Exploring Traditions – April 2023

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

by Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

When you don’t know what to say…

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

“By command of the Worthy Master, I proclaim this Grange opened in ample form for promoting the welfare of our country and of mankind, and for advancing interests, elevating the characters and increasing the influence of all Patrons of Husbandry, by transacting our business and by exemplifying our principles in Faith, in Hope, in Charity, and with Fidelity.”

(The Overseer’s Proclamation while opening a meeting.)

A few years ago, Grangers heard a lot about having an “elevator speech.” The idea behind it seemed to be that you should be prepared to give a short speech establishing the value of the Grange to your fellow passengers. I was never a big fan. For one thing, I’m not sure we will attract members by making speeches. For another, it seems to imply that our best opportunity to recruit was found among people who were trapped and forced to listen.

But I do accept the reality that it can be hard to know what to say when someone expresses interest in or asks a question about the Grange. I suspect our forebears recognized the importance of even members being reminded of some fundamental truths about how and why we have meetings. They, therefore, decided the Overseer would remind us at the beginning of each and every meeting.

If you’ve been a Granger for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard the proclamation often enough to recognize it and be at least somewhat familiar with it. You might even be surprised to find that you could come close to reciting it from memory.

You may not have considered that it includes a fairly succinct description of why and how we operate. The Grange promotes the welfare of our country and of mankind. (Anyone who thinks the Grange has lost its purpose and relevancy might reflect on just that part.) The second part sounds a bit self-serving, but we need to remember that this is part of the opening of a meeting—there will likely be mostly members in attendance.) We are about elevating the characters and increasing the influence of our members.

I suppose we could have some fun with that, thanks to the peculiarities of our language. We sometimes say that “so and so is quite a character!” Does that mean people should join the Grange so they can become a character?” In the truest sense of the word, the answer is yes! Character refers to a good reputation, as our adversities can build our character. “Increasing the influence” of our members originally alluded to the Grange’s representation of agriculture and farming. But in a more general sense, people who want to improve the welfare of our country and mankind should have more influence.

When we set out to do these things both in our meetings and in our lives, we are guided by and exemplify the principles of faith, hope, charity (love), and fidelity (truth and loyalty). That sounds like a pretty good organization to me.

It’s more important to understand it than to recite it. There are really three points:

  1. The Grange is about promoting the welfare of our country and mankind. As an organization, we start at the community level.
  2. Being a member also means building our character in such a way that we are, by example, improving our country and mankind.
  3. Everything we do, we try to do it faith, hope, love, and truth.

Is that something you’d like to be part of? If you are a member, is that something you ARE part of? Are you a patron (member) that others enjoy being with? People do not join organizations based on good speeches. They join organizations based on shared values. The biggest benefit an organization can offer is an opportunity to achieve, a shared sense of purpose, and a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. Let’s offer that to prospective members.

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 – April 2023

Let’s Have a Grand Grange Gathering

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

“Train With Hazardous Materials Derails in Rural Maine “ was a recent headline in a mainstream media outlet. Since a small forest fire developed, the Maine Forest Service was involved. A subsequent report by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry included this statement, “Additional rail cars transporting hazardous materials did not derail.”

There might be a lesson in communication here. Or at least in journalism. The media headline is not inaccurate and will pass the fact-checkers. Is it a “good” headline?

A headline is, according to Wikipedia, “the text indicating the content or nature of the article below it.” There’s actually a bit of science involved that includes grammatical rules. No, we’re not going down that path, interesting as it might be.

Headlines became commonly used in the late 19th Century as competition between newspapers increased. Thus, they became “attention-getting devices.” When people stood at the newsstand, they picked up the paper with the most interesting headline. As readers paged through the purchased copy, they often decided which articles to read based on the headline.

