Communication Shorts 11-1-2024

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!

November Bulletin Coming Soon!

The deadline for submitting information to be included in the November Bulletin is November 14, 2024. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

Words for Thirds

We’re still looking for any Granges considering or already participating in the Words for Thirds Dictionary Project. Please let us know who you are!

Missing “stuff?”

As we purge older posts and clean things up, you may occasionally encounter missing photos and broken links. Remember, we only maintain two years of posts both to save space and avoid confusion. If what’s missing seems important, please let us know! Mistakes happen.

Note Regarding Contacting State Master Sherry

Please remember to use the correct email address for State Master/President Sherry. An older Gmail address is floating around, but it is not regularly checked. Also, she does not maintain any social media accounts, including Facebook.

Holiday Craft Fairs?

Many Granges offer holiday craft fairs or “makers markets.” Please submit information about yours! We offer statewide publicity and make it easy for you to share information on Social Media. If you submit it before November 15, it will be included in the November Bulletin!

Grange History Booklet Added

The 150th Anniversary Booklet is a literal treasure of historical information about Granges in Maine, including a reasonably complete list of every Grange that has existed in Maine! Check it out!

Consider this Idea!

If you are having any sort of program event, consider offering tours of your Grange Hall. Many folks are interested in learning more about both the Grange and these buildings.

Songbooks for Singing!

Ellie Collins has some Grange Songbooks that are looking for a good home!

Think about this

“If you don’t know where you are going, every road will get you nowhere.”

Henry Kissinger

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! Visitors to the site consult these directories often.

Mill Stream Grangers at State Session

Mill Stream Grange #574 members and delegates to the 2024 Maine State Grange Convention.   Front from left:  Jill Sampson (Master); Judy Dunn (Chaplain); David Dunn. Back row from left: Paul Lavender (Assistant Steward); Debbie Lavender (Treasurer); Laurie Cunningham (Secretary)

Brownville Students Gain Words!

Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine

BROWNVILLE — Grade 3 students at the Brownville Elementary School now have thousands of words and accompanying definitions at their fingertips, along with other assorted facts. The pupils do not need to worry about charged laptops or cellphones to access this information, as each of the nearly 50 youngsters now has their very own dictionary thanks to Valley Grange No. 144 of Guilford...

Check out this amazing article in the Piscataquis Observer about the words for Thirds Dictionary Day in Brownville Elementary School!

Highland Lake Grange Turkey Supper

Saturday, November 9, 2024 – 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Drive-up, Take-out only

Peaking Turkey

Highland Lake Grange will be having a roasted turkey drive-up, take-out only dinner on. There will be roasted turkey, vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, bread, cranberry sauce, and cake. The cost is $10.00 per person. Please have the exact price for the meal(s) you want. There are no substitutions or preorders; you drive up, pay, and receive your meal. The Grange is located on the corner of Route 302 and Hardy Road, Westbrook. FMI Joann 207 233 7119.

Beans at Ocean View Grange

by Larry Bailey, Master

We at the Ocean View Grange #463 have always used Great Northern Beans. We had a Bean Supper a couple of weeks ago in conjunction with our local Odd Fellows group. They always used Yellow-Eye Beans, and we may try them the next time we have a Bean Supper. This one was a great success thanks to our very hard-working Grange members and the help of the Odd Fellows.

Webmaster’s Note: Followers may remember “Beans, Beans, Beans,” a post published back in June looking for feedback on the preferred beans at Granges. While tradition is essential, is it time to experiment? The Chef’s Resource leans towards Navy Beans, and at least several sources claim smaller beans tend to be tastier!

November Grange Events in Maine

  • November 1, 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.
  • November 2, 2024, Saco Grange 150th Anniversary Celebration. Pie, History, and Music starting at 5 pm. See this post for more information.
  • November 2, 2025, Androscoggin Grange Christmas Variety Show. See this post for more information.
  • November 2, 2024, Deputy School at Maine State Grange Headquarters starts at 10:00 am. Contact Master Sherry FMI.
  • November 2-3, 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.
  • November 9, 2024, Androscoggin Grange Christmas Craft Fair. For more information, see this post.
  • November 12-16, 2024, 158th National Grange Convention in Bettendorf, IA.
  • November 14, 2024, Deadline for the MSG Bulletin
  • November 16, 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.
  • November 23, 2024 White Rock Grange Christmas Craft Fair. For more information, see this post. White Rock Grange is located in Gorham, Maine.

Here’s the complete list of Holiday Craft Fairs

Monroe Grange Store

VIsit the Monroe Grange Store

To help with any confusion, there are at least three distinctly different Grange “Stores” or sources of Grange-related products.

  1. While not an actual “store,” MSG Headquarters offers a number of items (mostly supplies, forms, etc.). Email Secretary Sharon to inquire. Some are also available for download from the Program Books and Information Page.
  2. National Grange operates the Grange Supply Store.
  3. The Monroe Grange Store (above advertisement) offers regalia, jewelry, promotional items, awards and wearables for Grange members. 

There is some overlap of products offered, so you can “shop ’til you drop!”

Last Call!

By Walter Boomsma

Well, at least for now! We still have some confirming to do, but it looks like at least ten Granges in Maine are participating in the Words for Thirds Program.

  • Chelsea Grange #215
  • East Madison Grange #228
  • Evening Star Grange #183
  • Farmington Grange #12
  • Hollis Grange #132
  • Maple Grave Grange #148
  • Mill Stream Grange #574
  • Old Town Riverside Grange #273 (unconfirmed)
  • Valley Grange #144
  • Waterford Grange #479

Thanks to the folks who have answered the call and provided information. If you still haven’t, just complete this simple form!

    Our resource page is shaping up nicely and should be ready to release in a week or so. It includes a customized logo for participating Granges, many sample documents such as a letter for parents, press releases, media advisories, and a sample presentation outline.

    We owe a special thanks to Mary French, Director of the Dictionary Project, for her enthusiasm and support of this effort!

    Grange Today! 10-25-2024

    The Newsletter of the National Grange

    Articles in this edition include:

    • National Grange Convention is just weeks away
    • Hamp: “The Grange is who I am”
    • Grange Foundation seeks Board of Directors Candidates
    • Gold sashes up for grabs at 158th Convention
    • View from the Hill
    • Older adults are at increased risk for severe RSV
    • Share Your Rural Health Story in Honor of National Rural Health Day
    • National Grange presents Events Webinar
    • Register for the Webinar: Managing Postpartum Depression in Rural America
    • Grouper pays you for social wellness
    • Volunteers needed for standards development
    • Grange Member Benefit: MemberDeals
    • Grange Store: Grange Strong Socks

      Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!

      Read THE Current Issue
      Subscribe to Grange Today!

      Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.

      Julie loves the Grange!

      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!

      I love the Grange!