Grange Activities – Maine State Grange

You’ll Miss Us!

a “webatorial” by MSG Communications Director
Walter Boomsma

Seth Godin wrote an interesting post suggesting that when people move away, cards and cake should read, “You’ll miss us” instead of “We’ll miss you.” He points out that the community remains.

One of the more powerful sentences in the short post was, “When a marketer serves a community, they create the conditions where they’d be missed–because the ideas or products or services they bring are important, not simply tolerated.“

With apologies to Seth, I changed a word or two. “When a Grange serves a community, they create the conditions where they’d be missed–because the ideas or services they bring are important, not simply tolerated.“

My revision raises a question for Granges. Would your communities miss you if you were gone? Would they even notice? Are you important or simply tolerated?

One of the challenges we face as an organization is relevance in communities that are loosely defined and increasingly diverse. If our vision is narrow and our goals are limited, we will be missed by an ever-diminishing number of people. For example, not everyone likes potluck suppers.

Seth’s short message is that marketers should see a worthwhile goal of creating ideas, products, or services that the community would miss.

Maybe it’s time for Granges to figure out what they can create and offer that their communities would miss.

St George Grange Chair-ity Auction

Recycling at it’s best!

Members of the St. George Grange came up with the whimsical idea of having 17 local artists paint some of their vintage wooden chairs and chose Zero to School as the recipient of this CHAIR-ITY fundraiser auction. These ONE-OF-A-KIND works of art represent both the talent and generosity of these artists.

Check out the amazing chairs and the auction, and learn more about Zero to School! Bidding closes on July 19, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.

Check ouT the Chairs!

Exploring Traditions – July, 2026

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

From the First Degree

During our Degree Day, someone commented that they wished more people could hear the words from the Degree Work. We continue to share them.

In the First Degree, the Overseer explains to the candidates:

“I greet these Sisters as worthy members of our Order. Man and woman are the educators of youth and co-students through life; therefore both must acquire knowledge and wisdom. Education adds the greatest charm to woman; it is a companion of which no misfortune can deprive her, a friend no enemy can alienate, an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity. In this Degree—your Spring season in our Order—begin anew the acquisition of knowledge.”

Grange members are often rightfully proud of the early history of our order regarding women, pointing out that the Grange was the first fraternal organization to grant female members equal standing and the right to vote on Grange matters. It is significant that the Grange’s structure included leadership positions that could be held only by women.

When the Overseer greets the “sisters” (female candidates) during the First Degree, we can see that the greeting is actually not about women. It’s about education. In fact, after the initial greeting, the Overseer points out that both “Man and woman are the educators of youth and co-students through life” and “both must acquire knowledge and wisdom.” It’s a clear recognition of equality in opportunity and responsibility.

So why does the Overseer specifically address the sisters? It seems the Overseer is acknowledging the reality of the historical differences between men and women. In less formal language, “Sisters, the Grange is about improvement. Your place in the Grange and society includes a challenge to enjoy the opportunities and benefits of acquiring knowledge. If you read our Declaration of Purposes, you’ll see that an important one is ‘To champion full equality and leadership opportunities for women and youth, and to promote high ideals of citizenship.’ Historically, you may have been viewed as a companion. The Grange expects more of you and from you.”

That’s not a political statement, and there’s no need to make it so. Since the Declaration of Purposes mentions youth, the Overseer could just as easily be addressing them.

“I greet these youth as worthy members of our order. You must acquire knowledge and wisdom. Education is a companion of which no misfortune can deprive you, a friend no enemy can alienate, an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity. In this Degree–your Spring season in our order–begin anew the acquisition of knowledge.”

Contemplation is difficult while experiencing the Degrees. When I’m acting as Overseer during a Degree Day, I’m always tempted to include, “Think about this,” with a forced pause. The only thing worse than not thinking (and learning; the Degrees are lessons) is pursuing a knee-jerk reaction.

Some will argue that the reference to sisters could be removed. The more important question is: should the reference be removed? When we think about it, maybe not. It actually makes sense and is kinda nice that the Overseer singles out the sisters for this lesson.

That doesn’t mean it’s a lesson limited to sisters. The Grange way of life works for all.

