Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
The Maine State Grange Office is located at
36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330
The office is open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm
The email address is mainestategrange@gmail.com.
For website matters, email webmaster@mainestategrange.org.
In the October issue. two Maine members were recognized for 50 years of continuous membership:
The deadline for submitting lists of new members for the next issue is November 30, 2026. Send to Phil Vonada.
Mill Stream Grange “took the blue” twice for their crafts display at Farmington Fair. This was also their first year with an ag display, and they earned a red ribbon.
Mill Stream Grange and its members truly is a Distinguished Grange.
Congratulations!
The East Madison Grange is having a food project day on October 30 from 10 am to 12 pm. We will be handing out boxes of food to those who attend. In addition to food boxes, we also have some warm winter hats and gloves to give away. FMI
Turn clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local time, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director
As we enter a new Grange year (2026-27) and prepare for State Session, it’s important to ensure we have accurate information! We’ve now posted a number of this year’s program books as well as several forms for your use. A summary list of program books:
The more complete list is available by visiting the Program Books and Information Page. You’ll also find additional resources, as well as the annual reports of committees and directors. Make sure your local directors and committee chairs have access to this information.
Even if you’re not attending the 152nd State Session, you’ll want to watch National Grange President Chris Hamp’s recorded welcome. It’s available on the convention page.
And a special thanks to those who have been submitting information-planned events and news-about your Grange. Keep it coming!
Knowledge is power, and it can help you overcome any fear of the unexpected. When you learn, you gain more awareness through the process, and you know what pitfalls to look for as you get ready to transition to the next level.
— Jay Shetty
Pioneer Grange #219, located in East Union, recently celebrated some member milestones: Sherwood Hilt was recognized for 65 years of service, Donald Burke for 25 years, and Jessica Hilt for 20 years.
Sherwood has served as Pioneer Grange #219 Steward for over 65 years and has contributed time, energy, and support to the Grange organization and community, helping strengthen its traditions. Donald Burke is currently Pioneer Grange #219 President and has been a faithful member of Pioneer and Medomak Granges for 25 years.
Jessica Hilt was recognized for 20 years of continuous membership and is currently Pioneer Grange #219 Secretary. She has dedicated her time and service in helping to strengthen the Grange values and commitment to the community.
The following members were recognized for their commitment and recent membership to Pioneer Grange #219: Keith Hilt, Debbie Hilt, Sophia Popli, Ed McDonald, Donna McDonald, Sandy Fuller, Maddie Fuller, Mary Kinney, Devin Yaeger, Sarah Hewitt, and Junia Norris.
Pioneer Grange currently meets monthly at 110 Payson Rd in Union. Please reach out to Donald Burke if you’re interested in joining the Pioneer Grange.
Articles in this edition include:
Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!
Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline (877-908-3360) is hearing from more people about bank impersonation scams. Consumers are targeted, usually through a call or text, by a criminal pretending to be from your bank.
They claim there’s suspicious activity on your account, and you need to act immediately to protect your money. The warning can sound convincing because they are impersonating your actual bank and may have specific information about you and your account.
A major red flag is being told to transfer or withdraw money to keep it “safe.” The bank impersonator may instruct you to wire funds, use a payment app, or withdraw cash and feed it into a designated cryptocurrency kiosk for “safekeeping.”
The playbooks for this and other financial crimes are focused on a form of manipulation that serves to get past the logic center in our brains and go right to action through emotion. Any unexpected or unsolicited contact these days is a fraud risk. If you receive a concerning message from your bank, contact them using a phone number you know belongs to your bank, or check your account online or in the app if you have that access.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
Come and enjoy lots of great food. Including fresh baked muffins, cinnamon rolls and FREE coffee! Stop by for lunch. We will be serving soups, biscuits, hot dogs and drinks.
*CRAFTS*RAFFLES*
No Admission Fee for the Fair!
St. George Grange is located at 32 Wiley’s Corner Road in St. George, Maine
Enjoy homemade food with family, friends, and neighbors (by donation).
For more information about these events, contact Tammy at 372-8904 or Patsy at 372-6424. Merry Christmas!
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.
Yes, we have produced an October Bulletin — it is a reduced edition and will be snail-mailed late due to the State Session, but it’s important to maintain the practice, especially for those who do not attend the State Session. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.
Remember to keep your radar on! Here’s an example of a different type of bogus email you might receive claiming some of your email wasn’t delivered. Just delete it!
Congratulations to Manchester Grange for being the first to be assigned our new “Breaking News” Icon! When a Grange submits news about their programs or events, we’ll be using it to identify the post as a “developing story.” Is that too subtle a hint that you should be sharing your news for posting?
Remember, we now have a specific form for submitting events on the site, and we’re using it! Keep submitting! Ideally, submit event announcements at least thirty days in advance. Then send us a “breaking news” update two weeks before the event. Remember, people are visiting the site from all over Maine and beyond!
Sendus your plans! We’ve created a special page on the site listing the ones we know about! Make sure we know about yours!
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams
Check out this month’s Communications Column for several ideas, including the idea of sending an annual report of your activities and accomplishments to your Town Office for inclusion in your Town’s Annual Report.
Visit the 152nd State Convention Webpage!
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!
Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!