Ag Committee Report – 2023

By Wilma Grenier, MSG Ag Director
(207) 437-2099

I have enjoyed my time as committee chairperson and want to thank the loyal members for their dedication over the past two years! Each member of the group has contributed in their special way! As I step down, I want to thank you all!

In 2023, five scholarships were awarded, and as they finish their first semester and turn in their proof of successful completion to Sharon at the office in January, they will receive their checks for $500. These students are:

  • Lily Mae Jaffray from Blue Hill to study Pre-Veterinary Science.
  • Emma L. Alexander from Dexter to study Forestry,
  • Zachary Dean Skidgel from Newport to study Sustainable Agriculture,
  • Grace Cassandra VanBuskirk from Thomaston to study Pre-Veterinary Science,
  • Ashley Nicole Stubbs from Addison to study Animal & Veterinary Science.

Funds have been raised over $2,300 to replenish the fund due to the hard work of the volunteers at the Grange Store at Fryeburg Fair ($1,500), Committee volunteers at the MAITC Annual Meeting ($500), and raffles at the State Grange Session this fall. A big thank you to all the committee members who worked on these projects.

In closing, I would like to wish the new committee chair, Roberta Meserve, the very best of luck in the upcoming year! I am willing to remain on the committee if you would like, and look forward to helping with scholarships and judging at some fairs if still needed.

I know that Ag Trade Show is coming up on January 9 – 11. Sharon is working on
securing the booth. The scholarship applications go out to guidance councilors in January too. I can take on that job at the office if Roberta and Sherry wish.

Please let me know. So many thanks, everyone! As the air gets cooler, I am thinking about the holidays coming! All my best to you all and those you love!

Mill Stream Grange Supports Food Bank

Mill Stream Grange donated the makings for 60 Thanksgiving pies to the Mt. Vernon Area Food Bank. Accepting for the Food Bank are (l-r) Rosie Baker, Richard Thompson, Carol Fuller and Kristin Thompson. The Food Bank serves the towns of Mt. Vernon, Vienna, Readfield, Manchester, and Fayette. Rosie, Richard, and Kristin are members of Mill Stream Grange and volunteer at the Food Bank every Saturday morning.

Trenton Grange Announces Suppers

Trenton Grange will host free Community Pot Luck Suppers on the first Friday of the month as follows

  • December 1, 2023, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • January 5, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • February 2, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • March 1, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • April 5, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Trenton Grange Hall is located at 1134 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, Maine. All are welcome! Contact Emily Muise for more details.

Open Mic at Trenton Grange

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 – 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Open Mic Event (acoustic) at the Trenton Grange Hall, 1134 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton featuring music, comedy, stories/poetry. Admission is $5 per person. Contact Emily Muise for more details.

National Grange Elects New President

Christine Hamp

NIAGARA FALLS, NY – The National Grange, the country’s oldest agricultural and rural service fraternity, has elected its 24th President – Christine “Chris” Hamp of Spokane, Washington.

A member of Tualco and Five Mile Prairie Granges in Washington, Hamp has served as Vice President of the National Grange since 2021, Program Director/Lecturer for four years before that, and has been a National Grange officer for more than a decade.

“Thank you for your trust and honor in electing me as your President,” she said. She is also a proud member of the Board of Directors of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Hamp succeeds Betsy E. Huber, who was elected in 2015 as the first woman in the position in the Grange’s history.

December Events Around the State

woman in a blue top looking at paper
Photo by Anna Nekrashevich on Pexels.com
  • December 1, 2023, Fellowship Breakfast for Supper at Valley Grange. Potluck Breakfast at 6 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m. FMI visit Valley Grange Website. This will be a joint meeting with Piscataquis Pomona Members.
  • December 2, 2023, Deputy School at MSG, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 pm. Contact Master Sherry for more information.
  • December 8, 2023, Baked Bean Supper at Community Grange in East Wilton, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. FMI see this post.
  • December 9, 2023, Kids’ Christmas Party at Parkman Grange, 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Additional information is available from Sue Manchester, Parkman Grange Master, at 207 717-6248
  • December 14, 2023, Deadline for the MSG Bulletin
  • December 16, 2023, MSG Junior Grange Meeting at Danville Junction Grange at 11 am. Contact a Junior Director for more information.
  • December 17, 2023, MSAD 4 Santa Project Distribution at Parkman Grange. Additional information is available from Sue Manchester, Parkman Grange Master, at 207 717-6248

Community Grange Bean Supper

Bake Bean Supper Friday, December 8, 2023, from 5:00-6:30. Community Grange in East Wilton will be having a Bake Bean Supper with molasses cake for dessert. $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12. Hope to see you there!

Mill Stream Places Stickers

Mill Stream Grange members Paul Lavender, Jill Sampson, Kirsten Heck, and her daughter Natalie met at the Franklin Cemetery in Vienna to attach ID stickers to the stones of veterans. The small, unobtrusive stickers were placed low on the back of the stones in an effort to make them easier to find when placing flags for Memorial Day. Permission for this project was given by the Association which oversees the care of the cemetery on Tower Road in Vienna.

  • Natalie Heck places sticker
  • The stickers are small, but help identify and honor.
  • Paul Lavender is proud of his Grange and these Veterans
  • Stickers are placed on the rear of the stone.
  • One of many…

Excelsior Grange Christmas Fair

November 25, 2023, 9 am-1 pm.

Vendors, White Elephant Table, wreaths, raffles, and lunch eat-in or take-out (beef stew, corn chowder, chili, or baked beans plus dessert and a drink $5). For more information, call 207-998-2301.

Excelsior Grange is located at 446 Harris Hill Road in Poland, Maine.