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 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://wboomsma.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Membership Moments

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

I have been asked to do a presentation on Conflict Resolution at State Session in October. Now matter how solid your Grange seems or how smoothly it is running, there are times of conflict. Sometimes these conflicts are small and repairable, however, there are times when problems escalate and cause furor within. People take sides and interruptions are prevalent. In almost ALL cases, we lose members; never to return. This causes our Granges to spiral downwards, leading to their closures. These conflicts cause severe damage to our Granges, and most can be handled with the right influences. I have been asked to monitor and facilitate these conflicts in the past; not to just “throw water on the fire,” so to speak, but to try to end the conflict if possible. Success is not guaranteed, and members are still lost, no matter the outcome of the resolution. What we need to remember, as members, is to avoid these hurtful conflicts and to take any conflict outside of the Grange Hall to reduce the number of people involved. Many times, these conflicts involve petty issues or personal grievances unrelated to any Grange issues. No one “owns” our Granges; we are a team that must work together to achieve the best results. All of us are unique and have different views; however, we must respect all opinions and do what is right for the order. This is why we vote. If the vote does not go in our favor, we must respect the outcome and work with it as a Grange. Every member has a say, and all opinions should be respected. Should a member walk out or not return because things do not go “their” way? These actions are being disrespectful to the Order, and problems arise. Have a chat with the offender and listen to their story as a sign of respect. Let us try to resolve these issues without bias or prejudice and keep our Granges running smoothly.

I would like to hear of any instances in your Grange of any conflicts (past and present), how you handled them, and the results. Your input will help me with my presentation at State Session. Your views may result in saving a Grange!

CWA Report – July 2026

By Margaret Henderson, Director
Committee on Women’s Activities
207 948-2762

Committee on Women’s Activities

WOW! How about this heat wave we have had for the last week? I hope that everyone has been able to stay cool.

Just some reminders about next month. Entries may be dropped off on Thursday, August 20th from 9 am-2 pm.

Judging will be on Friday, August 21, 2026, and the Conference will be on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 9:30 am. All of these events will be held at Manchester Grange, 953 Western Avenue, Manchester, Maine.

If you are not able to get your entries there on Thursday, please call me so that we can make arrangements to meet so that your entries will be there for judging. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. Thank you, everyone.

I look forward to seeing you next month. Please stay hydrated and try to stay cool.

Coastal Cleanup Program Returns

Reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) announced that the Maine Coastal Cleanup is returning for 2026 in conjunction with the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup effort.

According to DMR, the September event marks the largest volunteer effort in the state. In 2025, the multi-week event drew 1,287 volunteers who cleaned thousands of pounds of trash and debris from almost 95 miles of coastline.

This year’s campaign is scheduled Sept. 5-19; and volunteers are being sought from Surry to Portland. For more information about volunteering, or to register your own cleanup effort as a cleanup coordinator, visit DMR’s event website.

Participation could be a great fall community service project for Grangers and Junior Grangers. Volunteers support this effort by adopting a location and soliciting others to join them in cleaning up the trash from their location of choice and help to keep our coast and ocean trash free!

President’s Perspective – July 2026

Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange Master/President
207 490-1029

Roster information is now due include: Grange Name & Number, physical address of your meeting hall, day(s) and time of meeting. Officer information for Master/President, Lecturer, Secretary, and CWA chair – Names, addresses, phone numbers and emails.

State Grange Session is again at the Black Bear Inn in Orono – October 30 & 31. Reservations can be made with the front desk 207-962-2708; mention State Grange. Most of those participating were in agreement to return here again, and liked having everything in one place. A very similar schedule as last year except it is not a full election year. After Aug 15th, delegate registration forms, meal forms, and all resolutions will be mailed to each Grange. The delegate registration form will not be posted on the website. Other State Session items will be posted on the site and everything will be mailed in the middle of August. Barbara Foster, Pomona of the National Grange and the Master/President of West Virginia State Grange will be our honored guest again this year.

Here are some tentative highlights

Thursday, October 29
Set up

Friday October 30
10:00 am – Opening in the Sixth Degree, the lowered to the Fourth Degree,anyone may attend session, even if you are not a delegate for your Grange.
10:45 am – Master’s Annual Address
11:15 TBD
Noon Lunch
1:30 pm Memorial Service by Christine Hebert, State Chaplain
2:30 TBD
3:15 Resolutions – by Committee Reports
4:45 Close in the Fourth Degree
5:00 Social time downstairs before banquet
6:00 Banquet – tickets must be purchased in advance

Saturday October 31
8:30 am Opening in the Fourth Degree
9:30 Acceptance of 2026 – 2027 Budget
Election & Installation of Officers
10:45 TBD
Noon Lunch
1:30 Called back to order & close in the Fourth Degree
2:00 Open and Conferral of the Sixth Degree

Delegates to State Grange Each Subordinate and Pomona Grange, is entitled to name 2 Delegates and 2 Alternates to represent your Grange at State Session. You must be a member of that Grange to be a delegate for them and must be voted on by the Grange. The Grange dues must be paid up to date through the Sept 2026 quarter to qualify for voting delegates. An individual may represent only ONE Subordinate Grange, and may also be a delegate for their Pomona, but again they must be voted on by the Grange. The delegate registration form will not be posted on the website. Other State Session items will be posted on the website. Everything will be mailed to the Secretary in the middle of August.

