By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director (207) 608-9193
Thank you for your entries in the Community Service and Family Health and Hearing Contests. Keep up the good work. Thank you to the judges who worked on the entries.
I want to encourage you to go through the Community Service Program Book. Do what you can to help people during Thanksgiving, and keep up with the Heirloom and Substance Project. Keep good notes about your activities and refer to your Community Service reports to see what we are looking for when judging at the end of the program year.
For Family, Health and Hearing — It is flu season, so please take precautions.
Thank you all for your calls, cards, and prayers for me at this very challenging time. Your encouragement is appreciated.
By Margaret Henderson, Director Committee on Women’s Activities 207 948-2762
Committee on Women’s Activities
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.
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 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.
Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.
Use the icons below to share this Grange Heirloom on social media and help others understand what the Grange stands for! If this heirloom has a particular meaning for you, click the “leave a comment” link at the left and share your comment with us!
“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”
Daylight Saving Time ends tomorrow morning. No, you really don’t have to stay awake and do it at 2:00 a.m. We could probably have a lot of fun with the question of whether it ends at 2:00 a.m. before or after you change it.
Some people change their clocks before retiring; some wait until the next morning. Some make the change to habits gradually, although that seems potentially confusing, and besides, it’s too late this time.
There’s at least one story suggesting that the idea for the twice-yearly time change came from someone who had a blanket that was too short, so he cut some off one end and sewed it onto the other.
It’s also a good time to check/change the batteries in your smoke detectors. You can do that during the extra hour you’re getting!
Reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.
The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER), the recently formed successor agency to the Governor’s Energy Office, released its updated winter 2025-2026 Heating Guide earlier this month. The updated guide includes practical home heating and weatherization tips for Maine residents who use all types of heating systems. It also links to several online resources, including the latest energy prices and information about how to access emergency heating assistance if needed. The guide also summarizes energy efficiency and home heating programs available through MaineHousing, Efficiency Maine, Community Action Agencies and other partners.
Track heating fuel prices DOER maintains a heating fuel prices web page to help consumers make informed energy decisions. The page features an interactive dashboard that compares the operating costs of different heating systems and fuels. Prices are updated each week during the heating season.
Review electricity rates View Maine electricity rates on the DOER electricity prices page, or find information about competitive electricity providers through the Office of the Public Advocate or Maine Public Utilities Commission. Higher usage households may qualify for alternative rates from Central Maine Power (CMP) or Versant Power. Contact your utility for details.
The Grange and FFA share many things in common and that means we have an opportunity to help each other. FFA member Delaney McKeen joined us to explore!
An interview with FFA member Delaney McKeen exploring some comparisons between it and the Grange. It’s not trite to say that “this is not your grandparents’ FFA.” You’ll be surprised at how and why the FFA continues to grow and develop–and in some ways, Granges and other organizations can both benefit and help.
Due to a bit of a snafu, this video truly features Delaney–my portions were not captured visually. I assure you I was there virtually! For more information, visit the FFA website or send us an email, and we’ll give you a hand.
