Reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.
On Nov 4, 2025, voters will have the opportunity to decide on local candidates seeking public office and the fate of two questions appearing on this year’s ballot
For each referendum election, the Department of the Secretary of State (SOS) publishes a voter guide with the full text of the laws proposed in the referenda.
Elections will be held for various city, town and school board officials. Ballots in some municipalities may also have questions regarding county or local initiatives. Absentee voting across the state began on Monday, Oct.6. To obtain an absentee ballot or for more information about early voting, you can contact your local town office or request an absentee ballot online. If you need information regarding Maine Election Law or have election-related questions, please visit the Secretary of State’s website or contact them by phone at 207-624-7736.
Where’s your sign? What condition is it in? So many possible questions! Signs are a form of communication that we often overlook or fail to notice. Here’s one situation where that’s not the case!
Trenton Grange #550 is seeking quotes for a new sign. Since Grangers help each other, they are seeking recommendations and leads to signmakers who might be interested. You can comment on this post or contact Emily at Trenton Grange for further details or your suggestions. Or, better yet, if you’re in the area, Trenton Grange meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 pm. The hall is located at 1136 Bar Harbor Road.
The Dictionary Project recently recognized Valley Grange‘s Words for Thirds Project in their “Word of the Day” newsletter. The Word of the Day was “excel.” We strive to do so, and we encourage our students to do the same.
By the way, the dictionaries for this year are arriving today! Dictionary Days are coming soon to Brownville, Harmony, Piscataquis Community, Ridgeview, and SeDoMoCha Elementary Schools.
Fire departments are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.
Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.
If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, take a look around your home — it’s essential to identify which devices are powered by them. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.”
Buy only listed products.
When purchasing a product that utilizes a lithium-ion battery, take the time to research it thoroughly. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
Charge devices safely.
Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
If you need a new charger, purchase one from the manufacturer or one that has been approved by the manufacturer.
Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when the device is fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly.
Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
To find out more about FPW programs and activities in your town/city, please get in touch with your town/city Fire Department. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
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!
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
October marks the start of Medicare open enrollment, and unfortunately, the peak season for Medicare fraud. From October 15 to December 7, eligible beneficiaries can review options and make changes to their Medicare health and Part D prescription drug plans. But not every offer is what it seems.
Each year, criminals take advantage of open enrollment season by posing as insurance providers. They may call, email or show up offering free gifts or limited-time offers, all designed to steal your money, Medicare information, or even your identity.
At the same time, advances in modern medical technology create new opportunities for fraud criminals. Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of devices advertised as medical monitors or promoted for uses they weren’t designed for. To stay safe, rely only on equipment prescribed by your doctor.
To protect yourself from Medicare schemes, avoid sharing personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about Medicare. Legitimate plans can only reach out if you’ve requested information or already have an existing relationship with them. Beneficiaries can safely compare legitimate plans and change enrollment by going to medicare.gov or by calling 800-633-4227.
Featuring fresh baked goods, coffee, mulled cider, homemade jelly, jam, fudge, and canned goods. Lunch will be available: soup with biscuit, hot dogs, nd drinks. For information regarding table rentals, call 207 372-6424.
There will also be a public supper at 5 pm.
St George Grange is located at 32 Wiley’s Corner Road in St George, Maine.
There will be roasted turkey, vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, bread, cranberry sauce, and cake. The cost is $10.00 per person. Please have the exact price for the meal(s) you want. No substitutions, no pre-orders, you drive up, pay, and receive your meal.
The Grange is located on the corner of Route 302 and Hardy Road in Westbrook.
Our October Meeting has been rescheduled to October 10, 2025, due to a conflict with the MSG Convention. Potluck at 6 pm, meeting at 7 pm. Grange Bees are Mary and Jim. Walter & Janice were elected delegates to the State Convention in Orono.
Sandwich Makings
A highlight of our September Meeting was the jars of PB & J that appeared as people arrived! We’ve delivered these to Bangor Savings Bank for their annual drive. You can also donate directly to any Branch before 9/30.
Dictionary Days
Members approved the purchase of dictionaries for this year’s program. We’ll be scheduling presentations and deliveries starting in mid-October. We need team members for these–it’s mostly a matter of carrying things and then helping the kids find words in their new dictionaries. Stay tuned for the schedule and consider lending a hand! Presentations are only about 45 minutes and will be held in Brownville, Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Guilford, and Harmony. We’re checking with Athens and the Amish School in Corinth.
Blistered Finger Knitters Knote!
We deliver hats and mittens in conjunction with Dictionary Presentations. If you have completed items, we’d appreciate receiving them by October 15, although we collect year-round. Contact any member to arrange delivery! Thanks! Keep those kneedles clicking!
Grange Gossip
Walter continues to help the Abbot Historical Society with gravestone cleaning. We have a couple of weeks left this year… Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the old village cemetery across from the Town Hall is where and when. It’s easy and fun! Supplies and instruction are included.
Mary Annis is selling raffle tickets to benefit the DUV. She will humbly admit she made the first prize Afghan.
Pat and Steve will be doing some traveling soon… we wish them a safe trip to Texas and will miss them. When they return, Pat will be busy getting ready for Craft Fairs.
The Guilford Register Magazine September Issue featured an article by Walter, “Sticker! Sticker!” It’s about some kids at an Amish Farmstand in Corinth. The October Issue will include a story about the Dover Foxcroft Kiwanis Auction.
Area Grange Events
South Sangerville Grange is holding a Bean Hole Bean Supper on October 25, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. More information is available here.
Remember, Valley Grange is happy to publicize your event, but we have to know about it! Submit it to the MSG Website and it’ll get state-wide publicity!
Valley Grange Contacts and Resources:
(Click names to send email.) Jim Annis, Master/President – 207 564-0820 (home) Mary Annis, Secretary – 207 564-0820 (home) Walter Boomsma, Program Director/Treasurer – 207 343-1842 (cell) Janice Boomsma, Chaplain – 207 343-1496 (cell)
Valley Grange Hall’s GPS Address is 172 Guilford Center Road, Guilford. (Do not send mail here!) The Hall is located at the corner of Guilford Center Road and Butter Street.
