Sue Hackett peacefully passed away on January 2, 2026. She was a former Maine State Grange Youth Director, a position she dearly loved. She was a member of the former Merrymeeting Grange #256, & when that Grange sadly closed, she joined Topsham Grange #37. Over the years, she held the offices of Lecturer, Master, & Lady Assistant, with Lecturer being among her favorites. She always got many compliments on the great programs she put together. She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur & Shirley Curtis, former state deputies and members of Merrymeeting Grange. She is survived by her husband Steven Hackett, her sister Rebecca Curtis, her daughter Barbara Hackett & granddaughter Paige & other loved ones. A funeral is planned for spring, where she will be laid to rest with her parents at Bayview Cemetery in Bowdoinham. Details will be announced at a later date. She will be greatly missed, yet we are thankful that she’s no longer suffering.
by Maia Zewert, Editor Lincoln County News Submitted by Laurie McBurnie
It’s not often a teacher walks out of a student of the month assembly with an award, but such was the case at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro on Monday, Dec. 22.
Kali Martin (right), a special education resource room teacher at Medomak Valley High School, accepts the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award from Maine State Grange Secretary and Willow Grange Master Sharon Morton on Monday, Dec. 22. Members of Willow Grange 366 in Jefferson nominated Martin for the award, which she was presented during the student of the month assembly. (Paula Roberts photo)
In front of a gymnasium full of MVHS students, faculty, and staff, members of Willow Grange 366 in Jefferson surprised special education resource room teacher Kali Martin with the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award.
“I’m just completely blown away,” Martin said after the presentation. “I had no idea this was coming.”
Willow Grange member Paula Roberts introduced the award during the assembly, describing the recipient without initially naming them.
“This teacher saw a need in the Medomak community and acted on it to make a difference here at Medomak and beyond,” Roberts said. “And she has involved her students and the student body to show them, although community service can be hard work, it is extremely rewarding.”
Roberts also quoted MVHS Principal Linda Dolloff Pease, who said Martin “is appreciated and well-loved and plays a big role in the positive culture of the school.”
Members of Willow Grange No. 366 in Jefferson flank Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Kali Martin after a presentation at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro on Monday, Dec. 22. The Willow Grange members nominated Martin for the award, which they surprised her with during a student of the month assembly. From left: Mary Jane McLoon, Deborah Willette, Sharon Morton, Kali Martin, Henry Morton, Knox Zaccadelli, Laurie McBurnie, and Paula Roberts. (Maia Zewert photo)
When she was revealed as the recipient of the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award, Martin immediately received a standing ovation from all in attendance. As Martin joined the presenters, Roberts listed Martin’s many accomplishments during her time working at the high school, including initiating a weekend backpack program to provide students in need with food, preparing food for the annual Empty Bowl Supper, and helping to start a free clothing program for students in need.
Martin also started the Medomak Valley Soul Food Pantry, which serves over 300 families, Roberts said. She applied for and received a grant to purchase an industrial-sized freezer for the pantry and also collects food from Hannaford and arranges deliveries from Good Shepherd Food Pantry to keep it stocked.
“She has gone above and beyond her teaching duties,” Roberts said. “Kali has given unselfishly of her time and resources to support Medomak students and the community.”
In addition, Martin is involved with the school’s student council, participates in Treat Tuesdays, and “is known for her root beer floats for the entire staff,” Roberts said.
“Kali Martin has the biggest heart ever and it shows here in the many ways that Paula Roberts outlined in her presentation,” Pease said. “She is an advocate for young people in addition to being aware of staff needs and having a little fun!”
Maine State Grange Secretary and Willow Grange President Sharon Morton presented Martin with the award. In addition, Martin was presented a $100 donation from Maine State Grange Treasurer and Willow Grange Secretary Laurie McBurnie to support the food pantry.
“Having such a supportive administration and having the support of the community to keep the pantry going has just been such a huge blessing,” Martin said. “It’s just grown … and it helps our families get what they need.”
For more information or to make a donation to the Medomak Valley Soul Food Pantry, email Martin at kali_martin@rsu40.org.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
As the year winds down and the season of giving sets in, many people look to support causes they care about—but telling a legitimate charity from a fake one can be tough. While reputable organizations make their year-end push for donations, criminals also take advantage of this opportunity to line their own pockets.
Common signs of a charity scam include requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as well as high-pressure demands to donate immediately. Legitimate charities may also encourage timely giving, but they will welcome your support at any time.
