Tag: Grange Activities

Valley Grange Seeks Blanketeers

Volunteers will create blankets for children in need

Valley Grange of Guilford is sponsoring a blanket-making event on Saturday, May 2, 2026,  from 9:00 a.m. until noon, and volunteers are needed! Organizer Pat Engstrom notes, “No sewing skills are needed. If you can measure, cut a straight line with scissors, or tie a simple knot, you can become a ‘blanketeer’ and help support Project Linus. We’ll show you how!”

Project Linus, a non-profit organization, provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Last year’s event resulted in more than 100 blankets being completed. Since the need isn’t decreasing, Engstrom hopes to see the number of blankets made increase again this year.

“We have a great time doing this, and truly just about anyone can help. We create quite a production line, and it sometimes gets quite competitive! It’s exciting to realize we’re providing love in the form of ‘blankies’ that represent security, warmth, and comfort for kids. We consider them fabric hugs.”

While supplies will be provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring scissors, rulers, and masking tape. Light refreshments will be served.

For additional information, contact Pat Enstrom at 564-8290 or visit the Valley Grange Website at http://valleygrange.com. Valley Grange is located at 172 Guilford Center Road, at the corner of Butter Street.

The Grange: More Than a Place

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

This article was published in the April 2026 Issue of the Guilford Register.

© 2026, Walter Boomsma

One of my greatest pleasures in life is attempting to explain the origins and purpose of this organization called “the Grange” to excited third graders as part of our “Words for Thirds” program. I start by attempting to determine what they already know about the Grange, and I’ll always remember the young girl who waved her hand enthusiastically and announced, “I was born there.”

It took a little thinking to realize she’d heard me say “LaGrange” – one of the small, rural communities here in Maine. Her answer was certainly amusing, but it was also insightful and telling. Like the organization she was learning about, she was proud of her roots and heritage. She announced her connection and kinship to LaGrange just as enthusiastically as I announce my connection to the Grange.

For those unfamiliar with it, the Grange, officially known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was founded in 1867 to revitalize American agriculture and foster a sense of belonging among rural families following the Civil War. By establishing local Granges, the organization provided a vital social hub that offered educational lectures, cooperative buying power to lower costs, and a rare space for men, women, and youth to participate equally. This focus on mutual aid and collective improvement transformed isolated farmsteads into tight-knit networks, cementing the Grange as a cornerstone of rural social life and civic engagement for over a century.

A sense of connection often attracts people to small-town rural America. But even small towns are experiencing a “social disconnect” as things like regional school systems and social media change the traditional model of community. We now have cell phones, tablets, and computers to stay “connected” with people – in many cases, people we rarely see and certainly can’t touch.

But beneath all the communicating, we still want to see people – to touch and be touched – and to feel a part of something. People will claim their families are going “in a million different directions” but not really consider why. Some of it must be the search for connections and a sense of belonging. At the Grange, families find unity, shared purpose, and a sense of community regardless of geographic boundaries. Being from “LaGrange” is not enough. Being from “the Grange” offers more.

The Grange, with its fundamental principles and practices, is one place where the entire family can not only be together but also feel connected to other like-minded people and families. The Grange’s rich heritage as an organization with shared values and missions remains relevant today. One hundred years ago, it was about farmers coming together and overcoming rural isolation. Today, it is about a larger and redefined community, but it is still about coming together and overcoming isolation.

In a study, psychologists McMillan and Chavis identified the four elements required for a “sense of community:” 1) membership, 2) influence, 3) fulfillment of needs, and 4) shared emotional connection. An in-depth study isn’t required to see how an active Grange contributes to those elements and builds a sense of community. From potluck suppers to community service projects, Grange members and friends feel a sense of kinship and demonstrate a cooperative spirit.

There are several crucial factors that distinguish the Grange from other civic and community organizations. The family orientation is one notable difference. Grange families find occasions when they don’t go in a million directions. Another is the diversity of programming and interests. The Grange offers social, economic, and educational benefits to all. You can’t be born there, but you can belong.

