Fraternal Concern – Wesley Ryder

It becomes my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Wes Ryder on October 7, 2023. Wes was a past Master of both Stevens Mills and Danville Junction Granges and served as a Maine State Grange Deputy. Wes was also known for his poetry and description of the Grange as a place for Friends, Family, Food, and Fun.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation in his honor to the Danville Junction Grange #65 Scholarship Fund can do so by sending it to 48 Pond Road, Raymond, ME 04071.

A private burial service will be held at Mt Auburn Cemetery. Arrangements are by Funeral Alternatives, and a full obituary is available here. You can also sign the guest book with your message and memories.

When I spoke to Glenys, she shared, “Grange has always been a huge part of Wes’s life.  He was born into a Grange family, and when he joined at fourteen, he became very active at both the Subordinate and Pomona levels.  Later, he enjoyed being a deputy of the Maine State Grange.  He loved going to Lecturer’s Conferences and state conventions.  His proudest moment, however, was when he received his 70-year Membership Certificate!”

Cards for Glenys can be sent to Glenys Ryder, 1267 Old Danville Road,
Auburn, ME 04210.

Exploring Traditions – October 2023

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

It’s Not in the Manual…

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

Many of our Grange Traditions aren’t covered in the Manuals we often refer to for help with the Ritual. But they are no less important.

I recently called attention to one that happens during many Grange Meetings when the Master asks, “Are any members in sickness or distress?” Typically, the Chaplain reaches for a box of cards, and when the answer is affirmative, one is passed around for members to sign.

Like many traditions and rituals, this part of the meeting can become almost automatic. Occasionally, we ought to stop and remember this portion of our meeting strongly reflects our fraternal nature in a very visible manner. A fraternity demonstrates friendship and mutual support within a group. Sending a card does that.

A hospice nurse recently did some listening and some research. She has a 94-year-old patient who “talks about the Grange and his 70+ year membership on a daily basis.” She found me through the Maine State Grange Website and wondered if the Grange might “have some information” or be willing to reach out to him. (His circumstances are such that he is separated from his family and Grange.) I immediately thought of our Chaplain and her box of cards. Then I realized we could start a card shower for him.

When I finally went off autopilot, I decided to write to him and send him a copy of my book, “Exploring Traditions.” I also leveraged my position as Communications Director to “get the word out” that we had a brother in “distress.” Let me share with you the email his angelic hospice nurse sent.

I cannot thank you enough! I had the pleasure of personally delivering the book and letter to him! Along with it was a handwritten card from the National Grange! He loved these gifts! Our team (social workers, chaplains, volunteers, nurses) now get to sit with him and read a section of your book to him with each visit! He so much appreciates all of this! Thank you again! 

One (Grange) team helps another (Hospice) team. Or maybe those two teams become one team that demonstrates friendship and mutual support. I hope, for a moment, you can picture that nurse sitting next to our brother’s bed, reading about the Grange Way of Life to him. Perhaps his eyes are closed and there’s a smile on his face as he remembers seventy years of meetings, programs… and being a Granger.

“As we in form thus enclose you within a sacred circle, so does this Grange in the name of our noble and beneficent Order pledge to you a pure friendship, enduring through life to shield you from harm… let us ever hold fast and firm our obligations of Fidelity.”

from the Altar Circle conducted during the Fourth Degree

So be it.

Original Valley Grange Article
“Got a Stamp?” Post on MSG Website

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 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.

Parkman Grange Kicks Off Santa Project

Santa Project Helps MSAD 4 Families in Need

The Parkman Grange is again helping out Santa to make Christmas special for MSAD 4 area kids with the Santa Project.  This program provides warm winter coats, boots, and a toy to local kids, from newborns to high school seniors whose families could use a little help this holiday season.  Applications can be picked up at the following town offices: Abbot, Cambridge, Guilford, Parkman, and Sangerville and at the Parkman Grange on the porch. They are also available through the schools.  The application deadline is November 11, 2023. Distribution will be on Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 10 AM to noon. The Parkman Grange is located at the corner of State Hwy 150 and North Dexter Road. 

 If you would like to help out, donation checks can be made out to Parkman Grange, memo line Santa Project, and sent to PO Box 114, Guilford, ME 04443.

Save the date: December 9, 2023, from 1-3 p.m. Parkman Grange hosts a kids’ Christmas party. Santa will be there with simple crafts to make for gifts. There will be cookies, cocoa, and lots of fun for all!

Additional information is available from Sue Manchester, Parkman Grange Master, at 207 717-6248.

Lecturer’s Column – October 2023

By Margaret Morse, Maine State Grange Lecturer
207 439-0413

I would like to thank all those who attended the Lecturer’s Conference on September 30. During the conference, poetry, skit writing, and book club awards were announced. After the certificates were presented, the Lecturer’s Program was reviewed, and a lively discussion ensued.

I would also like to thank Manchester Grange for allowing the use of their hall.

