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 email address is mainestategrange@gmail.com.
For website matters, email webmaster@mainestategrange.org.
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For more information or assistance with booking, individuals can reach out directly to the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services by calling (207) 287-7020 or emailing MaineBVS@maine.gov. Note: This is only by appointment, and you must preregister online.
QR codes have become a convenient part of our daily lives, from viewing restaurant menus to paying for parking meters. However, scammers are increasingly taking advantage of this technology to steal your personal information and money through a tactic known as “squishing.” By physically pasting fraudulent stickers over legitimate ones, or sending fake codes via email or text, criminals can redirect you to malicious websites meant to mimic trusted businesses.
In public settings, you might unknowingly scan a tampered code on a flyer or parking meter, sending your payment directly into a scammer’s account.
Protecting yourself requires extra caution. When scanning a physical QR code, ensure it’s not a sticker layered over the original. When in doubt, avoid the QR code entirely, and use your phone’s web browser and type in the official web address yourself. Additionally, keeping your devices’ operating systems updated and using antivirus protection can offer an important second line of defense.
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.
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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.
As rising summer temperatures cause energy demands to increase, criminals exploit fears of losing power and air conditioning by posing as local utility companies.
Scammers place threatening phone calls, phishing emails, or urgent text messages aimed at convincing consumers to supply personal data or to click on unverified links to resolve a past-due balance. Oftentimes these schemes are accompanied by a push to receive instant payment through unconventional payment methods like gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
If you receive an unexpected threat to terminate your service, take an active pause and contact the utility company’s customer service department using the number from your physical bill or the company’s website (don’t search – go directly to the site) to check your account status. Chances are it’s a scam.
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.
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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.
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.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you just doesn’t seem to cover it. The Maine Cancer Foundation exceeded its goal of 2.1 million dollars raised. I exceeded my goal of fundraising. I reached my goal of completing the 5K portion, and I bettered my average time per mile by 2 minutes. I truly think that was all adrenaline.
I cannot say enough about this event. It is something you need to experience. They treat Survivors with TLC. All around the course, everyone is super positive. They cheer you on from the minute you walk in to the end.
Grangers and Granges can accomplish great things if we set goals. Start out small, things you know you can accomplish, then add some that might be a little tougher to reach, and then a few long-term goals that may take longer and more work to complete. We can make a difference one step at a time.
I truly appreciate all the love and support I received from my Grange family.
Vicki
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!
By Margaret Henderson, Director
Committee on Women’s Activities
207 948-2762
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.