Hollis Grange Words for Thirds
Tag: Grange Activities
Legislative Report, November 2025
By Steven Haycock, Legislative Director
(207) 329-6835
Friends, as I write this column, the embarrassment of the 42-day Federal government shutdown should be ending. It’s sad to think that we have gotten to this point in our politics. Portions of both political parties are holding “We the People” hostage for over 40 days and using people in need of food assistance as pawns, just to appease extreme members of both parties. Our Founding Fathers would be ashamed, and “We the People” should be upset. On the bright side, for the people of Maine, ¾ of our Congressional Delegation seems to have been working hard to find common ground and work towards a solution.
In these times of strong political support, opposition & opinions, I would like to stress and remind our members that the Grange is strictly non-partisan. While differing opinions on public policy should be encouraged at our Grange meetings, it is more important to speak in terms of policy rather than politics. Granges do not endorse political candidates or parties, but we do endorse and support various policies and positions. More than anything else, remember to keep it civil. Keep an open mind when encountering people’s views who differ from your own, also remember that compromise is not a “four-letter word.”
At State Grange in October, delegates were tasked with considering nine resolutions, two of which were referred to the Legislative committee, with one being referred to both the Legislative and Agricultural Committees:
- Resolution #2 – “Resolution to Protect Maine Farmland from Purchase by Foreign Nationals or Governments” – Adopted
- Resolution #6 – “Social Security Retirement Age” – Rejected
- Resolution #9 – “Food Banks Need of State/Federal Money” – Adopted.
In the coming months, I will try to communicate our support for the adopted resolutions to the legislature. Both are timely issues that require attention at the state and federal levels.
Until next time, start working on resolutions for the 2026 State Grange Session, keeping in mind the deadline is August 15, 2026. If you need assistance getting your idea into proper resolution form, I would be happy to help.
CWA Report – November 2025
By Margaret Henderson, Director
Committee on Women’s Activities
207 948-2762
On Friday evening, Oct. 17th, I had the privilege to present awards to the ladies who were winners at the “Big E”.
- Class B Doilies: Sally Schofield, 1st Place.
- Class C Embroidery: Gail Butterfield, 2nd Place.
- Class D 3 Piece Baby Set: Rosanna Starks, 1st Place.
- Class G Adult Garment: Rosanna Starks, 2nd Place.
I also presented a check to Richard Harriman to be given to House in the Woods.
On Oct. 29th, I met with the ladies at Home for Little Wanderers to present them with their check. Thank you to all the Granges that donated to these charities. It is greatly appreciated.
I hope that you will all have a very blessed Thanksgiving with your families.
Membership Moments
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!
Northeast Grange Leaders’ Conference Information
Key dates:
- Deadline for Hotel Registration – December 1, 2025
- Deadline for Registration – December 15, 2025
- Conference Dates – January 9 – 11, 2026
Registration Form for the conference
This is the only information we’ve received. There is a contact listed on the registration form
Celebrate Veterans’ Day 11-11-2025
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.
Valley Grange Words for Thirds Team visits local schools
Valley Grange Teams are currently celebrating Dictionary Days and Words for Thirds with area schools.WABI-TV5 caught up with the team at Ridgeview Elementary School in Dexter.
To learn more about the Guilford Grange’s Project, visit the Valley Grange Website or Facebook Page.
President’s Perspective – November 2025
Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029
We had a very busy schedule at our 151st State Grange Session, which went well. Thank you to the Officers, Delegates, Members, Deputies, Directors, and Committee members who attended. I appreciate your participation and input during the business and activities. Thank you to all those special helpers and workers for your assistance, whether a large part or a small piece of the work, I personally appreciate every one of you. I would like to hear your comments and/or suggestions about State Session – schedule, facilities, location, banquet or any other comment you care to make. Send to my email address.
We welcomed Kathy Gibson, Lady Assistant Steward of the National Grange, who gave us inspiring words of wisdom and also taught us “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in sign language, we all managed to get through the entire song in rounds. Some of our “boats” didn’t “row” as good as others. Kathy’s enthusiasm is definitely contagious. Brother Glenn Gibson, Executive Committee Member & Past Master of the Massachusetts State Grange and Amanda Gibson, Communications Dir of the MA State Grange both enjoyed being with us also.
