Exploring Traditions – July, 2024

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

When Useless Things Aren’t

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

I briefly considered taking a sabbatical from writing this column during a summer road trip that spans two months. Then it occurred to me that I might find a connection between the trip and the columns. Plus, I can justify writing about the trip I’m so looking forward to!

Occasionally, I allow myself to speculate on the differences between the “Grange Way of Life” during the formative years of the organization and today. It’s easy to see the differences, but it’s fun and valuable to identify the similarities. An important value of tradition and ritual is familiarity. When we attend a Grange Meeting, we probably park in the same place each time. Our predecessors likely stabled their horses accordingly.

While it wasn’t totally intentional, this summer’s road trip is about tradition. We’ll spend a week among the Amish in Ohio, where we last visited nearly forty years ago. I’ve been warned to expect a lot of change, so I plan to look for things that haven’t changed much. Since the Amish accept change hesitantly and deliberately, what better place to look?

The ultimate objective of the trip is Scott, Michigan–the home of Tillers International. Here I will spend four days learning how to train and drive a team of oxen. Why?

If you’ll permit a digression, many years ago, I was part of a team of Grangers who answered the phones at a PBS telethon. Viewers were invited to call with questions as well as donations. We wrote down the questions and handed them to the celebrity hosts for on-air replies. The program running during the telethon featured classical music including some Italian Opera. During one of my calls, the caller asked, “Why is that guy singing in Italian?” When I showed the question to Rick Tyler, he grabbed the paper and walked towards the camera. I remember it as if it was yesterday. He stood in front of the camera and read the question, then explained, “He’s singing in Italian because he can, Rose.”

At the time, I found it funny. After laughing, I realized it was also insightful. Sometimes we need to do things just because we can–that’s enough of a reason.

In my early explanations of why I was attending this workshop, I often joked, “It may be one of the most useless things I’ve ever done.” I suppose I could just say, “Because I can.” Do we really have to have a reason for everything we do?

Maybe, instead of seeking memorable experiences, we could seek experiences (even ones that seem useless) and then see if they become memorable and useful.

My friends, the person who has been speaking to you is that worst of enemies to progress—ignorance, attended by his companions, sloth and superstition. Give them no heed if you hope to advance.

Assistant Steward to candidates during the First Degree

The Grange Way of Life goes beyond being open to experiences and learning. If we are to progress and grow, we must abandon ignorance, sloth (laziness), and superstition (commonly seen as fear of the unknown). While it’s not limited to vacations, they can be a great time to try something different and, maybe even a little bit crazy.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

They are waiting patiently.

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-sixth edition of the 2013 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Communications Column – July 2024

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

A writer’s choice, an editor’s decision

Sometimes the question is more important than the answer!

A colleague who writes fiction posted a question in our writer’s forum. His forthcoming book includes a character who uses some bigoted slurs and language. The author was rightfully concerned about the effect the language might have on readers and how he should handle it.

Ironically, as I reviewed a website post on the same day, I faced the decision of whether or not to delete an adjective that, while not offensive, could be considered discriminatory.

Writing and editing are more art than science. This is one reason I don’t fear AI (artificial intelligence), but that would be a digression.

To my writing colleague, I suggested that we writers must not become so obsessed with the fear of offending someone that we forget the ultimate purpose of writing.

As an editor, I focus on the fact anything that appears on the website or in the Bulletin reflects on the Grange as an organization. Offending people is not in our best interest.

In both cases, there can be some hard decisions as we strive to find the delicate balance. The standard for a fictional novel will be different from the standard for publications representing an organization. And while communication, by its nature, is never perfectly done, we have to try to create understanding. “Free speech” does not equate to “irresponsible speech.”

Hopefully, editors exist to improve communication. Ultimately, it’s not an exact science because the reader contributes much to the process of the words used by the writer. If you’ve ever been misunderstood, you know what that means.

My intent here is not to start a political discussion but rather to create an awareness that society is increasingly sensitive to word choices. Writers and speakers do well to be considerate and can unintentionally cause problems when they are not.

Here’s a simple example. Have you noticed that when I refer to the head of a committee, I use the term “chair” instead of “chairman?” It’s just a simple example of “gender neutrality.” Another example from the news is changing “policemen” to “police officers.” Occupations are gender-neutral and should be referred to accordingly.

I can offer another example of how word choice can be important. This was actually a few years ago, before the heightened sensitivity. Someone only slightly familiar with the Grange explained, “When I see events listed, I assume a meeting is for members only, but a program can be attended by anyone.”

Isn’t that interesting?

“ I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant”

Alan Greenspan

With a little focus and by working together, we can decrease the chances of that happening.

► FACT: The third most visited post in the past seven days was the list of new members! People are hungry for good news from Granges!

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President’s Perspective – July 2024

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

Richard and I had a good time as part of the Maine group that attended the NE Lecturers Conference in CT. A variety of workshops were presented, activities, entertainment, tours, food, and friends.

