Tag: Grange Activities

Valley Grange Celebrates Community

Guilford—Valley Grange in Guilford has announced their annual Celebration of Community, which will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Guilford Grange Hall. The event includes honoring the local organization’s Community Citizen(s) of the Year. This year, the Grange will honor Manda Stewart, Executive Director of the Piscataquis Area Community Center. The event celebrates the strength of rural communities with a community potluck supper at 5:30 pm, followed by a program featuring a presentation of certificates of recognition at 7:00 pm. The program includes an opportunity for guests to share testimonials and appreciation.

Program Director Walter Boomsma noted in announcing the celebration, “We always try to honor people who have their boots on the ground and give of themselves to strengthen and build our communities. These too often unsung heroes are a lifeline for our communities. The event itself brings neighbors and friends together. Even the meal demonstrates the strength and value of our communities, as the communities prepare the potluck supper by bringing dishes to share.”

Stewart is an active community leader and dedicated mother of two, whose children enjoy swimming, golf, and dance. She has a passion for water skiing, boating, and reading, and she devotes much of her time to volunteering. Manda serves as the president of the RVCS Boosters in Dexter, is a Kiwanis member, and partners with the Dexter Development Association to support local initiatives.

“She has been unstoppable in her efforts to create a viable community center out of the former Y.M.C.A in Dover-Foxcroft. She is a wearer of many hats and source of boundless energy and doesn’t seem to have the word ‘can’t’ in her vocabulary. Valley Grange is honored to offer this opportunity for our communities to recognize her compassion, professionalism, and resilience,” Boomsma notes.

Community Service Chair Mary Annis adds, “This is always such a great evening as we enjoy the chance to connect with each other, share a great meal, and celebrate our rural lives. So many people benefit from the work Manda and people like her do daily. This is a chance to thank them in person and maybe shake hands and give a hug.”

Additional information about the event is available at http://valleygrange.com and on the Valley Grange Facebook page.

Mothers’ Day Tea Party at Jonesboro Grange

Communication Shorts 4-19-2025

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

April Bulletin Available!

We’re a couple of days behind schedule, sorry! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Scholarships Are a Hot Item

Our scholarship page continues to get hit pretty hard, and some deadlines are approaching!

Degree Day, April 27, 2025

Have you made your arrangements? Don’t forget to work with Maynard Chapman (207) 312-5591 if you have questions or are bringing candidates.

Consider this Idea!

What member (or friend) has some skills you can tap to create an event or program? For example, how about a Bike Maintenance and Repair Workshop? Potential participants are invited to learn the basics of bike repair, maintenance, and pre-ride safety checks from seasoned cyclists with experience.

Think about this!

“Then you have to remember to be thankful; but in May one simply can’t help being thankful that they are alive, if for nothing else.”

 L. M. Montgomery

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site consult these directories often.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.

Exploring Traditions – April, 2025

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

Which Tool Shall We Use?

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

“The spade we use when we wish to penetrate deeper into the soil than we can with the plow. It thus becomes the emblem of thoroughness. Whatsover you attempt to do, strive to do it well.” These are the words spoken by the master to the candidates during the First Degree, the degree of preparation. The master is, of course, describing the implements of the first degree—the ax, plow, harrow, and spade.

Each implement serves a different purpose when working the soil. And each implement represents a different application to what might be considered the Grange Way of Life.

The ax is “used to cut away obstructions…” and as we think about the repeated blows sometimes necessary to cut through the hardest wood we are reminded that “repeated trials surmount every difficulty.”

The plow is used to “break up the ground…” and might represent how we “prepare the mind for growth…” by plowing through the “heavy soil of ignorance.”

The harrow pulverizes the soil and covers the seed. In the instruction, the master suggests this is “emblematic of that course of study and observation necessary for you fully to understand…”

And the spade is used to “penetrate deeper,” suggesting the need for thoroughness. These implements are not just about the soil; they are about our minds and our work.

Grange language can be most interesting. When degrees are discussed there seems to be some diversity of vocabulary. We sometimes ask, “Have you received the degrees?” But I’ve also heard “Have you taken the degrees?” Less frequently the question is, “Have you been through the degrees?”

As a writer, I think words are important—including how we describe the degrees. If we turn to the degrees themselves, the most frequent word used to describe them is “instructed.” (Just prior to the portion of the first degree referred to here, the assistant steward says to the master, “…our brothers and sisters are prepared to receive your instruction.”) The degrees are not meant to be a passive activity. As candidates, we are instructed and we learn. Is it odd that we don’t say, “I’ve learned the degrees?”

The master’s use of these implements is very instructive and includes a lesson we should learn. When faced with life’s challenges, is it not logical that we might best begin by remembering that sometimes we need determination and a desire to keep trying. And early on we need to do some research, get some facts, and “plow through” our own ignorance. When we do so, we shouldn’t just skim the surface. Our goal should be to fully understand. So much so that we grab our spades and dig deep, making sure we are thorough in our quest.

