Tag: Grange Activities

Communication Shorts 04-16-2026

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.

April Bulletin

The April Bulletin is now available for downloading and printing. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Degree Day Reminders

The  Androscoggin Pomona Grange Degree Day at Manchester Grange is fast approaching! (This is for the Four Degrees.) If you have candidates attending, please let Norma Meserve know! Also, remember that candidates should bring a completed application. The Sagadahoc Fifth Degree Work has been canceled, although the meeting will be held.

Website Outages

The situation appears to have improved! I will continue to monitor outages. Some fundamental issues with our current provider remain. For the long term, it may be best to move the site to a different server. Stay tuned!

Grange Visiting

We’ve been getting questions from folks interested in visiting Granges other than their own. It’s a great idea! Check out this post for some resources that will help you plan that!

Resource (Secretary’s Form for Minutes)

In a very roundabout way, I recently received the form for recording meeting minutes as a pdf. It’s now available as a resource on our website in the Secretary’s Section. There are actually two versions available. Choose wisely! (I don’t believe either are required-just offered to be helpful.)

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 Grange things happening in Maine. We also love photos and reports of events that have happened. What’s your meeting magic?

To Ponder…

“Over the years of grassroots advocacy, I have learned: People want help, but they don’t want structure. People want leadership, but they resent authority.

June Stoyer

An Idea for Your Grange

Mystery rides are surprise outings or trips in which the destination and itinerary are kept hidden from participants until the last moment. See the Grange Visiting short. You could stop for ice cream on the way back!

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 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.

Visiting Other Granges Fun

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

We’ve had several requests for information about visiting other Granges, so we’re reviewing some of the resources available. Part of the challenge is that there are multiple databases and sources that do not always connect.

Plans and people change. If you plan to visit another Grange event or meeting, a best practice is to contact that Grange beforehand. The online Directory of Granges is a good source of contact information. If you have difficulty reaching someone, I’ll try to help!

The Website Event Calendar lists Grange events (not regular meetings) that we know about. We’re totally dependent on Granges submitting their information and many don’t. (Click the blue link to it on the website.)

The online Directory of Granges is recently updated. It does not list meeting dates, but has contact information. I’d strongly suggest using this to confirm any meetings or events you are planning to attend. (Click the blue link to it on the website.)

The Printed Roster Book should be available from your Grange Secretary. It has by far the most information, but it may be outdated as plans and people change.

Subordinate/Community Grange Links are listed in a sidebar on the MSG website.

A Website Subscription will help you stay informed about the events we are told about as we learn of them.  (Click the blue link to sign up on the website.)

Remember, the Grange is a fraternal organization! If the word didn’t have any conotation, I’d say, “Let’s fraternize!”

Wild Fibers at Evening Star Grange

Evening Star Grange is located at 31 Old Union Road in Washington, Maine.

On May 3, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 pm, Evening Star Grange will host a Wild Fibers from around the World presentation by Linda Cortwright.

As the editor of Wild Fibers, Linda Cortright has traveled the world to some of the most remote regions on the planet, from the Russian Arctic to the High Himalayas. She will be giving a special presentation featuring stunning pictures and unimaginable tales, highlighting the role natural fibers play in both culture and commerce. Wild Fibers is often called the National Geographic of the fiber industry, focusing on indigenous communities and their ability to adapt in the modern world. 

Suggested donation is $20. For more information, contact Mildred at 207 975-5671.

Membership Moments

Rick Grotton

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

How is the Grange supposed to take in new membership and teach them the rituals and traditions when there are people out there disrespecting the use of a Grange Hall and the rituals of the Grange? First, the Grange is a non-partisan organization, meaning that if you hold discussions and debates, ALL parties must be involved. In a recent political ad, the name of the Grange appeared. This activity is a direct violation of the bylaws of the National Grange. It is an embarrassment to our membership and to the reputation of the Grange name. Many members have commented in shock at the direct violation of the bylaws.  

Second, if you have not opened in full form for a Grange meeting, any business transactions and voting are void. Again, this is a violation of the bylaws. Grange is not just for a social group, but certain traditions and rituals MUST be followed. Many Granges in the past, and I suspect in the future also will be closed for disrespecting our traditions and rituals. This is not Grange. 

Third, there are no such “associate memberships” in the Grange. These groups are actually “friends of the Grange” and are not recognized as members. They are not allowed to have a vote in any Grange, cannot take an office, and they cannot be part of your quorum. For example, if you have only six members and fifteen “friends of the Grange” present at a meeting, you are not allowed to conduct business. They have NO say in the decisions made by the Grange itself. It is good to have outside help for projects; however, the Grange members must make the decisions. 

Fourth, any Grange is not “owned” or “operated” by any one person or clique. We have lost so many Granges because individuals want to control and dominate. So many hard feelings and disrespect for the Grange and its members are exhibited. All members have a say, and if it doesn’t turn out the way you want it, then so be it. Instead of getting up and leaving with a bitter taste in your mouth, remember that you are showing disrespect to your Grange and its members.  

There are more examples that could be used; however, the above four examples are prime examples of why our membership and the number of Granges have dropped considerably. With many respectful and loyal members out there trying to build our numbers, there are also others who just don’t want to respect or care for others. They have their own objectives and goals, completely opposite of what the Grange stands for. We must rise and bring the good name of the Grange back so that we can continue to strive. 

