Tag: Grange Activities

Program Books and Information Page Updates

This is the time of year when we “clear out the old” and bring in the new. There are two key documents for most committees.

An annual report for the previous Grange year (October 2021- September 2022) summarizing the committee/department’s activities and accomplishments.

A program book for the next year (October 2022 – September 2023) with important information such as contest rules, important dates, and resource material for that committee/department.

We are in the process of receiving and posting these to the Program Books and Information Page. For the next several weeks, it is important to pay attention to dates! If you are looking for information about this year’s contests, forms, etc., you’ll want this year’s (2021-2022) Program Book. We leave the books on the site for exactly that purpose–some forms and information are potentially needed right up until State Session in October. If you are planning for next year, be sure to download the book for that year (2022-2023.

Annual reports should be of interest to all members–it’s your way to discover what has happened in the previous year in the department/committee. The information can be of particular interest to those who are delegates attending State Session. The annual reports are provided in the delegate packet as well as available to all members on the website.

Both annual reports and program books are being uploaded as received from directors and committee chairs. Note that some annual reports are not usually available until State Session due to the close of the fiscal year on September 30, 2022. So far, we have annual reports from

Next year’s program books received so far include

Stay tuned! There’s certainly more to come! And don’t forget this:

Degrees start at 9 am… Officer Installation at 1 pm… come for the day! Lite lunch will be served! See the original post here!

Victor Grange September News

Victor Grange is located in Fairfield Center Maine

The latest Victor Grange newsletter leads with a photo of their nice “new” shiny floors! This was truly a community effort!

They are now looking into starting exercise classes… maybe as a result of moving all that furniture out and back in!

“We have about 80 chairs from the original Grange 1880’s purchase We’ve gotten organized, and now you can help out by buying them, some even come with a great sample of DNA from the past, (no kidding) $10.00 each and the money will go towards the building fund. We still have many projects to do, however, every little bit counts.”

The “Fairfield Senior Circle” celebrated its twentieth anniversary on August 19th… lunch, ice cream cake, member certificates…

Check out the complete newsletter for photos, a list of events, contact information and much more!

Exploring Traditions — September 2022

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

by Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

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Keep the eye of the mind open…

“Let me caution you, that you keep the eye of the mind open among your members. Encourage improvement; remember that Nature’s motto is ‘onward.’ She never goes backward.”

From the Installing Master’s Charge to Masters

The installing officer’s charge to the masters being installed is one of the longer ones. As a result, it’s easy to stop listening. As with the Grange Ritual in general, there is much to learn.

Not every member is destined to hold the office of master, but every member could benefit from what masters are taught during the installation ceremony. I’ve chosen just a few sentences for consideration.

“Keep the eye of the mind open…” is a skill that can be developed. Here, we are talking about being observant of our members. That’s consistent with being a fraternal organization. By most definitions, a fraternal organization is a social club or membership organization formed around a common bond, ideology, or personal background. We might do well to consider how strong that bond is. But one of the things that makes it stronger is “keeping the eye of the mind open” or, in other words, “keeping an eye on each other.” Can you answer these questions?

  • Who, now, is the happiest person in your Grange?
  • Who, now, is the most discouraged person in your Grange?

You get the idea, right?

“Encourage improvement.” I suspect this is a two-word sentence by design because it allows us to be broad in our thinking. What do we want to improve? This is not subtractive thinking designed to get us focused on what’s wrong. It’s opportunity thinking. What can we make better? I’ve thought it would be fun (a lecturer’s program, maybe) to spend some time during a meeting asking everyone to identify one thing relative to the Grange he or she could improve. It doesn’t have to be monumental. Does the fridge need cleaning?

