Grange events for April

    April is Grange Month across the nation. Founded in 1867, the Grange was the first fraternal farm organization in the country. Today it is also recognized as America’s No. 1 rural family organization. There are nearly 300,000 members in 3,400 local or “Subordinate” Granges across 37 states. Grange month includes a number of opportunities for visiting a Grange near you.

    On Thursday, April 2, Piscataquis Pomona Grange members visit Parkman Grange for a potluck supper at 6 p.m. followed by their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Pomona Grange is the regional association of local Granges and anyone may attend. Piscataquis Pomona Grange includes East and South Sangerville Grange, Parkman Grange, Garland Grange, Dexter Grange and Valley Grange in Guilford. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Grange closest to you. For additional information about this meeting or Granges in the area, contact Bill Bemis at 924-3537.
    On Friday, April 10, Garland Grange will serve up a baked bean and pasta public supper from 5-7 p.m. The menu includes baked beans, mac and cheese, homemade bread and desserts. Takeout is available and proceeds benefit the Garland Grange Building Fund. For more information call 924-6954.
    Also on Friday, April 10, Garland Grange hosts a Family Contra Dance from 7 until 9 p.m. — a great family friendly program with live music. All dances are taught. Caller is John McIntire and music by Some Reel People. For more information call 924-3925 or 277-3961.
    On Saturday, April 11, East Sangerville Grange will host the annual “Cultivating Community” program from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Conducted in partnership with the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District, this free program “Healthy Soil Matters” will be of interest to commercial farmers and home gardeners. A complimentary lunch will be served by the PRYMCA Healthy Community Initiative. For more information and a reservation contact Erin Callaway at eecallaway@gmail.com or 343-0171.
    April 11, Parkman Grange will host its third Daddy Daughter Dance at the Parkman Grange Hall. Any girl 13 and under may bring that “special man” in life. Tickets are available at the door. A DJ will be spinning tunes and running dance contests. Light refreshments will be served and door prizes give. Keepsake photos will also be taken. The dance will be held from 6-8 p.m. For more information contact Sue Manchester at 277-3942.
    Parkman Grange is also taking reservations for the 15th annual Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 9. Reservations can be made by calling Sue at 277-3942.
    On Friday, April 17, Valley Grange Bookworms and friends will attend the Bikes for Books assembly starting at 8 a.m. at Piscataquis Elementary School. The Bikes for Books Program is sponsored by the Mount Kineo Masons Lodge to support literacy and bookworms who visit school to listen to kids read love it.
    April 17, Valley Grange hosts a potluck supper at 6 p.m. followed by a CWA Program at 7 p.m. The CWA committee of the Grange celebrates domestic skills such as crafts, sewing, woodworking and all are invited. For more information visit http://valleygrange.com or contact Jim Annis at 564-0820.