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.
From the Second 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.
“…constantly study the book of Nature.” [Lecturer to the candidates]
These six words are perhaps a concise summary of the lessons learned in the Ritual of the Degrees. The book of nature doesn’t just have value to farmers–that is one reason the ritual remains and the Grange Way of Life still has application. While we think of a book as a set of printed pages those pages represent knowledge. In today’s society, that knowledge is distributed in various forms. Ultimately, a “book” is vehicle for conveying information.
The founders of the Grange saw nature as a book, a vehicle for conveying information. Almost all the “the Ritual” encourages us to learn the many lessons Nature offers. Immediately after encouraging the candidates to “study the book of Nature,” the lecturer explains “Learn from it the truths which may remind us of the immense greatness of God, and our own littleness—of His blessings, and the obligations they impose upon us.” This is one of many places during the Ritual of the Degrees I often long for a pause so we can fully digest the thought. It is unfortunate that candidates are whisked away to the chaplain. But the chaplain makes a gallant attempt to keep the candidates focused by immediately referencing the book of nature. “…the springing seed teaches us to increase in goodness and the growing trees to aspire after higher and broader knowledge.”
From a writer’s perspective, those are two powerful metaphors. Many have heard the two questions sometimes asked that draw on that metaphor. “How many seeds are there in an apple?” illustrates that counting them isn’t too difficult. The second question suggests a much bigger challenge. “How many apples are there in a seed?” If we work these thoughts into the Ritual, the springing seed teaches us to increase in goodness and just as one apple seed may produce endless trees and countless apples, the increase in goodness is likewise unlimited. (Thus sayeth the book of Nature.)
Of the husbandman (we are, of course, Patrons of Husbandry), the chaplain explains, “In no other occupation does a man’s daily labor bring him into such close companionship with the Great Creator as in the cultivation of the soil.” But before you object that you are not a farmer, let’s remember that we are dealing with symbols, metaphors, and the book of Nature. If you’re struggling with that, get a cup of potting soil and plant a seed in it. It’s a simple but powerful way to learn about growth.
I have “edited” the actual Ritual and left out a lot. In practice, we might breeze through these two lessons in five to ten minutes or less. You could rightfully feel cheated because beneath the words there are serious, ponderable concepts and lessons. We’ve only scratched the surface. In spite of that, let’s fast forward to a few minutes later when the master uses the visual aid of a few kernels of corn.
“We are now to teach you how to plant the seed. Behold these inanimate kernels of corn! But the germ has life—the future plant is there. We loosen the soil—we bury (plant) the seed; and in so doing impress upon our minds the truth of the immortality of the soul. There is no object in which, to appearance, life and death border so closely together as in the grains of seed buried in the earth; but when life seems extinct, a fuller and richer existence begins anew. From this little seed we have, first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. So with the mind, when duly nourished with Faith and Hope. But be not deceived! Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
It might help if you are, but I don’t think you have to be a farmer to “get” this. The book of Nature is for everyone! It’s not particularly catchy, but we could offer the slogan, “We’re Grangers; we learn from the book of Nature.”
I could challenge lecturers to develop a presentation about “learning from the book of Nature.” Much of the script has already been written. You learned it during the Ritual of the Degrees, right?
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.
Receiving a panicked call that a grandchild is in danger triggers immediate fear and an overwhelming emotional panic, which is exactly what criminals exploit to override our logical thinking.
Scammers contact targets feigning to be their grandchild who is in trouble and needs urgent financial help. Oftentimes, they request money through unconventional payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
If you receive an unexpected call that your grandchild is in jail or a hospital, take an active pause and reflect on the call – does it make sense? Have you heard about a scam like this? Then, hang up and contact your grandchild directly or call another relative to confirm they are okay. Then contact your phone provider to see if they offer spam and scam call blocking
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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Webmaster’s note: The format of this column includes all of the Quill’s Endians participating at various times and in various ways! Phil writes this month’s column.
Having poultry on Quill’s End Farm has always seemed like a no brainer. In natural ecosystems, ground nesting birds follow ruminants and “clean up” the larvae that invariably populate ruminant’s waste. This helps break the pathogen cycle and also cuts down the fly population. The poultry also add their own manure to the soil to stimulate growth.