Here’s an idea that might take a while to catch on… during our meetings when we discuss an idea or a problem, could someone suggest we use the implements of the First Degree during our discussion? Should we be using an ax, plow, harrow, or spade? All four are necessary. All four contribute.

Maybe a member will call out, “Hey! I’ve been instructed in the First Degree! I think we should use a spade here. Let’s make sure we’re being thorough and do this well!”

And perhaps before the meeting is over, we’ll remember the Lecturer’s instruction, “…while occupied in the work of preparing your lands for the seed, have faith in God’s promise that seedtime and harvest shall never fail…”

This month’s column was originally published in the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life.”

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

CWA Report – April 2025

By Margaret Henderson, Director
Committee on Women’s Activities
207 948-2762

Committee on Women’s Activities

Happy Spring!  If the old saying “April showers bring May flowers “ is true, there should be many this year.  I hope that it starts to warm up soon.

The Grange yard sale will be held on June 7. Hope to see many of you there.

Good news!  We will be able to sell food at State Grange this year.  I am hoping to have fudge, brownies, cookies, and other snacks.

Entries for the contests need to be at Headquarters by Tuesday, August 19.

I will be there from 9 to 2 on that day. If you can not bring them that day, let me know so that we can make arrangements to meet and ensure that your entries are logged in and judged.

I hope that you will all have a blessed Easter with your families.

Mill Stream Grange Celebrates Grange Month

Members l-r front row: Ingrid Grenon, Allan Harville, Lisa Goucher, Laurie Cunningham, Judy Dunn, Barbara Gilman. l-r back row: Paul Lavender, David Varney, Bonnie Parlin, Jill Sampson

On Sunday, April 6, members of Mill Stream Grange attended the Vienna Baptist Church for the annual Church Sunday during Grange Month. The Congregation warmly welcomed the group for the service. After the service, Grangers and church members enjoyed refreshments at Mill Stream.

Danville Junction Grange Open House

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Danville Junction Grange is located at 15 Grange Street, Danville, Maine. (Off Routes 202/100 in the Auburn area.)

Membership Moments – April 2025

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

This is a busy month for all Granges. April is Grange month, so there will be many activities going on at various times throughout the State of Maine. Open houses, giving membership certificates for longevity and degree days are happening. As you may have heard, there will be a degree day at 1 pm on Sunday, April 27, at State Grange Headquarters in Augusta performed by Androscoggin Pomona. If you have any candidates (including those who have been obligated but have not viewed the degrees), please bring them. This may be the only degree day scheduled. Last year was a success, so let’s attend and meet seasoned and new friends. I am pleased to hear positive things concerning Granges having taken in new members recently. Is your Grange one of those?

I will remind all Granges to please read the membership columns at your meetings. Please assign or volunteer a member to do that task. It is important that the information contained in the columns reach all members so that all of us know what is happening. Pomona Masters/Presidents, since all of you are part of the State Membership Committee, I would like you to place a bigger emphasis on increasing membership for Subordinate/Community and Pomona Granges. The more we all emphasize increasing membership as a priority in our Granges, the more likely it is to happen. There are many who would join if we just asked or shared information with them. Members of all ages are
welcomed with younger members especially needed. Who is going to take over when we have passed? Do you have youth in your Grange? I am not talking about young at heart, seasoned members, but those who are 14 to 35 years old. Not many of us do, which is scary. However, we CAN attract members if we put our minds to it. I have proposed to my own Grange a membership competition, the winner to receive a cash prize. What are your ideas? Please share them!!! Let’s all work together to rebuild our membership base.

Fifth Degree Date Correction

Correction of date for Sagadahoc Pomona 5th Degree. It will be on Wednesday, April 30th, at Enterprise Grange, 15 Alexander Reed Road, Richmond, ME. Enterprise Grange is located across from the town library and Fire Department.
Potluck supper at 6:00 pm. meeting at 7 pm. Candidates from other Pomonas are welcome if you bring your application signed by your Subordinate Master/President. For more information, contact Marilyn Stinson (207) 737-2611.

President’s Perspective – April 2025

By Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029

Highlights of State Session

Here we are in April. Do you realize the State Grange Session is only six months away, Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18? Black Bear Inn, 4 Godfrey Drive, Orono. You are responsible for your own room reservations (207-866-7120) use code Maine State Grange Group for special rate. I do not have meal prices yet but more information will be coming when it becomes available.

