Maine State Grange annual convention underway at Rockland Elks Lodge

  AUGUSTA – Patrick Brewer, Master (President) of the Maine State Grange will preside over the 139th Annual Session of the Maine State Grange Oct. 25-27 at the Rockland Elks Lodge.

  Approximately 140 Granges from across the state will send delegates to debate various resolutions from national to state legislative to issues to assorted internal issues.

  Resolutions passes at the session will become policy of the Maine State Grange and will be lobbied for at the Maine State Legislature.  Those pertaining to national policies will be sent to the National Grange Session held in November where delegates from across the country will consider them.

   On Oct. 26, Walter Whitcomb, State of Maine Commissioner of Agriculture will address the session.

 During the session there will be many awards for yearly achievements presented to Granges and individuals in a wide variety of categories including membership, publicity, and community service.  Plaques will also be presented to the Grange Farm Family of the Year and the Tree Farmer of the Year.  This also an opportunity for Grangers to show off their talents in the annual art and photo contests.

   One of the highlights of the session will be the annual conferral of the Sixth Degree by the officers of the Maine State Grange on Friday evening, featuring a Rose Drill under the direction of Yvonne Johnson and Terry Lacombe Stevens.  Special guest at this year’s convention will be Duane Scott, Executive Committee (Board of Directors) of the National Grange, and Master of the Wisconsin State Grange who will be the featured speaker on Friday evening.  Also on Friday evening the former officers of the Maine State Grange who are present will be recognized.  Wayne Sherman, former Chaplain of the Maine State Grange and President of the Past Officer Association will present a plaque and check to the Subordinate Grange of the year.

  Saturday morning’s session will be opened by the youth of the Maine State Grange (ages 14-35).  This will be followed by presentation of awards by Co-Youth Directors Celeste Roy & Terry Lacombe Stevens. Then Junior Director Laurie McBurnie will present information about the Junior Grange (ages 5-14).  Also on Saturday the Educational Aid and Howe’s Nursing Scholarships committees will present scholarships to several individuals.

  The Grange is fraternal community service organization with a special interest in agriculture.  For more information, visit www.mainestategrange.org or www.nationalgrange.org.