Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
I love all of the activities and events that the Grange does throughout the year.
Jessic Thurston-Creations Custom and Homemade, LLC, Hollis Grange #132
Do you love the Grange? Can you explain what’s great about being a member? It only takes a minute to click the button and tell the world!
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.
From the depths of winter, it may seem like the quiet time on the farm right now, because it mostly is, relatively. However, this little farm is never truly quiet. We have our minds on the upcoming growing season that still offers perfection…in February. And, we hope, more opportunity.
Amidst the daily tending chores: hauling water, hay, grain, firewood, and moving snow around, we are bouncing ideas and numbers off each other at every turn, troubleshooting and gaming scenarios. We’re discussing how best to add new markets to reach more of you with the limited labor we’ve got. We’re taking the beginning steps–looking at you, Blue Hill (!)– of resuming a delivery day in your neighborhood to increase ease of accessibility to Quill’s End food and help us feed more milk to people rather than pigs in 2025.
Presently at Quill’s End, we have been milking the fewest number of cows as winter sees reduced foot traffic at the farm store and less food ordered for delivery. Four of our cows have been “on vacation” and will freshen (calve) this month. The first calf of this group was born last Monday on the 3rd to Pippin. Our last bull was a Guernsey/Jersey cross, and this new little valentine of a heifer got white splashes and long legs from her sire. Her dam gave her smarts and she is already zooming her way into our hearts. We hope that she will also get some mellowness from Edmund the Bull. Mellow took years to come to mama Pippin. The other three cows, Ariel, Andy, and Penelope, all look to be on track to calve soon. We’ve got some busy weeks ahead.
This is all to say that we will soon have more milk than you know what to do with! We’d appreciate if you could work your Quill’s End love magic and spread the word far and wide so that there are more yous for the upcoming milk flow.
Getting ready for the summer also means restocking our freezers. Our offerings have been slim as we try to open up space for the next round of pork and beef which will be available in late February–just a few more weeks until we have treasure caches of bacon and sausage and all manner of steaks and beef cuts once again! We will also have veal cuts of all kinds in March to enliven our dinner menus as we head into mud season.
The frequent snow storms are brightening the landscape and storing much-needed moisture for the spring to come. The cold has made thick ice on all the ponds and lakes. It is nice to see the ice-fishing shacks back on the water en masse after years of inadequate ice. Heather and I even saw pick-up trucks plowing the snow off a lake this week. It is refreshing to see people out enjoying winter’s offerings. Frequent plowing here is helping us familiarize ourselves with the new Ford 545d tractor. A cab with intact windows and doors that keep out the weather is downright luxurious–on par with the Popemobile to this farmer.
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. Heather is Vice President of Halcyon Grange #345 and writes a newsletter for their farm’s buying club of farmers in her area and has generously permitted 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
We will talk this month about helping gain membership from within, not just within our Granges but within ourselves. I become inspired at times when I hear something on television or something that someone said. I was wondering what I was going to write about this month until I watched a segment on getting rid of negativity and being good to your enemies. Then it hit me; there is much most of us can do to change our thoughts to not only make us feel good but mainly also others so that we can emit those positive energies to others to bring forth positive, happy results. How often have we known a brother or sister who churns up bad feelings and energies by being selfish, vindictive, and threatening to quit if they don’t get their own way or cannot get along with others? Over the years, we all have seen this, and it destroys our goals. Outsiders (potential members) notice this, and they remember.
Who wants to be a member of any organization where negativity thrives or is constant? I have, in the past, transferred to other Granges for that reason because I did not want to be a part of this negativity, and it was affecting me because I allowed it to consume me. I then began feeling down. Leaving was the only solution, as those Granges did not survive (those Granges are not around today).
Every once in a while, I get a feeling of “Why do I write these columns since I rarely get a response or feel that nobody is reading them.” This is a negative feeling that is quickly discarded. But then, I think it is my duty as a membership director to write these columns for the Good of the Order. It isn’t about me. It’s about the Grange and my brothers and sisters. It makes me feel good to be able to share helpful information with others and to see it work. I am contributing to the growth of the organization that has done so much for me and my growth and that is always a great feeling. If nobody reads the columns or answers my requests, I still feel positive feelings because there is potential, and I am happy to contribute positive thoughts, suggestions, and actions. To be an active participant in the growth of the Grange makes me feel rewarded and good, and it is my duty to pass these feelings on to others and to guide them.
