Winthrop Grange is sponsoring a Scarecrow Contest that involves families, kids, businesses, not-for-profits, churches, etc. There is an entry fee of $5.00 per scarecrow. Entry forms are available at businesses throughout the area. Set up will take place from September 30 -October 7 at assigned locations on Main Street. Final judging takes place on October 21 during Mystic Fest. Winners will be announced on October 22, and cash prizes will be awarded.
For more information, text Dot StHilaire at 207 242-7251 or email her at Dotsthilaire7@yahoo.com.
Enterprise Grange is hosting a discussion of the eight referendum questions that will be on the ballot in November. The discussion will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has agreed to attend and explain the voting process and speak in support of approving the first four referendum questions with a yes vote. Since Enterprise Grange is well-known for presenting both sides of issues, we’d like to continue to do so.
We are, therefore, seeking a person or person from the Richmond area who can speak authoritatively, with facts and figures, in support of a “no” vote on these questions. This is open to everyone from any area, not just Sagadahoc County. If you think you qualify, please contact Marilyn Stinson at 207-737-2611.
By Rick Grotton, Membership Committee Director 207 582-5915
Sometimes it is fun (and challenging) to make a phrase out of a word. This would be a great Lecturer’s program by the way. An acronym for the word “MEMBERSHIP” comes to mind. I thought of one, but I’m sure there are many more. Can you make one? Mine is “May Each Member Be Excited, Respected, So Happily Involved Patrons”. Sounds silly, eh? Not if you can get your point across. New and seasoned members need to be excited and involved to keep the Grange working. They need to be respected for their diligent labor and faithful service. No matter what Grangers do, they do out of love and respect for their communities and their Grange. We are loyal subjects, willing to take on most offices, tasks or committees in order to achieve the desired results. That is a true Granger.
Others will notice and will commend you for your accomplishments. Community will notice the difference and applaud the Grange and its members. Some will want to join and be a part of your successes. Welcome them into your hall, respect their ideas, embrace their involvement and certainly your Grange will grow.
As Lecturers are taught about “RIME” (recreation, inspiration, music, and education), membership has its own version of RIME (respect, involvement, mentoring, and excitement). Four little words with a ton of worth for you and your Grange. We need to teach our new members about our history, rituals, traditions and symbolisms. Education is vital and the new member will be intrigued by what the Grange stands for. Our Grange has been asked to contribute a column in the community’s quarterly newsletter. The first column concentrated on a brief history of the Grange, what we do, and our schedule of events. What better publicity can you get for free?
We can blame a lot of things on why our memberships are declining and our Granges are closing. This negativity does NOTHING to solve the issue. We must take the bull by the horns, so to say, and do something positive to reverse the trend. Action is needed, not words. Look at the acronym above. That is what is needed to help our Grangers grow. Why not try some new things? You have much to gain instead of a lot to lose!
Victor Grange of Fairfield has released its September Newsletter using an all-new method. While it’s not so easy for Barb Bailey, editor, it is fairly user-friendly for members and others. An email is sent to members containing a link to the newsletter hosted on Google Drive. We’re pleased to be able to share it with you!
The September Issue reports, among other things:
The Victor Grange Hall now has Wi-Fi available!
Two floors of the hall are now ADA-accessible.
They plan to remain open through the winter.
Future improvements include installing a generator (to qualify as an emergency shelter), new LED lighting in the kitchen, and a new kitchen floor.
But wait! There’s more! This Grange is so busy they even have their very own online calendar! They are hosting Computer Classes, AA Meetings, Public Suppers, Senior Circle Potlucks…
Annual Carroll Dean Memorial Agricultural Scholarship Fundraiser
October 28, 2023, 12 – 2 p.m. at the Kennebec Valley Grange, 560 Main Street, Madison, Maine, during their weekly flea market.
The menu includes Pit ham, baked beans, mac and cheese, and a variety of other casseroles, apple crisp, or pumpkin pie for $10.00. We will also have our regular pints and quarts of baked beans or dynamites for sale to go. For information, contact Diane Pinkham at 207-314-5135.
Public Supper at St. George Grange 32 Wileys Corner Road in St. George, ME, on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 5 pm. Enjoy lots of homemade food with Grange members, family, and friends. All welcome! We have public suppers on the second Saturday of each month until October.
Willow Grange No. 366 President Ed Worthley presents Jefferson’s Spirit of America Award to Judi Olson on Thursday, July 27. (Paula Roberts photo, used with permission.)
Judi Olson, of Jefferson was honored with the Spirit of America Award on Thursday, July 27 at Willow Grange in Jefferson. Members of the public joined Grange members for a potluck supper and program to honor Olson on her much-deserved award.
Olson heads up the Jefferson Blessings in a Backpack chapter. She started the weekend meals project at Jefferson Village School in 2011 and has managed the program for the past 12 years. Over the years, her family members have helped with the program. When she first started the program, she had lots of volunteers, but now it is pretty much a one-woman show.
Olson fundraises, purchases food, bags it up, and delivers it to the school. The school puts the food in children’s backpacks in their lockers.
During the 2022-2023 school year, she delivered 37 bags of food a week to the school. The previous school year was her biggest, with 47 children served.
Her food bags contain two breakfast items, like cereal or granola bars, and two entrees, such as soup, canned spaghetti, mac and cheese, canned chicken, tuna or ham, peanut butter, or Vienna sausage. She also includes a couple of snacks like fresh or canned fruit, applesauce, crackers and cheese or peanut butter, and snack bars.
Olson keeps her inventory in a room in her basement. She has accounts at Walmart and Sam’s Club. All the money she raises goes into the Jefferson Village School Blessings in a Backpack account at the two businesses.
“It is quite convenient,” she said.
She raises $3,500 annually for the Blessings in a Backpack program at JVS.
During the program, Worthy Master Ed Worthley presented Olson with a plaque noting her award. Lecturer Paula Roberts gave her $238 raised from a pie auction, lecturer’s march receipts, and donations.
The Blessings in a Backpack program is a nationwide project that feeds children throughout the United States. The program started in 2005, and there are now 1,000 programs throughout the United States. Since 2009, Blessings in a Backpack has grown from feeding 9,022 to 89,579 kids a year.
Olson said the most rewarding part of Blessings in a Backpack is feeding hungry children.
“When they go back to school on Monday, their brains will be working, and they will do well in school and go on to college and get a nice job,” Olson said.
The Parkman Grange awarded four MSAD#4-area college students Minnie Welts Bridge Scholarships of $500 each for the 2023-24 school year. Winners this year were: Matthew Chadbourne, Sangerville, a Social Work major at the University of Southern Maine; Mercy Harper, Sangerville, a Criminal Justice major at Husson University; MacKenzie Kain, Parkman, an Early Childhood Education major at Kennebec Valley Community College; and, Merrilee Levensailor, Guilford, an Accounting major at the University of Maine Augusta. Awards were made at the ninth Minnie Welts Bridge Memorial Supper on Saturday, August 12th, where approximately 40 diners enjoyed smoked pork loin, potatoes, and a variety of salads and desserts. With these four, Parkman Grange has awarded $15,000 in scholarships.
2023 Minnie Welts Bridge Scholarship Winners Matthew Chadbourne and Mercy Harper with Parkman Grange Master Sue Manchester. MacKenzie Kain and Merrilee Levensailor also received Scholarships but were unable to be present.