The following members placed in the individual categories:
Poetry Awards:
Family: Sherry Harriman, Bauneg Beg Grange #382
Weather: Sherry Harriman, Bauneg Beg Grange #382
Camping: Sherry Harriman, Bauneg Beg Grange #382
Other: 1st Sherry Harriman, Bauneg Beg Grange #382
2nd Barbara Strout, Excelsior Grange #5
Skits:
Sherry Harriman, Bauneg Beg Grange #382
Book Reading Club:
Top readers based on Number of Books and Pages
1st Books & pages -Norma Meserve, Danville Jct. Grange #65 (227 books/60065 pages)
2nd Books & pages – Margaret Henderson, Dirigo Grange #96 (160 books/48167 pages)
3rd Books – Melissa Baldwin, Hollis Grange #132 (148 books)
3rd Pages – Gay Anderson, Mill Stream Grange #574 (42456 pages)
Other members who sent in book reading club list were acknowledged and will receive a certificate.
Alexander #304 – Catherine Oakes, Carlo Oakes Jr.
Bangor #372 – Emily Parsons
Bauneg Beg #382 – Richard Harriman Jr.
Enterprise #48 – Isebel Stinson
Hollis #132 – Vicki Huff
Hudson # 457 – Sylvia Crosman
John F. Hill #393 – Cassandra Corliss, Leslie Guy
Lakeside #63 – Gail Butterfield
Millstream #574 – Linda Staton, Judy Dunn, Paul Lavender, Debbie Lavender, Allen Harville, Kristen Thompson, Louise Kilpone, Lisa Goucher, Peg Lang, Ellie Andrews
Waterford #479 – Ellie Waterman
Willow #366 – Laurie McBurnie
Others who were acknowledged were Lecturers who sent in Lecturer reports. They also will receive a certificate.
Hudson #457 – Darlene Miles
North Scarborough # 495 – Martha Varney
Willow #366 – Paula Roberts

Grange Heirloom — October 2023

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.

East Madison Grange Mythical Market

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Join us for a mythical market at the most magical time of the year! The Witches Faire will take place on Sunday, October 29th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the East Madison Grange, right by Wesserrunsett Lake.  There will be herbal products, jewelry, unique crafts, tarot and astrology readings, and more! Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and free admission is free.  FMI email team@gardensofasgard.com, message or call 716-6441.

St George Grange October Public Supper

Public Supper at St. George Grange 32 Wileys Corner Road in St. George, ME, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 5 pm.
Enjoy lots of homemade food with Grange members, family, and friends. All welcome! We have public suppers on the second Saturday of each month until October.

Communication Shorts 9-30-2023

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Send us your ideas and thoughts!

October Bulletin Reminder

Yes, we are planning an October Bulletin! The deadline remains the same: October 14, 2023. However, with the State Convention happening right after the Bulletin is produced, there may be some delay with the actual mailing. Remember, you can always find recent issues of the Bulletin on the Program Books and Information Page.

Grange “Stuff” Available for the Taking!

We have a contact in the Belfast area who has a number of Grange items (50-year member’s medallion, Past Master’s pin, tie clips, etc.) he would like to donate to an active Grange in Maine.” First come, first served! If you’re interested, let me know, and I’ll send contact information!

Where’s Your Grange Hall?

You might be surprised to learn that it’s quite easy to label your Grange Hall location on Google Maps. It helps to have your street address. While step-by-step instructions are beyond the scope of this tip, give it a try or ask a kid to help.

Program Planning – “New” Website Page

We’ve renamed the Conferences and Dates Page to the Grange Events Page–a more accurate description. Please send in your events! Note that we do not list regular Grange Meetings–just special events. Pomona Meetings are, however, listed because they are often held in different locations.

Ideas for Granges

How about starting a DIY Clubhouse designed to provide a space for different ages ranging from age six and up to meet and make new friends through specialized activities? Participants could try different unique activities. (Remember that working with children in Grange settings requires a background check.) Something similar could be offered for adults.

Thought for You…

“Every adversity, every failure, every heartbreak, carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”

Napoleon Hill

(And Patrons of Husbandry know all about seeds, right?)

Do You Love the Grange?

The world wants to hear about it! Fill out the simple I Love the Grange Form… it only takes a couple of minutes! Thanks to all who have shared so far!

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!

Do You Have FOMO?

“FOMO” is, of course, a Fear Of Missing Out. One strongly recommended treatment is to subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website. We’ll send you a daily summary whenever news and columns are posted, and we won’t share your email address with anyone!

Subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website

Got a Stamp?

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

One of the “rituals” we follow during our Valley Grange Meetings is probably not unfamiliar to many Grangers. When the WM asks, “Is any member in sickness or distress?” the Chaplain reaches for a box of greeting cards. If there’s a report, a card is passed around for all to sign. Sometimes, it happens when the WM calls for “Suggestions for the good of the Order,” and someone reports a success or happy event, suggesting we acknowledge it with a card.

It’s a pretty cool ritual that represents our fraternal nature. It can also become a community service and an important aspect of “communicating” with members and Grange friends.

I was recently contacted by a hospice nurse who is caring for a 94-year-old man in assisted living. He’s a long way from home, unfortunately, and his nurse reports that he “talks about the Grange and his 70+ year membership on a daily basis.” She wonders if “if this friend could possibly get visitations or
information from the Grange mailed to him on a regular basis.”

I should certainly hope so. I’m going to put a copy of my book, Exploring Traditions, in the mail to him today. Since I know the Valley Grange Chaplain quite well, I suspect she’ll get a card in the mail before we meet. There’s a post on the Valley Grange Website encouraging others to reach out.

Does your Grange have members that you haven’t seen in a while? How do you communicate with them?

“As we in form thus enclose you within a sacred circle, so does this Grange in the name of our noble and beneficent Order pledge to you a pure friendship, enduring through life to shield you from harm… let us ever hold fast and firm our obligations of Fidelity.”

Quoted from the Altar Circle Ritual conducted when admitting new members