Reproduced from The Middle Ground, newsletter of the West Bath Historical Society
While it’s sad when a Grange closes, this serves as an example of collaboration and cooperation as reported by the West Bath Historical Society.
West Bath Grange
From the Deacon’s Bench
By Clay Collins, Guest Columnist
207 837-0564
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-16
Here it is, another month. What happened to the month of January? Here we are in the second month, looking at a lot of snow and very cold weather, wondering if spring is ever going to get here. Well, take heart, my fellow brothers and sisters, it will come.
While we are waiting for the warmer weather to come, let’s work on letting our light shine on others. By that I mean during the cold weather, many people (especially the elderly) are spending more time indoors trying to keep warm.
Those of us who can and are able to get out should spread our “light” to those who need help. By calling our friends and neighbors to see if they are doing fine or if they need rides to the store or the doctor. They might just need to talk.
Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”
Benediction: “Gracious Father, help us to be better people. Teach us to learn how to help those who are sad and mourning. Amen.”
Thought for the month:
“May good luck be your friend in whatever you do, and may trouble be always a stranger to you.”
While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.
Grange Heirloom — February 2026
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.
Some Program Ideas for Granges
A recent issue of the California State Grange included flyers for several programs offered across the state. There were plenty of pancake breakfasts and suppers. A few of the different events are:
- Class in pressure canning
- Toddler story time
- Food and Karaoke
- Homestead series
- Sweetheart Dance
- Grange Community Market
- Masterpieces and Munchies (a series of fun, painting, and snacking)
- Square Dance
- Almond Festival (Remember, it’s California)
- Fruit Tree Sale
- Cowboy Poetry and Music Show
- Zucchini Grand Prix (growing contest) and Harvest Festival
- Amateur Radio Club
- Sobriety Support Group
- Mana and Munchies (includes a number of activities)
- Monthly Flea Market
- Grange Game Night
Many of these are not one-time events. Consistency matters.
What have you got planned? Remember to submit your event!
President’s Perspective – February 2026
Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange Master/President
207 490-1029
Annual Passwords: The annual password ciphers were sent to the Grange Secretaries with the December quarterly report forms. The keys to the password will only be mailed to the Masters/Presidents when all dues are paid up to date, including the December 2025 Quarter. If you have not received your key, check with your Secretary or our office to confirm your dues are paid in full. Sharon did tell me recently that not all dues are up to date. As an individual, to receive the new password, your personal dues must be paid up to date, you should receive a receipt as proof of payment to show the Master/President.
Degree Day: April 26, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Manchester Grange #172, located at 953 Western Ave, (Rt. 202) Manchester, ME. All four degrees will be conferred. Let Norma Meserve (207-583-7211) or email her at: meserve1965@gmail.com if you have candidates or if you would be willing to help out. The candidates should bring their application for membership with them.
Spring isn’t so far away as it may seem at this point, but it is eventually on its way. Winter has been treating us fairly well, except for the big storm of 19” and a few inches here and there, some wind, and several cold days. I guess we really can’t complain all that much about the weather – after all, it is Maine and February. We are still hunkering down in place with the weather & doing well.
With spring comes reopening. It’s almost time to get back in the swing of in-person meetings in our halls. Spring is also clean-up time outside and inside for our own yards, but this should also include our halls. Get the lawn raked up, clip the grass and bushes around the steps and foundation, pick up the branches and trash lying around, get the tattered plastic off the windows and maybe even wash the reachable ones. Repaint your sign, the steps, railings and even the door. We all need an occasional facelift. Closer to summer, get some new plants in the window boxes and garden.
As we are all involved in promoting Grange membership and growth, we should be advertising ourselves. The name and number of a Grange should be on the building or on the sign at the road, and should include the day and time of the meetings. This way, someone passing by or visiting the area will know when you meet.
Grange Month: It doesn’t feel like it, but here we are a little over a month away from Grange Month, a time of year we honor our community members and promote our Grange. Congratulations to those who have made plans for something special at this time. Why not incorporate something to honor our Nation’s 250th Anniversary at the same time. This was a resolution we accepted at the State Grange Session in October. You can plan your event honoring your community later in the year. Nothing says it can only be done in April, honoring someone special or a special activity can happen anytime, it’s the result that really matters. You can buy or make up your own certificates, plaques, etc., for honoring an individual or group, or items may be purchased from National Grange. Whether you order on your own or from National Grange, remember to allow lots of time to get the items back, especially if you are getting it by mail or shipped. We have lots of informational brochures as handouts in your halls available on request at the office.
State Office: I want to remind you that the State Grange office does have an answering machine to leave questions, requests, and information at 207-623-3421. Please leave a clear name, phone number, and brief message so we can return your calls. We are in the office a couple of days a week. We also have a new email address: mainestategrange@gmail.com.
