Reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.
New Ventures Maine, a statewide program of the University of Maine at Augusta that has helped Maine residents venture in new directions for over 40 years through tuition-free programs for career, business, and financial education, has announced its next set of fall classes and workshops.
Offered at no cost to all Maine adults, the program includes in-person and online options as well as one-on-one coaching. They offer one-day programs and course-length classes that encourage and empower those thinking about making a change to take the next step towards financial security, a new career or even a new business.
With topics ranging from job searches, resume strategies and money management to career choices, interviewing and building confidence, the classes and workshops are easy to enroll in and some can even be taken at your own pace. For more information about course offerings and how to sign up, as well as success stories and other resources, please visit their website.
Met a lot of great people throughout the years. Joined in the early 80’s both Granges dismantled that I belonged to rejoined again a couple of years ago. Great organization!!!!!
Julie Cortright, Saco Grange #53
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!
It is the time of year when we especially thank God for the bountiful harvest from our gardens and fields. We are grateful as our pantries and barns are filled with healthy provisions for the coming winter.
“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shall thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shall not glean the vineyard, neither shall thou gather every grape of the vineyard; thou shall leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God.”
Leviticus: 19:9-10 KJV
“…and another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on a cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
Revelation: 14:15 KJV
I look forward to seeing you all at Maine State Grange Session.
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!
September Bulletin Deadline
The September Bulletin Deadline is September 14, 2024. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.
Danville Junction Grange Bingo Postponed
Danville Junction Grange will resume Bingo at the Grange Hall on Saturday, December 7, instead of in September, as previously mentioned. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.
Monroe Grange Store Reminder
This is just a reminder that the Monroe Grange Store has many Grange-related products available—even the hard-to-find stuff! They can help with fundraising programs, custom-printed apparel, promotional items, awards, signs, and banners.Check out their Grange Store!
State Session Page Is Updated
A page dedicated to the 2024 State Session now has a “packet of information” that includes the forms necessary to reserve meals. We’ve recently posted a copy of the 2023 Journal of Proceedings, a record of last year’s convention.
Many Contest Deadlines Are Coming Up
Get your entries in! Officers and directors note that annual reports and program books are coming due.
Consider this Idea!
Where’s your Grange’s Cornucopia? What’s it look like? It just might be time for rehabbing your “horn of plenty” and having it prominently displayed somewhere in the hall. H-O-P-E!
Think about this!
“Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you into trouble.”
Frank Tyger
Submit News! Be “famous”
Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!
Online Directories Available 24-7
The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct!
Information reprinted from an e-newsletter by Maine Senator Stacy Guerin, District 4
Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the achievements of America’s workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being.
Before it became a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized initially by individual states. New York was the first state to introduce a bill recognizing Labor Day; but Oregon was the first to actually pass a law in 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating the holiday.
By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday and Congress passed an act on June 28, 1894, making the first Monday in September of each year the legal holiday.
For many, the three-day holiday weekend marks the unofficial end of summer as public schools and colleges return to class. It also serves as the turning point for Maine’s weather as September is when the fall foliage season begins in the north. The month also marks the harvest season for Maine’s agricultural sector.
New members, as reported in the July 2024 Issue of Good Day!
Congratulations to Tranquility Grange for adding 18 new members, Victor Grange for 11, and Trenton Grange for welcoming 9. A hearty welcome to all 56 new Patrons of Husbandry who will enjoy the “Grange Way of Life.” Don’t forget, we’d love to hear your answer to “Why I Love the Grange!”
Bauneg Beg #382 Pam Gerry
Fairview #342 Mika Levitt Nicole Vera
Merriconeag #425 Jim Alexander Jan Davis Abigail Hight Will Hight Elizabeth Manning
South Sangerville #335 Warren Nuite
Trenton #550 Robert Allison Greg Askires Joanna Dotts Lynn Gregonei Bing Miller Macy Miller Teryn Miller Mary Turner Cecla Zaveskotis
Union Harvest #591 Deborah Bailey Beatrice Martin Jeffrey Todd
Victor #49 Margaret Blair William Blair Donald Green Joyce Green Adam Lerette Joe Robles Lisa Robles Richard Tompkins Sherry Tompkins Mark Williamson Sabrina Williamson
Cambridge Valley #582 Gail A. Watson
Jonesboro #357 Janice Philbrook
North Jay #10 Angelia Courchesney
Norway #45 Dennis Feeney Jeffrey Windom
Tranquility #344 Diane Berenzy Lee Cronin Dwight Emerson Wade Graham Elizabeth Hand Jany Hardy Stephen Hardy DeAnna Hartel Alan Larson Sandy Lehman Diane O’Brien Robert Olsen Pat Shannon Jack Silverio Susan Silverio Cyrene Dlegona Cheryl Wienges Karen Womer
Again this year, Valley Grange is supporting Bangor Savings Bank’s annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive! During the month of September, we’ll be collecting and donating jars of peanut butter and jelly. All donations will be distributed to local food insecurity programs in our communities—from food pantries to backpack programs to local shelters, and more. The PB&J Drive is all about coming together to spread kindness and make a difference in our communities.
