By Margaret Morse, Maine State Grange Lecturer
207 439-0413
Download a copy of the Lecturers’ Newsletter containing lots of program helps!
Lecturer’s Newsletter – Summer 2023
Tag: Lecturer Programs
Lecturer’s Column – May 2023
By Margaret Morse, Maine State Grange Lecturer
207 439-0413
Book Reading Contest
Did you know that approximately 1700 books are published daily? These books, from history to science fiction and biographies to children’s books, hit the shelves of bookstores and libraries soon after. So, no matter what your favorite genre is, there are plenty of new titles to choose from each month.
The book reading contest is easy to enter. It is open to all Subordinate Grange and Junior Grange members, children, and grandchildren of Subordinate members. All that is required to enter is a list of all the books you have read since September 2, 2022, including the title, author, and number of pages.
Each entry must include your name, Grange, including number, address, total number of books, and the total number of pages read. Juniors should include their age as of September 1. Students may include books read for class. Awards will be given for both most books and pages read. New this year is an optional section that asks you to recommend a book from your list. If you choose to recommend a book, you should include your name, the book title, the author, and the genre. Then write a short summary of the book and tell why you recommend it. All recommendations received will be printed and given to all members who entered the book reading contest.
All entries must be received by September 2023.
Lecturer’s Column – April 2023
By Margaret Morse, Maine State Grange Lecturer
207 439-0413
Skit Writers Wanted!
In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, TV Variety shows were really popular. Shows such as The Red Skelton Show and Carol Burnett Show entertained all ages. Though they often had celebrity guests, the skits or sketches were the most entertaining and what audiences remember. Writers produced parodies of well know shows and commercials. Skits with characters such as Freddie the Freeloader or everyday situations such as going to the dentist were also the basis for popular skits.
Now it’s your turn to become a skit writer by entering the Skit Writing Contest. Any topic, as long as it is Grange-appropriate, may be used as a theme for your skits. Think about the events that happen daily, work situations, kids playing, and interactions with other people that you might be able to write as a skit.
Lecturers, maybe instead of having someone read a selection pertaining to your program, the information might be turned into a skit that conveys that information in an entertaining way.
The Skit Writing Contest is open to all Subordinate Grange members. Each skit must have a title. The skit must be an original work of the person submitting it. The skits must have at least two characters and be able to be performed in under 10 minutes. Every entry must include the Writer’s name, their Grange, including the number and address. All entries must be received by September 1, 2023.
Lecturer’s Column – March 2023
By Margaret Morse, Maine State Grange Lecturer
207 439-0413
Poets and Poetry
Have you ever written a poem, why not? This year how about trying your hand at writing one or more and entering them into the contest? Poems can express feelings, paint verbal pictures or entertain. Entries to the Poetry writing contest sponsored by the Lecturer’s Department can follow any poetic form. This year the three specific categories are: FAMILY, WEATHER, and CAMPING. There is also an “OTHER” category which can include any subject. Also, any poem that you might be required to write for a class or workshop may be entered. This contest is open to all subordinate and junior members and includes children and grandchildren of subordinate members. So hopefully, with your help, my inbox or mailbox will be stuffed with entries that are due by September 1, 2023
Lecturer’s Column – January 2023
By Margaret Morse, Maine State Grange Lecturer
207 439-0413
New Category of Winter Photos
Are you the type of person who is always taking pictures? This year one of the categories for the photo contest is WINTER. So, although our state session is almost nine months away, now is the time to take photos for this category. Often when people think of pictures of winter in New England, what first comes to mind is landscapes taken either during or soon after new snow has fallen. However, there are so many other photos that could be taken, such as kids or pets playing in the snow. Photos of people skiing, skating, or involved in other winter sports might also make interesting photos. Just remember that all entries in each category will be judged against each other based on the following: Composition and arrangement, Interest, Presentation, and Technique. So, pick up your camera and see what interesting photos you can take.
Quick Tip–Life Skills Series
How about conducting a “Life Skills Class?” The class could focus on what it takes to properly and easily balance a checkbook, write checks and reconcile any errors found. These are skills that sound simple to some, but not everyone knows how to do them.
This could actually be a series of classes including writing a resume/cover letter, practice interviews, container gardening, budgeting, simple mending, cooking, car care, de-cluttering, and household repairs.
Consider what skills you and your fellow Grangers could use some help with and start a life skills class of your own! Brushing up on life skills like these can really simplify your life and the lives of your fellow Grangers.