By Sharon Morton, MSG Secretary
August is the beginning of our late-summer months before our State Grange Convention in October.
I am reminding all Secretaries that Resolutions to be considered at our Annual Convention must be received at State Grange Headquarters postmarked no later than August 15th.
Updated State Grange Banquet information will arrive in August, with a return date no later than October 10, 2026.
The delegates representing your Grange must be elected at a regular Grange meeting. The delegate credential may be mailed (preferably) to me prior to State Session or brought to State Session in October. Remember that your September Quarterly dues must be in the office prior to October 15th in order for your Grange to have representation at State Session.
The Maine State Grange currently has 72 active Community/Subordinate Granges. I have received 67 June quarterly reports. There are still five outstanding June quarterly reports, and I have notified them of the lateness of their reports. As you can see, it is very hard for me to provide the National Grange with an accurate membership count for the State of Maine when I don’t have that information. My report must be at National Grange no later than August 31, 2026.
I also need the Pomona annual reports. I have received three out of the 12 remaining Pomonas. I am also notifying the Pomona secretary that the annual report is now overdue.
You may also receive notification from the IRS regarding the filing of your 990N. Please do not respond to this letter. I have finished filing the 990N’s with the IRS.
The role of a Grange secretary is vital to the success of your Grange. As the keeper of records and administrative backbone, a secretary ensures that meetings run smoothly and that members remain informed.
A Grange secretary is responsible for keeping precise minutes of meetings, recording membership details, and preserving historical documents.
Clear and timely communication with Grange members, officers, and committees is essential. Sending out meeting notices, reminders, and reports ensures that everyone stays informed.
The secretary is responsible for preparing and submitting Quarterly reports to the State Grange on time. (September 30th, December 31st , March 31st and June 30th ) Your report will not be considered late if it is postmarked on or before the 10th of the month following the quarter in which it is due. Remember that there is a $5.00 late fee to be included with such a report if it is postmarked after the 10th. It is extremely important that you keep the State Grange informed of any changes in membership, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
As your State Secretary, I appreciate your dedication to being secretary in your Community/Subordinate and Pomona Granges.
Have a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer season, and I will see you all soon.