“Nature’s motto is ‘onward.’” Sometimes I think the Grange is stuck in the fall season and has become focused on declining. One of the saddest emails I’ve read recently included, “Our Grange seems to be falling apart… how can I bring back the excitement that I still feel in our Grange?” It’s a simple but not easy question to answer. “Encourage improvement and remember that Nature’s motto is onward.” Nature uses fall and winter to her advantage. We often think of winter as a time for rest. In Maine, we may well “hunker down.” But just as sure as winter arrives, so does spring together with an awaking and a time for growth and blooming.

“You may encounter difficulties. Overcome them, remembering that difficulties are but opportunities to test our abilities. As Master of this Grange, your fellow laborers will look to you to devise work. A judicious Master will use due care that no time is lost in labor. Let all labor and all time tend toward improvement. Your laborers will come in contact with their minds; if they are left uncultivated, if neglect is allowed, the moral weed crop will baffle and torment you.”

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.

Mill Stream Grange Degree Day/Officer Installation

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Mill Stream Grange in Vienna will hold a Degree Day and Officer Installation on Saturday, October 15, 2022. The Four Degrees will be conferred in the morning, starting at 9:00 am. Installation of Officers will begin at 1:00 pm in the afternoon. A light lunch will be served following the Degrees. For more information and to R.S.V.P. with the number attending, please call Judy Dunn at 293-2330.

Membership Moments — September 2022

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

September and October are my favorite months of the year. The warm days and cool nights are refreshing and the colors of the changing foliage (also football games) are my favorites. State Grange session is almost upon us. This is also a great time for autumn events at your Grange. Also, many of us spend much of our time at various agricultural fairs displaying our crops and handiwork to compete for that elusive blue ribbon and cash to fund our projects.  Publicity runs high in these two months and we should be proud of our products out there for public view. Be proud of displaying your wares and be grateful for the admiration of others who enjoy the result of your hard work throughout the year. I have seen some beautiful displays and it makes me proud to be a Granger. Also, harvest suppers and “trunk or treat” Halloween gatherings are fun for the community and for ourselves.  Keep up the good work Brothers and Sisters!

Remember, adding new members is a top priority and should be a constant venture. Without water, we and other living things wither up and die; without new members, our Grangers do the same. Membership is our lifeblood, and we should constantly be working to increase membership. Does your Grange have a membership committee? If not, you should. No matter how small or large your membership is, adding new members is always needed, just as the blood pumps through our veins and the sunlight helps our plants to grow.

How did you come about becoming a member? If you joined other than by family, you were recruited as was I. My life changed immediately for the better as I had a whole new family to meet and to create lasting friendships. Growing and learning were constant and I felt grateful for the changes that I endured (some beyond my control). Early on, I had not envisioned myself as a leader or a public speaker and especially as a State Grange Master (President).  Think of your own experiences. Wouldn’t you want others to feel the same way you do about Grange? The passion when speaking to others will certainly be noticed and felt by them. Encourage them to visit and invite them to events. Even ask them for their ideas about how to run a particular project or their opinions about an event. Make them welcome and be open to their ideas. Positive energy yields positive results. So, get out there with a smile and a goal; to bring in the new members! I hope to see you at State Grange session in October.

Junior Report — September 2022

By Marilyn Stinson
207 380-3901
and Terry LaCombe Stevens,
207 356-2492
Co-directors

It’s been a summer of historical events for the Juniors. They’ve been to Old Fort Western and cut wood for the fires, cooked as the colonists did, carded wool, and learned about feather beds as well as had a picnic and played on the playground in Augusta. Had craft times and fun times at MSG Headquarters. Then they visited The Knight House, which is the oldest house in Androscoggin County, and learned more about historical times, including kitchen tools and games from Revolutionary Days. The two boys, ages 12 and 13, played hopscotch and enjoyed each other’s company. Many thanks to Danville Junction for hosting their meeting in August.

Their crafts have been mostly judged and the stars going to BigE were sent for judging there. We still have their Sand Art crafts to be judged, which have been displayed at the three fair exhibits to earn money for their activities and donations. Their photos and drawings will be part of the State Lecturer’s contests in October.

