Tag: Grange Advocacy

Maine Senior Farmshare Program

Reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has announced that enrollment is open for the 2025 Maine Senior FarmShare Program (MSFP). This program connects Maine farmers with eligible older adults to provide access to fresh, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and honey. Participants receive a $50 share of Maine-grown produce throughout the growing season by signing up directly with a participating farm or an enrolled Maine farmers’ market.

Enrollment is first-come, first-served while funds remain available.
Participants must be Maine residents aged 60 years or older or 18 years or older for disabled adults living in a housing facility with congregate dining. The income eligibility guidelines are listed on the DACF MSFP website.

Mainers who meet the eligibility criteria can sign up with a participating farm or Farmer’s market. The Maine Senior FarmShare Program also allows seniors to have others, including farmers, act on their behalf. The participants and proxy must sign the proxy form before the proxy performs any actions on the participant’s behalf. These authorized representatives, or proxies, can do the following at any point during the season:
• apply for certification;
• shop at a farmers’ markets or farm stands;
• pick up eligible foods from a participating farmer or authorized agent;
• receive deliveries.

To learn more about the Senior FarmShare program, visit their website. You can also email seniorfarmshare.agr@maine.gov or call (207)287-3491.

Terry loves the Grange!

I am a 4th Generation Granger, who used to benefit from the sewing contest and my great grandfather served on the Maine State Grange Executive Committee. I will never forget the year my great-grandmother made dresses, for me and all my cousins. Another fond memory was going to Grange with grandparents, and after singing for the Lecturer’s Program, having to go down stairs and wait. Oh the fun of laughing at the “old people.” Needless to say, my grandchildren are 6th generation and have enjoyed JR Grange activities. I can travel the USA and visit many different states with Grangers. I have made many lasting relationships. I love attending meetings and visiting friends, new, old, far or near. I have plenty of opportunity to relax at a meeting, participate, or find out rules to be competitive. My entire family is welcomed or I can enjoy my extended family. The Grange has changed a bit over the years but my memories of the Grange have not.

Terry LaCombe, Hudson Grange #457/Tranquility Grange #344

Tammy loves the Grange!

I love the Grange because, it reminds me how important community is and how important we are to our town.

Tammy Willey, St. George Grange #421

Grange Heirloom — April 2025

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!

For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.

Community Service/FHH – April 2025

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

There is a revised Community Service Report Form for 2025. Changes were made at the National level, so we have revised our information, requirements, and form. The new information and forms will be mailed to each Grange this month.

We are asking each Grange to fill out the Maine Community Service Summary Report and return it to us by August 31, 2025. This can be part of a detailed report or just the form. We need to receive 25% participation of our Subordinate Granges returning the form to receive some additional funding from National Grange to help with our awards at State Session in October.

Even if you are doing a few small projects, a large project, or not doing Community Service in your area, please return the form anyway. Please note the 3/19/25 revised Community Service Summary form and instruction information about the detailed report is enclosed and can be found on the Maine State Grange website under Program Books and Information Page for Community Service: 2024-25 Community Service Revised Pages. You may request the revised form & information or the completely revised book from State Grange. (The form, instruction information page, and judges sheet are the only changes to the book.)

We must hit that 25% to receive the funding necessary to move forward.
Just a friendly reminder the Community Service Reports or folders are due to the director no later than August 31, 2025! Be sure to include the revised Community Service Summary Report and mail to:

Brenda Dyer
9 Marial Ave
Biddeford, ME 04005

Remember your Nomination for Police – Firefighter/EMT – Educator Of The Year 2024-25. You may nominate one individual for each of these three categories using a separate form for each.

We can’t wait to see what new and exciting things you have been working on this year! Congratulations on your CS work, and thank you so much for your support!

Valley Grange Breaks Records!

Find out how in this short video! Sorry you missed this one!

Mill Stream Grange Supports Education

Mill Stream Grange members (back row l-r) Paula Hanley, Lisa Goucher, and Jill Sampson presented dictionaries to the two third-grade classes at Cape Cod Elementary School on March 7.  The students had fun learning about all the different ways to use the dictionary, and each spelled their name using the sign language chart.  The school is very supportive of Mill Stream’s effort and wholeheartedly welcomes us back every year. We’re honored to help support education in our area.

Janice loves the Grange!

A fellow Granger is never a stranger. There is an immediate bond between Grangers. We are part of a long and honorable tradition. Through Grange Programs, I can serve my community in ways I cannot do alone.

Janice, Valley Grange #144

Fifth Degree Offered in Richmond

Sagadahoc Pomona will have our annual Fifth Degree at Enterprise Grange #48, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with a potluck supper at 6:00 pm and a meeting at 7:00 pm. Candidates from other Pomonas are welcome. Please bring your entry form signed by your master or secretary. For more information, contact Marilyn Stinson at 207-737-2611 or marilynstinson41@gmail.com. Enterprise Grange is located at 15 Alexander Reed Road in Richmond, Maine.

WABI-TV5 Explains Valley Grange Blanketeering Program

Check out the story here!