Exploring Traditions — November 2021
Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life
by Walter Boomsma
Memories and Memorials, Sad versus Somber
I’ll confess to stifling a smile during this year’s Memorial Service at the 155th State Grange Convention. For some reason, I recalled leaving a convention at the Skowhegan Rec Center a few years ago. The “labors of the day” were complete except for a rehearsal of the next day’s Memorial Program.
There’s a playground abutting the center and I was pleased to see a number of children swinging and sliding. As I headed to my vehicle, a parent approached me tentatively. “Excuse me. Do you know what is going on inside the building?”
I answered briefly, explaining the convention and its purpose. “Well,” Dad said. “My daughter went in to use the bathroom and she said it’s a funeral!” I again stifled a smile, realizing with the altar in place, the music… it did, in fact, resemble a funeral. I asked to meet his daughter and explained what she’d seen, offering (with Dad’s permission) to take her inside and show her. She and her Dad seemed visibly relieved. They thanked me for my offer but declined the tour. Swinging and sliding were much more interesting.
Another confession from this year’s service is that I “enjoyed” it. Chaplain Clay Collins does a nice job in part because he understands an important truth. Somber doesn’t equal sad. Perhaps our collective realization of that explains the trend away from funerals to celebrations of life. It’s more than a semantic difference.
During the reading of the ever-familiar poem by A. L. Frink my mind was still a bit stuck on that little girl’s perception of what was happening. The idea of a funeral was disconcerting. The idea of honoring and remembering people was reassuring. It’s more than a difference in labels. It’s a difference in vision that can move us from sadness to seriousness and that seriousness can be hopeful
Shall claim of death cause us to grieve, And make our courage faint or fail? Nay! Let us faith and hope receive: The rose still grows beyond the wall.
This year’s convention was certainly “different” with many reminders of the uncertainties we face as individuals and Granges. But, thanks to the Memorial Service, I left realizing that wherever there is a wall, there is also a way to grow around it, over it, under it, through it. We just need to find or make the way and continue to “scatter our fragrance” just as we did in days of yore. Just as we will forevermore.
With thanks to Chaplain Clay, there’s a complete copy of this year’s Memorial Service in the Chaplain’s Section of the Program Books and Information Page. I commend it to you and encourage you to view it seriously but not sadly. Local Chaplains may choose to adapt portions of it for local memorial services that are typically conducted in the spring. One change from the printed program is that Steven Haycock filled in for James Owens for the tribute to State Deputies.
Onward it crept with added strength,
With never a thought of fear or pride.
It followed the light through the crevice’s length
And unfolded itself on the other side.
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.
Flying Our Flag
In response to a request during the state session, we have researched and are providing the information below. Note this information will also appear permanently at the very top of the Program Books and Information Page. Special thanks go to John Lowry of Porter Grange and Vicki Huff of Hollis Grange for their help!
How we display the flag communicates! The image to the left indicates recent state proclamations regarding flying the flag at half-staff. The image to the right indicates current federal proclamations.
This is a link to a guide to the Federal Law regarding displaying the Americal Flag: US Flag Code.
To sign up for email alerts advising when to fly your flag at half-mast, visit Half Staff American Flag
Learn more from the Department of Veterans Affairs about the rules and traditions for flying the flag at half-staff
Exploring Traditions — October 2021
Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life
by Walter Boomsma
Degrees and Symbols
As many know, the Valley Grange “Words for Thirds” Dictionary Program has become a “rite of passage” in our area–and a bit of a ritual. We had to make significant changes in our approach last year when COVID meant third graders couldn’t visit the Grange Hall and Grangers couldn’t visit them at school.
One of the things I’ve always enjoyed is showing the kids the staves, explaining what farmer’s tool each represents, and how we apply that to “the Grange Way of Life.” I’m also always pleased when the thank you notes we receive include hand-drawn staves. The kids remember them!
So I can’t resist asking you to list the four staves. Bonus points if you know which officer carries which stave! (This is reminiscent of the game “Are you smarter than a third grader?”
While the recently released National Grange Brochure doesn’t cover the staves, it does a nice job of summarizing the Four Degrees: their emblems, seasons, and lessons. You can read the introductory post and download a copy from The Program Books and Information Page. One thing that recommends this brochure is that it removes any mysticism, simplifies the degrees and symbols, and shows how they can apply to our daily lives.
