Coming Soon-Another Resource!

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

For many Granges, the fall season includes a Words for Thirds Dictionary Program. (“Words for Thirds” is the phrase coined by the Grange to represent participation in The Dictionary Project.)

Your Communications Department is working on some additional resources for Granges that are providing dictionaries to local schools. In anticipation of releasing these resources, it would be helpful to know which Granges in Maine plan on holding dictionary days during the Grange Year 2024-25.

So far, we’ve created a list based mainly on what the folks at the Dictionary Project have listed, supplemented by previous website submissions. I think (hope!) it’s incomplete. Those Granges include:

  • Chelsea Grange #215
  • East Madison Grange #228
  • Maple Grove Grange #148
  • Mill Stream Grange #574
  • Old Town Riverside Grange #273
  • Valley Grange #144

Words for Thirds was once a “signature” community service project for Granges. One of our resources is an article by The Dictionary Project’s Director, Mary French, explaining why it is still relevant today–perhaps even more than it was in the past.

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of this program. Valley Grange has reaped many benefits from providing dictionaries in our area for nearly two decades. This will be our twentieth year! We don’t do it as a fundraiser, but it sure helps us with it!

Enthusiasm and communication are key elements. We’ll help with communication resources! You can help by letting me know about your participation. That includes what challenges you are facing, ideas you may have, etc. Right now, I’m especially interested in learning who is participating or considering it!

Simple! Fill out the form below—don’t forget to press [submit] at the bottom! Thanks for your help and support!

Name of person submitting
Email address of person submitting
What position, if any, you currently hold.

Witches Faire at E Madison Grange

The Witches Faire is a magical makers’ market and community event, with divinators, herbalists, crafters, and artisans vending. We’ll have crystals, ritual items, herbal products, jewelry, and more for sale, along with refreshments and kids’ activities. Sunday, Oct 27, 2024, 10 am-3 pm, at the East Madison Grange Hall. FMI call 716-6441 or email hideandgopeep@gmail.com

East Madison Grange Poster

Helping in North Carolina

The following letter comes from Jimmy Gentry, State Master/President of the North Carolina Grange.

Grange Friends,

Edneyville Grange and the surrounding Hendersonville community was in the path of Hurricane Helene. The aftermath is devastating as many families have lost everything. Clean-up crews have been working tirelessly to restore power, internet, and roads.

Grange members have been reaching out to the NC State Grange Office asking how they can help. We have been in touch with Wendy Henderson, President of Edneyville Grange. She informed us that she has reached out to a local school in Edneyville that is extremely concerned with the well-being of children and parents. They gave her a list of items that would benefit these families.

Jennie Gentry also spoke with high school teachers in Henderson County, friends associated with FFA and 4-H. Their main concern has been making sure students are accounted for and determining their families’ needs. This has been very difficult without the ability to communicate or travel into areas to check on their students, some of whom live in other local hard-hit communities like Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, and Gerton.

Wendy mentioned a great need for several items that schools will need for students and their families. Below is information on how you and your Grange can help.

What to Collect:

  • New Coats of all sizes
  • New Sweatshirts of all sizes
  • Gift cards to Walmart

Drop Off Locations:

NC State Grange Office in Statesville: by Monday, October 14
Address:   1734 Wilkesboro Hwy, Statesville, NC
Hours:    Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
To arrange Saturday or Sunday drop off, or outside of these hours during the week, contact our office: 704-878-0000 or jwgentry@ncgrange.com

Making Cash Donations:

Write a check to Edneyville Grange and mail to:
Wendy Henderson
29 Arabian Ln 
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Write a check to the NC State Grange Disaster Fund with “Edneyville Relief” on the memo line and send to:

NC Grange
1734 Wilkesboro Hwy
Statesville NC 28625

Thank you for your willingness to donate these items to support Edneyville and its surrounding communities in Henderson County. We are relieved that our Edneyville Grange members are safe and appreciate Wendy for the information so that we can join together to assist their community in this desperate time of need. 

Please contact the Grange Office with any questions. 

Sincerely,

Jimmy Gentry
President, North Carolina Grange

Androscoggin Grange Trunk or Treat

Androscoggin Grange Hunters’ Breakfast

Androscoggin Grange #8 Food Drive and Dinner

Fifth Degree Offered at Danville Junction Grange

Danville Junction Grange is located at 15 Grange Street, Auburn, ME

Androscoggin Pomona #1 will celebrate the lessons of the Fifth Degree on Wednesday, October 9th at 7:00 pm. To join as a candidate or participate, contact Maynard Chapman at 207 312-5591.

October Events in Maine

  • October 4, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
  • October 4, 2024, Community Potluck Supper at Trenton Grange, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
  • October 5-6, 2024, Community Bazaar (crafts, farmers’ market, yard sale…) at Trenton Grange from 9 am until 2 pm both days. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
  • October 9, 2024, The Fifth Degree will be offered at Danville Junction Grange starting at 7:00 pm. Danville Junction Grange is located in Auburn. For more information contact Maynard Chapman at 207 312-5591.
  • October 10, 2024, Blood Drive at Harraseeket Grange in Freeport, 12 – 5 pm.
  • October 11, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
  • October 12, 2024, St George Grange Community Supper at 5 pm. Adults $10, Children $5, under 10 free. For more information see this post.
  • October 14, 2024, Deadline for the MSG Bulletin
  • October 18, 2024, Senior Circle at Victor Grange in Fairfield. Potluck lunch at 11 am for Seniors to get together with others for socializing, networking and a game or two. Held the 3rd Friday monthly. FMI Deb 207-453-4844 or Sherri 207-815-0615. No Charge.
  • October 18, 2024, Mystic Valley Grange Rummage and Bake Sale, 9 am until 12 noon. Mystic Valley Grange is located at Route 17 and US Route 2 in East Dixfield. FMI Nancy Farrington 207 623-0395.
  • October 18-19, 2024, Maine State Grange Annual Convention
  • October 26, 2024 Wayside Grange Concert featuring Half Moon Jug Band. Doors open at 6:30 pm. More information at Wayside Grange & Theatre Facebook Page.

Community Service/FHH – September 2024

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

As autumn approaches and a new Grange year begins, I would like to thank the Granges that submitted Community Service Books, Community Service Reports, Family Health & Hearing Reports, Police, Firefighter/EMT and Educator of the Year, and Maine State Grange Community Service Granger of the Year. Winners will be announced at the State Grange Session in October.

The Community Service and Family, Health & Hearing Program will be available at the Maine State Grange Session at the Community Service Table. 

The Family, Health & Hearing suggested topics for September and October are:

September 2024
Classical Music Month
Chicken Month
Baby Safety Month
Self-Improvement Month

October 2024
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
National Diabetes Month
Domestic Violence Month

Start your new books, reports, etc. for the upcoming year. 

Keep up the good work! 

Thank you to all for the phone calls, cards, texts, food, and thoughtfulness to me and my family. Gloria (Mom) loved the Grange and what it stands for. Thank you! 

National Grange Arranges Vaccinations at the New England Grange Building

National Grange is excited to invite you to visit the National Grange’s FREE vaccination clinic at the Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts, hosted with the support of our New England State Granges!

If you are heading to the Big E this year, be sure to stop by our booth in front of the New England Grange building to receive free, updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Professional pharmacists from PharMerica will be there to assist you and answer any questions.

For more information: https://www.grangevaccinationeffort.com/