National Grange Month Events
Notes from National – March 2023
Are you feeling disconnected from National Grange news?
Each Friday morning, an email arrives – your computer dings, your phone buzzes, a notification pops up on your computer screen. The email is from the National Grange – either the Patrons Chain or the once-a-month View from the Hill. Without fail, that email has come to you for years, and then you notice… it’s not coming anymore. It’s not in your junk or spam folders, you didn’t change your email address… where is it?
Scrolling emails on your phone, it’s really easy to accidentally unsubscribe, mark the email as spam, or remove yourself from our mailing list. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy for the National Grange staff to re-subscribe you. Because of the software used to send these emails, the only way to get back on the weekly email list is to sign up again – staff are unable to do it for you.
That’s why we tried to make it simple for you to get back on our email list! Visit www.nationalgrange.org/comeback to be added back to our mailing list through Constant Contact. On the form, check “Newsletter” to start getting our weekly Patrons Chain and View from the Hill emails again. Checking “General Interest” will also subscribe you to other communications through the National Grange emails. Don’t worry, we promise not to clutter your inbox.
If you haven’t subscribed to the newsletter before, this form will still work for you!
Here’s what you can expect by signing up:
- Each week includes columns from National Grange President Betsy Huber, one of our Department Directors, and information about what’s happening at the National Grange
- The Legislative Department includes two columns a month – one is the “Advocacy Playbook,” which picks a specific issue and helps Grange members know how to get involved; and the last Friday of the month is the “View from the Hill,” which gives a rundown on what’s happening on Capitol Hill and how it affects Grange policy.
So, if you’re feeling a little disconnected from National Grange news and information, be sure to update your subscription to the National Grange’s newsletters!
National Grange Heirloom Program
Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.
“Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.
Communication Shorts 3-16-2023
By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842
Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Send us your ideas and thoughts!
March Bulletin
The March Bulletin is available for downloading! Remember, you can always find recent issues of the Bulletin on the Program Books and Information Page.
Lecturer’s Program Helps
With thanks to MSG Lecturer Margaret, we’ve posted “Living in Harmony” on the Program Books and Information Page. It includes lots of program help for lecturers and some funny and fun stuff!
Grange Month Happiness
Don’t forget to tell us what happiness you experienced during Grange Month at your Grange. Use the Submissions Tab or send an email!
Do You Love the Grange?
The world wants to hear about it! Fill out the simple I Love the Grange Form… it only takes a couple of minutes! Thanks to all who have shared so far!
Ideas for Granges
Simple social events are becoming increasingly popular. They can be based on crafts, games, book club discussions… what could your Grange host? A key to success seems to be doing it monthly–or at least on some consistent basis.
Thought for You…
“Blood is thicker than water, but maple syrup is thicker than blood. So technically, pancakes are more important than family.”
Unknown
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!
Do You Have FOMO?
“FOMO” is, of course, a Fear Of Missing Out. One strongly recommended treatment is to subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website. We’ll send you a daily summary whenever news and columns are posted, and we won’t share your email address with anyone!
Exploring Traditions – March 2023
Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life
by Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist
Let’s Have a Party!
By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist
“…look upon children… If we desire to encourage them to love rural life, we must make its labors cheerful. What a child sees makes the most lasting impression. We may tell them of the pleasures and independence of the farmer’s life; but if their daily intercourse with us shows it to be tedious, irksome, laborious, without any recreation of body or mind, they will soon lose all interest in it and seek enjoyment elsewhere.”
(The Overseer’s Instruction during the Fourth Degree.)
I, along with many others, believe that adults are obsolete children. Many of my colleagues in education like to wax eloquent about the differences between how kids learn (pedagogy) and how adults learn (andragogy). I’m more interested in the similarities. How different are we, really?
During a recent conversation with another Granger, we caught ourselves engaged in what might be called a “Pity Party.” You’ve probably attended a few yourself. A pity party is an occasion of feeling self-indulgently sorry for yourself. It can be done alone or with others. One of the earliest uses of the expression was in 1978 when singer Barbara Mandrell sang about having a pity party after her lover left her. But I digress.
Fortunately, my Grange friend and I recognized what we were doing. Parties often have themes. The theme of our pity party was the sad condition of our order in general—dwindling membership, lack of leadership, burnout… Themes do tend to take on a life of their own. With a bit of creativity, we could have had a theme song. “It’s a sad thing to be a Granger… it’s a sad thing, you know.”