Our personal numbers, home and email addresses are in the 2026 Roster that each Grange Secretary will receive soon. I must apologize for the error I made in the new Roster. I listed the wrong additional email under State Secretary’s name – it should be mainestategrange@gmail.com. We had been given a preliminary email prior to the new Gmail one being issued. The State Grange web site is valuable and can provide information, the webmaster is very helpful, however, some of your questions should be directed to the State Grange Secretary or myself personally by email or phone.
Until we can be together again, take care of yourselves.
Cold Weather Tips for Farms
Take Care in Extreme Temperatures
Farmers and animals need the same basic care in very cold weather. These reminders are for farmers of all experience levels and for those who support them.
- Stay dry and dress in warm layers; keep skin covered.
- Take regular breaks to warm up when working outside.
- Check on farming friends and neighbors. Severe weather can add tasks and disrupt normal routines.
Signs of frostbite: red or painful skin; white or grayish-yellow patches; skin that feels hard, waxy, or numb.
Signs of hypothermia: shivering, extreme fatigue, confusion, trouble using hands, or slurred speech. If hypothermia is suspected, check body temperature and seek medical help immediately if it is below 95°F.
Reduce Stress and Plan Ahead
Pace yourself and plan ahead to reduce stress for both people and animals.
- Make sure drinking water is unfrozen when animals need it; provide a safe alternative if repairs take time.
- Focus first on essential tasks, such as animal care. Less-urgent work can wait until after the storm.
Communication Shorts 02-2-2026
By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842
Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!
The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
mainestategrange@gmail.com.
February Bulletin
The deadline for the February Bulletin is Valentine’s Day (February 14)! Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.
Rapid Resource
We’re introducing this on a trial basis. We’re always seeking resources of potential interest to Grangers and Friends that are not necessarily specific to the Grange. This will be short and easily digestible. As an example, the first concerns finding and tracking scholarships. You can help! Let me know what you think and, by all means, submit ideas and suggestions.
National Grange Rural Life Initiative Grants
Remember, applications are due by February 28, 2026. (You must submit through the online portal.
Your Grange Presence
If your Grange has an active website or social media presence, please make sure to let us know! We maintain a list on the site and publicize them as a source of more information.
To ponder…
“To lead people, walk beside them. As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate. When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!“
Lao-Tsu
An Idea for Your Grange
What are you planning for Grange Month (April)?
What’s Going On?
Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine.
Subscribe!
Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!
Online Directories Available 24-7
Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!
- The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
- The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.
Fraud Watch- IRS Imposter Scams
Tax season is stressful enough, and scammers take full advantage of that with IRS impostor schemes.
They reach out, claiming you owe back taxes and threaten legal action if you don’t pay immediately. These messages are designed to create panic and push you to act fast, often demanding payment by wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency — all guaranteed signs of a scam.
Unless you’re already working with the IRS on a tax issue, the agency will generally not contact you, and if they do, it’s typically by mail first.
When in doubt, disengage and verify by contacting the IRS directly using a trusted number from an official letter or IRS.gov — never one provided in a suspicious message.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
Fraud Watch- Identity Theft Week
Each year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads Identity Theft Awareness Week, a national initiative held in late January on how to avoid identity theft, recover if it happens, and spot these scams before they occur.
Identity theft is when your personal information is exposed; identify fraud is when someone uses that data to take over or open accounts, steal your tax refund, file fraudulent health insurance claims, and more. It can happen to anyone, but we can take steps to protect against it.
Monitoring your credit report is one of the best ways to spot errors or suspicious activity. You can get free credit reports from the main three credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—at annualcreditreport.com.
Freezing your credit is an effective way to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name, especially if you have no near term plans to apply for a loan or credit soon. Credit freezes are free, and you can freeze or unfreeze your credit directly through each agency.
Also, make sure you use strong and unique passwords for all accounts (a password manager makes this so much easier), use multi-factor authentication when it’s available, and shred sensitive documents – dumpster divers are still out there.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
Fairview Grange Makes Plans!
By Rick Watson, Master of Fairview Grange #342
Fairview Grange members got together recently for the monthly meeting. We had 15 members present, which was a great turnout for below-zero temps and freshly cleared driveways of 12” or more a day prior. Hot coffee and fresh brownies on the counter. Our first meeting since the holidays, and it was nice to get together again.
We quickly took care of our Grange business, and we remain well-financed and full of optimism for our Grange and our Community. Thankfully, we have a steady income stream from our Grange rentals, allowing us to keep moving forward.
The bulk of time spent was on 2026 activities, which include the Skowhegan State Fair display, Hunter Safety Class on August 12 and 22, Hunter’s Breakfast on November 7th, April 11th Vintage Snowmobile Show, and a plan to celebrate our Nation’s 250th birthday with events held at our Grange and on our Lakes in Town.
None of this happens without the enthusiasm and commitment of our members. I thank the long-time members who have seen the highs and lows and have hung in there, as well as our new members who bring fresh perspectives and ideas, all in support of our Grange and Community. Thank you!