Since 2012, the Bangor Savings Bank Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive has collected more than 120,000 jars and donated them to local food insecurity programs. That’s over 100,000 children, families, and individuals impacted by your donations! In over 12 years, BSB employees, customers, and communities helped provide the equivalent of nearly 2 million peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for those experiencing food insecurity.
Donating a jar can make a big difference to a neighbor in need. Peanut butter, a protein-rich food item, is too often in short supply and in high demand at local food insecurity programs. By donating jars, you’re helping to provide a simple yet impactful meal option for those in need. And with school back in session, let’s support our local schools and backpack programs by donating a jar of peanut butter or jelly to the PB&J Drive!
Jars can be brought to our Valley Grange meeting on Friday, September 20th, dropped off at the hall anytime (there’s a tote on the porch), or given to any member.1 If it’s more convenient, just drop them off at any branch. (Tell ’em Valley Grange sent you!) If you have any questions or need some help, contact Community Service Chair Mary Annis or Program Director Walter Boomsma. You can also visit the Valley Grange Website or Facebook Page. Spread the word! (Pun intended.)
By the way, this is a “two-fer” opportunity! For each donation received, Bangor Savings Bank will donate one additional jar of peanut butter or jelly to local food insecurity programs!
Note that this program is conducted throughout Bangor Savings Bank’s service area, and anyone–Grange or individual–can participate! Just take your donation to an local branch. ↩︎
With September upon us, we are in the home stretch to the National Grange Convention. We are holding a special Zoom meeting on September 4th about this year’s Convention that I would encourage all to sign in for.
Notes from National are gleaned from an email provided by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director.
On August 20th, members of Highland Lake Grange No. 87 presented the Grange’s 2024 Community Service Award to Jim Farrell, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the City of Westbrook over his lifetime, specifically his role in founding Westbrook Volunteer Rescue in 1969 (along with Frank Donahue). Grange member and former Westbrook police officer, firefighter, and mayor Mike Sanphy and Ronald Jones, former deputy chief of Westbrook EMS, spoke on Jim’s achievements. Many members of Jim’s family and friends attended the ceremony (including two of Frank’s children), which was held at Jim’s residence at Stroudwater Lodge Assisted Living Center. Refreshments and fellowship followed the ceremony. The Grange thanks the Westbrook Historical Society’s Bucket Brigade for creating an excellent slide show.
Dave Gowen, Master of Highland Lake Grange shares a happy moment with Jim Farrell
Congratulations, Jim!
Jim Farrell responds with appreciation.
The Westbrook Historical Society’s Bucket Brigade focreated an excellent slide show.
September is a busy Grange Month! Lots of events, contest deadlines, etc. Is your Grange event listed?
September 1, 2024, Lecturer’s Skit Writing, Poetry Writing, and Book Reading Contest entries are due.
September 1, 2024, Community Service and FHH Reports are due.
September 6, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
September 6, 2024,Community Potluck Supper at Trenton Grange, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
September 7, 2024, Victor Grange 150th Anniversary Celebration with a meal at noon followed by a program at 1 pm. See this post for more information.
September 7-8, 2024, Community Bazaar (crafts, farmers’ market, yard sale…) at Trenton Grange from 9 am until 2 pm both days. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
September 10, 2024, St George Grange Community Supper at 5 pm. Adults $10, Children $5, under 10 free. For more information, see this post.
September 12, 2024, Blood Drive at Harraseeket Grange in Freeport, 12 – 5 pm.
September 13, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
September 14, 2024, Minnie Welts Bridge Scholarship Supper, 4:30-6:00 pm, at the Parkman Grange Hall on the corner of St Hwy 150 and North Dexter Rd. The supper will be pork loin, potatoes, salads, and dessert, by donation.
September 14, 2024, Androscoggin Grange #8 Breakfast from 7 am to 9 am before the Greene Village Day Parade starts! $8.00 per person. FMI see this post!
September 14, 2024: Androscoggin Grange Roaring 20s Celebration, 6 pm, includes hors-d’oeuvres, mocktails, and dancing! See this post for FMI!
September 14, 2024, Androscoggin Grange Pie Baking Contest, 11 am. See this post FMI!
September 14, 2024, Deadline for the MSG Bulletin
September 14, 2024, MSG Lecturers’ Conference at Manchester Grange. Contact MSG Lecturer Missy Baldwin for More information.
September 17, 2024, Special Piscataquis Pomona Meeting at Wayside Grange at 7 pm.
September 20, 2024, Trenton Grange Farmers Market, 3 pm – 6 pm. 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. Vendors contact Beth Warner at 207 664-4164 or zeppa@ aol.com. Free admission. (Vendor/booth fee).
September 20, 2024, Senior Circle at Victor Grange in Fairfield. Potluck lunch at 11 am for Seniors to get together with others for socializing, networking and a game or two. Held the 3rd Friday monthly. FMI Deb 207-453-4844 or Sherri 207-815-0615. No Charge.
September 21, 2024, Junior Grange Meeting at Headquarters. Contact Director Betty Young for more information.
