Exploring Traditions – March 2023

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

by Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

Let’s Have a Party!

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

“…look upon children… If we desire to encourage them to love rural life, we must make its labors cheerful. What a child sees makes the most lasting impression. We may tell them of the pleasures and independence of the farmer’s life; but if their daily intercourse with us shows it to be tedious, irksome, laborious, without any recreation of body or mind, they will soon lose all interest in it and seek enjoyment elsewhere.”

(The Overseer’s Instruction during the Fourth Degree.)

I, along with many others, believe that adults are obsolete children. Many of my colleagues in education like to wax eloquent about the differences between how kids learn (pedagogy) and how adults learn (andragogy). I’m more interested in the similarities. How different are we, really?

During a recent conversation with another Granger, we caught ourselves engaged in what might be called a “Pity Party.” You’ve probably attended a few yourself. A pity party is an occasion of feeling self-indulgently sorry for yourself. It can be done alone or with others. One of the earliest uses of the expression was in 1978 when singer Barbara Mandrell sang about having a pity party after her lover left her. But I digress.

Fortunately, my Grange friend and I recognized what we were doing. Parties often have themes. The theme of our pity party was the sad condition of our order in general—dwindling membership, lack of leadership, burnout… Themes do tend to take on a life of their own. With a bit of creativity, we could have had a theme song. “It’s a sad thing to be a Granger… it’s a sad thing, you know.”

After admitting our self-indulgence in feeling sorry for ourselves, we had a good laugh. We did manage to start a different party. In the course of doing so, I was reminded of the Overseer’s instruction to the candidates during the Fourth Degree. Here we were talking about the Grange’s condition with an entirely negative focus. Who wants to come to our Pity Party?

Unfortunately, more than we might expect. Even the media seems to enjoy reporting on the “dying Grange.” My friend and I actually ended up having a laughing spell as we considered advertising the party. “You are invited to join us via Zoom and in person for a Pity Party. The theme will be ‘Let’s enjoy being miserable over everything wrong and discouraging about the Grange. Refreshments will be served.’”

It is, of course, irresponsible to deny the issues we face as an organization. (Although, we do often ignore the elephant standing in the corner!) But here we have another example of the value of the teachings of our order. Let me edit the Overseer’s instructions so they are not just about kids.

“If we desire to encourage people to love the Grange, we must make its labors cheerful. What people see makes the most lasting impression. We may tell them of the pleasures, but if their involvement shows it to be tedious, irksome, laborious, without any recreation of body or mind, they will soon lose all interest in it and seek enjoyment elsewhere.”

I recommend the complete version of the Overseer’s instruction to you. It includes phrases like “induce all to love” and “speaking the truth in love.” In short, making this a place that’s cheerful and a place where people want to be.

Occasionally, when old-timers speak of the past, they talk of things like dances at the Grange or huge suppers that included bean-hole beans or oyster chowder. On the back wall of the stage at Valley Grange, there are all sorts of interesting graffiti written by actors during plays and skits. Unfortunately, there’s not much distance between a nostalgia festival and a pity party. All it takes is for a few participants to start regretting and feeling sorry that “we don’t do things like that anymore.” Maybe somebody needs to ask, “Why not?”

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.

From the Deacon’s Bench – March 2023

By Clay Collins, MSG Chaplain
207 837-0564

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 

I Peter 1:3

“And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen.” 

Luke 24:5-6

“It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” 

Romans 4:24-25

As I sit here staring at a semi-blank computer screen, I can’t help but wonder what the disciples were thinking (and feeling) as they watched their Lord being placed on the cross. They probably were thinking that they were next to be put to death.

I can’t imagine what I would be thinking at that moment. Jesus knew God had a plan for Him and for us. We saw what God’s plan for Jesus was, and what a glorious plan it was. It not only showed us that there is truly life after death, but God’s plans are the ultimate!

We should not try to second guess God, but instead, thank Him every day for what He has done for us. Try it. It doesn’t have to be a long-winded, church preacher-style prayer. Just a simple “Thank you, God” is a good start. Then after a while, you can add what you are thanking Him for. Then you might add a blessing for your family, friends, co-workers, etc. Once you get the hang of it, you probably won’t want to stop. Then, and only then, will you have a church preacher-style prayer!

 Remember this, you are all my friends (some I have known forever, and some I haven’t met yet), and I love you all and keep you in my heart, always.

