Tag: Grange News

Welcome, New Members!

New members, as reported in the July 2024 Issue of Good Day!

Congratulations to Tranquility Grange for adding 18 new members, Victor Grange for 11, and Trenton Grange for welcoming 9. A hearty welcome to all 56 new Patrons of Husbandry who will enjoy the “Grange Way of Life.” Don’t forget, we’d love to hear your answer to “Why I Love the Grange!”

Bauneg Beg #382
Pam Gerry

Fairview #342
Mika Levitt
Nicole Vera

Merriconeag #425
Jim Alexander
Jan Davis
Abigail Hight
Will Hight
Elizabeth Manning

South Sangerville #335
Warren Nuite

Trenton #550
Robert Allison
Greg Askires
Joanna Dotts
Lynn Gregonei
Bing Miller
Macy Miller
Teryn Miller
Mary Turner
Cecla Zaveskotis

Union Harvest #591
Deborah Bailey
Beatrice Martin
Jeffrey Todd

Victor #49
Margaret Blair
William Blair
Donald Green
Joyce Green
Adam Lerette
Joe Robles
Lisa Robles
Richard Tompkins
Sherry Tompkins
Mark Williamson
Sabrina Williamson

Cambridge Valley #582
Gail A. Watson

Jonesboro #357
Janice Philbrook

North Jay #10
Angelia Courchesney

Norway #45
Dennis Feeney
Jeffrey Windom

Tranquility #344
Diane Berenzy
Lee Cronin
Dwight Emerson
Wade Graham
Elizabeth Hand
Jany Hardy
Stephen Hardy
DeAnna Hartel
Alan Larson
Sandy Lehman
Diane O’Brien
Robert Olsen
Pat Shannon
Jack Silverio
Susan Silverio
Cyrene Dlegona
Cheryl Wienges
Karen Womer

Winthrop #209
Robert Faucher

Valley Grange Wants PB & J

Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine.


Again this year, Valley Grange is supporting Bangor Savings Bank’s annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive! During the month of September, we’ll be collecting and donating jars of peanut butter and jelly. All donations will be distributed to local food insecurity programs in our communities—from food pantries to backpack programs to local shelters, and more. The PB&J Drive is all about coming together to spread kindness and make a difference in our communities.

Since 2012, the Bangor Savings Bank Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive has collected more than 120,000 jars and donated them to local food insecurity programs. That’s over 100,000 children, families, and individuals impacted by your donations! In over 12 years, BSB employees, customers, and communities helped provide the equivalent of nearly 2 million peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for those experiencing food insecurity.

Donating a jar can make a big difference to a neighbor in need. Peanut butter, a protein-rich food item, is too often in short supply and in high demand at local food insecurity programs. By donating jars, you’re helping to provide a simple yet impactful meal option for those in need. And with school back in session, let’s support our local schools and backpack programs by donating a jar of peanut butter or jelly to the PB&J Drive!

Jars can be brought to our Valley Grange meeting on Friday, September 20th, dropped off at the hall anytime (there’s a tote on the porch), or given to any member.1 If it’s more convenient, just drop them off at any branch. (Tell ’em Valley Grange sent you!) If you have any questions or need some help, contact Community Service Chair Mary Annis or Program Director Walter Boomsma. You can also visit the Valley Grange Website or Facebook Page. Spread the word! (Pun intended.)

By the way, this is a “two-fer” opportunity! For each donation received, Bangor Savings Bank will donate one additional jar of peanut butter or jelly to local food insecurity programs! 

  1. Note that this program is conducted throughout Bangor Savings Bank’s service area, and anyone–Grange or individual–can participate! Just take your donation to an local branch. ↩︎

Highland Lake Grange Honors Farrell

On August 20th, members of Highland Lake Grange No. 87 presented the Grange’s 2024 Community Service Award to Jim Farrell, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the City of Westbrook over his lifetime, specifically his role in founding Westbrook Volunteer Rescue in 1969 (along with Frank Donahue). Grange member and former Westbrook police officer, firefighter, and mayor Mike Sanphy and Ronald Jones, former deputy chief of Westbrook EMS, spoke on Jim’s achievements. Many members of Jim’s family and friends attended the ceremony (including two of Frank’s children), which was held at Jim’s residence at Stroudwater Lodge Assisted Living Center. Refreshments and fellowship followed the ceremony. The Grange thanks the Westbrook Historical Society’s Bucket Brigade for creating an excellent slide show.

  • Dave Gowen, Master of Highland Lake Grange shares a happy moment with Jim Farrell
  • Congratulations, Jim!
  • Jim Farrell responds with appreciation.
  • The Westbrook Historical Society’s Bucket Brigade focreated an excellent slide show.

September Events

September is a busy Grange Month! Lots of events, contest deadlines, etc. Is your Grange event listed?

