Tag: Grange Activities

President’s Perspective – October 2024

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

Fellow Grangers,  I would like to strongly encourage our Granges and Grangers to do whatever they can to help our southern Grange families and friends. The note below is from National Grange President Chris Hamp.

Brothers and Sisters,

In the past few days, I have received many emails, texts, and phone calls asking how Granges can help with recovery in North Carolina following the devastation left behind in the wake of Hurricane Helene over the weekend.

Please see the email sent from Jimmy Gentry, President of NC State Grange, with information on how to support their Granges.

I encourage Granges at all levels to support your Brothers and Sisters in their time of need, as they, in turn, help their communities recover.

In addition to North Carolina, we have also heard that Goodwill Grange, Virginia, and the surrounding communities received damage and are also in recovery. Goodwill Grange is known by its community for being an internet center, a vital need in rural southwestern Virginia.

We are working with the Virginia State Grange and will disseminate information on how to help Goodwill Grange as soon as it is available.

Please support these Granges and their communities in whatever ways you can.

Thank you,

Communication Shorts 10-5-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

October Bulletin Deadline

October Bulletin columns and information are due by October 14th. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

Fifth Degree Reminder

On October 9, 2024, the Fifth Degree will be offered at Danville Junction Grange at 7:00 p.m. Contact Maynard Chapman at 207 312-5591 for information or to join.

State Session Is Happening Soon

Remember, complete information is available right here on the website!

Have You Ordered Dictionaries?

For most Granges, it’s “Words for Thirds” season! Look for some exciting news about this program here in Maine!

Annual Reports and Program Books

Those we’ve received are listed on the 2024 State Session page. We’ll be adding them to the Program Books and Information Page soon.

Consider this Idea!

Always have some kind of handout available at every event–even if it’s just a simple business card listing your meeting schedule.

Think about this

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” 

Henry David Thoreau

Submit Dates

We’re opening the 2025 Website Event Calendar. Don’t forget to submit your dates!

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct!

National Bullying Prevention Month

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

The National Center for Bullying Prevention initiated National Bullying Prevention Month. The campaign is designed to unite communities nationwide through education and awareness. Much attention is rightly given to preventing bullying among kids, but adults can be victims as well.

Uniy Day Icon

This year, October 16 has been declared Unity Day. Wearing orange will increase awareness and encourage kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. That sure sounds like something the Grange does! We don’t stop with wearing orange–“we help build community throughout the year.”

In a simple sense, bullying is about power and communication. Our words and actions are important, and words can be powerful, both in a negative and positive way.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt

I believe that an important aspect of preventing bullying is building resilience and strength in potential victims. “Where you fly makes a difference.” We can start with ourselves, certainly. But a question worthy of discussion is “What is our Grange doing to promote kindness in our Grange and our Community?”

    (Family Health And Hearing Committees take note! Can you provide some resources for members? Maybe include some thoughts in your next report?)

    Some Resources:

    StopBullying.gov: A comprehensive resource from the U.S. government that provides information on recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying.

    PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: Offers resources for students, parents, and educators, including toolkits and educational materials.

    The Trevor Project: Focuses on LGBTQ+ youth, providing support and resources to prevent bullying and promote mental health.

    National Bullying Prevention Month: An annual campaign in October that raises awareness and encourages communities to take action against bullying.

    Stomp Out Bullying: Provides resources, support, and information for students and parents to address bullying and cyberbullying.

    There are also some mental health resources on my website.

    Helping in North Carolina

    The following letter comes from Jimmy Gentry, State Master/President of the North Carolina Grange.

    Grange Friends,

    Edneyville Grange and the surrounding Hendersonville community was in the path of Hurricane Helene. The aftermath is devastating as many families have lost everything. Clean-up crews have been working tirelessly to restore power, internet, and roads.

    Grange members have been reaching out to the NC State Grange Office asking how they can help. We have been in touch with Wendy Henderson, President of Edneyville Grange. She informed us that she has reached out to a local school in Edneyville that is extremely concerned with the well-being of children and parents. They gave her a list of items that would benefit these families.

    Jennie Gentry also spoke with high school teachers in Henderson County, friends associated with FFA and 4-H. Their main concern has been making sure students are accounted for and determining their families’ needs. This has been very difficult without the ability to communicate or travel into areas to check on their students, some of whom live in other local hard-hit communities like Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, and Gerton.

    Wendy mentioned a great need for several items that schools will need for students and their families. Below is information on how you and your Grange can help.

    What to Collect:

    • New Coats of all sizes
    • New Sweatshirts of all sizes
    • Gift cards to Walmart

    Drop Off Locations:

    NC State Grange Office in Statesville: by Monday, October 14
    Address:   1734 Wilkesboro Hwy, Statesville, NC
    Hours:    Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
    To arrange Saturday or Sunday drop off, or outside of these hours during the week, contact our office: 704-878-0000 or jwgentry@ncgrange.com

    Making Cash Donations:

    Write a check to Edneyville Grange and mail to:
    Wendy Henderson
    29 Arabian Ln 
    Hendersonville, NC 28792

    Write a check to the NC State Grange Disaster Fund with “Edneyville Relief” on the memo line and send to:

    NC Grange
    1734 Wilkesboro Hwy
    Statesville NC 28625

    Thank you for your willingness to donate these items to support Edneyville and its surrounding communities in Henderson County. We are relieved that our Edneyville Grange members are safe and appreciate Wendy for the information so that we can join together to assist their community in this desperate time of need. 