The Quill’s End hens and meat birds move on a regular basis in pens or behind electric netting that ensures their safety from ground predators. This gives them insects and pasture to augment their diet. It also makes for an incredibly tasty egg or chicken.
The business of getting eggs and chicken to you is not as idyllic. We currently process around 250 chickens three times per summer. These days are both long but immensely enjoyable. A crew gathers to make light work of the task, and a lunch unlike any other follows the work. Because the task is not loud, the conversation and laughter around the table elevate the work. Anticipation of the shared meal spurs the crew on.
Processing eggs lacks the communal aspect. Because eggs come in at a steady rate every day, washing and packing eggs usually is solitary work. We try to add a little whimsy to the process by “mixing” up eggs in the cartons. You might find a large egg next to a small one. You may find green or white eggs in your carton. You may find patterns in the placement of said colored or colorless eggs. The specialness of the eggs happens in the field, the patterns and size games are just for your, and our, entertainment.
We have oh so much plenty of eggs and chicken right now, we can cover your mornings and suppers all month. Avail yourself of the bounty.
Heather and Phil Retberg and their three children run Quill’s End Farm, a 105-acre property in Penobscot that they bought in 2004. They use rotational grazing on their fifteen open acres and are renovating thirty more acres from woods to pasture to increase grazing for their pigs, grass-fed cattle, lambs, laying hens, and goats. Quill’s Endians are members of Halcyon Grange and publish a newsletter for their farm’s buying club of farmers in the area, and generously permit us to share some of their columns with Grangers. Visit the Quill’s End Farm Facebook Page for more information.
By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915
Let’s do something a little different. In these next columns, let’s be interactive. Send in your success stories or ways you think we could attract more members (or even to prevent them from leaving). In a positive tone, sharing stories and opinions helps everyone, especially your Grange brothers and sisters. Actually, let’s make it competitive to see which Pomona area sends in the most suggestions by the end of the year! Membership increases are up to ALL OF US, so help me with your suggestions. I hope your summer activities have attracted new members, and Grange awareness has been happening. Send your stories and suggestions to ricti@aol.com and I will put them in future columns. Let’s work together to keep our Grange motor running smoothly so that our great organization will continue for many years to come. I have given you our success stories from Chelsea Grange and am looking forward to sharing yours! I know there are many stories out there as I do keep up an awareness of Grange happenings and want to thank those who have the devotion, loyalty, love and respect for the Grange. Your work is making a difference and is very much appreciated by your brothers and sisters!
The above paragraph was part of my column in August 2019, and I still have not heard from anyone concerning the request. That was seven years ago, and our membership has been declining since. Some Granges have been consistently increasing their membership over that period; however, many of you have not and do not seem to make membership gains your priority. The Membership committee could go out and schedule workshops and meetings, but will that help? We have done so in the past without much attendance or cooperation. Without cooperation and joint efforts, how are we to succeed? It is the duty of the Membership committee to provide you with tools and information to help, but what happens to that information? We all know what we must do, but most don’t take it seriously or are not interested.
As we prepare for the busiest time of the Grange year with agricultural fair exhibits, installations, and the reaping of our harvests, please keep in mind that membership gains are also important. The gains are not important just for your Grange, but for all who belong across this State. We are always looking for new ideas, new leadership, and direction. Please help us in our quest to boost membership numbers in every Grange!
By Sharon Morton, MSG Secretary
Effective May 1, two changes took place in the Grange Store. This was reported in the April 24, 2026 issue of Grange Today!
The price of Golden Sheaf, Silver Star, and 75-year Awards, as well as the 80 – and 85-year letters, will increase to $15.00 each plus shipping.
Additionally, shipping rates – which have remained unchanged for nearly a decade – will increase as shown on the chart.
As a reminder, orders must be made using the Membership Recognition Form, which is sent to me.
By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
Putting Our Best Face Forward
One of the Communications Department’s functions is to strive to present our best face externally. One way we do that is with honesty and transparency. However, that honesty and transparency should be expressed positively.