A heartfelt Memorial Service was presented. Resolution work started and continued on Saturday with much discussion on each. A wonderful banquet was shared, and the various Committees presented many awards. We held a full election of officers with most of us being re-elected, thank you for your confidence in me. I am pleased to welcome our new officers, Judy Meserve as Ceres, Tracey Small as Pomona, and Dale Holst to the Executive Committee for a four-year term. I want to express my appreciation to our retiring officers Betty Huff, Ceres; Kathy Gowen, Pomona and Jim Owens from the Executive Committee for their dedication and years of service to the Manie State Grange. We welcomed five new State Grange members who received the 6th degree on Saturday afternoon. Vicki Huff installed our officers in an impressive manner. Thank you!
The new Department Program Books and Annual Reports were given to the Delegates for your Grange. If you did not have delegates at the session, you may download the programs and reports from the web under “Program Books,” or if you want a printed copy, email or call the office or me, and we will send them to you. You may request all or just select certain ones. Agricultural Scholarship, Educational Aid & Howes Nurses Scholarship requirements and applications can also be found on the website or requested from the office. We need to promote these scholarships and awards in our communities; each is a wonderful opportunity for our young folks. Grange Enterprise Award (formerly Farm Family) information with the application can be found on the web too or requested.
I hope to get the 2026 Roster done in the near future. Do I have your most current information? I know I have only about 2/3 of them. Welcome to our new Subordinate and Pomona Masters/Presidents, Lecturers, Secretaries and Committee people. There have been a few changes to Deputies and Committees. Several of our dedicated Deputies have retired after long years of service on behalf of the Maine State Grange. I want to THANK each of them, Maynard Chapman as Chief Deputy, David Gowen, Basil Mosher, Harriet Spencer, Holly & Burt Welch, and Phil Parsons. I know I keep repeating myself with the thank-yous. Still, it is well deserved, heartfelt and important especially to me to do so.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Hug your family and friends. Help someone every day.
2025-26 State Officers
Middle: Roberta Meserve, LAS; Christine Hebert, C; Carolyn Van Horn, EC; Linda Cobb, Mus; Pete Ivers, GK
Back: Laurie McBurnie, T; Rick Grotton, AS; Ben Edgerly, S; Jim Meserve EC
Absent: Mike Griffin, Overseer, Dale Holst, Executive Committee
Communication Shorts 10-29-2025
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!
November Bulletin
Deadline for the November Bulletin is November 14th. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.
Belated Greetings from the National President
Through what might be seen as a comedy of errors, we missed posting a Maine-specific video of greetings to our State Session from National President Chris Hamp. We’ve now added it to the 151st Session page — you can watch it there or on YouTube by clicking this link.
Bangor Savings Bank PB&J Drive
If you or your Grange were proud participants in the Bangor Savings recent drive collecting PB&J for food banks, you should know! BSB announced that this year’s collection resulted in over 39,000 jars! They estimate that since the program began in 2012, they’ve collected and distributed more than 185,000 jars. That’s enough to make over 3 million PB&J Sandwiches!
Craft Shows
It’s that time of year! In case you missed it, we’ve created a Grange Craft Show Logo or Icon. It will be beneficial when we receive announcements of craft shows that do not include a photo or flyer and help create a sense of “branding” of Grange Craft shows. Feel free to use it! And remember to get your craft show listed on the website, where it will be seen across the state and beyond.
Website Subscribers Sought and Found!
We added 14 website subscribers during the State Session. “Inquiring minds want to know!” We’ve also been getting more since then. Here’s a form you can print (there are two per page) to post and hand out to your members and guests to help keep them in the know! 2025 FOMO Subscriber Form.
Don’t Shoot the Piano Player!
He’s playing as fast as he can! We’re still catching up with results and information from State Session.
Think About This! CHANGE
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Melody Beattie
An Idea for Your Grange
Before you get overwhelmed with the holidays, it’s a great time to review the status of your future projects, such as Words for Thirds and your Book Exchange Box.
Subscribe!
Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!
Online Directories Available 24-7
Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes! The officer portion of the ODD Directory should now be accurate. Deputies and Directors are being updated.
- The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
- The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information.