God loves us all!!

One more thing before I sign off: HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY. The only day of the year when EVERYBODY is Irish!

 Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”

Benediction: “Gracious Father of us all, help us to realize that we are all your children who need help now and then. Help us to know when to ask for it when we need it, and if possible, give it when we are able. Amen.”

Thought for the month:
May good luck be your friend in whatever you do and may trouble be always a stranger to you.

An Irish Blessing for Health and Prosperity

Legislative Report — March 2023

By Linda Weston, Legislative Director
207-852-5795

The First Regular Session of the 131st Maine Legislature convened on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Statutory adjournment is June 21, 2023.

When a request for a bill is filed, it is assigned a Legislative Request (L.R.) number that is used to track the request until it is assigned/printed as a Legislative Document (L.D.).

There were numerous Legislative Request (L.R.) request submitted this session, and not all will become Legislative Documents (L.D.)  and not all LDs will become Law.   It is interesting to see the titles of what have been submitted.  Two links below  – first shows you list by names of Titles by Legislator and second List by Index/Broad Subject.    

The Preliminary List by Legislator  Preliminary List of Working Titles Submitted by Legislators by Cloture, Sorted by Sponsor Name

Another List of LR s – is sorted by Index/Broad Subject.  Preliminary List of Working Titles Submitted by Legislators By Cloture, Sorted by Broad Subject

If you want to know if a request was received and accepted and given a LD number – go to this Page Advanced Search – https://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/advancedsearch.asp?error=The+LR+number+range+is+invalid%2E 

In the field “LR Type” put in number of LR number and in the “to” below it same number if you are only looking up that One LR, you could do a range of LRs.  Click search –

If it has been assigned an LD number it will bring you to the LD – click on LD number (Example note LR 1856 became LD 517) – click on LD 517 link it will take you to the Status page.  If the LR number brings up nothing – then the request most likely was not accepted.

From the Status page you can look up Actions, who Sponsors and Co-Sponsors are, what Committee it has been assigned to if it has, hearings that may have been set and other information.

LR 1856 became LD 517 An Act to Allow Maine Families to Deduct Vehicle Excise Taxes on State Income Tax Returns and has been assigned to Taxation Committee, no hearings set as of this writing. 

Suggest you look over the lists of Titles – and look up any you would like to have more information on.  Feel free to contact me if you have questions. 

Parkman Grange Announces Spring Programs

Parkman Grange is located in Parkman, Maine

The Parkman Grange will be starting their spring program with their 9th annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 6-8 PM. Young ladies are invited to come with their Daddy or an important adult in their life. DJ Steve Boddy will be spinning tunes and having dance contests, games, and giving away prizes. Keepsake photos will be taken to remember the evening. Light refreshments will be served. The cost is $5.00 per person and tickets will be available at the door.

The Mother’s Day Tea will be on Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10 AM to noon. The Guest of Honor this year is Kylee Coburn. She is always friendly and helpful to everyone who enters the town office. She also organized the very successful Parkman Bicentennial Celebration last year. The cost is $5.00 per person. Reservations are required for this very popular event and can be made by calling Sue at 207 277-3942.

 Minnie Bridge Scholarship applications are now available at the Parkman Town Office.  This $500 scholarship is for second-year higher education students in the SAD 4 area. The deadline is July 14, 2023.

The Parkman Grange is located at the corner of State Hwy 150 and North Dexter Road. For more information about the Grange and its programs, please call Sue Manchester at 207 277-3942

Lecturer’s Column – March 2023

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

Poets and Poetry

Have you ever written a poem, why not? This year how about trying your hand at writing one or more and entering them into the contest? Poems can express feelings, paint verbal pictures or entertain. Entries to the Poetry writing contest sponsored by the Lecturer’s Department can follow any poetic form. This year the three specific categories are: FAMILY, WEATHER, and CAMPING. There is also an “OTHER” category which can include any subject. Also, any poem that you might be required to write for a class or workshop may be entered. This contest is open to all subordinate and junior members and includes children and grandchildren of subordinate members. So hopefully, with your help, my inbox or mailbox will be stuffed with entries that are due by September 1, 2023

Membership Moments – March 2023

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

If you have read the recent column by our State Master, you would notice that everything she stressed in her goal-setting article pertains to attracting new members and encouraging our present membership. As mentioned in previous columns, everything you do INSIDE of your Grange is noticed OUTSIDE by the community.