  • September 1, 2024, Lecturer’s Skit Writing, Poetry Writing, and Book Reading Contest entries are due.
  • September 1, 2024, Community Service and FHH Reports are due.
  • September 6, 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).
  • September 6, 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.
  • September 7, 2024, Victor Grange 150th Anniversary Celebration with a meal at noon followed by a program at 1 pm. See this post for more information.
  • September 7-8, 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.
  • September 10, 2024, St George Grange Community Supper at 5 pm. Adults $10, Children $5, under 10 free. For more information, see this post.
  • September 12, 2024, Blood Drive at Harraseeket Grange in Freeport, 12 – 5 pm.
  • September 13, 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).
  • September 14, 2024, Minnie Welts Bridge Scholarship Supper, 4:30-6:00 pm, at the Parkman Grange Hall on the corner of St Hwy 150 and North Dexter Rd. The supper will be pork loin, potatoes, salads, and dessert, by donation.
  • September 14, 2024, Androscoggin Grange #8 Breakfast from 7 am to 9 am before the Greene Village Day Parade starts! $8.00 per person. FMI see this post!
  • September 14, 2024, Androscoggin Grange Chili Contest, 12 – 2 pm. FMI and rules see this post!
  • September 14, 2024: Androscoggin Grange Roaring 20s Celebration, 6 pm, includes hors-d’oeuvres, mocktails, and dancing! See this post for FMI!
  • September 14, 2024, Androscoggin Grange Pie Baking Contest, 11 am. See this post FMI!
  • September 14, 2024, Deadline for the MSG Bulletin
  • September 14, 2024, MSG Lecturers’ Conference at Manchester Grange. Contact MSG Lecturer Missy Baldwin for More information.
  • September 17, 2024, Special Piscataquis Pomona Meeting at Wayside Grange at 7 pm.
  • September 20, 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).
  • September 20, 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.
  • September 21, 2024, Junior Grange Meeting at Headquarters. Contact Director Betty Young for more information.
  • September 21, 2024, Wayside Grange Concert featuring Denny Breau; doors open at 6:30 pm. More information at Wayside Grange & Theatre Facebook Page.
  • September 27, 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).

Victor Grange Anniversary Celebration

Community Service/FHH – August 2024

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

As the Grange year ends, remember to send reports to the appropriate directors. A letter with the forms, dated June 7, 2024, was sent to every Grange. The forms are in the Community Service Packet and the Grange website.

The Community Service meeting/workshop scheduled for August 24 following the CWA conference has been postponed. 

I would like to thank Bauneg Beg Grange #382, Knox Station Grange #579, Ammadamast Grange #379, Kennebec Valley Grange #128, South Sangerville Grange#335, and York Pomona #14 for submitting the Community Service Report.

I have received one entry form for Granger of the Year. There have not been any entries for police, firefighter/EMT, or educator of the year. These are important people in our community, so we should recognize them. 

I have not received any Community Service Notebooks. Remember, the deadline for these is September 1. Please allow 7 to 10 days for USPS to deliver. 

CORRECTION: 

My address is 9 MARIAL Avenue, not MARIEL Avenue. This will delay me receiving your notebook and or mail.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you. I look forward to more reports, entries for police, firefighter/EMT, educator of the year, Granger of the year, and Community Service Notebooks.

Fraternal Concerns

Submitted by Sharon Morton, MSG Secretary

It becomes my sad duty to inform you of the death of Laura Macomber, mother of Debra Ivers, State Flora, and mother-in-law of Peter Ivers, State Gatekeeper.  Condolences may be sent to Deb and Pete at 961 Duck Pond Rd., Westbrook, Maine 04092.  

Cards of Get Well/Thinking of You can be sent to Lorraine Goodness, mother of Missy (Melissa) Baldwin, State Lecturer, who suffered a stroke and is doing well.  Cards can be sent to Sister Lorraine at 8 Guillemette Street, Sanford, ME 04073.

Read All About It!

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

Elizabeth Walztoni wrote an excellent article about Maine Granges, published in the Bangor Daily News yesterday (August 4, 2024).

Once town centers of agriculture, these public spaces haven’t quite disappeared

(If you read news online, you are probably familiar with paywalls—but try it! I think BDN will allow a limited number of free reads. This article is definitely a very positive one that’s worth reading!)

I’ve always said, “It’s easier to make news than it is to write press releases!”

What’s your Grange doing?

Senior Circles at Victor Grange

August 16, 2024, 11 am

Senior Circle – a potluck for Seniors to get together with others for socializing, networking and a game or two. Held on the 3rd Friday of the month at 11 am. . FMI Deb 207-453-4844 or Sherri 207-815-0615. Victor Grange 144 Oakland Rd Fairfield Center. No Charge.

New Maine Members!

According to Good Day! magazine, the following Maine Granges took in the following (more than fifty!) new members.

Bauneg Beg #382
Pam Gerry

Cambridge Valley #582
Gail A. Watson

Fairview #342
Mika Levitt
Nicole Vera

Jonesboro #357
Janice Philbrook

Merriconeag #425
Jim Alexander
Jan Davis
Abigail Hight
Will Hight
Elizabeth Manning

North Jay #10
Angelia Courchesney

Norway #45
Dennis Fenney
Jeffrey K. Windom

Saco #53
Pamely Beckley

South Sangerville #335
Warren Nuite

Tranquility #344
Diane Berenzy
Lee Cronin
Dwight Emerson
Wade Graham
Elizabeth Hand
Jany Hardy
Stephen Hardy
DeAnna Hartel
Alan Larson
Sandy Lehman
Diane O’Brien
Robert Olsen
Pat Shannon
Jack Silverio
Susan Silverio
Cyrene Slegona
Cheryl Wienges
Karen Womer

Trenton #550
Robert Alison
Greg Askires
Joanna Dotts
Lynn Gregonel
Bing Miller
Teryn Miller
Mary Turner
Cecila Zaveskotis

Union Harvest #591
Deborah Bailey
Beatrice Martin
Jeffrey Todd

Victor #49
Margaret Blair
William Blair
Donald Green
Joyce Green
Samuel Green
Adam Lerette
Joe Robles
Lisa Robles
Richard Tompkins
Sherry Tompkins
Mark Williamson
Sabrina Williamson

Winthrop #209
Robert Faucher