Website Updates

By Webmaster Walter

We have mostly good news! Here’s a fairly complete report that’s not too technical. We’re covering several different areas and accomplishments, so read on.

Recent Site Outages

Thankfully, these have become minimal. The last reported outage occurred on Sunday and lasted only three minutes! It could be a long story, but I’m now convinced these outages were not caused by the site but were a host server problem. I’ll continue to monitor and research alternative providers.

Online Grange Directory

I’ve updated the online directory of Granges based primarily on the 2025-26 Roster Information. I also made several “under the hood” changes to make it more flexible. Your help in keeping this current and accurate is appreciated!

Your Websites and Facebook Pages

Your Grange’s online presence is becoming increasingly important! One future project under consideration is to make links available within the online directory. An obvious challenge is keeping those links accurate. If your Grange maintains an active website or Facebook page/group, please let me know! If you need assistance, let me know!

Website Subscription Program

We continue to welcome new subscribers! Yay! I’m currently emailing a summary of posts from the previous week. Subscribers can then choose which posts to view and avoid FOMO (fear of missing out). Thanks for promoting and supporting this! One important way to support subscribing is to share your news and events.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

AI is proving to be a great tool when used properly! Currently, I’m using it sparingly on this site. Some of the images are AI-created, but they are not “faked” or misrepresentations. For quite some time, I’ve used it to correct spelling and grammar of submissions. Any use of AI and automation is deliberate and reviewed. We’ll continue to make haste slowly. Think of it as good stewardship.

man in black suit jacket received a good news
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

If you have any questions or concerns about any of this, please let me know. In my view, this is your website. I’m just the gatekeeper and overseer. Our “labors of the day” are never really finished. Together, we can make it great!

Home on the Grange

By Walter Boomsma

Guilford Register Logo
Originally posted in The Guilford Register Magazine in celebration of Grange Month.

One of my greatest pleasures in life is attempting to explain the origins and purpose of this organization called “the Grange” to excited third graders as part of our “Words for Thirds” program. I start by attempting to determine what they already know about the Grange, and I’ll always remember the young girl who waved her hand enthusiastically and announced, “I was born there.”

It took a little thinking to realize she’d heard me say “LaGrange” – one of the small, rural communities here in Maine. Her answer was certainly amusing, but it was also insightful and telling. Like the organization she was learning about, she was proud of her roots and heritage.  She announced her connection and kinship to LaGrange just as enthusiastically as I announce my connection to the Grange.

For those unfamiliar with it, the Grange, officially known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was founded in 1867 to revitalize American agriculture and foster a sense of belonging among rural families following the Civil War. By establishing local “Granges,” the organization provided a vital social hub that offered educational lectures, cooperative buying power to lower costs, and a rare space for men, women, and youth to participate equally. This focus on mutual aid and collective improvement transformed isolated farmsteads into tight-knit networks, cementing the Grange as a cornerstone of rural social life and civic engagement for over a century.

A sense of connection often attracts people to rural small-town America. But even small towns are experiencing a “social disconnect” as things like regional school systems and social media change the traditional model of community. We now have cell phones, tablets, and computers to stay “connected” with people – in many cases, people we rarely see and certainly can’t touch.

But beneath all the communicating, we still want to see people – to touch and be touched – and to feel a part of something. People will claim their families are going “in a million different directions” but not really consider why. Some of it has to be the search for connections and belonging. One reason every community needs a Grange is that folks are searching hard for a sense of community, and geographic boundaries no longer provide it. Being from “LaGrange” is not enough. Being from “the Grange” offers more.

The Grange, with its fundamental principles and practices, is one place where the entire family can not only be together but also feel connected to other like-minded people and families. The Grange’s rich heritage as an organization with shared values and missions remains relevant today. One hundred years ago, it was about farmers coming together and overcoming rural isolation. Today, it is about a larger and redefined community, but it is still about coming together and overcoming isolation.

In a study, psychologists McMillan and Chavis identified the four elements required for a “sense of community”: 1) membership, 2) influence, 3) fulfillment of needs, and 4) shared emotional connection. An in-depth study isn’t required to see how an active Grange contributes to those elements and builds a sense of community. From potluck suppers to community service projects, Grange members and friends feel a sense of kinship and demonstrate a cooperative spirit.

