By Rick Grotton, Membership Committee Director 207 582-5915
I will be attending the annual Agricultural Trade Show in Augusta this week to talk to people about grange and to try to get some new membership. Each year I attend, emblazed in my Grange attire, either wandering around talking to the vendors or seated at the Maine State Grange booth, enticing new membership and explaining what Grange has to offer. People from all over the state attend and check out the agricultural exhibits, eager to find new ideas or products to help with their gardens and food production. Events like these offer a great opportunity to add new membership. We have people sign up who are interested, and the list is passed to Granges based upon the geographical location of the person’s residence. Applications and other information are readily available.
By attending this event, I am achieving three things that are mentioned in my columns over the years as in the following:
Visibility, by letting yourself be shown and making yourself known.
Approaching others and having pleasant conversations about Grange.
Wearing clothing that proudly displays Grange emblems and creates conversations such as, “My parents (grandparents or myself) used to belong to Grange” and “Do Granges still exist?”
I encourage all members to attend any kind of event in their jurisdiction where there may be interest in Grange membership. There are so many people who have not heard of Grange, so get out there, make yourself visible, talk to others and wear Grange apparel!
by Maia Zewert, Editor Lincoln County News Submitted by Laurie McBurnie
It’s not often a teacher walks out of a student of the month assembly with an award, but such was the case at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro on Monday, Dec. 22.
Kali Martin (right), a special education resource room teacher at Medomak Valley High School, accepts the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award from Maine State Grange Secretary and Willow Grange Master Sharon Morton on Monday, Dec. 22. Members of Willow Grange 366 in Jefferson nominated Martin for the award, which she was presented during the student of the month assembly. (Paula Roberts photo)
In front of a gymnasium full of MVHS students, faculty, and staff, members of Willow Grange 366 in Jefferson surprised special education resource room teacher Kali Martin with the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award.
“I’m just completely blown away,” Martin said after the presentation. “I had no idea this was coming.”
Willow Grange member Paula Roberts introduced the award during the assembly, describing the recipient without initially naming them.
“This teacher saw a need in the Medomak community and acted on it to make a difference here at Medomak and beyond,” Roberts said. “And she has involved her students and the student body to show them, although community service can be hard work, it is extremely rewarding.”
Roberts also quoted MVHS Principal Linda Dolloff Pease, who said Martin “is appreciated and well-loved and plays a big role in the positive culture of the school.”
Members of Willow Grange No. 366 in Jefferson flank Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Kali Martin after a presentation at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro on Monday, Dec. 22. The Willow Grange members nominated Martin for the award, which they surprised her with during a student of the month assembly. From left: Mary Jane McLoon, Deborah Willette, Sharon Morton, Kali Martin, Henry Morton, Knox Zaccadelli, Laurie McBurnie, and Paula Roberts. (Maia Zewert photo)
When she was revealed as the recipient of the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award, Martin immediately received a standing ovation from all in attendance. As Martin joined the presenters, Roberts listed Martin’s many accomplishments during her time working at the high school, including initiating a weekend backpack program to provide students in need with food, preparing food for the annual Empty Bowl Supper, and helping to start a free clothing program for students in need.
Martin also started the Medomak Valley Soul Food Pantry, which serves over 300 families, Roberts said. She applied for and received a grant to purchase an industrial-sized freezer for the pantry and also collects food from Hannaford and arranges deliveries from Good Shepherd Food Pantry to keep it stocked.
“She has gone above and beyond her teaching duties,” Roberts said. “Kali has given unselfishly of her time and resources to support Medomak students and the community.”
In addition, Martin is involved with the school’s student council, participates in Treat Tuesdays, and “is known for her root beer floats for the entire staff,” Roberts said.
“Kali Martin has the biggest heart ever and it shows here in the many ways that Paula Roberts outlined in her presentation,” Pease said. “She is an advocate for young people in addition to being aware of staff needs and having a little fun!”
Maine State Grange Secretary and Willow Grange President Sharon Morton presented Martin with the award. In addition, Martin was presented a $100 donation from Maine State Grange Treasurer and Willow Grange Secretary Laurie McBurnie to support the food pantry.
“Having such a supportive administration and having the support of the community to keep the pantry going has just been such a huge blessing,” Martin said. “It’s just grown … and it helps our families get what they need.”
For more information or to make a donation to the Medomak Valley Soul Food Pantry, email Martin at kali_martin@rsu40.org.
And so I’m offering this simple phrase To kids from one to ninety-two Although it’s been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you.
Sometimes, simple is best. The holiday season invites us to consider that possibility as an opportunity. Sending a holiday card, to some extent, helps us answer the question, “How many ways can you say…” The card company makes its best attempts. For a small additional fee, we can imprint our name and eliminate the need for a signature. Simple.
It’s easy to argue that we lose something in simplicity. I think automation takes a toll. I did some shopping the other day. I didn’t keep track of how many times I was told to “Have a nice day.” I wasn’t annoyed by it, but neither was I deeply moved by it. Occasionally, I was tempted to ask for clarification. “And how would you suggest I go about doing that?”
The best communication isn’t automatic. The best communication is thoughtful and heartfelt. And that can be simple. One cashier placed her hand with my change into mine, but didn’t release it. This caught my attention, and I instinctively made eye contact. With her hand in mine, she smiled and wished me a nice day. I think her eyes twinkled a bit. We connected. I knew she meant it. Simple.