After admitting our self-indulgence in feeling sorry for ourselves, we had a good laugh. We did manage to start a different party. In the course of doing so, I was reminded of the Overseer’s instruction to the candidates during the Fourth Degree. Here we were talking about the Grange’s condition with an entirely negative focus. Who wants to come to our Pity Party?
Unfortunately, more than we might expect. Even the media seems to enjoy reporting on the “dying Grange.” My friend and I actually ended up having a laughing spell as we considered advertising the party. “You are invited to join us via Zoom and in person for a Pity Party. The theme will be ‘Let’s enjoy being miserable over everything wrong and discouraging about the Grange. Refreshments will be served.’”
It is, of course, irresponsible to deny the issues we face as an organization. (Although, we do often ignore the elephant standing in the corner!) But here we have another example of the value of the teachings of our order. Let me edit the Overseer’s instructions so they are not just about kids.
“If we desire to encourage people to love the Grange, we must make its labors cheerful. What people see makes the most lasting impression. We may tell them of the pleasures, but if their involvement shows it to be tedious, irksome, laborious, without any recreation of body or mind, they will soon lose all interest in it and seek enjoyment elsewhere.”
I recommend the complete version of the Overseer’s instruction to you. It includes phrases like “induce all to love” and “speaking the truth in love.” In short, making this a place that’s cheerful and a place where people want to be.
Occasionally, when old-timers speak of the past, they talk of things like dances at the Grange or huge suppers that included bean-hole beans or oyster chowder. On the back wall of the stage at Valley Grange, there are all sorts of interesting graffiti written by actors during plays and skits. Unfortunately, there’s not much distance between a nostalgia festival and a pity party. All it takes is for a few participants to start regretting and feeling sorry that “we don’t do things like that anymore.” Maybe somebody needs to ask, “Why not?”
Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-sixth edition of the 2013 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.
From the Deacon’s Bench – March 2023
By Clay Collins, MSG Chaplain
207 837-0564
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
I Peter 1:3
“And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen.”
Luke 24:5-6
“It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”
Romans 4:24-25
As I sit here staring at a semi-blank computer screen, I can’t help but wonder what the disciples were thinking (and feeling) as they watched their Lord being placed on the cross. They probably were thinking that they were next to be put to death.
I can’t imagine what I would be thinking at that moment. Jesus knew God had a plan for Him and for us. We saw what God’s plan for Jesus was, and what a glorious plan it was. It not only showed us that there is truly life after death, but God’s plans are the ultimate!
We should not try to second guess God, but instead, thank Him every day for what He has done for us. Try it. It doesn’t have to be a long-winded, church preacher-style prayer. Just a simple “Thank you, God” is a good start. Then after a while, you can add what you are thanking Him for. Then you might add a blessing for your family, friends, co-workers, etc. Once you get the hang of it, you probably won’t want to stop. Then, and only then, will you have a church preacher-style prayer!
Remember this, you are all my friends (some I have known forever, and some I haven’t met yet), and I love you all and keep you in my heart, always.
God loves us all!!
One more thing before I sign off: HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY. The only day of the year when EVERYBODY is Irish!
Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”
Benediction: “Gracious Father of us all, help us to realize that we are all your children who need help now and then. Help us to know when to ask for it when we need it, and if possible, give it when we are able. Amen.”
Thought for the month:
May good luck be your friend in whatever you do and may trouble be always a stranger to you.
An Irish Blessing for Health and Prosperity
Legislative Report — March 2023
By Linda Weston, Legislative Director
207-852-5795
The First Regular Session of the 131st Maine Legislature convened on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Statutory adjournment is June 21, 2023.
When a request for a bill is filed, it is assigned a Legislative Request (L.R.) number that is used to track the request until it is assigned/printed as a Legislative Document (L.D.).
There were numerous Legislative Request (L.R.) request submitted this session, and not all will become Legislative Documents (L.D.) and not all LDs will become Law. It is interesting to see the titles of what have been submitted. Two links below – first shows you list by names of Titles by Legislator and second List by Index/Broad Subject.
The Preliminary List by Legislator Preliminary List of Working Titles Submitted by Legislators by Cloture, Sorted by Sponsor Name
Another List of LR s – is sorted by Index/Broad Subject. Preliminary List of Working Titles Submitted by Legislators By Cloture, Sorted by Broad Subject
If you want to know if a request was received and accepted and given a LD number – go to this Page Advanced Search – https://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/advancedsearch.asp?error=The+LR+number+range+is+invalid%2E
In the field “LR Type” put in number of LR number and in the “to” below it same number if you are only looking up that One LR, you could do a range of LRs. Click search –
If it has been assigned an LD number it will bring you to the LD – click on LD number (Example note LR 1856 became LD 517) – click on LD 517 link it will take you to the Status page. If the LR number brings up nothing – then the request most likely was not accepted.