The road is long but is filled with good lessons and results. Stop and smell the roses; don’t trample on them. Enjoy the walk down that long road; take in the beauty and learn about yourself as well as others. You and the Grange will reap many rewards once you reach your destinations. Imagine if we were all on the same page. Wow!!!
It isn’t difficult to get rid of these negative feelings if we remain in control and really think. We all want to be happy and we can be by following a few simple steps. First, don’t hang on to negativity. Don’t worry if someone doesn’t like us. Don’t worry about anything at all. Find a solution. Ignore the hurtful comments of others; they are hurting themselves, so don’t let it hurt you. It will make you stronger and more confident. Don’t think of getting back at them or trying to hurt them because nothing is gained, and much is lost. There is no winner here. Treat your “enemies” with kindness; They will soon get tired of harassing you because you aren’t playing their game. As the saying goes, “Kill them with kindness.” Listen to others. Instead of a negative response or action, tell them, “I didn’t think of it that way,” or respond in a manner that won’t cause hurt feelings. If you don’t agree, then ask, “Did you ever think of doing it this way?” or give them something to think about. Don’t call them stupid or laugh at their idea or respond negatively.
Second, don’t try to dominate or pout or threaten to quit if you don’t get your own way. You aren’t doing anyone or the Grange any good by acting this way. You might as well not be a member because you are doing much more harm than good. Work on the suggestions of others. Try to absorb what they are saying and be a part of it. “That won’t work” or “That’s a dumb idea” should never be said. How do you know it won’t work? Because it wasn’t your idea? Because you have had conflicts with the person in the past and want revenge? Do a turnaround in a positive light, show excitement and encouragement and support. Even if the project doesn’t work out to your expectations, then dwell on what went right and make improvements. Work together for the Good of the Order. I have seen this great turnabout happen in my own Grange. We listen to each other, we respect each other, we support each other, we work together. In a few short years, we have gained so much: a new well and septic, acceptance and being noticed in the community, and a great core of friends. It is a pleasure to go to meetings and everyone is excited about our next projects. We plan ahead and everyone’s say is welcome and incorporated into the plans. It is a great pleasure to see more community members, the school and the town officers support our projects. Do they also feel the positive vibes we emit when we talk Grange or when we are in their midst?
Third, the two most powerful words are THANK YOU. Always thank others for their help, whether it be members or the community. Be grateful for what you have and what you all have done. Make others feel good by sharing your good feelings. If you have a productive Grange meeting, thank others for the great meeting. Whether you are the leader or not, still say thank you to your brothers and sisters for being a part of that Grange, for their friendship and devotion, for the reasons you are feeling good. Share your good thoughts with them and make it a “win/win” situation every time. You and your Grange cannot fail from this. Remember, the more positive we think, the more positive energy we attract, then the results will be positive. The same goes for the opposite. Just stop and think. You know which of the above you want, so work toward it and make the world a better place. It will take some work, but it can be done.
By Margaret Henderson, Director
Committee on Women’s Activities
207 948-2762
What crazy weather. It is certainly different than what Maine winters used to be.
It doesn’t seem possible that we are halfway through February already—time to start planning activities for Grange Month in April.
I hope many of you are working on entries for the upcoming contests. It is a good way to spend a cold day or a snowy day. I look forward to August every year so that I can see all of the wonderful things that you folks have made.
Remember that all entries are due at State Grange Headquarters on August 19. I will be there from 9 am-2 pm.
If you cannot bring them that day, let me know so that arrangements can be made for me to meet up with you so that your items will get judged.
Please stay warm and stay safe.