The 150th Anniversary was a success, with about 55 Grangers and 10 Juniors attending. Thank you for coming, and thanks to all who helped in any way: cleaning, changing light bulbs, setting up tables, bringing food, setting up, taking part in the program, clearing away, and saving me some goodies. Thank you, Juniors, for weeding and sprucing up the memorial garden as a Community Service activity. It was a very casual afternoon with lots of visiting, reminiscing, hugs, and a wide variety of yummy, yummy sweets & snacks! Everything was done downstairs throughout the house (the chairlift was out of order). Souvenir 150th booklets were printed for our guests to take, listing all 593 Maine Granges, when they were organized & closure dates; all State Officers & dates they served; Annual State Sessions dates & places; National Sessions in Maine; and Maine Grangers who served as National Grange Officers; and assorted moments in State Grange history. Special 150th pads of paper were also passed out.  I would like to do the same thing in the north or Downeast.

There were posters, memorabilia, assorted photo albums, and other unique items to look at. The attendees participated in a meet the officers scavenger hunt to fill in a questionnaire with the name of a different officer for each question. Richard and I were very disappointed we couldn’t be there because we had been exposed to Covid on Wednesday.

Mike Griffin was MC for the program which consisted of a welcome by Darrell Huff, Moments in History by Missy Baldwin., membership information by Sharon Morton. Jim Owens. talked about the officers albums he has custody of, the Juniors performed a song, the officer questionnaire was reviewed with much laughter, several folks gave some of their experiences, door prizes were drawn and “It’s A Good Thing To Be A Granger” was sung by all. Thanks for making the day a success.

Since we are already in the middle of July, it’s time to start mentioning the State Grange session. One final reminder: You have less than one month to get your resolutions into the office by August 15 by standard mail and/or email. Resolutions must be read and voted on in your Grange before submitting them to the State for consideration.  

The 150th Annual State Grange Session is Oct. 18 & 19 at the Auburn Masonic Hall, 1021 Turner St, Auburn. Delegate registration, full schedule, meal, and motel information will be sent to the Granges soon. The Residence Inn (207-777-3400) in Auburn has agreed to give us a discount this year. You must ask for the Maine State Grange Annual Session group rate.

Friday, October 18 – 1:00 p.m. opening & business. 2:00 State Master’s Address.  2:45 Memorial Service,  3:45  Resolutions and National Grange Rep. guest speaker,  6:00 p.m. Banquet by Pine Cone Eastern Star Chapter here in the Masonic Hall – tickets purchased in advance. Awards will be presented upstairs after the banquet:  Junior Presentation, Community Service, Family Health & Hearing, Membership, Educational Aid and Howe’s Nurses Scholarships, CWA and other awards.

Saturday, October 19– 9:00 a.m. opening, acceptance of budget, election of officer(s), resolutions and reports mixed in with election as needed & installation of officers, 12:00 Ag Luncheon – tickets purchased in advance. 1:30 Call back to order – business continues. Saturday Oct 19 — 2:30 p.m. Conferral of the Sixth Degree($10 fee for 6th Degree candidates) (must have had the 5th Degree or 5th Degree Obligation to take the 6th Degree).

Junior Report — July 2024

By Betty Young
207 786-2120
Terry LaCombe Stevens,
207 356-2492
Co-directors

Maine State Junior Grange met at Headquarters in Augusta during the Sesquicentennial Celebration. It was a busy day of birdhouse crafting, pizza, chocolate, singing, and working on the Jr Garden. Thank you to our Junior Grange Alumnus William for the chocolate and helping supervise. (We have an open spot at camp if you are available.) We plan on continuing the
garden work in September.

We had planned on meeting at Tranquility Grange in July, but members will go to Enterprise. Members who are able to volunteer at Enterprise Grange on July 20th should contact Junior Committee Member Marilyn Stinson. Enterprise Grange has a fun day planned for the community and would welcome adult and Junior volunteers or game participants.

Highland Lake Grange is hosting the 2024 Junior Grange Overnight Camp on August 3rd-5th! Kathy Gowen is a past Junior Director and does a fantastic job planning and making Junior Grange fun. If you are interested in helping, enrolling a child, or donating to our camp, contact a co-director, Kathy Gowen, or Maine State Grange. Our 2024 Junior Grange camp is free and open to all children.

Next Year, the Maine State Junior Grange has plans to meet quarterly instead of every month and will include a Youth Grange member age14+. They will meet at the same time as the Junior Grange; however, they will have the Youth Grange Program and work with two leaders autonomously. Contact co-director Betty or Terry with any questions, concerns, or comments. We are always looking for new Junior members and committee members. We use Safe Gatherings Background Checks for adults working with our Juniors/Youth. If you would like to host JR/ Youth Grange next year, please contact us. We will help you plan the event and arrange all the details, or you can plan the day. We will enjoy the time at your Grange, with or without new children. Our team would enjoy installing your Jr Plus One(s) and Youth.

Stay cool and safe, and don’t forget to like our Facebook page.