There are several important factors that distinguish the Grange from other civic and community organizations. The family orientation is one notable exception. Grange families find occasions when they don’t go in a million directions. Another is the diversity of programming and interests. The Grange offers social, political, economic, and educational benefits to all. You can’t be born there, but you can belong.

Complete Issue of the Guilford Register

ⓒ by the author

President’s Perspective – April 2026

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

Among the brown leaves I saw several bunches of daffodil and jonquil shoots up about 4 inches, the forsythia is budded, and even little spots of green are showing up more and more — that’s progress for “spring” to be upon us.   

CELEBRATING GRANGE MONTH

As we get back into our halls for meetings, I remind you again that specific actions must take place for all meetings.  Opening the Grange & Alternative Opening  to open in “full form or due form” means to follow the prescribed Ritual/instructions in the Grange manual, which includes opening the Bible, taking the passwords & reporting, opening the implement case, the salutation given (prescribed hand salute), Salute to the Flag, and the Charter displayed in the hall. The Grange MUST be opened in full form for Conferral of Degrees, Obligation or Welcome Ceremony, even at a special meeting where this is all you are doing, at your own meeting or someplace else. Alternative Opening is a little shorter version of the full form.

The Annual Password: may only be given by the Master/President of your Grange to members who have paid their dues up to date including the current year. If you are taking candidates to Degree Day(s) please let your Secretary know the member has received the Degrees.

Signs and Salutations:  The Code Book or Secret Work describes how to make the signs of each of the degrees (levels) and the Salutation is made by giving the signs of all the degrees consecutively and is accompanied with specific wording during the opening and closing ceremonies. The Master/President says the words and the members silently and simultaneously make the salutation. 

Business of the Grange: including motions may only be conducted or carried out when the Grange is opened and working in full form with a quorum present (7 members of your Grange). Opening in full form means following the prescribed manual format for either traditional or alternative opening. Both include opening the Bible, opening the implement case, giving the salutation (the hand signals) and salute to the flag. Business cannot be conducted outside the meeting then announced to the rest of the membership. All must have the opportunity to discuss and vote on all issues. 

Making Motions:  Any member of that Grange may make a motion and it MUST be seconded by a different member of your Grange. If the motion is not seconded, discussion cannot take place and the motion is lost.  Simple majority carries or loses the motion. The Master may not make a motion, however they may ask the membership if someone wants to make a motion.

Subordinate and Pomona By-Laws: Granges are to keep By-Laws up to date and provide a copy for the office.  Changes may be made by vote of 2/3 of members present and voting at a subsequent meeting after the suggested change has been submitted in writing to all members.

Vacancies in Office: May be filled by election at the next regular meeting of the various Granges of the divisions of the Order. Or not later than the 2nd meeting after the vacancy.

Membership: Fraternal Individual Membership (standard) and Affiliate Membership are the two types of membership we have in Maine. Both are attained by application into a Grange, fee paid, voted into membership and receive degrees or obligation ceremony. Affiliate membership may be held in one additional Grange at the same time as the standard membership, affiliate members have the right to vote and hold office in the additional Grange.

Election of Officers:  Full elections are required in each Grange and yes, we use paper ballots for each officer.  After election the reelected or newly elected Master will appoint and give the names of the committee chairmen to the Secretary asap after election, so the Subordinate or Pomona Secretary can provide the info to the office.

Reimbursement Grant Program:  The 2026 Reimbursement Grants for Community Service Program we do have is to reimburse half of the expenses up to $250, for Community Service work done by your Grange such as the Dictionary Project, Cemetery cleanup, or Christmas party for area families. Your secretary will receive the paperwork for the program or contact the office for the form. The Maine State Grange does not give Grants for building repairs, improvements or property upgrades, etc.  One reimbursement per Grange per year. Forms sent to the Secretary in a mailing earlier this year.   The project must be completed and the receipts for materials only, sent to the Maine State Grange by September 1. 