Here is an early preview. Friday, we will open in the 6th Degree at 11:00 a.m. (yes eleven), lower to the Fourth Degree; introduce National Rep. Kathy Gibson, Lady Assistant Steward of the National Grange; cover general business and State Master’s Annual Address. At noon, a paid lunch will be available downstairs. 1:30 p.m. is the Memorial Service; followed by Nat Rep; 3:00 p.m. begin resolutions. We close at 5 p.m. 6 p.m. The Banquet Buffet downstairs, tickets are purchased in advance. This year’s theme “Home Grown Roots For Bountiful Harvest.”Awards upstairs after banquet.

On Saturday at 8:30 a.m. we open in the Fourth Degree. 9:00 a.m. is acceptance of budget; full elections of officers, resolutions and reports mixed in with elections. Noon-paid lunch is available downstairs. 1:30 call back to order. 1:45 Conferral of the Sixth Degree and Installation of Officers, business continues as needed.

Current information and details are available on the 2025 151st Convention Page,

Utilities at Grange Halls

Recently I was trying to pay a power bill for a closed Grange and to change another power bill over to MSG for a recently closed Grange to continue with payments. It was quite a challenge to accomplish both. Neither my name nor Maine State Grange was on the service, so the employees could not help me at all (which is not their fault). It was very frustrating on my part, even though I had the account numbers. One account had been set up on line as autopay by a person who is uncooperative and no longer a member, the bank account was closed but the bill kept adding up. The other was a standard set up many years ago, the bills kept up to date, by a member who was recently deceased. One utility asked to have the former person let them know the name and billing address for the new contact, then the new contact had to call in to say they would accept the new bills, but it was still a problem to get it resolved even after I did all that was asked. I mention this to you so you won’t run into a problem with your utilities at some point in the future. Whose name and address is associated with your Grange utility accounts or is it just the name of the Grange on the bills, maybe sent to the Secretary? Should a second contact be added or at least confirm who is on your Grange utility accounts, who can get information and also make changes, or even turn the utility off if needed?

Promoting Your Grange

As we are all involved in promoting Grange membership and growth, we should be advertising ourselves. The name and number of a Grange should be on the building or on the sign at the road AND should include the day and time of the meetings. This way someone passing by or visiting the area will know when you meet.

A display in a front window or a bulletin board on the Grange hall would help us promote ourselves more. We talk about a display in a public area only during Grange Month, but this display would be ongoing year-round. You could list programs and other information in your display. Include activities or projects your Grange is involved with as part of your Grange work, and include contest information for the different committees of the Grange. (Four 2” boards, an old aluminum storm window, a couple of hinges, and a hasp make a very nice outside bulletin board, using plywood or paneling for backing if you wish). It may just spark some interest in someone who wishes to help do something for the Grange, or someone may want to join.

You could also put a board in the hallway, entryway, or on the back of the entry door where the public comes in to wait for suppers, bingo, etc. Once seated, they don’t have the opportunity to look around or read something they see hanging on a wall unless it is close or big, but while waiting in line, they might be nosy enough to be checking things out beside them on a wall close by. Use BIG print, keep it neat and attractive, give some details, add some color, and promote all the different activities, benefits, and programs we are involved with in the Grange. (See the various National and State program books for information.) If you don’t have these books handy, contact someone who can get them for you and use them. Change things around occasionally or add something new so it doesn’t get boring or outdated. The Grange has a lot of great things to offer. Have brochures or sheets of information within easy reach for someone who wishes to pick one up and take it along (most people are more comfortable checking out information in private), or they can read it there while waiting.

Another reason for your display is to remind current members what is happening. You may be surprised by what is available. A lot of halls have a nice bulletin board in the meeting room; be sure to utilize this for your members and visitors who attend. They may have been out when a certain communication came in and did not know about something; it doesn’t have to be the letter itself, but a name and date of event or activity. If they want to know more about it, they can ask. It is surprising how many people do not know or have overlooked something they could have taken part in. We can’t promote membership growth if we don’t promote Grange in Grange.

Helpful Hints From Hallmark® either for display board or standard size paper.
Less is More * A little clip art is snazzy—too much makes a mess. * One or two lettering styles complement the mood of your project—too many different fonts look confusing. * Pack your punch into fewer words and short sentences.

Follow the “Rules of Threes” *Arrange graphic elements in groups of three for the best visual balance. * For example, three photos printed on one page are more interesting than two or four. Oddly enough, the human eye prefers odd-numbered images. * Feature only three ideas in your message. The human mind easily grasps concepts in sets of three.

Think “Z” *the eye travels in a Z-pattern from the top to the bottom of the page. *Put the most important stuff at the top to grab your reader’s attention. *Build the reader’s interest through the middle, then drive your point home with a dominant element at the bottom of the page.

Finishing Touches *Enclose a photo or some colorful, shaped confetti. Seal special invitations with old-fashioned sealing wax. *Decorate a special scrapbook page with leftover sheets. *Creating a poem, award, or certificate? Present it with a flourish: Roll it up scroll-style. Tie it with a satin ribbon, gold cord, or strand of raffia. Be creative.