In the electronic world, we use the term “click-bait” to describe a headline that captures interest to the point we click a link, often to be disappointed. As a writer, I find it disappointing that we aren’t having more conversations about the ethics of headline writing. I’m willing to concede that there’s a difference between writing a  headline for an advertisement versus a news story. An online ad recently offered “Save a Life—Free CPR training.” To their credit, in the fine print, they disclosed a fee for the certificate or completion. Much like the news example, the headline was not inaccurate. A number of folks took them to task for what they considered “misleading.” It might be a shame that we aren’t taking the media to task for some of the headlines they write. “The Training Is Free. The Certificate Is Not,” might have been more accurate, but a lot less attention-getting.

I’ve been tempted to create a lecturer’s program that would involve critiquing current headlines using some sort of accuracy scale. The program might be more about critical thinking than headlines.

When we send Grange news and program information to media outlets, we certainly don’t want to be misleading. But I think most would agree we can and should be more “attention-getting.” It may not be easy because you’re forced to really think about why someone should read your story or come to your event. A good day for a reporter includes a report where the headline just writes itself, but it rarely happens. One of my memorable ones happened when I was writing a press release announcing a local school concert. “Kids Raise Voices and Lift Spirits.”

One way to improve our headlining ability is to read other headlines critically. Be especially alert to headlines that might be adaptable to the news and events you are trying to promote. I love alliterations—they tend to “stick” in people’s minds. Let’s have a Grand Grange Gathering!

► FACT: Your MSG website was viewed over 1,500 times during March 2023–if you aren’t submitting your events and news, you are missing an opportunity!

Tell us why you love the Grange!

View from the Farm – April 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.

A quote attributed to Paul Harvey reads, “Despite all of our accomplishments, we owe our existence to six inches of topsoil and the fact that it rains.”

Here near the 45th parallel, we make haste to work with that topsoil and rain to grow food and fodder in the few months of growing weather we have.

It really is astonishing that such a small amount of time is adequate for abundance.  For months here, the earth sleeps, the trees sleep, some of the critters sleep.  But what we have is enough for abundance.

This week, with the frost out of the ground and temperatures forecasted to be in the sixties, our places will awaken suddenly instead of slowly.  The race for abundance will begin anew.  Nature, content with such a small window of time, will amaze us with possibilities.

I’ve always held that to be a successful northerner, you must concentrate on short-term memory; that is, live in the present.  Soon, winter will fade away, and our existence will change.  We will walk out of houses with scant clothing, we will not warm up our vehicles, we will taste of our soil, and remember abundance.

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.

Fundraising Report – April 2023

Norma Meserve, MSG Fundraising Chairperson
207 998-2586

Happy Spring! I hope all is going well.

The Fundraising Committee is making plans for our summer fundraising event. This year we are having A Little Of Everything Sale (just like the annual yard sale with a different name).

This will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Manchester Grange in Manchester from 9:00-1:00. We will be renting tables to anyone interested but the committee will not be selling yard sale items this year. Instead, we are planning to sell to-go “meal starters.” This will include your choice of a pint of one of two kinds of beans or lasagna (with a side of bread). Also, apple crisp or brownie for an extra $1.00.

We are looking for donations of needed ingredients, or a monetary donation to buy needed items. Items we need include- For beans: dried beans, onions, molasses, and dried mustard. For Lasagna: oven ready lasagna noodles, pasta sauce (any kind, any brand), cottage and ricotta cheese and eggs. For Apple Crisp: apples, quick oats, sugar, brown sugar and butter. Also, some family size Brownie Mixes.

If you’d like to help us with a donation or rent a table, please get in touch with me at meserve1965@gmail.com or 998-2586 and I will help make arrangements.

In addition, we will also be raffling off a $100 Visa Card.

Proceeds from this event will, in part, be used to help replace the furnace and repair the chimney at State Grange Headquarters. Thanks again for all you do, big or small, to help make these events a success.

Membership Moments – April 2023

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

What has your Grange done for Grange month? I know there have been many active Granges doing wonderful things to help the community and to gain membership. Please send me information on what is going on in your area. My Grange is preparing its annual open hall May Basket project for veterans at the VA center and local nursing homes. We invite the community, especially the children, to come in to decorate and fill the baskets. Items used are small travel samples of toothpaste, deodorant, etc. as well as sugar-free candies and a note saying “Thank you for your service”. Tours of the Hall are also coordinated.