From the Status page you can look up Actions, who Sponsors and Co-Sponsors are, what Committee it has been assigned to if it has, hearings that may have been set and other information.
LR 1856 became LD 517 An Act to Allow Maine Families to Deduct Vehicle Excise Taxes on State Income Tax Returns and has been assigned to Taxation Committee, no hearings set as of this writing.
Suggest you look over the lists of Titles – and look up any you would like to have more information on. Feel free to contact me if you have questions.
Lecturer’s Column – March 2023
By Margaret Morse, Maine State Grange Lecturer
207 439-0413
Poets and Poetry
Have you ever written a poem, why not? This year how about trying your hand at writing one or more and entering them into the contest? Poems can express feelings, paint verbal pictures or entertain. Entries to the Poetry writing contest sponsored by the Lecturer’s Department can follow any poetic form. This year the three specific categories are: FAMILY, WEATHER, and CAMPING. There is also an “OTHER” category which can include any subject. Also, any poem that you might be required to write for a class or workshop may be entered. This contest is open to all subordinate and junior members and includes children and grandchildren of subordinate members. So hopefully, with your help, my inbox or mailbox will be stuffed with entries that are due by September 1, 2023
Membership Moments – March 2023
By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915
If you have read the recent column by our State Master, you would notice that everything she stressed in her goal-setting article pertains to attracting new members and encouraging our present membership. As mentioned in previous columns, everything you do INSIDE of your Grange is noticed OUTSIDE by the community.
Goal setting is very important. There are words and phrases she used in the goal-setting process that are very strong yet very workable and obtainable. Awareness of the operations and members of your Grange will lead to changes and improvements necessary for growth. Think when you have your vehicle inspected. Sure, it runs fine with no problems (that you are aware of, anyways), but it doesn’t hurt to do maintenance work. You may find there are hidden things; not so important now, but can lead to bigger problems. The same thing applies when you go for your annual physical at the doctor’s office. An assessment of the overall performance of your Grange is needed and changes; no matter how small, will lead to a stronger, organized Grange. The community will notice.
Good leaders are essential. We all have unique talents and blended together, it makes a hearty “soup”. When you have the ingredients, it makes it easier to assign roles based on each member’s specialty. It takes a good leader to organize this talent into a winning team. Don’t be afraid to become a leader! You can make a big difference. Have faith and trust in your membership to help. The rewards are certainly beneficial to you and your Grange. Go outside the box and take the step. You have your Grange family to support you! I certainly was afraid and told myself I couldn’t be a leader, however, my Grange friends and Grange family felt different. With their support and my trust in them, I took the step and am glad that I did! Thank you all for that little push and love. Be not afraid.
We all joined the Grange for various reasons; mainly for agricultural and community service purposes. We have created new friendships and bonds with other Grangers; we can use our skills and talents to help others. Personally, I have learned much about myself and my abilities since joining the Grange in 1985. Grange has made me a better person (not that I wasn’t before) and taught me new skills and toned up on some lesser-used ones. Family has always been important to me and my Grange family has always been accepting of me, no matter if I make mistakes or embarrass myself (which has been done). They pick me up when I am down; they just don’t laugh and turn away. Who wouldn’t want a family as supportive and loving?
The following are a few phrases that will help you in your endeavors to strengthen your Grange:
- Respect others.
- Give respect and others will respect you.
- Keep active and you will grow.
- Cooperate with others and respect their opinions.
- Be aware of the needs of your community and your Grange.
- Speak up with suggestions and ideas. Become a leader!
- Attend other’s Grange meetings and talk to members of other Granges.
- Form bonds and friendships.
- Work together for a common cause.
- Keep visible!
- Welcome the community into your Hall.
View from the Farm – March 2023
Webmaster’s note: The format of this column has changed a bit, with all of the Quill’s Endians participating at various times and in various ways! This month’s column is written by Phil.
One of the finest chores on a farm or homestead is harvesting maple sap. It is a great reason to spend time in the woods and rewards abound.