Communication should be about connection. Don’t let the words get in the way.
FACT: The two most popular categories of posts are Grange Activities and Grange News.
By Rick Grotton, Membership Committee Director 207 582-5915
With all the chaos in our country, the Grange needs to step up and help those in need. We need to work as one and become stronger. The Grange needs to keep its reputation as a safe place to go, with helping hands and friendly people. Our communities need us more than ever, so we need to be ever so vigilant. We need to let our communities know we are there for them. After all, isn’t that the Grange way?
Keep in contact with others, schedule events helpful to the people, such as a free clothing drive, craft fairs, dinners, lunches, card and game nights, and other social events. It only takes a smile to make someone’s day. Grangers are givers. Grangers are helpers. Grangers care.
To attract new members, we must always be on our “A” game. Be positive, smile, lend a helping hand, listen to others; their concerns and needs. Our communities need us more now than ever, so reach out! Remember why you joined the Grange and why you still belong. Having been a Grange member for 40 years, I am truly grateful for all the Grange has provided me with: love, lasting friendships, and the opportunity to make a difference. As has been said, you get out of something what you put in and much more. Tell your story.
As the new year approaches, what changes need to be made? Will the Grange strive to work easier (not always harder) to gain membership, to be a factor in our communities, a name that all will trust, and most of all, visible to others? YOU can make it happen. YOU can be a factor. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
By Rick Grotton, Membership Committee Director 207 582-5915
The holiday season is fast approaching, which means a busy time for many Granges. Giving is what Grangers do, and it is at its peak during this time. Craft fairs, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the community, helping those in need for food, heat, and Christmas presents for the children, donating hats, coats, and other outerwear to keep them warm; the list is endless. Recruit others to help with your projects, whether it’s baking, cooking, organizing, or serving dinner. People are in a generous spirit and are willing to help a good cause. Gaining members is at its highest point during this season. So what do we do as Grangers?
Start planning early. You can start putting together an outline for your event, which includes staffing. Ask others if they would like to help with the cooking and setting up. Make your event a joyous, successful time that everyone will remember.
Advertise and be visible. Organize a planning and publicity committee to take care of the needs. Do it early and often. Even if you are a small Grange, it doesn’t matter; it can be done. My Grange is small, but we have devoted, loyal members who enjoy each event.
Keep up the enthusiasm. Not everything goes as planned, but make the best of it. Keep calm and you will persevere. For those who are not yet 5th degree (Pomona) members, perseverance is one of the lessons of being a Grange member.
Give a hearty “thank you” to all who helped and explain why the Grange holds such events. Have applications handy!
Have a clothing, food, or toy giveaway day at your Grange. Invite the public using the suggestions mentioned above. We all have things we would be willing to donate to those in need. This is one event that needs time to be successful.
Membership is a big concern for all, but we can do it. It is the same issue as our predecessors had, and look at how long we have survived. Numerous wars and pandemics over the years have not stopped us. Do your part!
Pomona membership is a big problem. Only just over a quarter of our membership are Fifth and Sixth Degree members, which is alarming. Where are our future leaders? The State Membership Committee (which also includes all Pomona Masters) will address the problem. We need all Pomona Masters to address this problem with their Subordinate Grange members. We need insight from all members, and we will be devising a plan and maybe some workshops for all to attend.
The State Membership Committee wishes all a happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all. Be active and safe!
The artwork is by Larry Bailey, Master of the St George Grange.
“Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set. We are forever thankful for you.”
Grangers in Maine
World War I, known at the time as “The Great War,” officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles in France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice – or temporary cessation of hostilities – between Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926; but it wasn’t until May 1938 when an official act was passed establishing every Nov. 11 “Armistice Day” to honor veterans of World War I. A law in 1954 officially changed it to Veterans Day.
In 1968, the holiday was changed to the last Monday in October; but President Gerald Ford signed legislation that reestablished Veterans Day to Nov. 11 after backlash from the public. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to Nov. 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date but also helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
The above history is reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin, District 4.
This year’s convention opens at 11 am! Since most officers, directors, and deputies will be in attendance, communication may be challenging. In website terms, we’ll be checking email as time permits, and you can expect a reply within 24 hours. That’s always our goal, and we usually beat it!
Thanks for your patience and understanding! For information about the convention, check this page.
By Rick Grotton, Membership Committee Director 207 582-5915
Now that your officers have been installed (hopefully you all have had them installed), there will be those in new offices. In order to keep the Grange rituals flowing smoothly, make sure all are educated in the duties of their new office. It is very important that we help one another become familiar with our new positions. New membership wants to see a well-organized, smooth-flowing meeting and new members, upon becoming an officer, want to know the history and duties of their new office. Explain what the Grange is all about. Encourage them to take the remainder of their degrees in order to fully understand what the Grange is all about. It does not end with the 4th degree. If you have not gone beyond that then you haven’t totally learned all the lessons of the Grange and are missing part of the Grange experience. That seems to be a problem in our Grange today as more Pomonas are closing and less resolutions sent to State Grange.
Hope to see and speak to all of you at the State Grange session Oct 17-18!
