Maine Legislative Sentiments are highly regarded, formal recognitions used by the Maine Legislature to honor significant individual, civic, or organizational accomplishments. These sentiments act as official, bipartisan commendations, often presented on the floor to highlight milestones, such as 30 years of educational leadership or exceptional community service, marking them as sincere expressions of appreciation. Often, these sentiments receive unanimous support, reflecting a moment of unity in a sometimes divided political landscape.
For those Granges who celebrate Community Citizens, consider contacting your local Senator or Representative and asking if they might sponsor a Legislative Sentiment for your honoree. Sometimes they will even attend your event to present it–if you invite them!
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).
Reprinted from an Enewsletter from UMaine Extension
Participants will learn how to handle tractors and equipment safely, how to identify hazards, and how to minimize the chances of accidents. The course is open to all interested adults and youth. A Federal Certificate of Training will be issued at the end of the course after successful completion of the written test and driving course and with attendance requirements met. This certificate is required for 14 and 15 year olds who plan to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own.
Dates: April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25 (Exam)
Course Format:
Five weeks of in-person lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and tractor driving.
Additional reading and coursework outside of class time. Note: participants will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone to complete some homework assignments.
The idea of “Grangers helping Grangers” can take many forms. We often see it within our Granges. For example, a member of Valley Grange recently needed some work completed on their home. It was quite natural for them to ask other members for suggestions. A slightly different version happens in Granges like Ocean View #463 in Port Clyde. They accomplish many of their projects by helping each other with ideas, resources, and expertise. These sorts of things happen both formally and informally, and all it takes is a little communication.
In recent weeks, I’ve had the privilege of seeing examples of it with Grangers helping Grangers in other Granges. For example, a Grange considering a Book Exchange Program (Little Free Library) wants to connect with other Granges that have one. Once again, all it takes is a little communication to make that connection! The odds are pretty good that if a Grange is considering something, another Grange (or someone in it) has at least tried it—and more likely done it.
What we are describing here is the primary focus of the Communications Department and website—supporting local community Granges. The odds are pretty good that if a Grange is considering doing something, another Grange (or someone in it) has at least tried it—and more likely done it. All we have to do is find that resource and connect!
That’s where you come in. It sometimes feels like local Granges are among the best-kept secrets! Tell the world (including the Grange World) what you’re doing!
A recent Rapid Resource on fundraising (included as a bonus article in this issue) challenges the use of the word “donation” in fundraising. Instead of asking for a donation, we can think of ourselves as giving others an opportunity. A similar mindset applies to recruiting members. Instead of asking people to join, give them an opportunity to be part of something.
“A rising tide lifts all boats,” is an idiom that suggests all who participate in improvements benefit. In a simpler sense, Granges can rise together, especially when we realize that collectively we have much to offer. In practical terms, that includes the events we hold and the projects we undertake. Humility is often overvalued. Bragging can be a very effective leadership tool. Of course we must earn the right to brag. We can help each other do that. You’ll probably be amazed at what happens as a result.
FACT: In the past twelve months, nearly 9,000 people have visited the MSG website, an 11% increase over the previous year.
“A woman from Samaria came to the well to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink,’ (For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to Him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria? Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’ The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?”
John 4:7-11
I apologize for such a long scripture this month, but it said volumes to me. This was the scripture we heard in church this week (third Sunday in Lent). I took the middle part of it. The full scripture lesson is John 4:5–42.
Naturally, we, as good grangers and Christians, would think nothing of giving the stranger a drink of water, but in those days, the Jews and Samaritans were total opposites from one another. It would be very strange for the two of them to even be sitting in the same area, much less talking to each other, especially a man and a single woman.
The woman was correct in saying that Jesus had nothing to draw water, and that the well was very deep. Jesus was not talking about water from the well that we drink. He was talking about the living water that only God Himself provides us. That is what God feeds our soul with to help us understand the teachings of Jesus and God.
The ”Living Water” that comes from God is what sustains us so that we may do good here on earth. We need to drink it in so that we can continue to do God’s work.
Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”
Benediction: “Gracious Father, continue to give us the living water. Amen.”
Thought for the month:
“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” [Irish Blessing]
While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.
Reprinted from an enewsletter by Senator Stacey Guerin, Senate District 4.
The Maine Maple Producers Association has announced the 43rd annual Maine Maple Sunday weekend. Set for March 21-22, sugar houses across the state will offer events, games, activities, sugarbush tours, music and much more.
Over 100 sugar houses, farms and orchards are participating in this year’s Maple Sunday weekend at locations across the state. This is a great way to celebrate our Maine maple producers while enjoying a sweet treat!
Some locations will be open for activities on both Saturday and Sunday while others will only be open one day so be sure to double check with each sugarhouse before heading out! For a list of participating locations, visit the Maine Maple Producers Association website.
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 from an enewsletter by Maine Representative James White, District 30.
March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness of the current state of research on multiple sclerosis, including new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves of the CNS and can potentially injure the nerves as well. This damage causes reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common MS symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, depression and cognitive issues, and various levels of impaired mobility. The prevalence of multiple sclerosis is estimated at nearly one million people nationwide and most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Researchers continue to learn more as they look for both a cause and a cure.
Reprinted from an enewsletter by Maine Senator Stacy Guerin, District 4.
Maine students with an interest in agriculture, leadership, and public policy are encouraged to apply for Agriculture Policy Day at the Legislature, taking place March 25, 2026, at the State House in Augusta. Organized by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in partnership with the Maine Department of Education, FFA, and University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H, the program offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how agriculture policy is shaped in Maine.
Selected students will tour the Capitol, meet with legislators and agricultural leaders, and observe the work of the Legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. Participants will also take part in virtual pre- and post-sessions designed to build skills in advocacy, civic engagement, and agricultural policy.
The event coincides with National Agriculture Day and Maine Agriculture Day at the Legislature, where farmers, producers, and partners gather in the Hall of Flags at the State House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate Maine’s agricultural community. Selected participants must commit to the full program schedule. Please review all details and access the online application. Applications are open through March 1, 2026.
As technology advances, here are a few more resources we’ll be adding soon:
The American Legion: Text “FLAG” to 35893 (or 534466) to receive text alerts on your mobile phone.
Flag Day – US Flag Alerts App (iOS): Sends alerts for federal, but not state, half-staff days to your mobile phone.
Service First: Flag Alerts (iOS/Android): Covers federal, state, and weather-related alerts to your mobile phone.
“I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the blood of those who died defending it.”
John Thune
Thanks to Larry Bailey, Master of Ocean View Grange, for an “unintentional” reminder to update this resource!
