Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
Funds are available for young professionals and students.
The application period is open until May 15 for Thomas Hill Young Professional Grants and Student Scholarships. Young Professionals may apply for grants of up to $1,000 for networking and other activities benefiting the YP community. SAF student members may apply for $1,500 scholarships to offset expenses related to attending an undergraduate program in forestry or a related natural resources field.
By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
Some Changes and Reminders
As we begin a new calendar year, I’ll share some changes we are making and offer a few reminders that should be helpful. And I probably won’t resist including some accomplishments!
There will always be some challenges with the relationship between the Bulletin and the website. They are two very different media. (Think about the difference between reading a newspaper and getting news online.) One minor change we are working on involves the use of photos, particularly with monthly columns. While photos work well on the site, they simply do not reproduce well in the printed Bulletin. Therefore, we’ll either eliminate photos from the Bulletin or replace them with line art.
Speaking of that difference in media, we will continue the content shift we started several years ago. The website will continue to emphasize news, events, and the interests of local (subordinate) Granges. The Bulletin will be driven primarily by monthly columns and reports—still appropriate for local Granges, but not as time-sensitive.
We’ll continue to encourage subscriptions to the website. The number of people subscribing to the site has been steadily increasing. We have at least 10% more subscribers than we did a year ago, and that number continues to grow! Let’s continue that trend. As many have said, with a monthly Bulletin and monthly meetings, the site is one way to stay connected to the Grange on a regular basis. We work at keeping posts relevant and timely—no spam and no complicated algorithms deciding what you should see! Your subscription is confidential. We don’t share your contact information with others. Subscribing (and unsubscribing) is easy-peasy.
Technology advancements often help us, but they can also create more challenges. The use of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) is currently near the top of the list! As a reminder, we should all use AI very deliberately. It doesn’t always get things correct or complete. Bear in mind, you may be using it unknowingly. If, for example, you search the Internet, the results are generated by automation. One of the major concerns with AI is diminished critical thinking among users. Don’t let this happen to you. As a quick example, I have used spell and grammar checking for a long time, but I always review suggested changes to make sure AI has not changed the meaning of what was written. In short, keep your brain active. Don’t let AI do your thinking for you!
We will continue purging the site of posts and columns that are over 2 years old. This may result in some broken links, but it will keep the site up to date and manageable. It also reduces server space. If you experience any problems, please let me know!
Note that our policy regarding Fraternal Concerns has not changed. “We will not, therefore, post Fraternal Concerns regarding sickness and death. Exceptions may be made when concern involves a current or past state officer or other person well-known throughout the state. This policy also avoids potential privacy issues.” The entire policy is available on the website on the Program Books and Information Page. Please submit any fraternal concerns, but understand the need to limit publication.
I’ll continue to report changes and reminders. While this is not a paid position, I truly believe that I work for you, Grange Members in Maine. If you have concerns, questions, or ideas, please let me know. Remember to submit your Grange’s events and news!
FACT: In 2025, over 250 columns and posts were added to the website! 10,000 emails were sent to subscribers and ODDs using our automated system!
By Clay Collins, Guest Columnist
207 837-0564
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
Happy New Year to one and all! I hope you had a very nice and rewarding Christmas season. Please remember that the season just doesn’t end on the sixth of January.
The Lord God did not want us to just worship Jesus’ birth; He wanted us to carry the feeling of love into the world every day. He wanted us to help the downtrodden. By helping those who are mourning, you will be helping yourselves.
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 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.
MaineHousing’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) are open and accepting applications for the 2025-2026 heating season. Apply online through the HEAP online application. Applications are accepted through May 29, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
HEAP helps eligible homeowners and renters with heating costs, emergency fuel delivery, and utility assistance. Weekly benefit payments have already begun.
Households facing an energy emergency should also contact their local community action agency.
A “community action agency” that may assist is your local Grange–some around the state participate in different ways. One common approach is to provide funds to local oil dealers to assist customers who are struggling.
As an example, South Sangerville Grange has challenged other Granges to participate by purchasing at least 100 gallons of fuel from a local dealer. You can reach South Sangerville Secretary Barbara Hatch by email to report your efforts or for more information.
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.
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
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!
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.
Plan or help with family things to do in the community
Enjoy the rest of Autumn and the upcoming Winter. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy 2026!
“And you shall have some pie!”
