The picture doesn’t do it justice! It barely fit in the scanner. It came from fifth-grade students and teachers at Ridgeview Community School in Dexter. The inside was filled with signatures, hearts, and the message, “Thank you for donating warm gear for us to wear outside this winter.”
We love our kids!
And we thank our Blistered Finger Knitters for making it possible to do this in our area schools. Remember, you don’t have to be a Grange Member to help! We’ll even provide the yarn, thanks to the donations we’ve received from our supporters. Contact Mary Annis (564-0820) or Pat Engstrom (564-8290) for more information.
Highland Lake Grange No. 87 marked its 150th anniversary this month! To celebrate, eleven members enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Rustlers Steakhouse in Windham. The Grange is planning a public event for its 150th later in 2025. Details will be announced at a later date.
Our state is in for some bitterly cold temperatures early next week. In some areas, wind chill factors will reach 20 – 30 degrees below zero. Stay safe!
If your Grange plans to open your hall as a warming center, PLEASE let us know. You can use the submit information tab on the website or send me an email. I will get the information posted quickly in a “Facebook Friendly” way that will make it easy for the information to be shared.
At a minimum, include your Grange’s name, location (street address and/or directions), and any details such as the hours open, etc.
By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director (207) 608-9193
Happy 2025! Attending the 2025 Northeast Leaders Conference was very informative and educational. There are some changes being made to the Community Service Notebooks for this year.
Notebooks will be a maximum of ten pages. This means five sheets of paper double-sided.
Pages 1&2 Grange picture and Grange #, brief description of Community Service
Pages 3&4, 5&6 will include the top three projects
Pages 7&8, 9 are included if needed
Page 10 should be a summary page.
Remember, only five pages total. Use both sides. Less pages is fine. Use both sides. Judging is on content, not appearance.
The National Grange Community Service Project is Conservation. More information, including ideas for projects, will be coming soon!
Reprinted with permission from the January 10, 2025 edition of Grange Today!
The National Grange is thrilled to announce Rebekah Hodgson as the new Junior Grange Director. A dedicated Jonesboro Grange #357 member in Jonesboro, Maine, Hodgson brings a deep appreciation of Grange values and a passion for community service to her new role. Rebekah’s journey with the Grange began with her grandparents, Helen and Edward Brooks, who were active members of Robbinston Grange in Robbinston, Maine. Her own involvement took root about six years ago when she joined Jonesboro Grange to help save it from closure, inspired by her father’s determination to preserve its legacy.
Since then, Rebekah has been an enthusiastic advocate for Grange activities, making her mark through projects like the Crush Cancer Lobster Crawl 5k, Candyland, the free 10,000 Easter Egg Hunt, and Grinch at the Grange.
Outside of her work with the Grange, Rebekah is a K3 preschool teacher and K4 preschool assistant, a Girl Scout leader, and a licensed commercial lobster fisher—a skill she’s honed since age 10. She currently lives in Illinois with her husband Garrett, an active duty Coast Guard Chief, and their two children, Jase (7) and Kennedy (5). Her family shares her passion for the outdoors and community engagement.
As Junior Grange Director, Rebekah has ambitious plans for the year ahead. She aims to foster stronger bonds between Junior and more senior members, spark interest in new Junior Grange chapters, and deepen young members’ love for the Grange through creative, engaging programming. Inspired by her connection to the ocean, she plans to incorporate aquatic-themed activities into Junior programming, especially at this year’s National Convention aboard the Carnival Horizon.
Rebekah’s vision for the Junior department centers on empowering young members to be future leaders of the Grange. “Junior members are the voice of tomorrow,” she said. “By utilizing their energy, passion, and eagerness to learn, they can create meaningful change and preserve the traditions that connect us all.”
Her advice to those hoping to engage more young people in the Grange? “Find out what interests them and incorporate that into your Junior Grange! Show them the joy and sense of family that comes with being part of the Grange through welcoming, free events and fun-filled meetings.”
National Grange President Christine Hamp is confident that Hodgson’s creativity, leadership, and dedication will inspire the next generation of Grange members, ensuring the organization’s legacy continues to thrive.
“Rebekah’s engaging energy and excitement are exactly what we need to create meaningful experiences for our youngest members,” said Hamp. “I can’t wait to see the positive impact she and her team bring to our Junior Grange Program.”
Hodgson will be assisted by the Junior Advisory Team, consisting of Emily Hartsell (NC), Makayla Piers (RI), and Gayle Reyburn (PA). Email junior@nationalgrange.org for more information.
Thanks to those who’ve sent information or requested it regarding the email from Shannon Gilmore announcing the “Grange Hall Survey.”
While no prior arrangements were made and this was not approved by the Maine State Grange, it appears to be a legitimate survey and is not, as some suspected, a phishing scam. There is little risk in sharing your opinion(s).
These graduate thesis projects are not uncommon. Any questions or concerns regarding the survey or process should be addressed to the student who has issued it.
By the way, someone (not me!) has already advised the student that “Grange” should be capitalized.
Thanks to those who’ve reported it–and congratulations! As you’ve heard me say, “Sometimes it’s smart to be suspicious!” We are seeing increases in email that should be ignored. It’s nice to get one that’s “okay!”
By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director (207) 608-9193
Happy December! There are many ways to help out the Community during this Holiday Season. Make sure you document the planning, actual service, time spent (members and nonmembers), who was involved in the project, pictures, thank you notes, etc. This is what is needed for the notebook report. Also, document on end of year report. These are two separate Community Service reports.
FH&H: Fall leaves us, and winter begins. With temperatures fluctuating and socializing increasing, please dress accordingly and be aware of the environment. It is a great time of year, but if you don’t feel well, stay home and take care of yourself. It is the season for colds, flu, Covid, and respiratory issues. Make sure you are up to date with shots.
This is also a great time to spend or connect with family and friends and make great memories!
Keep your head, hands, and feet warm and dry. This will help keep body temperature steady and keep you comfortable.
Mill Stream Grange member Judy Dunn (l) presents the Grange’s donation to the Mt. Vernon Area Giving Tree to Leslie Grenier, coordinator of the program which helps spread Christmas cheer to area families. Mill Stream Grange members (l-r) Judy Dunn, Lisa Goucher, and Jill Sampson shared Grange info, sold quilt raffle tickets, and gave away free kids’ books at the Grange’s table at the Mt. Vernon Craft Fair on Nov. 30. The quilt raffle is one of the main fundraisers for the year, and this year’s drawing will be on Dec. 6 at the regular meeting.