To help ensure your donation reaches those who truly need it, do your research. Check organizations on sites such as give.org, CharityNavigator.org or CharityWatch.org to confirm legitimacy and find out how much of the funds are used to serve its stated mission versus overhead and fundraising.
Pay close attention to the charity’s name and web address, as criminals often mimic the names of familiar, trusted organizations to deceive donors. Also, be cautious of links in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media messages, which can lead to fake donation websites and expose your device to malware.
When you do donate, use a credit card. It’s easier to track your contribution, and if your card is misused, you have protection against loss. To avoid feeling pressured by unexpected solicitations, consider having a set list of charities you support. That way, you can give confidently and on your own terms.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visited Mill Stream Grange on Sat., Dec. 13, for a community children’s party. While there, Santa presented kids’ books to Caroline Heck, Girl Scout, and Junior Granger for her Little Free Library project located at the Grange.
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!
December Bulletin
The December Bulletin is available for download. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.
Website Subscribers Sought
See the last page of the December Bulletin! Be sure to share with members!
Don’t Shoot the Piano Player!
He’s playing as fast as he can! Recent illnesses in the Boomsma household have been taking a toll! We’ll probably continue working a reduced schedule for at least another week.
To ponder…
I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all year.
Charles Dickens
An Idea for Your Grange
With all the recent media attention to Food Insecurity, it could make sense to add some food items to your Book Exchange Box. If it’s outside, be aware of freezing!
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Online Directories Available 24-7
Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!
The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated November 15, 2025.
And so I’m offering this simple phrase To kids from one to ninety-two Although it’s been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you.
Sometimes, simple is best. The holiday season invites us to consider that possibility as an opportunity. Sending a holiday card, to some extent, helps us answer the question, “How many ways can you say…” The card company makes its best attempts. For a small additional fee, we can imprint our name and eliminate the need for a signature. Simple.
It’s easy to argue that we lose something in simplicity. I think automation takes a toll. I did some shopping the other day. I didn’t keep track of how many times I was told to “Have a nice day.” I wasn’t annoyed by it, but neither was I deeply moved by it. Occasionally, I was tempted to ask for clarification. “And how would you suggest I go about doing that?”
The best communication isn’t automatic. The best communication is thoughtful and heartfelt. And that can be simple. One cashier placed her hand with my change into mine, but didn’t release it. This caught my attention, and I instinctively made eye contact. With her hand in mine, she smiled and wished me a nice day. I think her eyes twinkled a bit. We connected. I knew she meant it. Simple.
Communication should be about connection. Don’t let the words get in the way.
FACT: The two most popular categories of posts are Grange Activities and Grange News.
I love being a member of Norway Grange #45. I love volunteering for activities with members that involve not only our local communities, our surrounding communities as well. Partnering and collaborating with other Granges , learning and listening to ideas . Going to State Convention is a joy and beautiful experience; I am speaking from my perspective. I have been a member since 2017, that is when I arrived, and I am so happy I did. I am 75, it has given me a new perspective on retirement or semi-retirement. It has given me a purpose and a new beginning.
Mary Jo DiBenedetto, Norway Grange #45
What about you?
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!
Reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has announced the full slate of educational sessions and meetings for the 85th Maine Agricultural Trades Show, taking place January 13–15, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center.
The three-day event brings together farmers, foresters, food producers, agri-business owners, students and partners from across the state and region for hands-on training, policy discussions, business development workshops, industry meetings and networking events focused on building a strong, resilient future for Maine agriculture.
More than 80 sessions are scheduled and offered in partnership with more than a dozen organizations. Conference highlights include programming on business development, grants, certification, production practices, workforce and health, markets, food systems, policy and much more. There is no admission fee to attend the show. Please check the conference listings for any pre-registration and course fee requirements. Full session schedules and registration information are available at: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/agtradesshow.
Once again, our fraternal family has lost another good member. Brother Darrell Huff, a former Executive Member of the Maine State Grange, passed away Sunday afternoon. The memorial service will be on Dec 29 at his church; details to come.
Please keep Betty and their family in your prayers. Betty Huff 281 Gorham Rd Scarborough, ME 04074
An obituary for Darrell is available here. The memorial service is on Monday, December 29th, at the Scarborough Free Baptist Church, 55 Massey Road, at 10 am.
Additionally, Nate Pennell, EC member is improving after his heart attack. Please keep him in your prayers also. Nate Pennell PO Box 505 Machias, ME 04654-0505
