Exploring Traditions — July 2022

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

by Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

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Going beyond farming…

As many know, I never cease to marvel at the similarities between the Amish and the Grange. (And the differences! In spite of their interest in farming and nature, the Amish were not permitted to join the Grange—even during the Grange’s early years.)

Historically, the Grange has been viewed as a farmer’s organization. In many circles, it is still. I recall one “old” Granger who would try to emphasize the fraternal aspect of the Grange by suggesting that “We’re like the Masons, but we keep cows.” Finding an accurate but short description of the Grange as an organization is challenging—in part because the Grange isn’t simple and it is a very diverse organization, at least in terms of what local Granges do and are known for doing.

And that means we sometimes miss one of the most powerful aspects of the Grange and the Grange Way of Life. “Since God placed man on earth, agriculture has existed,” is the installing officer’s reminder as he or she opens the installation of officers. I think it should be noted that it’s not, “Since God placed man on earth, farmers and farming have existed.”

When you drive through Amish Country, it’s easy to become impressed with Amish farms and gardens. During this year’s vacation, I was researching and photographing for a future book. We paid close attention to gardens, including many that were not part of an Amish farm. (Many Amish in Central Pennsylvania are not farming for a number of different reasons. But they are no less Amish.) Their gardens are bountiful. The rows are straight. There are many flowers and no weeds. The Amish wife typically has primary responsibility, but it’s important to understand that we are looking at a family-based society. We often saw entire families in the garden, weeding, planting, pruning… older children supervising younger ones.

Given the humble nature of the Amish, this can quickly seem contradictory until we try to understand we are not seeing “Amish Pride.” We are seeing Amish Connection. “Since God placed man on earth, agriculture has existed.” Amish or not, we are all connected to the earth, to nature, to agriculture (and in the Amish mind “to God).

When we look at the rituals and lessons of the Grange, it’s not difficult to see that they go beyond farming to nature and agriculture. In that same opening, “We encourage the planting of trees, fruits and flowers by which to enhance the value and increase the attractions of our home; adorning them with those beauties so lavishly given us by the God of Nature.”

Returning to the Amish for a moment, working the earth, and growing crops is seen as a means of drawing closer to God. In a large part, this enables a different view of work that takes it out of the category of drudgery. Work is an opportunity, not a problem. It’s a chance to build character. With its many benefits, work is to be enjoyed.

It doesn’t take too much “out of the box” thinking to see how connecting with the earth, with nature, and with agriculture brings many advantages. Perhaps we might stop thinking of the Grange as a farmers’ organization and start thinking of it as an organization that enjoys and reaps the benefits of being connected to the earth and nature.

Lester Gibbs is a Granger who lives in New Hampshire. We are “social media friends” on Facebook. I’ve forgotten how it started, but he has been regularly posting photos and reports of an onion he has growing indoors. Most of his reports are only a sentence or two—like the day it grew five inches. I look forward to and enjoy them. I mention him as an example of being “connected to the earth and nature.” He’s also demonstrating opportunity. The onion is part of his window garden, but even if it were his only plant, caring for it and observing it is not work. It’s no surprise that he’s a Granger. He is connected to the earth.

We may not be “Masons with cows,” but we are people who are connected to the earth and nature. “We ask none to join us who cannot see good in their fellow beings; but to all interested in Agriculture, who have generous hearts and open hands to help the needy, raise the fallen and in making the labors of this life cheerful, we say, ‘Welcome to the Grange.’”

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.

Highland Lake Grange Presents

Tragedy In The Skies: Four Flyers from Duck Pond Road in World War Two

Grange member and local historian Ken Moody tells the stories of four young men who joined the Army Air Corps during World War Two. Lifelong friends, they all heeded the call of duty and left the safety of their Westbrook homes to fly into unknown dangers.

Each one of them would experience disaster, not returning to base after separate fateful missions, all within nine months of each other. Two of them would make the ultimate sacrifice for their country, never returning home. The impact on the Duck Pond neighborhood was immeasurable. 

Ken’s research brings to life their service with intriguing detail and passion: Cadet Wesley C. Dearborn; Sergeant Harold C. Lewis; Sergeant Frederick W. Gowen, and 1st Lt. Leonard Emery.

Saturday, August 13th at 7 pm

Highland Lake Grange, 9 Hardy Road, Westbrook. The Grange is accessible, program on first floor.

Admission free. Donations accepted. All donations will benefit Westbrook Veterans Relief Fund (operated by Westbrook Veteran Services Office). 

Refreshments provided.

FMI: 536-0038 or gowenfrm@gwi.net

Merriconeag Grange Seeks Members

Merriconeag Grange is located in Harpswell, Maine

Check out this article written by freelancer Sam Lemonick for the Harpswell Anchor. The article not only explores some of the factors creating declining membership in fraternal and community organizations, it explores ideas and adaptations that can impact local Granges’ relevance and growth.