Membership drives should be continuous and a priority. Be aware of the upcoming degree days. Without members, we will not exist. The importance of getting new members is needed more than ever. I know you have heard this over and over, but it is our lifeline. Keep active, communicate, and most of all keep your doors open to new members!

    Lecturer’s Column – April 2023

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

    Skit Writers Wanted!

    In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, TV Variety shows were really popular. Shows such as The Red Skelton Show and Carol Burnett Show entertained all ages. Though they often had celebrity guests, the skits or sketches were the most entertaining and what audiences remember. Writers produced parodies of well know shows and commercials. Skits with characters such as Freddie the Freeloader or everyday situations such as going to the dentist were also the basis for popular skits.

    Now it’s your turn to become a skit writer by entering the Skit Writing Contest. Any topic, as long as it is Grange-appropriate, may be used as a theme for your skits. Think about the events that happen daily, work situations, kids playing, and interactions with other people that you might be able to write as a skit.

    Lecturers, maybe instead of having someone read a selection pertaining to your program, the information might be turned into a skit that conveys that information in an entertaining way.

    The Skit Writing Contest is open to all Subordinate Grange members. Each skit must have a title. The skit must be an original work of the person submitting it. The skits must have at least two characters and be able to be performed in under 10 minutes. Every entry must include the Writer’s name, their Grange, including the number and address. All entries must be received by September 1, 2023.

    CWA Report – April 2023

    By Margaret Henderson, Director
    Committee on Women’s Activities
    207 948-2762

    Committee on Women’s Activities

    Happy Spring!

    A beautiful week here in Waldo County.  The weather is warming up, and the snow is melting. Soon the flowers will bloom, and the trees will be budding. Can you tell that I like spring?

    A question had come up about one of the rules for the contests, so after much discussion and consideration, the Members of the Maine State Grange CWA Committee are going to make the following change to the rules for our contests.

    We will now accept the top two entries in each category, from each Pomona Grange at the State contest level. All other rules will remain the same.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.

    Sagadahoc Fifth Degree

    Wednesday, April 26, 2023

    Special Guest for Sagadahoc Pomona Fifth Degree will be Gerry Simmons, Past Master of Minuteman Pomona and Past Steward of Massachusetts State Grange. Other special guests filling chairs include Rick Grotton, Sharon Morton, and Henry Morton.

    Sagadahoc Pomona will hold its annual Fifth Degree at Enterprise Grange #48, 15 Alexander Reed Road, Richmond, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. From Main Street in Richmond, take the street across from the library and fire department, and pass two houses and the ballfield.

    A potluck supper at 6:00 with a meeting at 7:00.

    Other Pomonas are welcome to take their candidates. Please be sure the candidates have their applications signed by their Subordinate Master or Secretary. Contact Ben Edgerly or Marilyn Stinson for more info.

    President’s Perspective – April 2023

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

    The Degree Day on April 23, 2023, has been moved to Manchester Grange at 953 Western Ave, (Route 202) Manchester, ME 04351. The hall is located about 10 miles south/west of Augusta next to Walgreens on Route 202. The reason for the unexpected change was the furnace breakdown at the State Grange office building.

    Spring in Maine, how absolutely wonderful to see the green shoots of the jonquils, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, the variety of colors in the crocus beds and patches of green grass showing up here and there, even though those little shoots may still be shivering during the chilly nights, the sun is warming them more and more. With spring comes reopening. Spring is also clean-up time outside and inside for our own yards but this should also include our Grange halls.  Get the lawn raked up, clip the grass and bushes around the steps and foundation, pick up the branches and trash lying around, get the tattered plastic off the windows, and maybe even wash the reachable ones.  Get some new plants in the window boxes and garden.  Repaint your sign, the steps, the railings, and even the door.  We all need an occasional facelift and get ready to provide a welcoming place for your neighbors to trade seeds, starter plants, and gardening advice.