By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
Facebook and Social Media for Granges
“Not everyone uses Facebook!” Yes, I hear that cry. In fact, most of the Grangers I know personally do not. However, National Grange is becoming increasingly enamored of it, and we do have some Granges in Maine with Facebook Pages and Groups. Therefore, I’m devoting just one column to some essential things you should know. Just this week, I had an inquiry about a message from a Grange received accusing them of a trademark violation. It was a scam. The general consensus is that scams are increasing on Facebook and in general.
One prevalent one on Facebook concerns methods for you to “protect” what you post and limit what Facebook can do with it. In short, it doesn’t work. Since, as a writer, I frequently deal with copyright and intellectual property, I try to explain to people that if you post something on Facebook, you have given up all control of it. The minute you use FB, you’ve agreed to their TOS (terms of service), which no one ever reads. That means you’ve agreed they can use anything you post pretty much in any way FB sees fit. The TOS is effectively a contract between you and them.
Because of this, If I write something that I want to keep the rights to, I only post it on the website I own. I may post a link to the article on Facebook, but not the article itself. That doesn’t stop someone else from posting it. Now, if they do post the article, THEY (the person who posted my article) have violated MY copyright. Facebook is not guilty or responsible. Remember, Facebook has the right to anything posted, and you can’t change that agreement! (One reason they are claiming not to fact-check is liability reduction.)
If this happens, I could sue the person who posted it, but Facebook is pretty much off the hook. The point here is to understand the media you are using and use it responsibly. Simply put, you do not have the right to distribute someone else’s property without their permission. Think twice before posting something you don’t “own” on Facebook or other social media. The simple workaround is to post a link to the original material and not the material itself. Contrary to popular opinion, Facebook is not your friend. They don’t exist just so you can stay in touch with friends. In fact, the more “friends” you have, the better it is for them—even if those friends aren’t who you think they are.
That leads us to a second important point. You really should consider hiding your friend list on Facebook. When you are hacked or cloned (there is a difference), the person doing it is not after you; they are after your friends. When you leave your friend list available to the public, you only make Facebook happy while exposing your friends to more scams. It’s like saying, “These people are my friends—if you pretend to be me, you might be able to take advantage of them!
I’ll admit that I am not a huge fan of social media, but it can serve some great purposes. But it should be used cautiously and consciously. That’s not always easy, and it’s important to remember that Facebook’s and your interests do not always align.
One of the attractions of Facebook is how easy it is to use. I know someone who almost everyday posts, “Does anybody know what the weather will be like today?” I’m always tempted to answer, “Yes! I checked the NOAA forecast!” Easy doesn’t mean safe or smart. You have been warned! (By the way, most scams are easy to fall into; that’s why they work!)
Note the Maine State Grange Communications Handbook includes the National Grange Social Media Code of Conduct and a number of resources and communication ideas.
► FACT: Did you know that the MSG Communications Handbook includes a list of daily and weekly newspapers in Maine with contact information?
By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
(207) 608-9193
I am still waiting on information from National Grange on the updated changes to the Community Service Program. National Grange stated it is posted on the website, but I have not found anything. The Community Service Committee realizes that the books you submit are your yearbooks, and your Grange keeps them for open houses and anniversary celebrations. Keep working on your projects, make your notebooks and it will be much easier to pick the projects to submit. There are so many Community Service Projects that can be done this time of year.
Family Health and Hearing
This is a great time of the year to enjoy indoor and outdoor family time. Outdoor festivals, sliding parties, skating, making snow people, animals or sculptors, hockey games, basketball, making crafts, playing games, working on Grange contests, and enjoying a movie are just a few suggestions.
Please make sure you are hydrated, staying rested, and eating healthy.
Make sure you are bundled up properly for school, work, or just running errands. It is important to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Most of all, enjoy the many things in life that make memories and keep us safe and healthy.
I will update you as soon as I receive the information. Happy February!
Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.
Use the icons below to share this Grange Heirloom on social media and help others understand what the Grange stands for! If this heirloom has a particular meaning for you, click the “leave a comment” link at the left and share your comment with us!
For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.
By Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029
The Ritual, bylaws, rules, and regulations of the Grange MUST MUST be followed by everyone, not just a select few. Every regular Grange meeting must be opened in full form to conduct any business, whether voting on finances, changing your by-laws, conferring degrees, conducting the obligation ceremony, or discussing activities, etc. The Grange Ritual (the set pattern that we do things at each meeting), opening the Bible, the Prayer, the Grange Salutation, and the Salute to the Flag must be done at every regular meeting, even if you are meeting in homes or by Zoom. It may seem outdated or unnecessary to some, but it is part of this Fraternal Organization and to be considered a Grange, to use the term “Grange” certain requirements must be carried out. Some things have been modernized and simplified, but the basics are still there. If you are a longtime or new member and want changes to be made, there are set processes in place to make that possible. The Manual, National & State Bylaws and Guidelines are available to help you with the process. Let’s make the effort to be part of it whether in person or by use of technology.
To request funds being held in custodial accounts by Maine State Grange, mail or email your request to the State Office. The State Master/President approves it; then it will be forwarded to the State Treasurer for the issue of a check. Invoices and/or estimates must be included with the request. Checks for building repairs, etc., will be made out to the contractor and mailed to the Secretary of the Grange requesting the funds. Remember, mail does take time; you can’t expect to get the check the same day you request it.
The Maine Grange Foundation, Inc., is a 501c3. It can be the fiscal sponsor for grants when requested and can receive tax-deductible donations on behalf of a Grange. (After the grant/donation check clears, we will issue a check to the appropriate Grange.) The Maine Grange Foundation, Inc. is a separate financial entity from the Maine State Grange, which does not have the 501c3 status. There is definitely a difference between the two.
The Northeast Leaders Conference was hosted by Massachusetts early in January and attended by 65 enthusiastic members. Maine was represented by Missy Baldwin, MSG Lecturer; Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service & Family Health & Hearing Director; Brenda’s husband, Joe Fallo; Past MSG Master Vicki Huff; and myself. The Northeast State Masters/Presidents & Overseers/Vice Presidents (the Northeast Connection group) and New England Grange Building Trustees met several times during the weekend. As the weekend progressed, interesting and helpful workshops were presented to the group. Finding Hidden Potential and Empowering Members and Aligning Your Strategic Plan to Your Core Values. Also included in the weekend was a wonder-ful tour of the Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School located close to the conference center. Everyone attending could sit in on whichever meeting or break-out group they chose. State Lecturers, Youth, and Chaplains groups started planning their respective Northeast Conferences and Activities. Community Service, Family Activities, Women’s Activities, Agriculture, Membership, Information/IT, and others met as a large group, having good discussions on activities for their states and ideas all could try. Junior Directors and interested members met to discuss the craft for display at the Big-E in September at the New Eng-land Grange Building. The Junior craft for 2025 will be Egg Carton Craft and for 2026 will be Bird Houses. Next year’s conference will be hosted by Vermont.
I want to put out a big thank you on behalf of everyone at the ENSO recovery sober living houses. We were without one of the most popular AA meetings in the area. The church that held a very important Saturday night meeting was sold, and the AA community was having trouble finding a place to hold that meeting. All of us here at Enso were pretty bummed when the meeting was closed. We found out this week that the Grange Building in Augusta would be the new spot for Saturday night serenity. It is a wonderful spot and within walking distance. Our first meeting at the Grange was wonderful. I want to thank you all who made this possible by allowing the AA community to use your building. Thank you so very much.
Chris
Do you love the Grange? Can you explain what’s great about being a member? It only takes a minute to click the button and tell the world!
By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director
Our resource pages are officially available! We’d hoped to have an interview available but experienced some complications and didn’t want to wait!
There are still a few items we’re finishing up, but you’ll find plenty you can use. We have sample labels, helpful documents such as press releases and parent letters, emails you can use with teachers, and an easy way to get your customized Words for Thirds Logo.
There’s still time! Ocean View Grange in Port Clyde is planning to visit their third graders next week! Master Larry Bailey and Chaplain Terry Bomba have the distinct honor of handing out the dictionaries and seeing the kids get “wound up.”
We’re working on more resources and ideas. If you need or want something that we haven’t thought of, let me know. I’d love to help your Grange put some dictionaries and all the words in them in the hands of your local third-graders!