Resolutions for the 2026 State Grange Session are due in the office by August 15, standard mail and/or email. Resolutions must be voted on by the Subordinate or Pomona Grange presenting the resolution.

Installation of Officers. The Installation Ceremony may be handled by each Grange on their own. Granges are required to install their officers annually, usually in September.

General answers for a couple of questions not State Grange related:

Making Motions: Business of the Grange, including motions, may only be conducted or carried out when the Grange is opened and working in full form with a quorum present. Any member of that Grange may make a motion and it MUST be seconded by a different member of your Grange. If the motion is not seconded, discussion cannot take place, and the motion is lost. Opening in full form means following the prescribed manual format for either traditional or alternative opening. Both include opening the Bible, opening the implement case, giving the salutation (the hand signals) and salute to the flag. Business cannot be conducted outside the meeting then announced to the rest of the membership. All must have the opportunity to discuss and vote on all issues. Simple majority carries or loses the motion. The Master may not make a motion; however, they may ask the membership if someone wants to make a motion.

Reimbursement Funds Grant Program dates are from Nov. 1, 2025 to Sept 31, 2026 for Community Service: The 2026 Reimbursement Funds Grant Program for Community Service Program is to repay half (1/2) of the expenses you paid for materials up to $250, for Community Service work done by your Grange such as the Dictionary Project, Cemetery cleanup, or Christmas party for area families. Program Projects and requests for reimbursement must be made during this time frame. You may request only one reimbursement during the program term. Materials must be purchased before the reimbursement request is made and you must provide receipts for items you purchased for reimbursement. No receipts, no reimbursement. No cash donations or contributions will be reimbursed. I would suggest buying gift cards to make a donation, thus you would have a receipt.

Your secretary received the paperwork for the reimbursement program back in January or you may contact the office for the form. This is not part of the Community Service Program & Notebook, just that it relates to the materials for community service projects.

The Maine State Grange does not give or provide funds or grants for building repairs, improvements, property upgrades, or paying bills, etc.

Manchester Grange News

There’s Lots to Choose From!

Manchester Grange recently unveiled a Little Free Library® as a result of what might be described as a family project. Member Paige Tobie is determined to make the Manchester Grange more visible and relevant to their community. She notes that the hall’s location is an ideal location, adjacent to the elementary school playground, a Fielder’s Choice ice cream stand, and on a busy highway. She credits her husband, Forrest, with being the brains behind the project, adapting some online plans to make it bigger than normal models to provide more books for the community since Manchester does not have a public library. Daughters Olive and Margo helped with the painting, though they were disappointed with the choice of a “boring” color.

Keeping the Grange identity meant using a photo of an old Grange sign inside the building and attaching it to the library. The library is officially registered with the Little Free Library organization (Charter #226621) with the location mapped on the LFL site.

In addition to its global location, a brand-new Manchester Grange Website offers a “venue and community space to bring people together.” The site is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. Family memberships are available!

But wait! There are more reasons to find your way to the Manchester Grange Hall. Recently added picnic tables are readily available and, on the first and third Mondays of the month, a coffee open house welcomes visitors from 8 am – 10 am. (Hint: bring books for the Little Free Library!) You can get summertime reading materials, coffee, and a warm welcome that will help you discover the value of community and the Grange.

Danville Junction Grange Yard Sale

Danville Junction Grange will be holding an indoor/outdoor yard sale on Saturday, July 25th from 9 to 1. Danville Grange is located at 15 Grange Street (off Rts. 202/100) in Danville.

The sale will feature a cooked food table, raffles, attic treasures, RADA cutlery, plants, books, and more. Outside tables are available for rent. For more information or to rent a table, please contact Norma at meserve1965@gmail.com or 583-7211.

Communication Shorts 07-17-2026

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!

The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
mainestategrange@gmail.com. For website matters, email webmaster@mainestategrange.org.

July Bulletin

The July Bulletin is complete and will be mailed soon. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Manchester Grange Website

Manchester Grange recently completed its Facebook Page with a well-designed website. Check out both and see what they are up to!

Deadlines

Roster information is due NOW. Resolutions are due August 1, 2026.

What’s Going On?

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of things happening in Maine, especially in the summer. We also love photos and reports of events that have happened.

To Ponder…

“The sense of danger must not disappear:
The way is certainly both short and steep,
However gradual it looks from here;
Look if you like, but you will have to leap.”

W. H. Auden

An Idea for Your Grange

How about setting up a lemonade stand?

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 ROSTER REMINDER

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

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. Updated January 16, 2026.

Tag: Grange Activities

You’ll Miss Us!

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St George Grange Chair-ity Auction

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Exploring Traditions – July, 2026