We simply boil sap on top of the wood stove. Our house in March is like a sweet sauna. A forty-degree sunny day finds us in t-shirts with windows open, the sweet smell of maple syrup in the forefront.
As the sap runneth over, it occurs to me what an exception maple syrup is to the rest of human culture.
We simply partake.
We have not, as far as I know, hybridized trees to make more sap, or bred them to raise the sugar content in their sap.
We simply partake.
In modern agriculture, production has had an 80-year upward swing in “efficiency.” A meat bird’s feed conversion ratio (grain: meat) has been cut in half. A milking cow gives at least double what she used to. An acre of corn produces 4 times the volume.
But maple syrup is really beautiful. We destroy or harm nothing as we are given this marvelous treat that sweetens everyday life. We do not plow, harrow, breed, or weed.
We simply partake.
Every year, the trees share the bounty of late winter with us as a gift we could not have planned, could not have conceived, could not have anticipated. Yet here it is.
What a wonderful metaphor for life the trees give us. When your sap is flowing and you have it to spare, share it with the world.
Make it all a little sweeter.
Heather and Phil Retberg and their three children run Quill’s End Farm, a 105-acre property in Penobscot that they bought in 2004. They use rotational grazing on their fifteen open acres and are renovating thirty more acres from woods to pasture to increase grazing for their pigs, grass-fed cattle, lambs, laying hens, and goats. Heather is Vice President of Halcyon Grange #345 and writes a newsletter for their farm’s buying club of farmers in her area and has generously given us permission to share some of her columns with Grangers. Visit the Quill’s End Farm Facebook Page for more information.
Communications Column – March 2023
Which Half Are You in?
By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
“Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t, and the other half who have nothing to say keep on saying it.”
Attributed to Robert Frost
While I’m a big fan of Robert Frost, if he said this, I’m not sure I totally agree—it’s too arbitrary. There’s a third group who have something to say and can say it reasonably well. Unfortunately, it’s a small group.
In the interest of over-complicating this, it also depends on how we define “say” and “saying.” How about “Half the world is composed of people who have something to communicate and can’t, and the other half who have nothing to communicate keep communicating.
With that change, we can note that communication takes place in four basic forms: verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual. A case can be made that listening is a fourth form, but we are trying to keep this simple.
As most of you know, I recently accepted a position as an adjunct instructor at Beal University. I was warned that I would likely be surprised and disappointed by the writing skills of most of my students. I thought I was prepared. I was not.
One of the things I was not prepared for is that many students do not accept the need (or opportunity) for good written communication skills. An even bigger surprise was that most are unaware of the tools and technology available that can help us with writing.
We could have a long and interesting discussion about the future of communication. For example, AI (artificial intelligence) now exists, making it possible to let “the computer” do the actual writing. Part of our discussion would include whether or not that technology diminishes the need to learn the rules of grammar.
Let’s get very practical. Thinking about your Grange and Grange membership, do you have something to communicate? Understand that “you” can mean “you as an individual,” but it can also mean “you as a Grange.”
When my students have a paper to write, it’s usually apparent whether or not they have something to communicate. If so, helping them find ways to say it can be fun, even if challenging. If they don’t have something to say, it doesn’t matter if they can write or speak well. Developing skills becomes somewhat pointless and feels empty without a use for them. That’s why we give assignments. “Write a 500-word essay explaining…”
If we want our Grange to be vibrant and growing, we’d better have a lot to say. “No report” isn’t, by the way, grammatically correct. At a minimum, it should be, “I have no report.” Occasionally, I hear, “I have nothing to report.” That’s also grammatically correct. Are you beginning to see that “no report” is not too far from “I have nothing to say?”
- Why should I consider joining your Grange? “I have nothing to say.”
- What are some of your future programs? “No report.”
- What community services are you offering? “Nothing to report.”
If an assignment would help, here’s one for your Grange. “Write a 250 word description of at least three things your Grange is doing well.” (For reference purposes, that’s less than half the length of this column.) Submit it to the website for publication. Failure to submit (“no report”) results in a zero (F). If you need some help, contact…
Wouldn’t it be interesting to make that a formal program? Assignments carry a deadline after which we’d publish grades—if only as pass/fail.
In college, completing assignments competently ultimately means receiving a degree. In the Grange, completing this assignment (and some others) means keeping and maybe even growing the Grange. Failure in college means no degree. Failure in the Grange means no Grange.
► FACT: Your MSG website was viewed over 1600 times during January 2023–if you aren’t submitting your events and news, you are missing an opportunity!