The Merriconeag Grange isn’t in immediate danger. Despite struggles to convene formal meetings, Sam Alexander says it is doing better than most Maine Granges, both financially and in terms of membership.

Check out the article to find out how they are doing it!

President’s Perspective — July 2022

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

STATE GRANGE SESSION Here it is July already, which means three months away from State Grange, October 20 & 21, 2022 at the Auburn Masonic Hall, 1021 Turner Rd, Auburn. See this for a basic schedule and information. I am very pleased to announce our National Representative at State Session will be Ann Bercher, Lecturer of the National Grange and Master/President of the Minnesota State Grange, I know you will give her a warm welcome.

We are looking for someone to do the Rose Drill for us. Contact Sherry if you are interested.

MASTERS and SECRETARIES – A strong reminder – correct information for Master, Lecturer, Secretary and CWA Chairman listing the address, phone, cell phone, and email address for each, are due to the State Grange Secretary as soon as possible after the election has been held. Please type or print clearly. The Master or Master elect of each Grange selects the Committee
Chairmen for the Grange and informs the Secretary who those people are. The Secretary gets and/or checks the name, address, phone, email, etc. for each of the people involved, please fill in the entire form provided, or email your list to the state office.

RESOLUTIONS are due in the office on August 15, 2022, either email
mainestategrange@myfairpoint.net or standard mail to 146 State St., Augusta 04330. Submit both ways to ensure we receive them. Each resolution is required to have a title when it is submitted to the office, I cannot give them a title–your Grange must come up with one. The resolution must be voted on by the Grange submitting the resolution. After the 15th, we then have to print everything and mail all resolutions back to each Grange. This all takes time.

OFFICER and DEPARTMENT REPORTS are due in the office no later than September 15, 2022 (written or emailed to the office and to my email SHarriman@twc.com). I prefer emailed reports. These dates may seem early but getting everything put together for the session takes time, especially when we have to keep adding on the procrastinators.

The Delegate Registration, Banquet and Luncheon forms, etc., will be sent later in August.

“Look for the Stars” Banquet will be roast pork, meatloaf, potatoes, salad, green beans, applesauce, rolls, brownies & ice cream, coffee, tea, lemonade and water for $14 per person.

The Ag Luncheon will be assorted sandwiches, chop suey, chips, cookies, coffee, tea, lemonade, and water for $8 per person. The deadline for the meal registration and prepaid is October 5, 2022.

Once again, I will remind you, anyone may attend the State Grange Session, as long as you are a Fourth Degree (Subordinate/Community level) Grange member and have the passwords for the gate. (To receive the passwords from your Grange, your dues must be paid.) After the opening on the first day of State Session is completed, we lower to the Fourth Degree and all work is conducted in the Fourth Degree, like your regular Grange meeting you are welcome to sit in at the meeting and listen. Only registered delegate(s), may vote on the issues and elections, but this does not exclude you from attending.

 

Membership Moments — July 2022

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

I hope all are having a great summer. The weather has been good and people are getting out and enjoying the fresh air. Stores seem to be busy and traffic seems to be heavier than normal. After two years of COVID and people being afraid to go out of their homes, it seems great to see people milling about. Lawn sales (or whatever you call them) are everywhere, outdoor fundraising activities are abundant and Granges are joining in as well with their own fundraising activities. It is great to look on the Maine State Grange website and to see what is happening at various Granges. Their advertising is enthusiastic, their stories are refreshing and their events are successful due to hard work and teamwork. One of the most fulfilling things about Grange (for me) is to see organized and hard-working members happily serving the needs of the community. The Grange Hall provides a fun place to have a meal, socialize, smile, help others, and feel good about yourself and others.  It is also a place where legislative resolutions are presented, business is conducted and event planning is done. When explaining to others about Grange and what it does, enthusiastically tell them about all of the above. Many persons would love to be a Grange member; all you have to do is ask. Speak often, advertise often, keep busy and continue to be fulfilled. Others can sometimes “read” our facial expressions and feel our likes and dislikes about any topic. So when you want to attract new members speak with passion, be enthusiastic, be positive, and provide proficient information to the inquirers. Keep your doors open for new membership.

From the Deacon’s Bench — July 2022

By Clay Collins, MSG Chaplain
207 837-0564

“But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, ‘who, is my neighbor?’ And Jesus, answering said, ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise, a Levite passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan came by and when he saw the man, he had compassion for him. He went to him, bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine, and put him on his own beast, and took him to an inn, and took care of him.”