    Please contact the Grange Office with any questions. 

    Sincerely,

    Jimmy Gentry
    President, North Carolina Grange

    Fifth Degree Offered at Danville Junction Grange

    Danville Junction Grange is located at 15 Grange Street, Auburn, ME

    Androscoggin Pomona #1 will celebrate the lessons of the Fifth Degree on Wednesday, October 9th at 7:00 pm. To join as a candidate or participate, contact Maynard Chapman at 207 312-5591.

    October Events in Maine

    • October 4, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
    • October 4, 2024, Community Potluck Supper at Trenton Grange, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
    • October 5-6, 2024, Community Bazaar (crafts, farmers’ market, yard sale…) at Trenton Grange from 9 am until 2 pm both days. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
    • October 9, 2024, The Fifth Degree will be offered at Danville Junction Grange starting at 7:00 pm. Danville Junction Grange is located in Auburn. For more information contact Maynard Chapman at 207 312-5591.
    • October 10, 2024, Blood Drive at Harraseeket Grange in Freeport, 12 – 5 pm.
    • October 11, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
    • October 12, 2024, St George Grange Community Supper at 5 pm. Adults $10, Children $5, under 10 free. For more information see this post.
    • October 14, 2024, Deadline for the MSG Bulletin
    • October 18, 2024, Senior Circle at Victor Grange in Fairfield. Potluck lunch at 11 am for Seniors to get together with others for socializing, networking and a game or two. Held the 3rd Friday monthly. FMI Deb 207-453-4844 or Sherri 207-815-0615. No Charge.
    • October 18, 2024, Mystic Valley Grange Rummage and Bake Sale, 9 am until 12 noon. Mystic Valley Grange is located at Route 17 and US Route 2 in East Dixfield. FMI Nancy Farrington 207 623-0395.
    • October 18-19, 2024, Maine State Grange Annual Convention
    • October 26, 2024 Wayside Grange Concert featuring Half Moon Jug Band. Doors open at 6:30 pm. More information at Wayside Grange & Theatre Facebook Page.

    Valley Grange Welcomes New Members

    Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine

    Valley Grange is pleased to introduce and welcome our three newest members. Although they’ve been members for a few months, the recent “Obligation Ceremony” makes it official. The ceremony is actually quite mutual, with new members pledging to the organization and the organization making pledges to the members. The last step is called a “Friendship Circle,” during which all join hands and commit to the spirit of the 150+ year-old fraternal organization.

    L-R New members Joyce Flanders from Dover Foxcroft, Elaina Fortier, and Matthew Fortier from Guilford.

    “As we in form thus enclose you within a sacred circle, so does this Grange in the name of our noble and beneficent Order pledge to you a pure friendship, enduring through life to shield you from harm.”

    Program Director Walter Boomsma notes that the Grange is uniquely positioned to provide connection, particularly after COVID created a lack of it. “We’re about a lot more than a face on a screen or a post on social media. Our potluck suppers are a great opportunity to ‘break bread together’ and be together in person, in spirit, and in conversation. In some ways, the work we do to strengthen our communities and rural living is a bonus.”

    The ceremony was conducted by Valley Grange Master Jim Annis and Program Director Walter Boomsma.

    The Valley Grange Hall is located at 172 Guilford Center Road on the corner of Butter Street but the Grange is more accurately described as “in the community,” For information about participating and joining visit the Valley Grange Website or Facebook Page. Better yet, talk to a member or join us for supper!

    Communication Shorts 09-15-2024

    By Walter Boomsma,
    MSG Communications Director
    207 343-1842

    Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

    September Bulletin Available

    The September Bulletin is available. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

    Vaccinations at Big E

    Our undercover reporter tells us that 200 COVID and/or flu vaccinations were administered at the booth in front of the New England Grage Building. The program continues through September 29th. For more information see this post.

    Monroe Grange Store Reminder

    As noted in this month’s Exploring Traditions Column, flags and holders are available from the Monroe Grange Store. Many Grange-related products available—even the hard-to-find stuff! They can help with fundraising programs, custom-printed apparel, promotional items, awards, signs, and banners. Check out the Grange Store!

    State Session Page Updated

    A page dedicated to the 2024 State Session has a “packet of information” that includes the forms necessary to reserve meals. It even includes deadlines for reserving and submitting information! This page is currently getting lots of visits!

    Officers and Directors Note!

    Annual reports and program books are coming due.

    Consider this Idea!

    Think about “rebranding” your potluck into a community event. Encourage residents to meet and greet each other and build the community. Welcome, children so it’s a family event. Request participants bring food, hot or cold, to share. Make available bottled water, paper goods, cups, tables, games, and music. Include activities like face painting, corn hole, drawing, and dancing.

    Think about this!

    Doing things is not the same as getting things done!”

    Jared Silver

    Submit News! Be “famous”

    Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!

    Online Directories Available 24-7

    • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
    • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct!