Tag: Grange Events

Membership Moments

Rick Grotton

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

How is the Grange supposed to take in new membership and teach them the rituals and traditions when there are people out there disrespecting the use of a Grange Hall and the rituals of the Grange? First, the Grange is a non-partisan organization, meaning that if you hold discussions and debates, ALL parties must be involved. In a recent political ad, the name of the Grange appeared. This activity is a direct violation of the bylaws of the National Grange. It is an embarrassment to our membership and to the reputation of the Grange name. Many members have commented in shock at the direct violation of the bylaws.  

Second, if you have not opened in full form for a Grange meeting, any business transactions and voting are void. Again, this is a violation of the bylaws. Grange is not just for a social group, but certain traditions and rituals MUST be followed. Many Granges in the past, and I suspect in the future also will be closed for disrespecting our traditions and rituals. This is not Grange. 

Third, there are no such “associate memberships” in the Grange. These groups are actually “friends of the Grange” and are not recognized as members. They are not allowed to have a vote in any Grange, cannot take an office, and they cannot be part of your quorum. For example, if you have only six members and fifteen “friends of the Grange” present at a meeting, you are not allowed to conduct business. They have NO say in the decisions made by the Grange itself. It is good to have outside help for projects; however, the Grange members must make the decisions. 

Fourth, any Grange is not “owned” or “operated” by any one person or clique. We have lost so many Granges because individuals want to control and dominate. So many hard feelings and disrespect for the Grange and its members are exhibited. All members have a say, and if it doesn’t turn out the way you want it, then so be it. Instead of getting up and leaving with a bitter taste in your mouth, remember that you are showing disrespect to your Grange and its members.  

There are more examples that could be used; however, the above four examples are prime examples of why our membership and the number of Granges have dropped considerably. With many respectful and loyal members out there trying to build our numbers, there are also others who just don’t want to respect or care for others. They have their own objectives and goals, completely opposite of what the Grange stands for. We must rise and bring the good name of the Grange back so that we can continue to strive. 

I am sorry to write about such negativity; however, it is a losing battle trying to bring in new members when such disrespect is being shown. How am I supposed to be doing my job as State Membership Director when there are supposed members working against me? I feel as if I am lying to prospective new members when I remain strictly positive, and when they encounter just the opposite, it comes back to me. Wake up all!  If you love your Grange with its traditions and rituals, then defend them. Speak up to the disrespectful ones and say, “Enough!!” There is safety in numbers, but those numbers are decreasing. Help save our Grange!!! 

Valley Grange to Celebrate Community

Valley Grange is located at 172 Guilford Center Road in Guilford, Maine

Guilford—Valley Grange has announced its annual Celebration of Community, to be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Guilford Grange Hall. The event includes honoring the local organization’s Community Citizen(s) of the Year. This year, the Grange will honor the Recovery Wellness Center based in Sangerville. The event celebrates the strength of rural communities with a community potluck supper at 5:30 pm, followed by a program featuring a presentation of certificates of recognition at 7:00 pm. The program includes an opportunity for guests to share testimonials and appreciation.

Program Director Walter Boomsma noted in announcing the celebration, “We always try to honor people or organizations who have their boots on the ground and give of themselves to strengthen and build our communities.  These too often unsung heroes are a lifeline for our communities. The event itself brings neighbors and friends together. Even the meal demonstrates the strength and value of our communities, as the communities prepare the potluck supper by bringing dishes to share.”

The Recovery Wellness Community Center in Sangerville, Maine, located at 20 Douty Hill Road, is a community-driven, non-profit center founded in 2024 to support individuals affected by addiction. It provides a safe, sober space offering free services including peer support, All Recovery meetings, Narcan training, and career exploration.

“The Center provides many sources and resources,” Boomsma notes. “But it also proves a supportive community place for those dealing with substance abuse and addiction recovery in both traditional and non-traditional ways.”

Community Service Chair Mary Annis adds, “This is always such a great evening as we enjoy the chance to connect with each other, share a great meal, and celebrate our rural lives. So many people benefit from the Recovery Wellness Center’s work. The center is peer-led and focused on community-driven support. This is a chance to thank the organization and its people in person and maybe shake hands and give a hug.”

Additional information about the event is available at http://valleygrange.com and on the Valley Grange Facebook page.

Parkman Grange Mothers’ Day Tea

Submitted by Susan Manchester, Master

The Parkman Grange is pleased to announce that their 24th annual Mother’s Day Tea will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 am to noon.  This has become a spring tradition bringing together friends and family after a long winter. 

This year, the guest of honor is Katie Landry; she and her husband have 9 children.  This popular event includes live entertainment, sing-alongs, lots of door prizes, tea sandwiches and desserts, tea and coffee, and a 50/50 raffle.  The local scout troop will be servers. 

The Grange is keeping the admission price at $5; children under 5 are free. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Sue Manchester, 207-717-6248. The Parkman Grange is located on the corner of State Hwy 150 and North Dexter Road.

Degree Day Reminder!

The  Androscoggin Pomona Grange Degree Day at Manchester Grange is fast approaching! If you have candidates attending, please let Norma Meserve know!

Also, remember that candidates should bring a completed application.

Manchester Grange is located at 953 Western Avenue in Manchester, Maine

Fifth Degree Day Change

By Marilyn Stinson
207 380-3901

Enterprise Grange is located at 15 Alexander Reed Road in Richmond, Maine.

Sagadahoc Pomona will NOT be doing the Fifth Degree at Enterprise in Richmond on April 29, 2026.

There will be a regular meeting, and other Grangers are welcome. We will be able to do the New Alternative Welcome Ceremony.

Potluck supper at 6:00, meeting at 7:00.

Valley Grange Seeks Blanketeers

Volunteers will create blankets for children in need

Valley Grange of Guilford is sponsoring a blanket-making event on Saturday, May 2, 2026,  from 9:00 a.m. until noon, and volunteers are needed! Organizer Pat Engstrom notes, “No sewing skills are needed. If you can measure, cut a straight line with scissors, or tie a simple knot, you can become a ‘blanketeer’ and help support Project Linus. We’ll show you how!”

Project Linus, a non-profit organization, provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Last year’s event resulted in more than 100 blankets being completed. Since the need isn’t decreasing, Engstrom hopes to see the number of blankets made increase again this year.

“We have a great time doing this, and truly just about anyone can help. We create quite a production line, and it sometimes gets quite competitive! It’s exciting to realize we’re providing love in the form of ‘blankies’ that represent security, warmth, and comfort for kids. We consider them fabric hugs.”

While supplies will be provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring scissors, rulers, and masking tape. Light refreshments will be served.

For additional information, contact Pat Enstrom at 564-8290 or visit the Valley Grange Website at http://valleygrange.com. Valley Grange is located at 172 Guilford Center Road, at the corner of Butter Street.

April Grange Events

April 2026 – Grange Month

Every Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM, Kennebec Valley Grange hosts a flea market that fills two floors. Details here or call Diane Pinkham at 207 314-5135 FMI.

  • Deadline to register for the 2026 NELA Conference in New York.
  • April 4, 2026, Craft Sale at Benton Grange, 9:00 – 2:00 pm. FMI contact Mary Colson.
  • April 11, 2026, St George Grange Public Supper, 5 pm. FMI
  • April 12, 2026, MSG Officers’ Meeting at MSG Headquarters, 2 PM – 4 PM.
  • April 14, 2026, MSG Bulletin Deadline
  • April 17, 2926, Victor Grange in Fairfield hosts a free senior lunch, 11 AM – 1 PM.
  • April 17 – 19, 2026, NELA Conference in New York. Information and Registration Form
  • April 25, 2026, ODDs (Officers, Deputies, Directors) Workshop and Ice Cream Social, 2 PM – 4 PM at MSG Headquarters. FMI Contact Master Sherry.
  • April 26, 2026, Androscoggin Pomona Degree Day at Manchester Grange. More information here.
  • April 26, 2026, Community Citizen Awards at Enterprise Grange in Richmond, Maine at 3:00 pm. Details here.
  • April 29, 2026, April 29, 2026, Sagadahoc Pomona Fifth Degree Day at Enterprise Grange. For more information.