Luke 10:29-34

I just realized that this month’s column tends to go right along with last month’s. Maybe I should have written this for last month, then had last month’s for this month, but I digress!

I am sure that I have asked this question before, but it probably needs to be asked again (and again!); do we really know our neighbors? I mean really know them enough that we can feel comfortable walking up to them, and start talking to them?

Are you able to be the ‘Good Samaritan’ in Jesus’ parable? This Samaritan, who was considered an outcast, a low life, not one to be associated with, saw a man in trouble, hurting, next thing to being dead, and helped him. This Samaritan did not know this injured man and did not know how this man felt about Samarians himself, but he helped him anyway!

 If you read the verses before those at the top (Luke 10:25-37), you will get the entire feel for the parable. Here Jesus explains just what a neighbor is. Your neighbor is not just the people who live next door, but everyone. Throughout the Bible, we are told to be kind, and treat each other as we would want to be treated. This is very hard to do many times.

It seems in this day and age people have developed a “not my problem, don’t get involved” attitude. We are afraid that if we do get involved, we will somehow get hurt by helping out. We must learn from the Samaritan.

He was not afraid to get involved.  He did NOT give a second thought to any repercussions if he helped the injured man. He just saw a man who was hurt. He took care of him. There is no evidence of the man’s health after that, but we are to believe he survived.

Jesus, in His teachings, wanted us to just be kind to one another. To help, support, and love each other. We can do it! I know we can!

Until the next time, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.” Don’t forget to thank a veteran and all first responders for their service!!

Benediction: Gracious Father of us all, help us to understand the teachings of Jesus. Help us to be kind to our neighbors, whoever they may be. We pray in Thy holy name.  Amen.”

Thought for the month:
If God sends you down a stony path, may He give you strong shoes

an Irish Blessing

2022 Parkman Grange Scholarship Awardees Announced

The Parkman Grange is pleased to announce its 2022 Minnie Welts Bridge Scholarship winners. They are Mercy Harper, Sangerville, a Criminal Justice major at Husson University, and Eben Cooley, Parkman, a Marine Engineering Technology major at Maine Maritime Academy. Both will receive awards of $500. Although the Grange normally announces and awards winners at the Annual Scholarship Supper, this year the awards will be presented at the Parkman Grange Bean Supper on Saturday, July 23, 2022, in conjunction with the Parkman Bicentennial Celebration. The Supper runs from 4:00 to 5:30 or when the food runs out. The meal is by donation. Please come and enjoy the good food and good fun.

Minnie Bridge (1909-2011) was a lifelong resident of Parkman, a retired schoolteacher, and a life member of the Parkman Grange. In her memory, the Grange established the Minnie Welts Bridge Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit deserving Parkman students continuing their education beyond high school.  The Grange annually awards one or more scholarships funded through donations and the proceeds from an annual Supper in Minnie’s name. Last year, at the height of the Pandemic, there were no applicants and no awards made. This year applications were opened to all residents of MSAD#4. With these new awards, the Grange has awarded $13,000 since 2012.

Note that the next big Parkman Grange event will be the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance at the Grange Hall on Friday, August 12, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. All Daddies, with their young ladies, age 13 and under, are invited. DJ Steve Boddy will be spinning the tunes. There will be dance contests, door prizes, light refreshments, and a keepsake photo. Young ladies whose dads are unable to come are encouraged to come with an important adult in their life.  The cost is $5 per person, at the door. Plans are being discussed for a mother-son and/or family dance in the future.

Both the Supper and the Dance are at the Grange Hall located at the corner of State Hwy 150 and North Dexter Rd. For more information about these or any other Parkman Grange events, please contact Sue Manchester at 277-3942.

News from Ocean View Grange

Ocean View Grange is located in Martinsville, Maine

by Larry Bailey, Master/President

Grange member Ryan’s idea about serving a Strawberry Palooza of Strawberries and Cream was a success. We ran out of strawberries and whipped cream at 2 pm…, two hours before the advertised closing time. 

We served 92 cups of strawberries and cream and grossed $610. The net after expenses of $146 was $464.  Many of the folks who stopped in had never been in a Grange before and I gave tours of our meeting room. That went over well and, we may get a new member or two out of it.

We need to thank the following who worked to make the event both a financial and, just as important, a public relations success:

  • Ryan Aponte
  • Nancy Fagley
  • Joss Coggeshall
  • Dan Anderson (Ryan’s stepfather)
  • Pat Deussing (Ryan’s mother)
  • Bill Swittlinger 
  • Diane Bailey

Thanks to all of our members who helped and those members who came in to have a taste.

Webmaster’s Note: I highlighted the part about tours of the meeting room… what a great idea when having events!

Grange Heirloom — July 2022

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 responses link at the top right and share your comment with us!

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

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