Tag: Grange Advocacy

Communications Column – December 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Simple Communication

And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it’s been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you.

Sometimes, simple is best. The holiday season invites us to consider that possibility as an opportunity. Sending a holiday card, to some extent, helps us answer the question, “How many ways can you say…” The card company makes its best attempts. For a small additional fee, we can imprint our name and eliminate the need for a signature. Simple.

It’s easy to argue that we lose something in simplicity. I think automation takes a toll. I did some shopping the other day. I didn’t keep track of how many times I was told to “Have a nice day.” I wasn’t annoyed by it, but neither was I deeply moved by it. Occasionally, I was tempted to ask for clarification. “And how would you suggest I go about doing that?”

The best communication isn’t automatic. The best communication is thoughtful and heartfelt. And that can be simple. One cashier placed her hand with my change into mine, but didn’t release it. This caught my attention, and I instinctively made eye contact. With her hand in mine, she smiled and wished me a nice day. I think her eyes twinkled a bit. We connected. I knew she meant it. Simple.

Communication should be about connection. Don’t let the words get in the way.

FACT: The two most popular categories of posts are Grange Activities and Grange News.

Mary Jo loves the Grange!

I love being a member of Norway Grange #45. I love volunteering for activities with members that involve not only our local communities, our surrounding communities as well. Partnering and collaborating with other Granges , learning and listening to ideas . Going to State Convention is a joy and beautiful experience; I am speaking from my perspective. I have been a member since 2017, that is when I arrived, and I am so happy I did. I am 75, it has given me a new perspective on retirement or semi-retirement. It has given me a purpose and a new beginning.

Mary Jo DiBenedetto, Norway Grange #45

What about you?

Do you love the Grange? Can you explain what’s great about being a member? It only takes a minute to click the button and tell the world!

I love the Grange!

Community Service/FHH – December 2025

By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
(207) 608-9193

Every Grange has started the Community Service Projects. Please keep an individual form for each project. I am waiting on National Grange as to whether book reports will be sent to National or if they will just be sent to the state report.

Family Health and Hearing

Plan or help with family things to do in the community

  • sponsor a blood drive, mittens, hats and scarves for community,
  • sponsor a workshop on hearing. Check with the community about free hearing tests.

Enjoy the rest of Autumn and the upcoming Winter. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy 2026!

Mill Stream Serves Food Bank

“And you shall have some pie!”

Mill Stream Grange members (l-r) Jill Sampson, Rosie Baker, and Debbie Lavender presented the Grange’s annual Thanksgiving donation of cranberry sauce and makings for pumpkin pies to the Mt. Vernon area food bank on Saturday, November 15. 

Grange Heirloom — December 2025

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!

For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.

Legion Scholarship Oratorical Program

Reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.

The American Legion Department of Maine’s High School Oratorical Scholarship Program will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Thomas College in Waterville. Interested students can begin preparations now for the contest.

The program’s purpose is to help high school students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. Other objectives of the contest are the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and preparation for the acceptance and discharge of civil duties as American citizens.

The scholarship program, held by the American Legion for nearly 80 years, is for those students who look for an academic challenge and the opportunity to win scholarship money for their education careers. For more information about the February event, visit the Maine American Legion’s website.

Volunteers are sought to assist with the program held in Waterville on February 14, 2026. Great opportunity for Granges!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.

Henry Allen Ironside

Best wishes for a happy and thankful Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving Reader is a fun activity about gratitude, family, and possibility. It was created several years ago by Seth Godin to”bring people together to not only celebrate the end of the harvest but to look one another in the eye and share something magical.” It’s absolutely free, simple and easy! Check it out!

National Grange Honors Night

Join us TONIGHT, Friday, November 21 at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT as we celebrate the outstanding achievements, service, and leadership of Grange members from across the nation at National Grange Honors Night. This special program shines a light on the individuals and Granges whose dedication strengthens our communities and embodies what it means to be #GrangeStrong.

Tonight’s event will include:

  • Grange Hall of Fame induction
  • Celebration of Remembrance for the Grange leaders who have gone to the great Grange above
  • Departmental Awards for the 2024-2025 Grange Year

We hope that you and your Granges will tune in live on YouTube or Facebook to celebrate the accomplishments and honor those who helped us reach where we are today, as we look ahead to another incredible year for the Grange.

Please invite your members, friends, and community partners to join us online as we recognize excellence throughout the Grange. Let’s celebrate and honor together – no matter where you are!

Click to watch on YouTube on November 21, 8:30 pm ET

Click to watch on Facebook on November 21, 8:30 pm ET

Click for Program Book

From the Deacon’s Bench – Friends!

By Clay Collins, Guest Columnist
207 837-0564

“And He saith unto them, ‘Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?’ Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” .   

  Matthew 9:26

Friends! Have you ever taken the time to determine just who your friends really are? Who are your rainy-day friends? Who are your casual friends? Who are your good friends? The ones who are there for you when you need them?

These are just a few questions to help you put your friends into the right perspective. Not all friends are alike! There are friends from work or school who are more casual acquaintances than friends. There are those friends who would drop everything and come running (literally) if you should need help of any kind. Then there are those friends who will stick by you when all of the other friends have long gone.

We must cherish all of our friends, as they each have a purpose in our lives. God would not have given us the friends that we have if there were not a purpose to it. It has been said that friends are like a fine wine; both add comfort to a significant situation. For if it weren’t for good friends, how would we be able to cope with our day-to-day lives?

Friends are a gift from God that we cannot overlook. I am thankful every day for all of my dear friends, for without them, I could not appreciate the true gifts from God. Thank you one and all for being my very dear friends.

Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch”.

Benediction: Our Father, thank you for our friends for without them, life would not be worth living. Help us to realize that our friends are really a true and loving gift from You. We give our thanks in Thy holy name. Amen. 

Thought for the month:

“Life has many gifts – take time to unwrap them all!”

While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.

Getting the Words Out!

by Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

As of today, there are 371 public schools in Maine (according to The Dictionary Project website). Of those, only 27 have a Dictionary Project Sponsor so far this year. That’s slightly over 7%.

The good news is that it’s still early in the year, and we can do better! If you have been sponsoring in the past, it’s time to start working on this year’s effort.

If you haven’t been a sponsor, this is a good year to start. For a list of unsponsored schools, visit the Dictionary Project Website. Remember, we have many great resources available on our MSG Words for Thirds Resource Page. We’ll even provide you with your Grange’s very own logo!

There are also Rotary, Kiwanis, and Elks Clubs that sponsor schools in Maine. One possibility might be to partner with a local civic organization in your area, particularly if you’re concerned about the cost and effort involved. There are several dictionaries available to choose from. All come in cases of 24 at a cost of around $100 per case, including shipping. Obviously, much depends on school size, but you can start a powerful community service with a minimum investment!

If you doubt the power of this program, check out this short news story about a Valley Grange “Dictionary Day” at Ridgeview Elementary School in Dexter.

If you have questions or would like some help. Let me know! We’re Grangers. We help each other. And let us know about your Words for Thirds Project!

MSG Words for Thirds Resources