Enterprise Grange is hosting a discussion of the eight referendum questions that will be on the ballot in November. The discussion will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has agreed to attend and explain the voting process and speak in support of approving the first four referendum questions with a yes vote. Since Enterprise Grange is well-known for presenting both sides of issues, we’d like to continue to do so.
We are, therefore, seeking a person or person from the Richmond area who can speak authoritatively, with facts and figures, in support of a “no” vote on these questions. This is open to everyone from any area, not just Sagadahoc County. If you think you qualify, please contact Marilyn Stinson at 207-737-2611.
Microsoft issued a general alert this morning that they are seeing a significant increase in “undeliverable” emails. Well, so am I! Several emails I sent early this morning “bounced.” There doesn’t seem to be any pattern to it, and from the Microsoft Announcement, it appears they are working on it without admitting any fault.
If you have recently emailed or submitted to the site and haven’t had a response, it’s not for lack of trying. Frankly, it’s a bit of a relief knowing that there’s nothing wrong at our end. I will keep trying.
We have someone looking for a wedding shower venue (just the hall, no services within 30 minutes of Brunswick on October 14, 2o23. If your Grange is interested, letme know and I’ll put you in touch.
This is also a reminder to please check your voicemail and email regularly if you are a roster contact–and reply!
I know you didn’t want to be reminded… maybe I should change the headline to, “It’s not just for Christmas anymore!” Back in 2021, I put together a video that was a bit of a retrospective look at Granges around the state during the previous year and a holiday wish. We (MSG) have a YouTube Channel where we host a few videos–most are resources for Grangers. This makes it possible to “embed” these videos on the website. Just recently, this comment on the video was posted:
Congrats from a Granger in Michigan on an excellent presentation. I’m a 54 year member who has real appreciation for our history. Your video does a great job relating our heritage and still presents today’s Grange in a positive light. To my Maine Grange Brothers and Sisters keep up the good work.
Tom Smith
Tom’s comment demonstrates several things–including the fact that things on the Internet stick around forever. That’s good news and bad news. But it also demonstrates that good work gets recognized. Sometimes, it may take a while!
I first joined the Grange while on active duty in the Marines in Pennsylvania in 1986. My parents were quite active members back home in Maine. I loved going to the Grange fairs and suppers growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. During those decades, the Grange was still vibrant and active in Maine. The Granges in Pennsylvania are still quite active. Though I lived away for many years I maintained my Grange membership all these years. After I retired and returned to Maine I was able to participate in the Grange actively and enjoyed the Pomona and State Degree Initiations. Though our Grange closed and we had to join another Grange I am NOT discouraged. Some Granges are failing. However, others have taken on an inspiring resilience. I am eager to lend my abilities to help our Grange grow. What I love the most about the Grange is the friendliness and companionship that are meetings offer, as well as the social participation in those awesome potluck suppers. I believe the Grange can make a turn-around and once again become a beacon for social interaction and progress that so many will find attractive.
Barry E. Tracy
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!
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!
September Bulletin Reminder
The September Bulletin is complete and available. Remember, you can always find recent issues of the Bulletin on the Program Books and Information Page.
Posting Your Events
This is yet another reminder that we love seeing your events listed on the MSG Website! We make a post of your event and add it to the MSG Website Calendar! Once they are posted, it’s easy for anyone to share them on Facebook. This is especially important when planning Officer Installations and Degree Days. We give those higher priority so other Granges have the opportunity to participate.
Is Anybody There?
I’ve recently had several contacts requesting “more information” as a result of phone calls not being returned and emails not being answered. These are often from people trying to reach local Granges with questions about hall use or events. Please check your voicemail and email regularly and respond within a reasonable period of time. You can choose whether this is a nudge or a nag.
Grange Supplies
Looking for forms or other items necessary to keep your Grange running with the correct procedures? Some are available from State Headquarters. Contact MSG Secretary Sharon Morton with your questions and to see what is available. Secretary Supplies are also available from National Grange.
Rolling Gardens?
Rory Feek of Plain Values Magazine recently wrote an article on gardening and included a photo of his daughter’s “rolling garden.” It’s a child-sized “box” on wheels with child-sized “tools” kept on a port or deck. What a great idea! A Grange could make some as a fundraiser… provide a version for senior citizens… put your thinking caps on!
Ideas for Granges
It’s not too early to start planning your annual Christmas Fair. Don’t forget to include in your plans submitting the information to the website! Use the tab on the site or send an email!
2023-2024 Events Calendar
This is a great time to start planning your programs and events for the next Grange Year. Please submit the information for posting on the MSG Website Calendar.
Thought for You…
“If you want the cooperation of humans around you, you must make them feel they are important – and you do that by being genuine and humble.”
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!
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.
The Junior Grange exhibited at four fairs this year: Pittston, Topsham, Windsor, and Litchfield. As the only Junior Grange, we got first place. However, the score sheet from Windham gave us 590 out of a possible 600. With positive comments on being welcoming, showing Grange as fun and giving a good understanding of what the Grange can offer. We were not able to do Grange Camp but will come to the State Session and plan to bring a group to the National Convention. Remember that as a State Junior Grange, we accept any child or grandchild of a Grange member. We also participate in the Plus One. So, if you know of any eligible child between 5 and 14, please let me know.
Thanks to committee members Caroline Coffin and Marilyn Stinson and her daughter CJ, who put up the booths and helped take them down. Marilyn also found the fairs and registered for them. I certainly could not have done it without them.