Items posted on the website are immediately available to anyone, including members, prospective members, community partners, and members of the media. It’s too easy to forget that! A strength of fraternal organizations can easily become a weakness when the bonds we value create a sense of exclusion among others. We may be brutally honest with ourselves. (“We’re having trouble getting a quorum at our meetings.”) That doesn’t mean we need to announce that “fact” to the world. Putting our best face forward means we communicate using the “Three C’s.”
There could be a fourth “C,” credible. Wild, overstated claims (positive or negative) might be made clearly and confidently; they won’t create connection if they aren’t credible. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather visit the Grange that offers some “pretty good coffee” than listen to a Grange claim they serve the best coffee in the state.
These things may not always be easy, but they definitely are simple.
FACT: Since we migrated the site to a new server, we’ve had over 5,000 site visits! (Sharing that is putting our best face forward!)
The five Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Maine serve as “one-stop-shops” to answer questions from older adults, individuals with disabilities and their care partners about a wide range of in-home, community-based, and institutional services.
AAAs are experts at answering questions about in-home care services and other types of long-term support. Maine’s five AAAs are also Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) that:
Maine’s Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) are designed to serve all older adults, people with disabilities and their care partners who have long-term care, community or program needs. To see which center serves your area, visit the Office of Aging and Disability Services’ website.
By Clay Collins, Guest Columnist
207 837-0564
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10-11
Here we are, the middle of the beautiful, hot, humid, lazy, hazy days of summer. Right where we said we wanted to be last winter! You remember those cold, blistery days when we were all huddled around the old “cook stove”.
I trust you all are having a fantastic time enjoying all there is to do in this wonderful state of ours. Before we know it, the children will be back in school, and the temperature will be dropping like a “lead balloon,” and the heating bills will be showing up. I apologize for being a “gloomy Gus”
Before I end this for another month, I want to remind you that the month of August is “International Peace Month”, and it is observed throughout the month of August. It was founded on August 16, 1926, at the Fifth International Democratic Peace Conference in Rheims, France, to reflect on the devastation of World War One and to promote global cooperation
It was created by 4,000 pacifists from 30 countries to study international peace work and to prevent future global conflicts. (It doesn’t seem to be working very well today!).
We might not be able to do very much on the global front, but we can do something in our own town and neighborhoods. Whenever a conflict arises, don’t just bull your way into the situation. First, try talking, trying to defuse the situation. I have noticed that cool heads are a lot better than a fiery temper with a lot of shouting.
Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”
Benediction: Gracious Father, help us to remember that it doesn’t take a hot temper and loud voices to settle disagreements, but calm, cool minds and friendly attitudes to calm angry situations. Amen
Thought for the month:
“Bless the food before us, the family beside us, and the love between us.”
While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.
Maine State Grange President Sherry Harriman recently announced that National Grange Pomona Barbara Foster will represent the National Grange at the Maine State Grange’s 152nd Annual Convention held in October. This is Barabara’s second visit.
Barbara Foster of Pennsboro, West Virginia, was elected as National Grange Pomona at the 157th Annual National Grange Convention in 2023. Barbara is the only daughter of Earlene & Jim Foster, former West Virginia State Grange President and National Grange Chaplain. She has three brothers. She was born in Tennessee, but grew up an “Air Force military brat” living in Delaware, South Carolina, Taiwan, and Japan before Jim retired and bought a farm in West Virginia, where they have lived for 49 years.
Barbara joined the Grange in 1985, and is a member of Oxford Community Grange #526 and Central State Pomona Grange. She has held several offices at the community, Pomona, and State levels. The Fosters were Grange Family of the Year in 2003.
Barbara is retired as a full-time teacher after 32 years, and a total of 44 years in education. She taught home economics and elementary students with learning disabilities. She is the former President (20+ years) of the West Virginia Professional Educators’ Association and works with the Doddridge County Community Education Outreach.
In addition to her other involvement, Barbara is a retired member of the Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary, and a member of the Pt. Pleasant Baptist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the South Side Baptist Church, where she is the assistant treasurer. She enjoys sewing & quilting and reading, and lives with her two dogs. Max & Ellie, and three cats. Strips, Frisky, & Runt.