Hollis Grange Words for Thirds
Legislative Report, November 2025
By Steven Haycock, Legislative Director
(207) 329-6835
Friends, as I write this column, the embarrassment of the 42-day Federal government shutdown should be ending. It’s sad to think that we have gotten to this point in our politics. Portions of both political parties are holding “We the People” hostage for over 40 days and using people in need of food assistance as pawns, just to appease extreme members of both parties. Our Founding Fathers would be ashamed, and “We the People” should be upset. On the bright side, for the people of Maine, ¾ of our Congressional Delegation seems to have been working hard to find common ground and work towards a solution.
In these times of strong political support, opposition & opinions, I would like to stress and remind our members that the Grange is strictly non-partisan. While differing opinions on public policy should be encouraged at our Grange meetings, it is more important to speak in terms of policy rather than politics. Granges do not endorse political candidates or parties, but we do endorse and support various policies and positions. More than anything else, remember to keep it civil. Keep an open mind when encountering people’s views who differ from your own, also remember that compromise is not a “four-letter word.”
At State Grange in October, delegates were tasked with considering nine resolutions, two of which were referred to the Legislative committee, with one being referred to both the Legislative and Agricultural Committees:
- Resolution #2 – “Resolution to Protect Maine Farmland from Purchase by Foreign Nationals or Governments” – Adopted
- Resolution #6 – “Social Security Retirement Age” – Rejected
- Resolution #9 – “Food Banks Need of State/Federal Money” – Adopted.
In the coming months, I will try to communicate our support for the adopted resolutions to the legislature. Both are timely issues that require attention at the state and federal levels.
Until next time, start working on resolutions for the 2026 State Grange Session, keeping in mind the deadline is August 15, 2026. If you need assistance getting your idea into proper resolution form, I would be happy to help.
CWA Report – November 2025
By Margaret Henderson, Director
Committee on Women’s Activities
207 948-2762
On Friday evening, Oct. 17th, I had the privilege to present awards to the ladies who were winners at the “Big E”.
- Class B Doilies: Sally Schofield, 1st Place.
- Class C Embroidery: Gail Butterfield, 2nd Place.
- Class D 3 Piece Baby Set: Rosanna Starks, 1st Place.
- Class G Adult Garment: Rosanna Starks, 2nd Place.
I also presented a check to Richard Harriman to be given to House in the Woods.
On Oct. 29th, I met with the ladies at Home for Little Wanderers to present them with their check. Thank you to all the Granges that donated to these charities. It is greatly appreciated.
I hope that you will all have a very blessed Thanksgiving with your families.
Membership Moments
By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915
The holiday season is fast approaching, which means a busy time for many Granges. Giving is what Grangers do, and it is at its peak during this time. Craft fairs, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the community, helping those in need for food, heat, and Christmas presents for the children, donating hats, coats, and other outerwear to keep them warm; the list is endless. Recruit others to help with your projects, whether it’s baking, cooking, organizing, or serving dinner. People are in a generous spirit and are willing to help a good cause. Gaining members is at its highest point during this season. So what do we do as Grangers?
Start planning early. You can start putting together an outline for your event, which includes staffing. Ask others if they would like to help with the cooking and setting up. Make your event a joyous, successful time that everyone will remember.
Advertise and be visible. Organize a planning and publicity committee to take care of the needs. Do it early and often. Even if you are a small Grange, it doesn’t matter; it can be done. My Grange is small, but we have devoted, loyal members who enjoy each event.
Keep up the enthusiasm. Not everything goes as planned, but make the best of it. Keep calm and you will persevere. For those who are not yet 5th degree (Pomona) members, perseverance is one of the lessons of being a Grange member.
Give a hearty “thank you” to all who helped and explain why the Grange holds such events. Have applications handy!
Have a clothing, food, or toy giveaway day at your Grange. Invite the public using the suggestions mentioned above. We all have things we would be willing to donate to those in need. This is one event that needs time to be successful.
Membership is a big concern for all, but we can do it. It is the same issue as our predecessors had, and look at how long we have survived. Numerous wars and pandemics over the years have not stopped us. Do your part!
Pomona membership is a big problem. Only just over a quarter of our membership are Fifth and Sixth Degree members, which is alarming. Where are our future leaders? The State Membership Committee (which also includes all Pomona Masters) will address the problem. We need all Pomona Masters to address this problem with their Subordinate Grange members. We need insight from all members, and we will be devising a plan and maybe some workshops for all to attend.
The State Membership Committee wishes all a happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all. Be active and safe!
Northeast Grange Leaders’ Conference Information
Key dates:
- Deadline for Hotel Registration – December 1, 2025
- Deadline for Registration – December 15, 2025
- Conference Dates – January 9 – 11, 2026
Registration Form for the conference
This is the only information we’ve received. There is a contact listed on the registration form
Celebrate Veterans’ Day 11-11-2025
The artwork is by Larry Bailey, Master of the St George Grange.
“Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set. We are forever thankful for you.”
Grangers in Maine
World War I, known at the time as “The Great War,” officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles in France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice – or temporary cessation of hostilities – between Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926; but it wasn’t until May 1938 when an official act was passed establishing every Nov. 11 “Armistice Day” to honor veterans of World War I. A law in 1954 officially changed it to Veterans Day.
In 1968, the holiday was changed to the last Monday in October; but President Gerald Ford signed legislation that reestablished Veterans Day to Nov. 11 after backlash from the public. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to Nov. 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date but also helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
The above history is reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin, District 4.
Fraud Watch- Protecting Veterans
Veterans Day, celebrated each year November 11, is a time to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. It’s also a reminder of the need to protect veterans beyond their time in uniform.
Earlier this year, AARP surveyed veterans and active-duty military service members to learn more about their experiences and concerns around fraud. The findings reveal that veterans face a higher risk of fraud and are often targeted with tactics related to their military background, benefits, or deep sense of trust.
Nearly four in ten veterans, representing more than 7.5 million people, say they’ve received solicitations from someone pretending to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs or another government agency. About 28%, an estimated 5.5 million veterans, believe their veteran status made them a target.
While many veterans are already taking steps to stay safe online, more than one in three say there aren’t enough resources available to help protect them. That’s where the AARP Veterans Fraud Center comes in. This online education and resource hub helps veterans, service members, and their families learn how to spot and avoid scams.
Learn more about this research and the work AARP is doing to support America’s veterans at aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter.
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.
Valley Grange Words for Thirds Team visits local schools
Valley Grange Teams are currently celebrating Dictionary Days and Words for Thirds with area schools.WABI-TV5 caught up with the team at Ridgeview Elementary School in Dexter.
To learn more about the Guilford Grange’s Project, visit the Valley Grange Website or Facebook Page.
Grange Heirloom — November 2025
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.
Today’s Your Day!
Vote as if it matters.
Because it does!
“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”
Abraham Lincoln