Happy Labor Day!

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.

Welcome, New Members!

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

Winthrop #209
Robert Faucher

Valley Grange Wants PB & J

Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine.


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! 

  1. 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. ↩︎

Notes from National – August 2024

  • 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.

Highland Lake Grange Honors Farrell

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 Events

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 Chili Contest, 12 – 2 pm. FMI and rules 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.
  • September 21, 2024, Wayside Grange Concert featuring Denny Breau; doors open at 6:30 pm. More information at Wayside Grange & Theatre Facebook Page.
  • September 27, 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).

Grange Today! 8-23-2024

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • Presidential Perspective
  • Another Reason Membership Matters
  • Communication Fellows Ready to Tell the #GrangeStory
  • View from the Hill
  • National Programs Await Youth Participation
  • Granges Encouraged to Apply for Federal Grant
  • Celebrating National Immunization Awareness Month
  • Grange Store & Benefits

Upcoming Deadlines:

  • September 1 – Applications/Entries due for most National Grange Contests

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

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

Ocean View Grange Serves

The Ocean View Grange No.463 in Martinsville, Maine, was formed in 1906 and completed building the Grange Hall in 1909. Since then, our Grange has been a major contributor to our community and serves as a venue for all types of family, community, and special occasions.  We are working to restore the Grange structure and integrity so that we may continue to help and provide for our friends and neighbors. Some of the programs, services, and opportunities we provide are:

1.        Road Clean-up—We adopt a road each year, and our members walk the route, picking up trash along the way, to keep St George beautiful. All residents of St George benefit from this task.

2.       Flag Day—Each year, Grange members meet at a local cemetery to place new American flags on the graves of our fallen servicemen and women. This event benefits the families and participants as it instills honor and pride in those who served us.

 3.       Heat Fund—We raise funds throughout the year via suppers, donations, etc., to provide fuel for St George residents who are unable to pay for fuel oil or other fuels for the winter. A few winters ago, we provided over $8,000 to supply fuel for those who needed it. This helps not only those who get the fuel but enhances the neighborly feeling of all St George residents, knowing we care for our neighbors.

 4.        Annual Donations—We raise food, supplies, etc., for the local Humane Society at our Christmas meeting, or, in some years, we adopt a local family and provide them with Christmas presents. The families or critters all benefit. In addition, we purchase and deliver a large number of personal items for the veterans at the Togus Veterans Hospital.

 5.       Facilities Donation—We donate the use of the Grange Hall at no cost for various Community programs, such as the library’s authors’ speaking series, the annual free string quartet presentation, fund-raisers for ill or needy people, Georges River Land Trust…etc. The Town citizens all benefit.

 6.       Farmers Market – Four years ago, we started a weekly farmers’ market at our Grange. There is no charge, and anyone who wants to sell their produce can set up a table. It has been a huge success, and the folks in town love it.

 7.       The Grange Hall is one of the few venues used for birthdays, family gatherings, wedding receptions, memorial services, bean suppers, flea markets, art shows, etc.

Heating Assistance Program Opens

Reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.

The Maine Housing Authority (MaineHousing) announced earlier this month that the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has opened for applications for the 2025 program year. MaineHousing anticipates the program’s funding to remain the same as last year at just over $41 million.

During the last heating season, the program provided fuel assistance benefits to approximately 51,000 households, which was 22% above projections. MaineHousing said the program should serve a similar amount of households this year; and if demand is higher, a waitlist similar to the process implemented this past spring will be used.

Maine’s HEAP program, also referred to as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is a grant funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is administered by MaineHousing in collaboration with Maine’s community action agencies and ProsperityME. The grant provides funding for fuel assistance benefits and other critical programs such as the Emergency Crisis Intervention Program for households about to run out of fuel, the Central Heating Improvement Program that repairs or replaces faulty furnaces, and the Weatherization Program to improve home efficiency.

During the past several years, MaineHousing and its partners have made changes to the program to reduce barriers for applicants. A new software platform is being implemented that will further streamline the application process and improve the online application function. The benefit determination method has also been redesigned to ensure that a larger benefit is allocated to households that need it most – those with the lowest income and the greatest energy burden.

With its limited funding, the HEAP program is not an emergency heating assistance program but rather a supplement that is usually provided to a household’s fuel vendor for use at some point during the year. Most applicants are required to have a meeting with a community action agency or partner as part of the application process, and it’s important to note that these meetings are often scheduled several weeks out from the time of application.

To find a nearby community action agency, visit MaineHousing’s website.