Tag: Grange Activities

Communication Shorts 08-30-2026

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. For website matters, email webmaster@mainestategrange.org.

September Bulletin

The deadline for the September Bulletin is September 14, 2026. Janice and I are traveling in September and I’ll have limited availability–early submissions would be great! Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Submitting Events Is Easier

We now have a specific form for submitting events on the site, and it’s being used! You’ll be hearing more about it…

Deadlines

It’s the season of contest deadlines! Many are listed on the Grange Events Calendar. We’re also starting the countdown to State Session. Have you elected delegates and made your plans to attend?

Fair Season Is Upon Us!

Maine has some of the best agricultural fairs in New England. If you want to know more about Maine’s great agricultural fairs, go to the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs website for the latest news and information.

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! Try the new form. We’ve added more months to the online event calendar. You’re planning ahead, right?

To Ponder…

“If people stop going to the circus, the clowns go home.

Seth Godin

An Idea for Your Grange

I recently saw a video of “move-in day” at a college. The students who were already there were lined up holding welcome signs, jumping up and down, reaching out… could the gatekeeper (or greeter, if you prefer) organize something like that at your next event?

Made Your Plans?

Visit the 152nd State Convention Webpage!

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.

East Madison Grange Food Project

Person handing a can labeled Campbell's Tomato Soup to another person
AI photo for illustrative purposes only.

East Madison Grange #228 Food Project giveaway day will be Friday, August 28, 2026, from 10 am-11:30 am at the East Madison Grange. One box per family. Come early, as supplies are limited.

All are welcome!

East Madison Grange is located at 15 Grange Road.

Additional information is available at the East Madison Food Project Page.

Winthrop Grange Baked Bean Supper

On September 12, Winthrop Grange will host a Baked Bean Supper from 4 pm until 6 pm. Cost is $12 per adult.

Winthrop Grange is located at 549 Old Lewiston Road in Winthrop, Maine.

For more information, contact Kathy Ward at 207 500-9864.

Manchester Grange Public Supper

Willow Grange Presents Spirit of America Award

This article was written by Paula Roberts for The Lincoln County News and is used with permission.

Willow Grange president Sharon Morton presents Jefferson’s Spirit of America Award to Lindsey Jones. (Paula Roberts photo)

The Town of Jefferson’s Spirit of America was presented to Lindsey Jones at Willow Grange on Thursday, July 23. Grange president Sharon Morton presented the award.

Jones has been a Girl Scout leader for five years. She started Troop 1336 in Jefferson in 2021. She is also a member of the Midcoast Service Unit, through which she has taken leadership in organizing Girl Scout camping events at Wavus and Kieve. Ther Service Unit also organizes events such as the annual cookie rallies.

She has been on the Jefferson PTA for 15 years, serving as president for the past five years. Previously she served as secretary for five years. She plays a big hand in organizing Jefferson Village School’s annual Jubilee, a fundraiser for student programs.

She has been active in Jefferson Sports Association, where she coached both soccer and basketball when her children were younger.

She is an 18-year member of Whitefield Lions Club and is active in working at their food booth at Windsor Fair.

Several Girl Scouts were in attendance and recited the Girl Scout Promise and Law which echo many of the characteristics of a volunteer.

Lindsey Jones (center in back) poses with area Girl Scouts after receiving Jefferson’s Spirit of America Award at Willow Grange on July 23. (Paula Roberts photo)

Two members of Willow Grange were recognized for their years of service to the Grange, Sandee Gordon – 65 years and Bob Clark – 75 years. Neither were able to be present.

Communication Shorts 08-15-2026

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. For website matters, email webmaster@mainestategrange.org.

August Bulletin

The August Bulletin is complete and available for download. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Submitting Events Is Easier

We now have a specific form for submitting events on the site. It’s optional, but we strongly encourage it. It helps create event listings that include all the details. The event calendar is becoming an increasingly popular site feature! 

Deadlines

It’s the season of contest deadlines! Many are listed on the Grange Events Calendar.

Words for Thirds – Book Exchange Boxes

Are you getting ready for this year’s dictionary distribution? Are your BEBs and Little Free Libraries stocked for fall? It may be the end of summer, but it’s the beginning of the school year and learning.

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! Use the new form. We’ve added more months to the online event calendar. You’re planning ahead, right?

To Ponder…

“You can always debate about what you should have done. The question is what are you going to do?”

Hubert Humphrey

An Idea for Your Grange

How about a Cookbook Club or a Recipe Romance–good excuses to get together and share! Each meeting could have a theme…

Made Your Plans?

Visit the 152nd State Convention Webpage!

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.

Exploring Traditions – August, 2026

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

From the Second Degree

During our Degree Day, someone commented that they wished more people could hear the words from the Degree Work. We continue to share them.

“…constantly study the book of Nature.” [Lecturer to the candidates]

These six words are perhaps a concise summary of the lessons learned in the Ritual of the Degrees. The book of nature doesn’t just have value to farmers–that is one reason the ritual remains and the Grange Way of Life still has application. While we think of a book as a set of printed pages those pages represent knowledge. In today’s society, that knowledge is distributed in various forms. Ultimately, a “book” is vehicle for conveying information.

