Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
Jonesboro Grange #357 is having a t-shirt sale. Shirts are $22 each and are available in both adult and youth sizes. There are 6 colors to choose from. Proceeds from the shirts will be split between the Maine Lobstermen’s Association Legal Defense Fund to help the Maine lobstermen, and some funds will go to our building fund for Jonesboro Grange.
“Farmers of the Land and Sea”
by Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist
“Natural history is replete with both the wonderful and beautiful, and its study enables us the better to carry out the principles we inculcate of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Cultivate an observing mind. It is delightful to acquire knowledge and much more so to diffuse it. It is sad to think that any human soul should fail to perceive the beauty that every where abounds. Nature preaches to us forever in tones of love, and writes truth in all colors, on manuscripts illuminated with stars and flowers.”
From the Lecturer’s Lesson in the Third Degree
The Third Degree represents autumn and the harvest season. And we are fortunate here in Maine that nature literally “writes truth in all colors” each fall. The candidates are seen as harvesters and gleaners and the lecturer also reminds them that nature sings the song “Be faithful, be hopeful, be charitable.” Interestingly, the chaplain closes instruction with, “Be faithful in gathering, that you may be liberal in dispensing.”
Too often, we think of fall as the ending of summer. Of course, that’s accurate but the Chaplain is not going to let us forget that endings are also beginnings. The changes in agriculture and farming can make it easy to lose sight of that. At one time, harvesting and gleaning also meant selecting and saving the best seed to repeat the cycle by planting it in the spring. We were much more aware of the cyclical nature of life and nature. We didn’t gather and harvest solely to consume. We gathered being mindful of spring when the cultivation cycle would begin again.
“Harvesting” knowledge is meant to be no different. Gaining knowledge is not an end. We gain to dispense or diffuse—to share. The Chaplain also reminds us that “a man’s life consists not in the abundance of things he possesses, but in the right use of God’s blessings… that we may be the stewards of His bounty.” In practical terms, nature teaches us to harvest seeds responsibly, keep some to plant in the spring, and share some with our neighbors. The master reminds the candidates that “your faithful work will soon entitle you to still further advancement.”
One of the distinct advantages of celebrating the Four Degrees at one time is it becomes possible to catch the connectedness of the seasons and the lessons. The Steward describes the cycle. “The seasons of preparation, culture, and harvest have passed. It is in the home that we enjoy the fruits of our labors in the fields of the farm and fields of life. In winter, the season of rest from active toil, we sit down with our families, our friends and neighbors, and enjoy together the good things our labors have brought us…”
We have much to enjoy.
Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-sixth edition of the 2013 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://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.
Saturday, November 12, 2022, 4:30 to 6:00
Highland Lake Grange will have a roasted turkey drive-up, take-out only, dinner on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 4:30-6:00. There will be roasted turkey, green beans, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, bread, cranberry sauce, and cake. The cost is $10.00 per person. Please have the exact price for the meal(s) you want.. You will drive up, pay and receive your meal. No substitutions or pre-orders. If a long line of cars develops, serving may start earlier for safety. The Grange is located near the corner of Rt 302 and Hardy Road, Westbrook. FMI Joann Levesque 207 233 7119.
By Margaret Henderson, Director
Committee on Women’s Activities
207 948-2762
BRR!! We have had three mornings in our area where the temperature was only 28 at 6 am! There was some frost on the pumpkins on those days. I was not ready for that yet.
What beautiful fall colors! I took a couple of days last week and went for a ride to enjoy them.
I hope to have the entries back from the Eastern States this week. I will bring them with me to State Grange so you may pick them up there. If you can’t be there, please call me and let me know so that we can make arrangements for you to get them.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at State Grange Session!
White Rock Grange #380, Gorham, will host our annual Homemade Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 9 am-2 pm. Over 30 crafters, jewelry, sewn & knitted items, goat soap, soy candles, home decor and much more! White Rock Grange Facebook Page has more information.
The dictionaries are here! Dictionary Days are coming! I’ll probably start working on the schedule later this week… but we have a job to do at our next meeting—sticking the labels in over 200 dictionaries! We’ll also be creating the bags of hats and mittens made by our Blistered Finger Knitters—we usually deliver those at the same time as the dictionaries. As usual, Piscataquis Community Elementary School, SeDoMoCha, Brownville Elementary, Ridgeview Elementary, and Harmony Elementary third graders will receive dictionaries. The hats and mittens will be placed in the care of school nurses for distribution as needed.
Sock it to us? This program was so successful last year we’re hearing that schools are still well-supplied. Janice will check on this and see what the needs look like.
Our next meeting is Friday, October 21, 2022. Did you notice that I left it out of the last Grange Gram? This will be a “working” meeting, so your hands will be helpful. Last year we discovered that a “Grange Angel” named Sandy had “snuck in” and done all the labeling before the meeting. Since she’s now in Pennsylvania, it’s doubtful that will happen again!