I am sorry to write about such negativity; however, it is a losing battle trying to bring in new members when such disrespect is being shown. How am I supposed to be doing my job as State Membership Director when there are supposed members working against me? I feel as if I am lying to prospective new members when I remain strictly positive, and when they encounter just the opposite, it comes back to me. Wake up all!  If you love your Grange with its traditions and rituals, then defend them. Speak up to the disrespectful ones and say, “Enough!!” There is safety in numbers, but those numbers are decreasing. Help save our Grange!!! 

CWA Report – April 2026

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

Committee on Women’s Activities

Happy Spring. I hope it starts to warm up soon.

I have an update on our contests and conference.  It will be held at the Manchester Grange.  Entries will be accepted on Thursday, August 20th, from 9 am – 2 pm. Judging will be on Friday, August 21, and the Conference will be on Saturday, August 22, at 9:30 am. The baking entries need to arrive by 9 am on Saturday.

If you cannot bring your entries on Thursday, please contact me so we can arrange a meeting and ensure your entries are entered in the contest.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. If I don’t answer, please leave a message, and I will call you back.

Valley Grange to Celebrate Community

Valley Grange is located at 172 Guilford Center Road in Guilford, Maine

Guilford—Valley Grange has announced its annual Celebration of Community, to be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Guilford Grange Hall. The event includes honoring the local organization’s Community Citizen(s) of the Year. This year, the Grange will honor the Recovery Wellness Center based in Sangerville. The event celebrates the strength of rural communities with a community potluck supper at 5:30 pm, followed by a program featuring a presentation of certificates of recognition at 7:00 pm. The program includes an opportunity for guests to share testimonials and appreciation.

Program Director Walter Boomsma noted in announcing the celebration, “We always try to honor people or organizations who have their boots on the ground and give of themselves to strengthen and build our communities.  These too often unsung heroes are a lifeline for our communities. The event itself brings neighbors and friends together. Even the meal demonstrates the strength and value of our communities, as the communities prepare the potluck supper by bringing dishes to share.”

The Recovery Wellness Community Center in Sangerville, Maine, located at 20 Douty Hill Road, is a community-driven, non-profit center founded in 2024 to support individuals affected by addiction. It provides a safe, sober space offering free services including peer support, All Recovery meetings, Narcan training, and career exploration.

“The Center provides many sources and resources,” Boomsma notes. “But it also proves a supportive community place for those dealing with substance abuse and addiction recovery in both traditional and non-traditional ways.”

Community Service Chair Mary Annis adds, “This is always such a great evening as we enjoy the chance to connect with each other, share a great meal, and celebrate our rural lives. So many people benefit from the Recovery Wellness Center’s work. The center is peer-led and focused on community-driven support. This is a chance to thank the organization and its people in person and maybe shake hands and give a hug.”

Additional information about the event is available at http://valleygrange.com and on the Valley Grange Facebook page.

Parkman Grange Mothers’ Day Tea

Submitted by Susan Manchester, Master

The Parkman Grange is pleased to announce that their 24th annual Mother’s Day Tea will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 am to noon.  This has become a spring tradition bringing together friends and family after a long winter. 

This year, the guest of honor is Katie Landry; she and her husband have 9 children.  This popular event includes live entertainment, sing-alongs, lots of door prizes, tea sandwiches and desserts, tea and coffee, and a 50/50 raffle.  The local scout troop will be servers. 

The Grange is keeping the admission price at $5; children under 5 are free. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Sue Manchester, 207-717-6248. The Parkman Grange is located on the corner of State Hwy 150 and North Dexter Road.

Degree Day Reminder!

The  Androscoggin Pomona Grange Degree Day at Manchester Grange is fast approaching! If you have candidates attending, please let Norma Meserve know!

Also, remember that candidates should bring a completed application.

Manchester Grange is located at 953 Western Avenue in Manchester, Maine

Seeds of Service Community Recognition Dinner

Webmaster’s Note: This event is taking place in Manson, CA! Since it was submitted to the Maine State Grange website, we’re posting it for two reasons. First, to show our support, and second, as a great example of community connection! Special thanks to Debbie Conwell of Manson Grange #796!

The Grange continues to stand as a testament to the enduring values of service, character, and community.

As part of this commitment, our Grange will be hosting a “Seeds of Service” Community Recognition Dinner to honor distinguished members, community partners, and those who have contributed to the success of our recent renovation and program growth.

Over the past year, our efforts have included both facility improvements and expanded community engagement through events such as educational programs, social gatherings, and local partnerships.

While this event is by invitation only, it reflects the broader mission of the Grange—to foster strong, connected communities through service and shared purpose.

Fifth Degree Day Change

By Marilyn Stinson
207 380-3901

Enterprise Grange is located at 15 Alexander Reed Road in Richmond, Maine.

Sagadahoc Pomona will NOT be doing the Fifth Degree at Enterprise in Richmond on April 29, 2026.

There will be a regular meeting, and other Grangers are welcome. We will be able to do the New Alternative Welcome Ceremony.

Potluck supper at 6:00, meeting at 7:00.