Tag: Grange Activities

President’s Perspective — August 2022

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

RESOLUTIONS are due in the office on August 15, 2022, either email to mainestategrange@myfairpoint.net or standard mail to 146 State St., Augusta 04330. Submit both ways to ensure we receive them. Each Resolution is required to have a title when it is submitted to the office, I cannot give them a title your Grange must come up with one. If you want to make changes to State Grange by-laws, the Title, Article, Section, and sub-section numbers must be included in the resolution with the current wording printed and the suggested change completely written out.  The resolution must be voted on by the Grange submitting the resolution. After August 15th, we then have to print everything and mail all resolutions back to each Grange. This all takes time.  

Just like elections, Granges are required to install their officers usually in September or as soon as practicable after elections. There are not many installation teams traveling the state to perform the ceremony. The Installation Ceremony may be handled by each Grange on its own. There is an official alternative Installation of Officers printed in the new manual that can easily be followed by your members with one person taking charge, all participating, or just a few. This alternative ceremony contains half the words as the original one, which is also in the manual.  

Grange Committees are appointed by the Master 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. The State level is also looking for members to get involved with Committees and be Deputies.

  • 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. 
  • Women’s Activities (CWA) conducts projects and contests which encourage the development and use of the member’s 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 the Grange’s 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 are appointed for limited periods of time to manage and control special projects.    

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 keep written records of receipts and expenditures to have audited at the end of the Grange year.

Another reminder, just under half of you have provided your 2023 Roster information.  Even if there were no changes, a report needs to be sent, either the printed form or typed in an email.  During the order of business, the Master asks, “Have the reports to the Pomona and State Granges been duly and promptly made?” This includes this request for information. You may not have every committee in your Grange, but we still need the information you have, especially the meeting day & time, the address of your meeting hall, the Master and Secretary’s names, addresses, and phone numbers. Something I did notice on the ones I have received, several of the Granges have changed their meeting day and/or time. That is a by-law change and there is a proper procedure to make those changes correctly. The changes must be submitted for approval by MSG.  The article, section, and sub-section numbers/letters must be stated in the by-law change request, the current information is completely written out, then the requested change completely written out. All your members must receive a copy of the proposed change(s), and it will be voted on as a motion at a subsequent meeting from when it is first introduced.  After the affirmative vote of the Grange, the same printed information is sent to the State Master for approval.

 

Junior Report — August 2022

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

Maine State Junior Grange met at Enterprise Grange in July. The Juniors worked extremely hard on finishing the Big E Star Projects. Thank you to judges Kathy and Dianna for judging on such short notice. All the children did a fantastic job. The First Place Stars are John Coffin (ages 5-7), Reagan Crocket (ages 8-10), and Edith Coffin (ages 11-14). Their projects have been sent to Massachusetts for judging and will be displayed at the Big E.

These stars are made by the stars!

Danville Junction Grange in Auburn, Maine, has agreed to host our meeting in August, and Tranquility Grange in Lincolnville, Maine, has agreed to host in September. If you have a child ages 5 to 14, contact Marilyn or Terry for details.

The meeting on August 20, 2022, is being held during the Great Falls Balloon Festival. The balloons take off early in the morning, and anyone can go watch that if they want, then go to Danville Grange by 10:00 am. Bring a picnic lunch. They will still be able to see some balloons during the day.

The meeting on September 24, 2022, is our ‘Grow Juniors’ Meeting, which is held closer to our northern Granges to encourage them to join with the Juniors from the southern part of the state.  We will meet at Tranquility Grange at 10:00 am. We try to find a midway point each fall to include more Juniors taking part.

The October Meeting will be held in conjunction with State Session.

A reminder to any Granges who have taken in 1+ members. Please send names, birth dates, addresses, parent contacts, and emails to the Junior Directors so the kids can be included with the Junior Department and participate in the contests, etc., and Zoom meetings during the winter months.

Thank you to Marilyn and her helper William for winning $75 dollars at the Pittston Fair. She always finds something “Grange” to spend the winnings on.

If you are interested in joining our Junior Grange Committee or possibly being a Director, Please contact Master/President Sherry Harriman ASAP.

Victor Grange Is at It Again!

Victor Grange is located in Fairfield Maine

Remember the post about removing the chairs so the floors could be sanded? They need to go back!

