Amanda Jo loves the Grange!

I love the Grange because it’s not just a place, it’s a family! It’s the sense of community and all the smiling faces!

Amanda Jo Holland, Perry Grange #324

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!

President’s Perspective — September 2022

By Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029

September is the time of installations and new Grange year beginnings. With many new officers and more returning to the same positions this is a good time to give everyone some suggestions and instructions for Grange procedure.

The following is an overview of items that should be stressed at all meetings, following the manual (the most current version of the manual is 2013 which has updates through 2019, but whatever year your manual is covers the needs of your meetings.)

You may wish to add to or subtract from this list. We fully realize that conditions and situations vary with the different Granges.

  1.  Children and Grandchildren may join the State Junior Grange, submit requests to the State Jr. Dir. Stress the importance of beginning meetings on time and ending at a reasonable time.
  2. If only seven members are present, the following Officers to be filled are: Master, Overseer, Steward, Assistant Steward or Lady Assistant Steward, Chaplain, Secretary, and Gatekeeper
  3. Emphasize the importance of committing parts to memory, (but not required) especially for Opening and Closing, the Obligation Ceremony and Degrees when conferred.
  4. Following the manual, instruct proper procedures for Opening and Closing in full form.
  5. To open in “full form” means to follow the prescribed Ritual/instructions in the Grange manual, which includes opening the Bible, taking the passwords & reporting, Salute to the Flag, opening the implement case and the Salutation given (prescribed hand salute) and the Charter in the hall.
  6. The word “Ritual” means a set routine or pattern of conducting the meeting each time you meet.
  7. Demonstrate Grange Salutation. (Read the specific instructions from the Code Book on how to make the Signs and Salutation properly. Encourage and assist with reading from the Code Book.) Demonstrate the Voting Sign.
  8. Demonstrate Flag Presentation, Balloting, and Draping of the Charter. Do you need instructions?
  9. The Gatekeeper may come into the hall after the completion of the Flag Salute during the Opening after the Master has rapped the gavel to seat the Grange.
  10. The Obligation Ceremony and Welcome Ceremony may be used, but full Degrees (degree means a level in the Grange) are recommended to be viewed or read thru by the Grange. However, since it is harder and harder to get a team together or to take your candidates somewhere else, encourage the Grange to read aloud through each Degree, even one degree at a time, at four different meetings. This gets everyone involved and is less overwhelming than viewing the degrees all at once. Don’t keep the prospective members waiting. (There is a Pomona Obligation Ceremony also, encourage its use.)
  11. Candidates who are waiting for degree work may come into the hall for the opening. Prospective members may attend a meeting.
  12. Stress the importance of prompt advance payment and collection of dues. Encourage the Secretary and the Grange make every possible effort to save a member. Delinquent members should have three notices, one a personal contact before they are suspended.
  13. Granges are to keep their by-laws up to date, in writing (a copy to be on file at State Office). Changes must be made with a 2/3 vote of those present and voting of the Grange at a subsequent regular meeting after the initial reading of the proposed change. After the vote to adopt, the changes must be submitted in writing to the State Master for approval, you must write out the current section of the by-law(s) and write out what changes are to be made.
  14. Your Grange is required to meet at least once a month and open the meeting in full form. You may meet more than once a month as desired, but must open in full form each time. (A minimum of 7 members must attend for a quorum to hold a legal meeting.)
  15. All funds, regardless of who is holding the money, should be reported by a specific committee or under “Bills and Accounts” at every meeting. All Grange and committee accounts are to be audited at least yearly by either the finance committee or the Executive Committee of the Grange. All Grange accounts should have at least two (2) signers of different families on each account, and all persons who handle monies are required by our by-laws to be bonded.
  16. Do you have a plan for fundraising? What are your needs?
  17. Encourage community service and participation in the Community Service contest; at least send in the Community Service Report form, even if you are not doing a lot.
  18. The Salutation before the Overseer upon entering or retiring is no longer mandatory at the Subordinate level, though encouraged. It is recommended that this be demonstrated with member participation so that members are comfortable with this procedure. The raps and passwords must be used. Going before the Overseer is still in use at the Pomona level, to leave the meeting.
  19. Assist in installing officers of the Granges if possible. Encourage joint installations. The Installation Ceremony could be more informative to the members and the Officers if each Officer take turns reading the charges at other times besides the Installation meeting. It could be spread out over several meetings giving more time to absorb the messages. There is an alternative Installation Ceremony now available for use, it is about half the length of the original ceremony but still gives the Officers duties and instructions.
  20. There are many published items to help in your work, look on the National Grange website or the Maine State Grange website. Items may be requested to be emailed or standard mail.
  21. When you ask, “Have reports to Pomona and State Grange been duly and promptly made?” This covers quarterly dues reports and includes year-end reports of committees, requests for roster information, survey, and any other information requested by Pomona or State offices.
  22. Are your Committees active and reporting? After elections are completed, the Master selects or appoints the chair for the needed committees, the appointed chair takes over upon Installation of officers and remains chair until the next election & installation. The Master can appoint their committee, or the Chair can make their own selections.
  23. Guest speakers and visitors are welcome to sit in on a meeting even during the full opening.
  24. Encourage participation in various contests, attending other meetings, conferences, etc.
  25. Attempt to get the Grange to send a listing of upcoming meetings and events for the Maine Grange Bulletin and website at least two months in advance with reminders. Encourage members with the internet to subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website.
  26. Promote good publicity — Grange newsletter, press, radio, etc.
  27. Encourage Open House and Booster Night meetings during Grange Month or at other times as good Grange promotion.
  28. Encourage your members to get involved with Junior activities (includes ages 5 – 14) even if the Grange does not have a Junior Grange

