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.
Reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by UMaine Extension.
The next obsolete pesticide collection days will be held during October 2024, with one-day events in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland. Pre-registration is required by September 25 to participate; drop-ins are not permitted.
The program only accepts pesticides and spray adjuvants. Registration instructions and forms can be found online. Each registration must be from the person currently possessing the pesticides, and materials collected on behalf of others will not be accepted.
More details, including drop-off locations and the obsolete pesticides inventory form, are on the BPC website.
Removing obsolete and unwanted pesticides is essential for protecting public health, wildlife, and the environment. Improper handling and disposal of pesticides can contaminate land and water resources. The Maine Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program ensures these hazardous materials are handled and disposed of safely. Since its inception in 1982, the program has successfully diverted over 250,000 lbs. of pesticides from entering the waste stream. Collected pesticides are transported to licensed, out-of-state disposal facilities through a hazardous waste disposal contractor.
The label is the law. Always follow the label instructions for the proper use, storage, and disposal of any pesticides you use. For more information about safe pesticide disposal, visit the EPA website.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Board of Pesticides Control at pesticides@maine.gov or 207-287-2731.
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!
August Bulletin Available
The August Bulletin is available for download and distribution. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.
Androscoggin Grange #8 Schedules Big Day!
Androscoggin Grange in Greene has a big day planned on September 14th! Check out the events calendar on the website for details, but activities include a pancake breakfast, pie contest, chili cook-off, and roaring twenties celebration with mocktails and dancing!
Information Available: Castle Hill Grange
The Castle Hill Grange Hall Preservation Society was formed in 1993 to save the Grange Hall in Castle Hill. We have now disbanded due to lack of funds and membership. We have some papers from Grange #260, which disbanded in 1976(?). If you would like any of these papers and certificates. you can contact me by email: Sheena McHatten
State Session Page Is Updated
A page dedicated to the 2024 State Session now has a “packet of information” that includes the forms necessary to reserve meals.
Many Contest Deadlines Are Coming Up
Get your entries in! Officers and directors note that annual reports and program books are coming due.
Consider this Idea!
Are there events in your community sponsored by others that you could piggyback on and be part of?
Think about this!
“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is to work hard at work worth doing.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Submit News! Be “famous”
Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!
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!
Road Trip 2024 is over, at least in the sense that the travel is complete. We traveled through eight states and over 3,500 miles. The theme of the trip was “simplicity and tradition.”
Traditions are beliefs and practices that are passed down from generation to generation, usually by word of mouth or actual practice. Much of the Grange Ritual falls into this category.
One of the things I wanted to explore was how “tradition” fits into a society that is changing at an increasingly fast pace. There was some irony in the call from a news reporter just before I left. Elizabeth Waltztoni of the Bangor Daily News wanted to discuss how (or if) the Grange was gaining new members and making good use of the often historic halls. The answer was given in the headline, “Once town centers of agriculture, these public spaces haven’t quite disappeared.” It’s a thoroughly researched and objective article.
One of tradition’s values is that it fosters social bonding and cohesion. In simplest terms, it brings people together with often unstated values and beliefs.
In essentials, unity…
Of course, the beginning of the Grange Slogan raises an important question: “What are the essentials?” In a society marked by increasing discord, it’s an important question! Our essentials are—or should be—our core values. Those values should be simple and straightforward and a focus of our practice and traditions.
In non-essentials, liberty…
There were two instructors at the oxen-driving workshop I attended. Each had a slightly different style and approach. They agreed on the fundamentals, so there was no confusion there. (“In essentials, unity…”) However, by seeing those differences, I was forced to consider my own approach and style. That’s an important point. Even with tradition, there is room for tolerance. What one sees as essential, another may totally dismiss.
I remember sitting in a meeting once and watching an argument develop regarding which foot to lead with during some Grange floorwork. It was sadly entertaining because it focused on differences of opinion. It lost sight of the essentials. (It might be important that two people “marching” together be in sync, but does it matter if they start with the left or right foot?)
In all things, charity.
One of the reasons I love the Grange Slogan is that it’s simple. It’s a great reminder that as we travel through life, we can be guided by “charity” or love. Under that guideline, we celebrate the essentials we share and allow each other the freedom to have differences.
Something simple is not always easy. Communicating with oxen is pretty simple, but I can testify to the fact that it’s not easy.
One of our daily chores involved getting fifteen bales of straw from the upper barn and delivering them to a different location. This was a learn-by-doing workshop. When we discussed our plan for the day, Instructor Rob said, “Using the oxen means it will probably take an hour and a half. We could hop on a tractor and do it in fifteen minutes. But what would the fun be of that?”
He could have pointed out that we wouldn’t learn much about oxen if we used the tractor. Instead, he made us think about what was important and reminded us that learning and work can be fun.
When we have a Grange Meeting, we could eliminate the ritual and save some time. But what would be the fun of that?
Perhaps during the closing of the meeting, there could be a follow-up question to the Master’s question, “Worthy Overseer, are the labors of the day complete?”
Overseer: “They are, Worthy Master.”
Master: “Did we learn anything and have fun?”
All, in unison: “We did!”
Come, Boys! The labors of the day are not complete!
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.
So, at least in theory, I recently learned how to work with an oxen team. I’d been saying that I was going to learn to drive oxen. Among my many discoveries was that working with oxen is more about communicating with them than driving them.