State Convention, October 20-21, 2022. As you may know, we are entitled to two voting delegates at State Session. At the September Meeting, we voted to appoint Walter and Janice as delegates, Pat Engstrom as an alternate. This becomes an interesting two days—I (Walter) can only attend Thursday due to teaching commitments in Bangor. The tentative plan is for Janice and I to attend on Thursday and Janice and Pat on Friday.
Raffle Ticket Sales… keep those cards and letters coming in! As of today, ticket sales have grossed $326 and we’ve received $250 in related donations from our fall letter.
Bookworming! I’ll be chatting with Mrs. Wright about this soon… and contacting previous bookworms. By the way, I just learned about the passing of Bob Kimball… a great guy and community supporter. His wife, Tyne is one of our most enthusiastic bookworms. Details regarding arrangements are not available yet, but please remember the family in your thoughts and prayers.
Our Schedule for 2022. We may host at least one Dictionary Day at the Grange Hall… if this happens, remember that it is not a public event, but Grange Members are encouraged to attend. Passing out dictionaries and helping the kids find words is fun! The actual date is “TBA,” but will be later this month or early November.
*Grange Bees are those who prepare the hall for that event or meeting. Responsibilities include ensuring we have staples such as milk, rolls, and butter, turning on the heat, lights, etc. Everyone chips in, so it’s not a hard job! It’s that time of year when adding antifreeze to the furnace is an essential part of closing up the hall after meetings and events. Instructions are on the side of the furnace… and there is a “Grange Bee Checklist” posted in several locations in the hall.
Stay warm and enjoy the foliage! See you in a couple of weeks!
By Marilyn Stinson
207 380-3901
and Terry LaCombe Stevens,
207 356-2492
Co-directors
Maine State Junior Grange met in Lincolnville at Tranquility Grange in September. We started our day making Dog Chew Toys, which will be sold at State Grange to raise funds.
During the meeting Juniors decided on a price to charge for chews and they also decided to send the fair money to the National Grange Foundation this year.
McLaughlin’s Seafood Shack in Lincolnville hosted the Junior Grange for lunch. The Juniors played on the beach before returning to Tranquility for a sweet treat “Candy Bar” which was enjoyed by all. A parent explained that it was a “Candy Buffet” not the anticipated “Candy Bar” that they anticipated. They were able to fill bags with candy to enjoy at home.
The items that were usually judged at Campout were judged by Barbara Schwartz who also helped make the dog chews. The results will be announced at State Grange Session.
A fun time was had by all. Thank you to Tranquility Grange, Mclaughlin’s Seafood Shack (Ricky Mclaughlin) and all who participated for a fun day.
Parkman Grange would like to invite the public to supper to benefit a local veterans group. The supper will be on Saturday, October 15, 2022, starting at 4:30 till 6:30. The menu includes: ham, potato dishes, cole slaw seasonal veggies, yeast rolls, gingerbread desserts, and beverages. Veterans and active military eat for free, all others by donation. Parkman Grange is located at the corner of State Hwy 150 and North Dexter Road in Parkman Center. For more info, call Sue at 207 277-3942.
Well, at least the first four! If you’ve joined the Grange through the “Obligation Ceremony,” you’ve missed the best part! The Four Degrees will be offered at Mill Stream Grange on Saturday, October 15, 2020, starting at 9:00 a.m. Mill Stream Grange is located just about 20 miles northwest of Augusta–convenient for many Granges. Plus, you’ll likely experience some great leaf peeping during the drive! For planning purposes, please call Judy Dunn at 207 293-2330 and tell her you’re coming! This will be a great opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the “lessons of the Grange.”
And if you already are “degreed,” you can still attend! Mill Stream Grange has eight new members who are degree candidates. That’s exciting and worth being part of, even as an observer. But you can’t just observe. In addition to being reminded of your experience, you can be part of the altar circle, a wonderful representation of the fraternal nature of the Grange. Many would agree that “opportunities like this do not come very often.” Don’t miss this one!
The folks at Mill Stream are showing their energy and enthusiasm by offering an Installation of Officers the same day at 1:00 p.m. Even re-elected officers are supposed to be installed but don’t do this because you are required. It’s a great reminder of the duties and opportunities officership offer.
So maybe charter or borrow a van and come as a group for one or both of these opportunities! A light lunch will be served for those staying for the day–one reason you need to call is to help establish a lunch count.
Years ago, there were times when Granges would come together for an entire weekend, “camping out” at the hall. A few hours on a Saturday may not be quite that intense, but it will be fun and beneficial. Mill Stream Grange is a very active Grange. (Eight new members is quite an achievement in itself!) Maybe you can learn their secrets.
“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
York Pomona will confer the Fifth Degree on Thursday, October 13, 2022. The meeting time is 7:00 PM, and there is no meal planned. The meeting will be at Bauneg Beg Grange in North Berwick. The address for GPS is 229 Morrell’s Mills Road. Contact Pomona President Missy Baldwin at 207-324-4661 for more information and to let us know if you will be bringing candidates. |