 

Phil loves the Grange!

Why I love the Grange is the feeling of belonging. It really is the definition of family.

Phil Roberts, Jonesboro Grange #357

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!

Grange Heirloom — September 2022

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 responses link at the top right and share your comment with us!

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.

Houlton Grange Curtain Travels Home

Well, almost home. Since the Houlton Grange is closed and the hall is gone, it’s about as close as it can get, thanks to Jamie Millar, a Houlton Native who continues to support his hometown roots. How the 12 x 18 foot curtain ended up in an antique shop in Texas remains a mystery but it is now owned by the Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum. It hangs in the County Co-Op and Farm Store in downtown Houlton. An easel near the entrance of the store offers a brief history of the Houlton Grange.

The complete story and photos appear in the Bangor Daily News today.

We became aware of the story thanks to links to the Maine State Grange Website. The article incorrectly lists 1879 as the date Houlton Grange closed–probably a typo. But does accurately note that in 1924, the Houlton Grange was the largest in the world, with a membership of over 1,000.

Rebecca loves the Grange!

I love the feeling of being part of something that actively tries to help the community.

“The other Rebecca,” Jonesboro Grange #357

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!

Rebekah loves the Grange!

 The Grange has given me a beautiful, caring family and has provided so many opportunities to be present our community, outside of our Grange building walls. I truly enjoy community service and the Grange has given me an outlet to serve Down East, Maine and beyond. The opportunities to grow within the Grange are unlimited. I love the rich Grange history. It’s an honor to be part of this family!

Rebekah Hodgson, Jonesboro Grange #357

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!

Easy Community Service Project?

Did you know that since 2012, the Bangor Savings Bank Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive has collected more than 83,000 jars that have been donated to local food insecurity programs? That’s a lot of sandwiches!

While it’s not an official Grange Program, it’s an easy one to support. Members could do this as individuals–or your Grange could collect donations and deliver them all at once. Take a photo of the delivery!

Jars of peanut butter or jelly can be dropped off at any Maine or New Hampshire Bangor Savings branch during operating hours from Thursday, September 1, 2022, through Friday, September 30, 2022. For each donation received, Bangor Savings Bank will donate one additional jar of peanut butter or jelly to local food insecurity programs.

Peanut butter, a protein-rich food item, is too often in short supply and in high demand at local food insecurity programs. And what’s a more classic pair than peanut butter and jelly? Something as simple as donating a jar can make a big difference to a neighbor in need. And with school back in session, we can support our local schools and backpack programs by donating a jar of peanut butter or jelly!

Judy loves the Grange!

 I love that the Jonesboro Grange is like one big extended family. The Jonesboro Grange does a lot of community events for the public.

Judy Lyons, Jonesboro Grange #357

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!

Maine Farmer Wellness Fund Available

This article is reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Are you a farmer or farm worker in Maine? The Maine Farmer Wellness Fund is now accepting applications until September 30th. Distributed in amounts of $100, $250, or $500, these funds can be used to support Maine farmers in their mental health and wellness needs (broadly defined). Farm workers and farmers of color will be prioritized. For more information and to apply, see the Maine Farmer Wellness Fund application form