    It is good to hear Granges are getting back in the swing of things in their Grange and Community. REMINDER, there are set things that must happen to have the Grange open in due form or full form to conduct business and take votes.  There must be seven members of that Grange present to be a legal meeting, Assistants open the Bible on Altar, Opening Prayer, Salutation, the Charter MUST be present, the Implement case is opened, the Grange is declared open, and Salute to the Flag. Special meetings or open meetings are exactly as implied, “Special” for a specific, pre-designated event or activity only.  No other business may be conducted.  Open meetings are also set for special events and activities, but NO business may be conducted.

    Recently while reading the information provided for Secretaries by Sharon M., our State Secretary, she talks about keeping the minutes of the meetings.  This includes motions made and the action taken on the motion during the meeting. This was a good place to remind everyone about making motions and recording them to go along with her information.  After a vote is taken on a motion, it is up to the Master to state specifically that the motion was adopted or rejected. They should not just say, “It’s a vote.”  It is always a vote one way or the other, be specific what was the vote’s end result. The Secretary should also be specific about what the outcome of the vote was and note that in the minutes along with the wording of the motion.

    Handling Motions and Voting Procedure

    1. The member should stand and address the Master by saying, “Worthy Master.”
    2. The Master recognizes the member (the member obtains the floor).
    3. The member from that Grange makes a motion by saying, “I move that…”  or  “I would like to make a motion to …. “
    4. The Master then asks for a second to the motion.  (If no one seconds the motion, it is lost, and no discussion may continue on the subject.)
    5. Another member of that Grange seconds the motion.
    6. The Secretary records the wording of the motion.
    7. The Master repeats the motion for all to hear.
    8. The Master asks, “Is there any discussion?” Only at this point are debate and/or questions allowed.
    9. A motion may be amended (wording changed, added, or deleted) by making another motion saying, “I move to amend this motion to …” Again, it must be seconded.  The amendment (changes)  is voted on first.  The Secretary records the changes.
    10. If the changes are adopted, then the amended motion is taken up as a whole.
    11. If the changes are not adopted, then you go back to the original motion. 
    12. Hearing that there is no more debate/discussion, the Master puts the question to a vote by saying, “All in favor of the motion as stated will make it manifest by the voting sign of the order.”  After this vote, the Master will say “Down hands” and ask, “All opposed by the same sign.”  The Master must ask for those in favor and those opposed on each motion presented.  The voting sign of the order is the end of the sign for the First Degree.
    13.  The Master announces the result of the vote by saying, “The Motion carries; is adopted or is affirmative.” If the vote is negative, “the Motion is rejected or lost.” Specific words adopted or rejected must be included in his/her report.  Then make it official with one rap of the gavel.   
    14. The Secretary records the result of the vote for the motion using the specific words “motion carries/adopted or motion lost/rejected”. 

    A simple majority is needed for a motion to be approved or rejected unless it is a Bylaw change.  In this case 2/3 of those present and voting is required.  Also, Bylaw changes must be held over to the next meeting, and all members notified of the changes and the meeting date for the vote.

    Other dates I have scheduled for information/instruction meetings:

    • Apr. 22, 1:00 pm Arbutus not confirmed. Call ahead.
    • May 13, 1:00 pm – 3:30 Cumberland Pomona hosting at N. Scarborough
    • May 15, 6:00 pm refreshments; 7:00 pm meeting Evening Star
    • June 22, 6:30 pm Paugus
    • June 27, 1:00 pm Searsport 

    The Springfield Fair date has been changed to June 15 – 18. NE Youth Conference will be July 15 and 16, hosted by Vermont, more info to come.

    Highland Lake Grange April Turkey Supper

    Saturday, April 22, 2023, 4:30 – 6:30 pm

    Highland Lake Grange will have a roasted turkey drive-up, take-out-only dinner on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 4:30 – 6:00. NOTE: Serving may start earlier if we have a long line of cars for safety.

    There will be roasted turkey, green beans, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, bread, cranberry sauce, and cake. The cost is $10.00 per person. Please have the exact price for the meal(s) you want. You will drive up, pay and receive your meal: no substitutions or pre-orders. The Grange is located near the corner of Rt 302 and Hardy Road, Westbrook.  FMI Joann Levesque 207 233 7119.