The founders of the Grange saw nature as a book, a vehicle for conveying information. Almost all the “the Ritual” encourages us to learn the many lessons Nature offers. Immediately after encouraging the candidates to “study the book of Nature,” the lecturer explains “Learn from it the truths which may remind us of the immense greatness of God, and our own littleness—of His blessings, and the obligations they impose upon us.” This is one of many places during the Ritual of the Degrees I often long for a pause so we can fully digest the thought. It is unfortunate that candidates are whisked away to the chaplain. But the chaplain makes a gallant attempt to keep the candidates focused by immediately referencing the book of nature. “…the springing seed teaches us to increase in goodness and the growing trees to aspire after higher and broader knowledge.”

From a writer’s perspective, those are two powerful metaphors. Many have heard the two questions sometimes asked that draw on that metaphor. “How many seeds are there in an apple?” illustrates that counting them isn’t too difficult. The second question suggests a much bigger challenge. “How many apples are there in a seed?” If we work these thoughts into the Ritual, the springing seed teaches us to increase in goodness and just as one apple seed may produce endless trees and countless apples, the increase in goodness is likewise unlimited. (Thus sayeth the book of Nature.)

Of the husbandman (we are, of course, Patrons of Husbandry), the chaplain explains, “In no other occupation does a man’s daily labor bring him into such close companionship with the Great Creator as in the cultivation of the soil.” But before you object that you are not a farmer, let’s remember that we are dealing with symbols, metaphors, and the book of Nature. If you’re struggling with that, get a cup of potting soil and plant a seed in it. It’s a simple but powerful way to learn about growth.

I have “edited” the actual Ritual and left out a lot. In practice, we might breeze through these two lessons in five to ten minutes or less. You could rightfully feel cheated because beneath the words there are serious, ponderable concepts and lessons. We’ve only scratched the surface. In spite of that, let’s fast forward to a few minutes later when the master uses the visual aid of a few kernels of corn.

“We are now to teach you how to plant the seed. Behold these inanimate kernels of corn! But the germ has life—the future plant is there. We loosen the soil—we bury (plant) the seed; and in so doing impress upon our minds the truth of the immortality of the soul. There is no object in which, to appearance, life and death border so closely together as in the grains of seed buried in the earth; but when life seems extinct, a fuller and richer existence begins anew. From this little seed we have, first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. So with the mind, when duly nourished with Faith and Hope. But be not deceived! Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

It might help if you are, but I don’t think you have to be a farmer to “get” this. The book of Nature is for everyone! It’s not particularly catchy, but we could offer the slogan, “We’re Grangers; we learn from the book of Nature.”

I could challenge lecturers to develop a presentation about “learning from the book of Nature.” Much of the script has already been written. You learned it during the Ritual of the Degrees, right?

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://wboomsma.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Membership Moments, August, 2026

Rick Grotton

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

Let’s do something a little different. In these next columns, let’s be interactive. Send in your success stories or ways you think we could attract more members (or even to prevent them from leaving). In a positive tone, sharing stories and opinions helps everyone, especially your Grange brothers and sisters. Actually, let’s make it competitive to see which Pomona area sends in the most suggestions by the end of the year!  Membership increases are up to ALL OF US, so help me with your suggestions. I hope your summer activities have attracted new members, and Grange awareness has been happening. Send your stories and suggestions to ricti@aol.com and I will put them in future columns. Let’s work together to keep our Grange motor running smoothly so that our great organization will continue for many years to come. I have given you our success stories from Chelsea Grange and am looking forward to sharing yours! I know there are many stories out there as I do keep up an awareness of Grange happenings and want to thank those who have the devotion, loyalty, love and respect for the Grange. Your work is making a difference and is very much appreciated by your brothers and sisters! 

The above paragraph was part of my column in August 2019, and I still have not heard from anyone concerning the request. That was seven years ago, and our membership has been declining since. Some Granges have been consistently increasing their membership over that period; however, many of you have not and do not seem to make membership gains your priority. The Membership committee could go out and schedule workshops and meetings, but will that help? We have done so in the past without much attendance or cooperation. Without cooperation and joint efforts, how are we to succeed? It is the duty of the Membership committee to provide you with tools and information to help, but what happens to that information? We all know what we must do, but most don’t take it seriously or are not interested. 

As we prepare for the busiest time of the Grange year with agricultural fair exhibits, installations, and the reaping of our harvests, please keep in mind that membership gains are also important. The gains are not important just for your Grange, but for all who belong across this State. We are always looking for new ideas, new leadership, and direction. Please help us in our quest to boost membership numbers in every Grange!  

Greene Village Day at Androscoggin Grange

Androscoggin Grange is located at 99 Main Street, Greene, Maine

President’s Perspective – August 2026

Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange Master/President
207 490-1029

STATE GRANGE SESSION

The banquet buffet is scheduled for State session on Friday evening, October 30, at the Black Bear Inn. They will be serving beef tips, chicken cordon bleu, red potatoes, rice pilaf, green beans & baby carrots, stir fry vegetables, salad, rolls, and dessert. Tickets $40 each, purchased in advance, October 1st deadline. Lunches will be on your own. Session info has been mailed to Secretaries and Masters/Presidents of each Grange.