Goal setting is very important. There are words and phrases she used in the goal-setting process that are very strong yet very workable and obtainable. Awareness of the operations and members of your Grange will lead to changes and improvements necessary for growth. Think when you have your vehicle inspected. Sure, it runs fine with no problems (that you are aware of, anyways), but it doesn’t hurt to do maintenance work. You may find there are hidden things; not so important now, but can lead to bigger problems. The same thing applies when you go for your annual physical at the doctor’s office. An assessment of the overall performance of your Grange is needed and changes; no matter how small, will lead to a stronger, organized Grange. The community will notice.

Good leaders are essential. We all have unique talents and blended together, it makes a hearty “soup”. When you have the ingredients, it makes it easier to assign roles based on each member’s specialty. It takes a good leader to organize this talent into a winning team. Don’t be afraid to become a leader! You can make a big difference. Have faith and trust in your membership to help. The rewards are certainly beneficial to you and your Grange. Go outside the box and take the step. You have your Grange family to support you!  I certainly was afraid and told myself I couldn’t be a leader, however, my Grange friends and Grange family felt different. With their support and my trust in them, I took the step and am glad that I did!  Thank you all for that little push and love. Be not afraid.

 We all joined the Grange for various reasons; mainly for agricultural and community service purposes. We have created new friendships and bonds with other Grangers; we can use our skills and talents to help others. Personally, I have learned much about myself and my abilities since joining the Grange in 1985. Grange has made me a better person (not that I wasn’t before) and taught me new skills and toned up on some lesser-used ones. Family has always been important to me and my Grange family has always been accepting of me, no matter if I make mistakes or embarrass myself (which has been done). They pick me up when I am down; they just don’t laugh and turn away. Who wouldn’t want a family as supportive and loving?

The following are a few phrases that will help you in your endeavors to strengthen your Grange: 

  • Respect others.
  •  Give respect and others will respect you.
  •  Keep active and you will grow.
  • Cooperate with others and respect their opinions.
  • Be aware of the needs of your community and your Grange.
  •  Speak up with suggestions and ideas. Become a leader!
  •  Attend other’s Grange meetings and talk to members of other Granges.
  • Form bonds and friendships.
  • Work together for a common cause.
  • Keep visible!
  • Welcome the community into your Hall.

    Enterprise Grange Seeks Volunteers

    Saturday, March 18, 2023 — 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

    Calderwood Engineering has done a structural Inspection of the Grange Hall on Alexander Reed Road, and determined we need cellar work done for supports, etc., We also need to clean the attic for electrical work to be done. After paying for the posts, lumber, and wiring, we can’t afford the labor to do the moving work, and there are very few of us to get the labor done as quickly as we need.

    A Work Bee will be held at the hall on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. We are hoping for help at any time during that time period. We can’t pay, but we can feed a crew and have games and crafts for kids whose parents are helping. Two of us have “Safe Gathering” background checks and experience helping kids have fun.

    Grange is the original equal opportunity organization with women and teens being able to vote and hold an office since our founding over 150 years ago. Women also share in the labor of the Grange just as men share with cooking and cleaning.

    Coming events include Awards Day for Community Citizens of Dresden and Richmond, the ART FEST by the Kennebec, Red Cross Blood Drive, Historical Talks, displays celebrating Richmond’s Bicentennial monthly until September, and Music Jams through the summer months.

    Please help as you are able. FMI call 207-380-3369 or 207-380-3901.

    Visit the Enterprise Grange Facebook Page

    Kassandra loves the Grange!

    Our Grange is one big family. They welcome everyone. They are the heart of this community. Rebekah is an angel on earth!

    Kassandra Holmes, Jonesboro Grange #357

    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!

    View from the Farm – March 2023

    Webmaster’s note: The format of this column has changed a bit, with all of the Quill’s Endians participating at various times and in various ways! This month’s column is written by Phil.

    One of the finest chores on a farm or homestead is harvesting maple sap.  It is a great reason to spend time in the woods and rewards abound. 

     We simply boil sap on top of the wood stove.  Our house in March is like a sweet sauna.  A forty-degree sunny day finds us in t-shirts with windows open, the sweet smell of maple syrup in the forefront.

     As the sap runneth over, it occurs to me what an exception maple syrup is to the rest of human culture.

    We simply partake.

    We have not, as far as I know, hybridized trees to make more sap, or bred them to raise the sugar content in their sap.