  

Danville Junction Grange Open House

Submitted by Steven Haycock

Danville Junction Grange Flyer

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Communication Shorts 03-28-2026

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!

The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
 mainestategrange@gmail.com.

April Bulletin

Items for the printed April Bulletin must be submitted by the end of the day, April 14. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

2026 State Session

You may want to note that the State Session is scheduled for October 30-31 at the Black Bear Inn, Orono! Mark your calendar!

Website Outages

Hopefully, the worst is over! Supposedly, the site has been moved to new servers, but we did have another 20-minute outage on Thursday. We’re continuing to monitor and will keep everyone posted. If improvements don’t happen soon, I will initiate the process of finding a new provider. It’s a big job that I’m hoping to avoid!

What’s Going On?

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine. We also love photos and reports of events that have happened.

To Ponder…

“April is a promise that May is bound to keep.”

Hal Borland

An Idea for Your Grange

Cribbage seems to be catching on! Could your Grange sponsor a Cribbage Club? It could be a regular informal gathering, or maybe even include a tournament.

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

  • 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 frequently consult these directories.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.

April Grange Events

April 2026 – Grange Month

Every Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM, Kennebec Valley Grange hosts a flea market that fills two floors. Details here or call Diane Pinkham at 207 314-5135 FMI.

  • Deadline to register for the 2026 NELA Conference in New York.
  • April 4, 2026, Craft Sale at Benton Grange, 9:00 – 2:00 pm. FMI contact Mary Colson.
  • April 11, 2026, St George Grange Public Supper, 5 pm. FMI
  • April 12, 2026, MSG Officers’ Meeting at MSG Headquarters, 2 PM – 4 PM.
  • April 14, 2026, MSG Bulletin Deadline
  • April 17, 2926, Victor Grange in Fairfield hosts a free senior lunch, 11 AM – 1 PM.
  • April 17 – 19, 2026, NELA Conference in New York. Information and Registration Form
  • April 25, 2026, ODDs (Officers, Deputies, Directors) Workshop and Ice Cream Social, 2 PM – 4 PM at MSG Headquarters. FMI Contact Master Sherry.
  • April 26, 2026, Androscoggin Pomona Degree Day at Manchester Grange. More information here.
  • April 26, 2026, Community Citizen Awards at Enterprise Grange in Richmond, Maine at 3:00 pm. Details here.
  • April 29, 2026, April 29, 2026, Sagadahoc Pomona Fifth Degree Day at Enterprise Grange. For more information.

Note the recent addition of a workshop and Ice Cream Social for ODDs on April 25, 2026!

State Session is planned for October 30-31, 2026. Mark your calendar!

St George Grange Public Suppers

St. George Grange is located at 32 Wiley’s Corner Road in St George.

The St. George Grange is starting its 2026 Public Supper season! We have a Public Supper on the 2nd Saturday of each month, April through October. The fun always starts at 5 pm. Thank you, and hope to see you at the St. George Grange.

Our April 11 supper will feature a variety of homemade food, fresh-baked bread, desserts, coffee, and cold drinks with neighbors, friends, and family. Adults $10.00 Children $5.00 (under 10 yrs. free)

Cooked food donations for our supper are welcome (casseroles, salads, desserts, etc.) Part of the proceeds will be donated to the First Baptist Church of St. George, ME 04860

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Sorting at Valley Grange

It’s knitting, crocheting, and quilting season at Valley Grange in Guilford! Mary Annis, Joyce Flanders, Pat Engstrom, and Janice Boomsma had fun sorting recent donations at our March Meeting, including a large bag from Linda Kain.

These handcrafted products are distributed through many different local outlets. Hats and mittens go to our local schools, including Piscataquis Elementary, SeDoMoCha, Brownville Elementary, Ridgeview Elementary, and Harmony Elementary. Lap robes are available to local nursing homes, and we supply the Hospice Program’s Operation Gratitude for Veterans.

Help is always needed and welcomed! If you are interested, contact Mary Annis (564-0820) or Pat Engstrom (564-8290).

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