I am very pleased to announce our National Representative at State Session will be Barbara Foster, Pomona of the National Grange and Master/President of the West Virginia State Grange. I know you will give her a warm welcome.

Once again, anyone may attend the State Grange Session, as long as you are a 4th Degree (Subordinate/Community level) Grange member and have the passwords for the gate. (To receive the passwords from your Grange, your dues must be paid.) After the opening on the 1st day of State Session is completed, we lower to the 4th Degree and all work is conducted in the fourth degree, like your regular Grange meeting you are welcome to sit in at the meeting and listen. Only registered delegate(s), may vote on the issues and elections, but this does not exclude you from attending.

OFFICER and DEPARTMENT REPORTS

These are due in the office no later than September 15th. (written or emailed to my email SHarriman@twc.com and to the office). I prefer emailed reports. These dates may seem early, but getting everything put together for the session takes time, especially when we have to keep adding on the procrastinators.

MASTERS/PRESIDENTS and SECRETARIES

Of the 71 Subordinate/Community and 12 Pomona Granges, we have received 42 total roster forms. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE PROVIDED THEM! Another strong reminder to the rest of you: WE NEED YOUR CORRECT ROSTER INFORMATION– Which day or days and time is your meeting, (example 1st & 3rd Tues at 7 pm) Name, address, phone, cell phone and email address for each –Master/President, Lecturer, Secretary and CWA Chairman are due. Please type or print clearly. If you don’t have a form, send the information we requested anyway. During the meeting, when the Master asks, “Have the reports to State Grange and Pomona been made?” This question includes any information requested from your Grange. Even if there are no changes, please drop us an email or note to let us know that.

While on this subject of roster information I have received, several of you have changed the day or days and/or time of your meetings to something different. This is a bylaw change and does need a vote of the Grange and State Grange approval. So get those by-laws typed up and sent to me. If you have changed your dues fee, that is also a by-law change, if your bylaws say $3.00 that’s what you charge, so adjustments must be made to your bylaws to accommodate the change. When you make the changes, the word “minimum” may be added to cover future adjustments.

ANNUAL AUDIT OF GRANGE ACCOUNTS

This is a good time to remind you that your Grange Secretary’s and Treasurer’s books are to be audited at least once a year and carrying that out close to installation is the perfect time to get it done. The Executive Committee and/or the Finance Committee of your Grange are the ones to carry out the audit. Written records should be kept for all accounts in the Grange, receipts, and expenditures.

Maine State Grange By-Laws: Article XXI – Subordinate Officers and Their Duties
Section 8.1 It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee of each Subordinate Grange to see that the books of the Secretary and Treasurer and any other funds of the Grange are audited at the end of the fiscal year.    

You will need the Secretary’s Records and Secretary’s Order Book. This is the 5×7 book the Secretary writes what bills have come into the Grange and need to be paid with an amount listed. This record book also includes donations made to whom, etc. You will need the Treasurer’s books, checkbook, bank statements, savings book, etc., and receipt book (for funds received from the Secretary). You compare the Secretary’s minutes and Order Book with the Treasurer’s checkbook and statements for receipts and expenditures. All items should match between the Secretary and the Treasurer. All Committees of the Grange, that handle funds, such as CWA, Lecturer, Chaplain, Bingo, Dinner, Fund Raising, etc. should also be keeping written records of receipts and expenditures to have audited at the end of the Grange year.

GRANGE COMMITTEES

Committees are appointed by the Master and the Overseer and are responsible for organizing and implementing their programs in Subordinate, Pomona and State Granges. Each level has more responsibilities and activities for the membership.  If you would like to serve on a committee, please contact the Master/President.

  • Legislative Committee educates Granges about public policy issues of concern to members and encourages them to take action.
  • Agricultural Committee brings to the Grange’s attention issues affecting agriculture.
  • Lecturer’s Committee assists the Lecturer in the preparation and implementation of programs.
  • Committee for Women’s Activities conducts projects and contests, which encourage the development and use of the members’ skills and talents.  
  • Youth Committee develops programs and workshops to inform and discuss everyday concerns.
  •  Membership Committee is responsible for making sure that recruiting new members is part of all Grange programs and activities.
  • Publicity Committee reports information about Grange activities and efforts to the news media.
  • Community Service Committee develops projects which improve the quality of life and the community.
  • Family Health & Hearing Committee– promotes the Grange health program of deaf awareness and other wellness issues through community outreach and education.
  • Junior Committee – provides activities for children in their community that are fun and teaches them the principles and Grange values.  
  • Special Committees — appointed for limited periods of time to manage and control special projects.   

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

 We have just installed a new metal roof; it affects and/or blocks my cell phone and internet service, so be patient, I’ll do my best to answer calls and emails. Happy Summer!