I heard one of my instructors say more than once. “You’re confusing them. They don’t know what you want them to do!” Staying focused on communicating was a bigger challenge than it might seem. And at times, it was funny. Mostly though, it was frustrating!
In brief, trained oxen receive information from the teamster in three ways. The first is (or at least should be) spatial—the body position of the teamster. Second is the “goad” or stick and where and how they are touched. The third is verbal. There is some indication that they hear vowels best. So “whoooooa” works better than “whoa.” The best example of confusing them was when I’d say, “Whoa!” but keep walking. (In my mind, it made sense because I wanted to get in front of them. In their bovine minds, I was sending mixed signals.)
Instructor Rob is a school teacher. We had lots of fun making comparisons. I finally reminded myself of the comment, “What you’re doing shouts louder than what you’re saying.” You don’t have to work with kids for long before you realize “Do as I say and not as I do” doesn’t work well.
While a 2,000+ pound ox doesn’t engage in what we call “higher levels of reasoning,” the basics are the same. That said, two of the teams I worked with were extremely well-trained. One team of Devons would stand and let me walk some distance away. I could then raise my goad and call, “Right here, boys,” and they would walk to me and stop with their heads on either side.
We students had to learn a bit about herd instinct and survival from predators. Rob occasionally reminded us that building trust with the beasts was important. “You may have to convince them you’re not trying to kill them.”
Here’s an interesting comparison. My Ram pickup truck weighs about the same as a large pair of oxen. During Road Trip 2024, I drove that truck over 3,600 miles, mostly by pushing pedals, turning the wheel, and flipping switches. (I’m purposely omitting occasional arguments with the voice feature of the GPS.) The truck doesn’t have a mind of its own or any instincts. It just does what you tell it to do.
Oxen require a bit more understanding and communication than my truck or your car. You can’t just drive them. One of the things I found challenging is the amount of attention required with oxen, particularly when pulling something. There is no cruise control!
Of course, all analogies break down if you press them, but in addition to the joy of working with these large animals, it was great to be reminded of some of the basic truths about effective communication. I’m still processing, but a few important lessons can be learned.
Don’t send mixed messages! If you say “whoa,” stop moving. If you invite someone to attend your Grange, make sure your invitation is positive and complete.
Use multiple communication strategies! Oxen expect to be told and shown by position and the goad. With humans, say it, write it, demonstrate it. If you invite someone to attend your Grange, offer to give them a ride. Send an email or postcard reminder.
Speak the language of the listener! With oxen, “Come here!” is not the same as “Right here!” If you invite someone to attend your Grange, be aware of using “Grange Speak.” “We’ll open in full form” is not the same as “We start at…” Remember, nuances are important. Are you inviting your friend to a meeting or a program?
Use the listener’s name freely! To make a team of oxen turn sharp left one to slow down and perhaps to stop completely—it’s like driving a bulldozer. You’ll need to tell one ox, “Haw!” and the other, “Whoa!” (The goad and your body position are important. Use multiple communication strategies!) “Walter, I’d like you to come to our Grange…” sounds different than “I’d like you to come to our Grange. Actually, it is different!
I’m trying to resist the temptation to suggest that we invite people to join the herd. I may not be able to resist the temptation to make a comparison to being yoked into a team.
► FACT: The events page on the website continues to be one of the most frequently visited pages on the site! Are you submitting your programs and events?
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Webmaster’s note: The format of this column includes all of the Quill’s Endians participating at various times and in various ways! Phil writes this month’s column.
Some Calm
Over the years, we have tried to make fence-training livestock a “less-risk” enterprise. Some critters new to an electrified fence train quickly and recoil from the pain. Some jump forward in surprise. Therefore, we provide a backstop and a physical barrier in front of the fence. It seems straightforward enough. If you train on a hot fence that carries a 5,000-plus volt jolt, a couple of times generally provides ample reason for respect. Cattle are generally easier to contain than other livestock. They tend to shy away from “testing” the fence more than goats and hogs do.
Imagine our surprise to find our heifers gallivanting around the neighborhood several times in the last week! Surprise is the gentlest word I can conjure just now. Imagine our… surprise!
Waiting when something is amiss is a special kind of pain. But wait, we must. We could track them only so far. We had no luck. We could only hope someone would spot them near (and not in) the road and alert us. The calves were up in our friends’ blueberry barrens or nearby woods for most of last Tuesday, but not to be seen or called forth. The first phone call came just before Carolyn and I were to leave for Ellsworth to drop off a truck for service. With help from Noah of Rainbow Farm, the three of us were able to bring them home and put them back where they belonged. And there they stayed, peacefully rotational-grazing in a pasture.
Until they didn’t.
Two days later, a message left in the middle of the night alerted us they were no longer peacefully grazing in our pasture. We tracked them to the same spot, only to not find them again.
The torturous waiting began anew. Thankfully, we did not have to wait nearly as long the second time. Benjamin and Carolyn brought them home and I moved their “home” to the main pasture–where we can keep a closer eye on them.
We’ve heard there is a bear about in the neighborhood. Although bears respect electric fencing well, perhaps he spooked the heifers to not. Four days and counting, they are still home with no breakouts. We can go about our business with some calm.
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 permitted us to share some of their columns with Grangers. Visit the Quill’s End Farm Facebook Page for more information.