Junior Grangers get some work done and participate in the Sesquicentennial Celebration

New Maine Members!

According to Good Day! magazine, the following Maine Granges took in the following (more than fifty!) new members.

Bauneg Beg #382
Pam Gerry

Cambridge Valley #582
Gail A. Watson

Fairview #342
Mika Levitt
Nicole Vera

Jonesboro #357
Janice Philbrook

Merriconeag #425
Jim Alexander
Jan Davis
Abigail Hight
Will Hight
Elizabeth Manning

North Jay #10
Angelia Courchesney

Norway #45
Dennis Fenney
Jeffrey K. Windom

Saco #53
Pamely Beckley

South Sangerville #335
Warren Nuite

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 Slegona
Cheryl Wienges
Karen Womer

Trenton #550
Robert Alison
Greg Askires
Joanna Dotts
Lynn Gregonel
Bing Miller
Teryn Miller
Mary Turner
Cecila Zaveskotis

Union Harvest #591
Deborah Bailey
Beatrice Martin
Jeffrey Todd

Victor #49
Margaret Blair
William Blair
Donald Green
Joyce Green
Samuel Green
Adam Lerette
Joe Robles
Lisa Robles
Richard Tompkins
Sherry Tompkins
Mark Williamson
Sabrina Williamson

Winthrop #209
Robert Faucher

Grange Heirloom — July 2024

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.

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 “leave a comment” link at the left and share your comment with us!

For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.

Happy Fourth!

The Fourth of July – also known as Independence Day or July 4th – has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941; yet the tradition of Independence Day celebrations dates back to the 18th century and the American Revolutionary War.

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Britain. Two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence allowed Congress to seek alliances with foreign countries, and the fledgling U.S. formed its most important alliance early in 1778 with France. Without France’s support, America might well have lost the Revolutionary War.

The war waged by the American colonies against Britain, which began more than a year earlier in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord near Boston, would eventually end when British forces surrendered in Yorktown, Virginia. Yet the Declaration and America’s victory had far-reaching effects around the globe as other nations saw a small novel nation win its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

From 1776 to today, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. This year’s Independence Day celebrating the nation’s 248th birthday will be on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter by Senator Stacey Guerin, Maine Senate District 4.

The Chaplain’s View – July 2024

Christine Hebert, MSG Chaplain
(207) 743-5277

The Ten Commandments

One of the Ten Commandments is to “Love our neighbor as ourselves.” I would like to think we all follow this commandment! Here is only one example

If someone is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won’t help him—how can God’s love be within him? Little children let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. Then we will know for sure. By our actions, that we are on God’s side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.

            But if we have bad consciences and feel that we have done wrong, the Lord will surely feel it even more,*for he knows everything we do. But dearly loved friends, if our consciences are clear, we can come to the Lord with perfect assurance and trust, and get whatever we ask for because we are obeying him and doing the things that please him.

1 John 3:17-22 (The Living Bible)

I can think of a time when I could have helped someone out and chose not to. I certainly felt awful about it and wished I had it to do over again, but I don’t. So, I have asked for forgiveness and know that God has forgiven me. We can all learn a lesson from this.    

Reporters Wanted!

Stick figure press

No worries! It’s not THAT difficult!

With all the great Grange events around the state this summer, we should be able to show our communities the opportunities the Grange offers and how successful our programs and events are!

You won’t earn cash, but you will get credit. Consider yourself appointed as a reporter for the Maine State Website.

Smartphone photos are welcome for posting. Send them by email to webmaster@mainestategrange.org. Include at least a few details–think of it as captioning your photo so we know what it’s about. Remember the “who, what, where, when” basics.

We’ll try to keep this simple but here are a few guidelines.

  • Photos of children require the written permission of a parent or guardian to publish. A form is available here. The fact that the child is with a parent is not sufficient.
  • Courtesy and respect are important! Even with adults, explain that you’d like the photo posted on the website.
  • One of the common rules of press/media photography is “no feet! When taking a posed photo of a group, move in close and try to shoot above the waist. Time permitting, we’ll crop and edit if needed.
  • Additional information is available in the MSG Communications Handbook.
MSG Communications Department

Of course, written stories without photos work, too! We’re here to help! Send us what you have and we’ll write, edit, and let you know if we need additional information. Let’s show off the Grange!

The codfish lays ten thousand eggs,
The homely hen lays one.
The codfish never cackles
To tell you what she's done.
And so we scorn the codfish,
While the humble hen we prize,
Which only goes to show you
That it pays to advertise.

Grange Today! 6-14-2024

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • Presidential Perspective
  • National Grange Hosts Webinar about Supporting Patient Access to Non-opioid Pain Medicines
  • Potlucks: Summer Fun can be Sustainable
  • Updates to National Grange Youth Programming
  • Oregon State Grange Elects New Leader
  • Community Service Department Updates
  • Celebrate Junior Grange Month
  • View from the Hill
  • Take Action on Obesity
  • Grange Store & Benefits

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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.