Note the recent addition of a workshop and Ice Cream Social for ODDs on April 25, 2026!

State Session is planned for October 30-31, 2026. Mark your calendar!

St George Grange Public Suppers

St. George Grange is located at 32 Wiley’s Corner Road in St George.

The St. George Grange is starting its 2026 Public Supper season! We have a Public Supper on the 2nd Saturday of each month, April through October. The fun always starts at 5 pm. Thank you, and hope to see you at the St. George Grange.

Our April 11 supper will feature a variety of homemade food, fresh-baked bread, desserts, coffee, and cold drinks with neighbors, friends, and family. Adults $10.00 Children $5.00 (under 10 yrs. free)

Cooked food donations for our supper are welcome (casseroles, salads, desserts, etc.) Part of the proceeds will be donated to the First Baptist Church of St. George, ME 04860

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Communications Column – March 2026

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

AI-generated image

Grangers Helping Grangers

The idea of “Grangers helping Grangers” can take many forms. We often see it within our Granges. For example, a member of Valley Grange recently needed some work completed on their home. It was quite natural for them to ask other members for suggestions. A slightly different version happens in Granges like Ocean View #463 in Port Clyde. They accomplish many of their projects by helping each other with ideas, resources, and expertise. These sorts of things happen both formally and informally, and all it takes is a little communication.

In recent weeks, I’ve had the privilege of seeing examples of it with Grangers helping Grangers in other Granges. For example, a Grange considering a Book Exchange Program (Little Free Library) wants to connect with other Granges that have one. Once again, all it takes is a little communication to make that connection! The odds are pretty good that if a Grange is considering something, another Grange (or someone in it) has at least tried it—and more likely done it.

What we are describing here is the primary focus of the Communications Department and website—supporting local community Granges. The odds are pretty good that if a Grange is considering doing something, another Grange (or someone in it) has at least tried it—and more likely done it. All we have to do is find that resource and connect!

That’s where you come in. It sometimes feels like local Granges are among the best-kept secrets! Tell the world (including the Grange World) what you’re doing!

A recent Rapid Resource on fundraising (included as a bonus article in this issue) challenges the use of the word “donation” in fundraising. Instead of asking for a donation, we can think of ourselves as giving others an opportunity. A similar mindset applies to recruiting members. Instead of asking people to join, give them an opportunity to be part of something.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” is an idiom that suggests all who participate in improvements benefit. In a simpler sense, Granges can rise together, especially when we realize that collectively we have much to offer. In practical terms, that includes the events we hold and the projects we undertake. Humility is often overvalued. Bragging can be a very effective leadership tool. Of course we must earn the right to brag. We can help each other do that. You’ll probably be amazed at what happens as a result.

FACT: In the past twelve months, nearly 9,000 people have visited the MSG website, an 11% increase over the previous year.

Membership Moments

Rick Grotton

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

Sunday, April 26, at 1 pm at Manchester Grange should be on your calendar if you have new members who have not taken or have not seen the first four degrees. There are members who have been obligated for over a year now who have not seen the degrees.  The obligation ceremony does not give the details of the lessons of the Grange, so it would be beneficial (and necessary) to observe the degrees. Last year was successful, and I am looking forward to meeting and greeting our new members.

Grange Month is in April and always gives us opportunities to increase our membership. Most Granges will be busy with events going on throughout the month. Chelsea Grange will again fill May baskets made by the elementary school on April 25 and given to the occupants of the Veterans’ Home.  This is a very fun event for both the children and the members who fill the baskets. If your Grange does not have an event scheduled, feel free to contact a Grange that will be active and offer your services. Remember, we are all one big family and are there to help one another.

Ideas for Grange month (and for all year) include having an open house, giving membership awards, public suppers, visiting nursing homes, yard sales, bake sales, and the list goes on. Please advertise on the website so other Granges are aware of these events.

Keep attracting new members and send me more topics of interest to discuss in this column. Maybe we will call this Ask Rick. Send me a question, and I will answer it. Or send me suggestions, and I will include them in my column and reference the Grange that sent it (unless you want to be anonymous).