Easy Community Service Project?

Did you know that since 2012, the Bangor Savings Bank Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive has collected more than 83,000 jars that have been donated to local food insecurity programs? That’s a lot of sandwiches!

While it’s not an official Grange Program, it’s an easy one to support. Members could do this as individuals–or your Grange could collect donations and deliver them all at once. Take a photo of the delivery!

Jars of peanut butter or jelly can be dropped off at any Maine or New Hampshire Bangor Savings branch during operating hours from Thursday, September 1, 2022, through Friday, September 30, 2022. For each donation received, Bangor Savings Bank will donate one additional jar of peanut butter or jelly to local food insecurity programs.

Peanut butter, a protein-rich food item, is too often in short supply and in high demand at local food insecurity programs. And what’s a more classic pair than peanut butter and jelly? Something as simple as donating a jar can make a big difference to a neighbor in need. And with school back in session, we can support our local schools and backpack programs by donating a jar of peanut butter or jelly!

Judy loves the Grange!

 I love that the Jonesboro Grange is like one big extended family. The Jonesboro Grange does a lot of community events for the public.

Judy Lyons, Jonesboro Grange #357

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!

Maine Farmer Wellness Fund Available

This article is reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Are you a farmer or farm worker in Maine? The Maine Farmer Wellness Fund is now accepting applications until September 30th. Distributed in amounts of $100, $250, or $500, these funds can be used to support Maine farmers in their mental health and wellness needs (broadly defined). Farm workers and farmers of color will be prioritized. For more information and to apply, see the Maine Farmer Wellness Fund application form

Dale loves the Grange!

I love the Grange because we are continuing a tradition 150+ years old of inclusion and equality.

Dale Holst, Alexander Grange #304

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!

Vicki loves the Grange!

“I would say my biggest and best benefit is the extended family I have found in the Grange. Where else can you go and have so many brothers and sisters? I have met so many people in my Grange travels, and they are all family.”

Vicki Huff, Hollis Grange #132

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!

Maine Collecting Unwanted Pesticides Free of Charge

Press Release from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.

Augusta, MAINE – The Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program protects Maine’s natural resources and prevents agriculture pollution by promoting the safe and proper disposal of outdated, unused, or unwanted pesticides. The program is made possible by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The program is open to homeowners and family-owned farms who are encouraged to bring unwanted pesticides— including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home to collection sites in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland.

  • The next obsolete pesticide collection days will be held during October 2022, one day each in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland.
  • More details coming soon, including drop-off locations.
  • Pre-registration is required by September 26 to participate, drop-ins are not permitted. 

Details including registering and supplying the obsolete pesticides inventory form, a list of banned and unusable products, storage and transportation guidelines, other disposal options are found on the BPC website www.thinkfirstspraylast.org.

Jessica loves the Grange!

I love all of the activities and events that the grange does throughout the year.

Jessic Thurston-Creations Custom and Homemade, LLC, Hollis Grange #132

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!

Maine State Library Launches”Bendable Maine”

This article is reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by Paul Davis, State Senator for District 4.

On Aug. 23, the Maine State Library in conjunction with the Drucker Institute will launch Bendable Maine, a robust learning marketplace that allows residents of all ages and backgrounds to easily discover and access content that is just right for them on a wide variety of subjects. It will also allow users to acquire new knowledge and skills through online courses as well as local, in-person learning opportunities.   The vast majority of the learning available through the platform will be free to state residents. When there is a cost to the user, it will be clearly indicated.   Attaining new skills to improve job prospects is important, so much of the learning on Bendable Maine is work-related. The platform includes career pathways – backed by Maine employers – where users can earn a digital badge, thereby giving them a leg up in their job search.   At the same time, Bendable Maine has resources on a wide variety of topics, including cooking healthier meals, handling personal finances, fixing things around the house, understanding technology, and even foraging for mushrooms.   The platform features personal learning playlists from individual residents across Maine. It also has a lot of resources from state and local providers, including the University of Maine and community college systems, Maine CareerCenter, adult education programs, music schools, art museums and many others, along with a wide range of national providers, including Study.com, edX, GCFGlobal and a dozen more.   Check out Bendable Maine

Dorothy loves the Grange!

I love the Grange because it gives me an opportunity to meet new people as I join others in creating and doing community events. It’s the giving and learning .

Dorothy St Hilaire, Winthrop Grange #209

Rural Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Presenter: Monica Kramer McConkey, Licensed Professional Counselor Ms. McConkey has 25 years of experience in the behavioral health field as a counselor, program supervisor and administrator. She has a Masters Degree in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Minnesota. Her focus throughout her career has been to increase access to, and remove the stigma often attached to mental health services in rural underserved areas. Register here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SVvxvmJrTam_uLo1jyW4rA