The kids are pretty good at the application when we discuss the staves. I offer a brief explanation, then invite them to consider if they had one in their classroom, what might it remind them of? One of my all-time favorites came from a young fellow who said, “The pruning hook would remind me to pick up papers and trash on the floor of our classroom.” I was less pleased when a student asked if we couldn’t use it to “cut out the math lessons.” But she gets points for thinking. And we get to think about the fact that we don’t always like what’s good for us.
I wonder–do we “modern-day” Grangers consider the Degrees and Symbols as part of our daily lives to the same degree our forebears did? The kids end up thinking about what agriculture and farming tools can teach us. Some think it would be pretty awesome to have staves in their classrooms. (They really like the owl.) We make the point that their dictionaries are tools as well and try to teach the concept of stewardship in a simple form.
Are we smarter than third-graders?
Memorizing the degrees and symbols can be fun, but let’s not miss the meaning. If a Grange is struggling, could we not look at the emblems as a way of thinking through change? What do we need to prune out? Can the hoe help us “destroy error… while promoting the growth of knowledge and wisdom?”
An obvious Lecturer’s Program based on this brochure is to develop a “trivia” contest based on the degrees and symbols. But if we stop there, we fail our purpose as educators.
When is the last time someone other than the master actually looked at the items in the implement case and thought about each? The knowing is good, but let’s not omit the doing. What tools do we have to grow ourselves and our Granges and how are we going to best use them? Who is ready to grab the shepherd’s hook and lead the way?!
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.
Sneak Peek Brochure
Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!
There’s actually nothing “sneaky” about this tri-fold brochure designed by National Grange for local Grange use. What we have is a fairly complete explanation of what to expect at a Grange meeting. Topics covered include:
- Tips for participating
- A diagram of the traditional layout of the hall
- The order of Business
- A description of the opening and closing
- Key terms and objects
- How business is conducted
We also learn, “A special time is set aside during each meeting for an educational, entertaining or inspirational program to be presented, called the Lecturer’s Program. This allows Grange members to meet one of our charges – to help members grow to
their fullest potential – and provides a time for
the community to learn from and interact with
our Order.”
You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.
This brochure is a great way to introduce people who have never attended a meeting to what to expect and to make them feel more welcomed. Consider having copies available on the tables if you have a potluck supper before the meeting. Keep a supply near the gatekeeper/greeter’s station to hand to visitors.
Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:
- Local Grange Brochure
- Member Benefits Brochure
- New Applicant Packet
- Oath of Membership Brochure
- Signs and Symbols Brochure
- Sneak Peek Inside a Grange Meeting Brochure
- Like No Other Brochure
And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!
Degrees and Symbols Brochure
Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!
National Grange designed this long-overdue tri-fold brochure for local Grange use. It offers an effective summary of Grange heritage, ritual, and lessons.
The degrees “are short enactments, like plays, that allow members of the Grange to pass on to new candidates the values of the organization and lessons that can be learned – in the Grange’s case – through the natural world and work of agriculture.while emphasizing the core teachings of the Grange and the fact that ‘local Granges build resiliency and sustainability in their hometowns..'”
You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.
If you’ve ever tried to remember the emblems, seasons, or symbols of the first four degrees, you need this brochure! And what a great thing to give new members who are about to celebrate the Four Degrees–or as a take-home “handout” after a degree day.
Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:
- Local Grange Brochure
- Member Benefits Brochure
- New Applicant Packet
- Oath of Membership Brochure
- Signs and Symbols Brochure
- Sneak Peek Inside a Grange Meeting Brochure
- Like No Other Brochure
And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!
New Applicant “Pack”
Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!
National Grange designed this as a new membership application and orientation/welcoming plan! It’s larger than the other brochures and with good reason! The membership application is very user-friendly and captures plenty of good information. It is “detachable” in a way that leaves the applicant with meeting information, important additional contacts a local mentor, a dues reminder, and some ways to stay informed!
You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.
This brochure is a great way to process new members and to make them feel welcomed by providing basic information they’ll use. Ideally, an existing member would complete the application with the new member, making sure to include the orientation information–so much better than handing someone an application and telling him or her to fill it out! Applying for membership should be a warm and friendly experience just like being a member should!