    We simply partake.

    In modern agriculture, production has had an 80-year upward swing in “efficiency.” A meat bird’s feed conversion ratio (grain: meat) has been cut in half.  A milking cow gives at least double what she used to. An acre of corn produces 4 times the volume.

     But maple syrup is really beautiful.  We destroy or harm nothing as we are given this marvelous treat that sweetens everyday life.  We do not plow, harrow, breed, or weed.

    We simply partake. 

     Every year, the trees share the bounty of late winter with us as a gift we could not have planned, could not have conceived, could not have anticipated.  Yet here it is.

     What a wonderful metaphor for life the trees give us.  When your sap is flowing and you have it to spare, share it with the world.

    Make it all a little sweeter.

    Heather and Phil Retberg and their three children run Quill’s End Farm, a 105-acre property in Penobscot that they bought in 2004. They use rotational grazing on their fifteen open acres and are renovating thirty more acres from woods to pasture to increase grazing for their pigs, grass-fed cattle, lambs, laying hens, and goats. Heather is Vice President of Halcyon Grange #345 and writes a newsletter for their farm’s buying club of farmers in her area and has generously given us permission to share some of her columns with Grangers. Visit the Quill’s End Farm Facebook Page for more information.

    Communications Column – March 2023

    Which Half Are You in?

    By Walter Boomsma
    207 343-1842
    Communications Director

    “Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t, and the other half who have nothing to say keep on saying it.”

    Attributed to Robert Frost

    While I’m a big fan of Robert Frost, if he said this, I’m not sure I totally agree—it’s too arbitrary. There’s a third group who have something to say and can say it reasonably well. Unfortunately, it’s a small group.

    In the interest of over-complicating this, it also depends on how we define “say” and “saying.” How about “Half the world is composed of people who have something to communicate and can’t, and the other half who have nothing to communicate keep communicating.

    With that change, we can note that communication takes place in four basic forms: verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual. A case can be made that listening is a fourth form, but we are trying to keep this simple.

    As most of you know, I recently accepted a position as an adjunct instructor at Beal University. I was warned that I would likely be surprised and disappointed by the writing skills of most of my students. I thought I was prepared. I was not.

    One of the things I was not prepared for is that many students do not accept the need (or opportunity) for good written communication skills. An even bigger surprise was that most are unaware of the tools and technology available that can help us with writing.

    We could have a long and interesting discussion about the future of communication. For example, AI (artificial intelligence) now exists, making it possible to let “the computer” do the actual writing. Part of our discussion would include whether or not that technology diminishes the need to learn the rules of grammar.

    Let’s get very practical. Thinking about your Grange and Grange membership, do you have something to communicate? Understand that “you” can mean “you as an individual,” but it can also mean “you as a Grange.”

    When my students have a paper to write, it’s usually apparent whether or not they have something to communicate. If so, helping them find ways to say it can be fun, even if challenging. If they don’t have something to say, it doesn’t matter if they can write or speak well. Developing skills becomes somewhat pointless and feels empty without a use for them. That’s why we give assignments. “Write a 500-word essay explaining…”

    If we want our Grange to be vibrant and growing, we’d better have a lot to say. “No report” isn’t, by the way, grammatically correct. At a minimum, it should be, “I have no report.” Occasionally, I hear, “I have nothing to report.” That’s also grammatically correct. Are you beginning to see that “no report” is not too far from “I have nothing to say?”

    • Why should I consider joining your Grange? “I have nothing to say.”
    • What are some of your future programs? “No report.”
    • What community services are you offering? “Nothing to report.”

    If an assignment would help, here’s one for your Grange. “Write a 250 word description of at least three things your Grange is doing well.” (For reference purposes, that’s less than half the length of this column.) Submit it to the website for publication. Failure to submit (“no report”) results in a zero (F). If you need some help, contact…

    Wouldn’t it be interesting to make that a formal program? Assignments carry a deadline after which we’d publish grades—if only as pass/fail.

    In college, completing assignments competently ultimately means receiving a degree. In the Grange, completing this assignment  (and some others) means keeping and maybe even growing the Grange. Failure in college means no degree. Failure in the Grange means no Grange.

    ► FACT: Your MSG website was viewed over 1600 times during January 2023–if you aren’t submitting your events and news, you are missing an opportunity!

    Tell us why you love the Grange!