service can be hard work, it is extremely rewarding.”
Roberts also quoted MVHS Principal Linda Dolloff Pease, who said Martin “is appreciated and well-loved and plays a big role in the positive culture of the school.”
Members of Willow Grange No. 366 in Jefferson flank Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Kali Martin after a presentation at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro on Monday, Dec. 22. The Willow Grange members nominated Martin for the award, which they surprised her with during a student of the month assembly. From left: Mary Jane McLoon, Deborah Willette, Sharon Morton, Kali Martin, Henry Morton, Knox Zaccadelli, Laurie McBurnie, and Paula Roberts. (Maia Zewert photo)
When she was revealed as the recipient of the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award, Martin immediately received a standing ovation from all in attendance. As Martin joined the presenters, Roberts listed Martin’s many accomplishments during her time working at the high school, including initiating a weekend backpack program to provide students in need with food, preparing food for the annual Empty Bowl Supper, and helping to start a free clothing program for students in need.
Martin also started the Medomak Valley Soul Food Pantry, which serves over 300 families, Roberts said. She applied for and received a grant to purchase an industrial-sized freezer for the pantry and also collects food from Hannaford and arranges deliveries from Good Shepherd Food Pantry to keep it stocked.
“She has gone above and beyond her teaching duties,” Roberts said. “Kali has given unselfishly of her time and resources to support Medomak students and the community.”
In addition, Martin is involved with the school’s student council, participates in Treat Tuesdays, and “is known for her root beer floats for the entire staff,” Roberts said.
“Kali Martin has the biggest heart ever and it shows here in the many ways that Paula Roberts outlined in her presentation,” Pease said. “She is an advocate for young people in addition to being aware of staff needs and having a little fun!”
Maine State Grange Secretary and Willow Grange President Sharon Morton presented Martin with the award. In addition, Martin was presented a $100 donation from Maine State Grange Treasurer and Willow Grange Secretary Laurie McBurnie to support the food pantry.
“Having such a supportive administration and having the support of the community to keep the pantry going has just been such a huge blessing,” Martin said. “It’s just grown … and it helps our families get what they need.”
For more information or to make a donation to the Medomak Valley Soul Food Pantry, email Martin at kali_martin@rsu40.org.