Well, the floors are finished and are “hardening up.”

Members started yesterday cleaning up the dust that is left from the sanding.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022, is the big moving day when the chairs go back! We are hoping to get another big crew so that it won’t take too long. Again, many hands make less work.  

The floors look great, and we can’t wait to share the new look. Please contact Barb Bailey with any questions or concerns. Call 207 453-9476 or email baileybarb196@gmail.com

Parkman Grange hosting “Daddy-Daughter Dance!”

The Parkman Grange will be hosting a Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, August 12, 2022, from  6-8 PM.  Young ladies 13 and under are invited to come with their dad or an important adult in their life if their dad is unable to attend.  Admission is $5 per person at the door.  DJ Steve Brody will be spinning tunes and having dance contests, including the twist, funky chicken, and freestyle.  Light refreshments will be served, door prizes given away, and a keepsake photo taken to remember the evening. Put on your dancing shoes and come enjoy a fun time!

Parkman Grange is located at the corner of State HWY 150 and North Dexter Road.  For more info, call Sue Manchester 207 277-3942

Homesteaders Wanted!

We’re looking for a couple of folks who are “homesteading” in Maine who might be willing to be interviewed for an article in Good Day! — the National Grange quarterly magazine. If you consider yourself a “homesteader” (a term that has many different definitions), please let me know, and I will put you in touch with the author.

We’re Grangers. We help each other. This will be a win/win for those willing to participate, but you’ll have to act fast. There are deadlines to be met!

Email the Communications Director

Grange Makes Front Page Headlines

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

Some may recall that Vicki Huff and I were invited to speak at the Waterboro Maine Historical Society–headquartered in a former Grange Hall. Coverage of the event made the front page of The Reporter— “Your Community Newspaper” in the Waterboro area. It is always fitting and appropriate to see the words “Grange” and “community” together.

When I talked with Cynthia Matthews, the reporter who wrote the story, it was also rewarding that she was familiar with Porter Gange and some of its activities. Too often, the local Grange is the best-kept secret in an area–not only from the media but also from the people who might be interested in joining or supporting it.

The media business has changed dramatically over the past decade or two. We no longer see local reporters showing up at events or chasing down stories. (In this case, Matthews didn’t attend, but asked a friend to take photos, and she subsequently did her interviews by telephone.) I know many people are intimidated by the idea of writing articles for the media, but it’s not that difficult to develop relationships with reporters and editors. We can help them with “tips” and simply let them know what’s going on at the Grange.

Don’t forget, there’s a Communications Handbook available for free on the MSG Website. It lists a number of daily and weekly newspapers throughout Maine and lots of tips and tactics for getting your news and events published. If you’re having an event, make sure you publicize it! Don’t have a party and forget to invite people!

Read the entire article in The Reporter

Victor Grange Needs Your Help!

Sunday, July 24, 2022 at 11:00 am
144 Oakland Road, Fairfield Center, Maine

Victor Grange is located in Fairfield, Maine

After 122 years, we are finally in a financial position to have all the first-level hardwood floors sanded and refinished! We need to move all tables and chairs into a box trailer for a week while this is being accomplished–the first time since 1899!

We would love to have 20 or so people to make things easier and faster. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. In this heat and humidity, extra help will be critical. With enough help, we hope to form a line similar to a “bucket brigade” and pass the items along until finished. It sounds like a big task (you don’t want to count the number of chairs–although somebody probably will), but we can do it, and it certainly will be worth it in the end.

Got kids? Make it a family affair!

Call 453-9476 for more information.

Stay hydrated and take breaks!

Webmaster’s note: As I was preparing this for posting, for some reason, I thought of “This sounds like a job for…” (I think that’s from some superhero show or cartoon.) Some may remember a time when this would have been a Pomona Project–Granges helping each other. That’s still valid and possible, but this is also a community event! Are there some other community organizations in the area that can rally with a 24-hour notice? A softball team? fire department auxilary? book club? motorcycle club? Call somebody you know and show up tomorrow at the Victor Grange Hall! Be part of the “we” in “we can do it.”

Exploring Traditions — July 2022

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

by Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

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Going beyond farming…

As many know, I never cease to marvel at the similarities between the Amish and the Grange. (And the differences! In spite of their interest in farming and nature, the Amish were not permitted to join the Grange—even during the Grange’s early years.)

