Our fraternal circle has once again been broken. Sister Elaine Walls, former Lady Assistant Steward and former Ceres of the Maine State Grange passed away Friday, October 7, 2022. Her wake will be from 4 pm – 7 pm this Friday, October 14, 2022, with the funeral to be held at 10 am Saturday, October 15, 2022. I understand arrangements have been made for MSG Chaplain Collins to conduct a Grange Service at 6:30 pm Friday at the Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral home, 199 Woodfords Street, Portland, ME 04102.
Parkman Grange would like to invite the public to supper to benefit a local veterans group. The supper will be on Saturday, October 15, 2022, starting at 4:30 till 6:30. The menu includes: ham, potato dishes, cole slaw seasonal veggies, yeast rolls, gingerbread desserts, and beverages. Veterans and active military eat for free, all others by donation. Parkman Grange is located at the corner of State Hwy 150 and North Dexter Road in Parkman Center. For more info, call Sue at 207 277-3942.
Well, at least the first four! If you’ve joined the Grange through the “Obligation Ceremony,” you’ve missed the best part! The Four Degrees will be offered at Mill Stream Grange on Saturday, October 15, 2020, starting at 9:00 a.m. Mill Stream Grange is located just about 20 miles northwest of Augusta–convenient for many Granges. Plus, you’ll likely experience some great leaf peeping during the drive! For planning purposes, please call Judy Dunn at 207 293-2330 and tell her you’re coming! This will be a great opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the “lessons of the Grange.”
And if you already are “degreed,” you can still attend! Mill Stream Grange has eight new members who are degree candidates. That’s exciting and worth being part of, even as an observer. But you can’t just observe. In addition to being reminded of your experience, you can be part of the altar circle, a wonderful representation of the fraternal nature of the Grange. Many would agree that “opportunities like this do not come very often.” Don’t miss this one!
But Wait, There’s More!
The folks at Mill Stream are showing their energy and enthusiasm by offering an Installation of Officers the same day at 1:00 p.m. Even re-elected officers are supposed to be installed but don’t do this because you are required. It’s a great reminder of the duties and opportunities officership offer.
So maybe charter or borrow a van and come as a group for one or both of these opportunities! A light lunch will be served for those staying for the day–one reason you need to call is to help establish a lunch count.
Years ago, there were times when Granges would come together for an entire weekend, “camping out” at the hall. A few hours on a Saturday may not be quite that intense, but it will be fun and beneficial. Mill Stream Grange is a very active Grange. (Eight new members is quite an achievement in itself!) Maybe you can learn their secrets.
“I would say my biggest and best benefit is the extended family I have found in the Grange. Where else can you go and have so many brothers and sisters? I have met so many people in my Grange travels, and they are all family.“
York Pomona will confer the Fifth Degree on Thursday, October 13, 2022. The meeting time is 7:00 PM, and there is no meal planned. The meeting will be at Bauneg Beg Grange in North Berwick. The address for GPS is 229 Morrell’s Mills Road. Contact Pomona President Missy Baldwin at 207-324-4661 for more information and to let us know if you will be bringing candidates.
Here’s an updated list (as of October 4, 2022) of Annual Reports and Program Books posted to the Program Books and Information Page. There are still a few more to come.
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Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.
For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.
Opportunity for the first Four Degrees – information given
Seeking an opportunity for the Fifth Degree – information needed
Opportunity for the Sixth Degree – information given
Four Degrees
Let’s take a quick look at some Degree Information. We have some information to give and some that is needed.
As most know, the first Four Degrees are considered “Subordinate Degrees.” They are an important part of the path to Grange Membership at the local level. We can receive the instruction for those Degrees at Mill Stream Grange on October 15, 2022!
Fifth Degree
The Fifth Degree is often referred to as the “Pomona Degree.” It is an important part of the path to Grange Membership at the Pomona Level and is most often offered at the Pomona Level. We always have a few people seeking the Fifth Degree this time of year, in part because it is a prerequisite to the Fifth Degree. On behalf of those people, we are seeking information about any Pomonas offering the Fifth Degree in the near future! Please email the webmaster with the basic information about your event!
Sixth Degree
The Sixth Degree is often referred to as the “State Degree” and signifies membership at the State Level. (Note that State Session is opened in the Sixth Degree, then lowered to the Fourth to conduct business. Completing the Sixth Degree is not required to attend.) The Sixth Degree is offered in conjunction with State Session. This year it is planned for Friday, October 21, 2022, at 2:30.Additional information is available here.
Seventh Degree
The Seventh Degree is considered the “National Degree” and, comparable to the Sixth, is offered at National Convention.
Opportunities for the first five Degrees can be offered at any time throughout the year. If your Subordinate or Community Grange is offering Degrees, please share the details so interested Grangers can attend!
This article is reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by UMaine Extension.
Are you an organization, municipality or entity serving agricultural or fishing communities in Maine? Do you have a project that addresses stress, wellness or safety in Agriculture? The Small Grants for Agricultural Wellness applications are open now until November 15th. Awards range from $1-$5,805, these grants can be used to support Maine farmers and fishers in their mental health and wellness needs (broadly defined).
Applications to the Small Grants Fund are expected to be competitive and to exceed the amount of funding available. Should this be the case, program administrators will rank applications based on a variety of criteria including projected impact, availability of requested services, and potential to support farmers and farm communities categorized by the USDA as historically socially disadvantaged or as Limited-Resource Farm Households. More information and to apply, can be found on the Maine FRSAN website.
Because of the inter-generational contacts. ALL ages and capabilities are welcome. Kids are cared about and they are learning to be respectful of their elders.
Marilyn Stinson, Enterprise Grange #48 and Maine State Junior Grange #17
What about you?
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