And you just have to love the fact that the Grange Motto is right on the first panel.
Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:
- Local Grange Brochure
- Member Benefits Brochure
- New Applicant Packet
- Oath of Membership Brochure
- Signs and Symbols Brochure
- Sneak Peek Inside a Grange Meeting Brochure
- Like No Other Brochure
And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!
Member Benefits Brochure
Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!
National Grange designed this tri-fold brochure for local Grange use as a way to introduce members to the benefits that provide “added value for your dues dollars.” The general list of benefits includes
- Travel and entertainment
- Hearing services and devices
- Financial planning and home protection
- Shopping
- Technology, shipping, and business services
- Insurance
- Prescription and medical care
While enjoying Grange membership, it’s easy to forget that there are some financial benefits as well!
You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.
This brochure is a great reminder of the opportunity to get the most out of membership. New members should definitely receive a copy and it could be used to supplement an occasional lecturer’s program to briefly review current benefits offered by National Grange.
One panel suggests “Grange benefits help you secure what’s most valuable”–an interesting thought starter. What is most valuable and how can the Grange help protect it?
Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:
- Local Grange Brochure
- Member Benefits Brochure
- New Applicant Packet
- Oath of Membership Brochure
- Signs and Symbols Brochure
- Sneak Peek Inside a Grange Meeting Brochure
- Like No Other Brochure
And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!
An Order Like No Other Brochure
Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!
National Grange designed this great tri-fold brochure for local Grange use. It describes the overall structure of the Grange explains Grange Entities and how each works to ensure rural prosperity.
There’s also information about the National Grange Foundation and other opportunities for giving. Of all the brochures available, this one has the least amount of local focus but does establish the credibility of the Order and explains the various IRS designations.
You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.
This brochure is a great way to introduce the Grange as an organization. Having copies available in a rack at your hall is great but you really want to get copies out to the community in a way that supports your role and recruiting efforts. Many people will find the national aspect of our Order reassuring as it suggests permanence and deeper resources.
Make sure people know “Granges improve quality of life and inspire others to work for the common good.”
Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:
- Local Grange Brochure
- Member Benefits Brochure
- New Applicant Packet
- Oath of Membership Brochure
- Signs and Symbols Brochure
- Sneak Peek Inside a Grange Meeting Brochure
- Like No Other Brochure
And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!
Logophiles, Unite!
by Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director
You don’t have to be a logophile (one who loves words) to appreciate the value of the Words for Thirds Dictionary Project. There are no losers in this program.
Kids get the gift or words. Teachers appreciate the resource. The sponsoring Grange gets both a good feeling and an increase in community support. I could go on…
Valley Grange’s Program is often described as a “rite of passage” by teachers and students. Kids in the districts we serve know that starting third grade means they will be getting their very own dictionary. Last year we had to pivot with our program since students making a field trip to the Grange Hall was not an option due to COVID. Since we also weren’t allowed to visit the schools, we arranged to drop off the dictionaries and created a video for the teachers to use.
One warning–the cost of the dictionaries has increased this year! As a publisher, I can assure you this is not unique to the Dictionary Project–costs are increasing dramatically for everything that goes into making and printing books. And it’s still a good deal! The dictionary Valley Grange uses has over 10,000 words in it. That means only .00035 cents per word, not counting all the extra stuff in the back!
This is a great time of year for the program so the kids get the use of their dictionaries for the entire school year.
We can’t be certain how we’ll distribute dictionaries this year but we are determined that we will! As one member said when I announced the price increase, “We don’t have a choice. We have to do this.”
If you haven’t been doing a program, this might be the year to start! Yes, I’m a bit of a logophile but I’m an even bigger promoter of kids and supporting them by providing this important tool. Sure, they can “google” words, but it’s not the same. If you’re not convinced, let’s talk!
Getting a program started with your local school doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Yes, there can be some challenges. One way to “grease the skids” is to find a teacher in your elementary school (ideally third grade) who has a passion for reading. Part of the secret is to make it clear that your goal is to support the school, the teachers, and the kids. Don’t think of it as “doing a Grange program.” Think of it as empowering the third graders in your community.
If you’re even mildly interested in providing “the gift of words” for the kids in your community, I’d be both honored and happy to help. Just let me know and we’ll see what we can put together.
The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.
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