Hopefully, there will be someone to continue exhibiting at the fairs next year. Marilyn is willing to help but is physically unable to continue the setup. They earned $341.00 at fairs near Marilyn – Pittston, Windsor, and Litchfield, and she has enjoyed promoting the Juniors, showing they are alive and involved. We need to find someone to set up more exhibits in other areas. Can you do it??? Marilyn will help with writing posters and emailing them to anyone able to print and display them.

They have practiced a song for their program after the banquet at State Session in Auburn and plan to get together at the hotel where the Co-directors are staying to go over last-minute stuff and use the pool. There will be a table to show what was exhibited at the fairs, and the kids can pick up whatever they’ve made at State Session.

Between now and then, they will meet for their “Grow Juniors” meeting at Tranquility Grange in Lincolnville Beach so the SW kids can meet with the NE kids in a central place.

Many thanks to the committee members who worked so diligently this year, and prayers for the ones who will be involved next year.

Let’s continue with the “Spring Challenge” meeting in the spring and the “Grow Juniors” meeting in the fall. All to help with the Junior Motto of “Improvement”

Winthrop Grange Estate Sale and Lite Luncheon

October 1, 2022, 8 am – 2 pm

Save the date for our fundraiser! On October 1, 2022, from 8 am-2 pm, The Winthrop Grange will host an indoor Estate Sale and Lite Luncheon. The Grange was the lucky recipient of an estate clean-out that will help us raise funds for future projects and community activities.

In addition to the sale inside, The Grange will serve the following food options- clam chowder, tomato basil soup, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sticks.  Homemade apple crisp and cookies will also be available for purchase as well. 

Make sure to stop by and visit us, have some lunch and maybe take a few things home with you. We are located at 601 Old Lewiston Road, just down the road from Charlie’s Chevrolet and Rt. 202.  For more information, please feel free to reach out to Kathy at 207 500 9864  or email gwamme@gmail.com.

Highland Lake Grange October Turkey Supper

Saturday, October 8, 2022, 4:30 to 6:00

Highland Lake Grange will be having a roasted turkey drive-up, take-out only, dinners on Saturday, October 8, 2022 (and 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.

CWA Report — September 2022

By Margaret Henderson, Director
Committee on Women’s Activities
207 948-2762

Committee on Women’s Activities

Here is the list of winners!

Needlework Contest:

  • Class A Afghan, Ellie Collins
  • Class B Doilies, Nancy Gowen
  • Class C Embroidery, Jackie Morgan
  • Class D 3 Piece Baby Set, Ann Burns
  • Class E Plastic Canvas, Ellie Collins
  • Class G Adult Garment, Ellie Collins
  • Class H Latch Hook, Lila Wilkins
  • Class I Quilted Wall Hanging, Kathy Gowen
  • Class J Stuffed Toy, Kathy Seigars
  • Class K Baby Afghan, Kathy Seigars
  • Class L Children’s Garments, Laurie McBurnie
  • Class M Tablerunners, Rachel Nelson
  • Class N Miscellaneous, Rachel Nelson
  • Class O Decorated Item, Norma Meserve
  • Class P Wooden Item, Kathy Gowen
  • Class Q Tote Bags, Ann Burns

Quilt Contest

  • Class A Barbara Carr
  • Class B. Rachel Nelson
  • Class C Jackie Morgan
  • Class D Karen McCarrick
  • Class E Ellie Collins

Baking, Jackie Morgan
Baking Jr., Mary Coffin
Dress-A-Doll, Jackie Morgan
Best of Show, Jackie Morgan

The winners from Classes A-K were sent to the Big E for New England judging. Thank you to everyone who entered items in these contests. You all do an amazing job. I will look forward to seeing your entries next year.

Also, a big thank you to my committee members, Cynthia Maxwell, Deb Ivers, and Deb Lancaster, for all of their help.