Historically, the Grange has been viewed as a farmer’s organization. In many circles, it is still. I recall one “old” Granger who would try to emphasize the fraternal aspect of the Grange by suggesting that “We’re like the Masons, but we keep cows.” Finding an accurate but short description of the Grange as an organization is challenging—in part because the Grange isn’t simple and it is a very diverse organization, at least in terms of what local Granges do and are known for doing.

And that means we sometimes miss one of the most powerful aspects of the Grange and the Grange Way of Life. “Since God placed man on earth, agriculture has existed,” is the installing officer’s reminder as he or she opens the installation of officers. I think it should be noted that it’s not, “Since God placed man on earth, farmers and farming have existed.”

When you drive through Amish Country, it’s easy to become impressed with Amish farms and gardens. During this year’s vacation, I was researching and photographing for a future book. We paid close attention to gardens, including many that were not part of an Amish farm. (Many Amish in Central Pennsylvania are not farming for a number of different reasons. But they are no less Amish.) Their gardens are bountiful. The rows are straight. There are many flowers and no weeds. The Amish wife typically has primary responsibility, but it’s important to understand that we are looking at a family-based society. We often saw entire families in the garden, weeding, planting, pruning… older children supervising younger ones.

Given the humble nature of the Amish, this can quickly seem contradictory until we try to understand we are not seeing “Amish Pride.” We are seeing Amish Connection. “Since God placed man on earth, agriculture has existed.” Amish or not, we are all connected to the earth, to nature, to agriculture (and in the Amish mind “to God).

When we look at the rituals and lessons of the Grange, it’s not difficult to see that they go beyond farming to nature and agriculture. In that same opening, “We encourage the planting of trees, fruits and flowers by which to enhance the value and increase the attractions of our home; adorning them with those beauties so lavishly given us by the God of Nature.”

Returning to the Amish for a moment, working the earth, and growing crops is seen as a means of drawing closer to God. In a large part, this enables a different view of work that takes it out of the category of drudgery. Work is an opportunity, not a problem. It’s a chance to build character. With its many benefits, work is to be enjoyed.

It doesn’t take too much “out of the box” thinking to see how connecting with the earth, with nature, and with agriculture brings many advantages. Perhaps we might stop thinking of the Grange as a farmers’ organization and start thinking of it as an organization that enjoys and reaps the benefits of being connected to the earth and nature.

Lester Gibbs is a Granger who lives in New Hampshire. We are “social media friends” on Facebook. I’ve forgotten how it started, but he has been regularly posting photos and reports of an onion he has growing indoors. Most of his reports are only a sentence or two—like the day it grew five inches. I look forward to and enjoy them. I mention him as an example of being “connected to the earth and nature.” He’s also demonstrating opportunity. The onion is part of his window garden, but even if it were his only plant, caring for it and observing it is not work. It’s no surprise that he’s a Granger. He is connected to the earth.

We may not be “Masons with cows,” but we are people who are connected to the earth and nature. “We ask none to join us who cannot see good in their fellow beings; but to all interested in Agriculture, who have generous hearts and open hands to help the needy, raise the fallen and in making the labors of this life cheerful, we say, ‘Welcome to the Grange.’”

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.

Highland Lake Grange Presents

Tragedy In The Skies: Four Flyers from Duck Pond Road in World War Two

Grange member and local historian Ken Moody tells the stories of four young men who joined the Army Air Corps during World War Two. Lifelong friends, they all heeded the call of duty and left the safety of their Westbrook homes to fly into unknown dangers.

Each one of them would experience disaster, not returning to base after separate fateful missions, all within nine months of each other. Two of them would make the ultimate sacrifice for their country, never returning home. The impact on the Duck Pond neighborhood was immeasurable. 

Ken’s research brings to life their service with intriguing detail and passion: Cadet Wesley C. Dearborn; Sergeant Harold C. Lewis; Sergeant Frederick W. Gowen, and 1st Lt. Leonard Emery.

Saturday, August 13th at 7 pm

Highland Lake Grange, 9 Hardy Road, Westbrook. The Grange is accessible, program on first floor.

Admission free. Donations accepted. All donations will benefit Westbrook Veterans Relief Fund (operated by Westbrook Veteran Services Office). 

Refreshments provided.

FMI: 536-0038 or gowenfrm@gwi.net