It’s cool to cool off–at least some! We’re particularly interested in the forecast for Saturday, July 30, 2022, because that’s the day of Riverfest!

The current NOAA forecast is “sunny and in the low 80’s.” I’m not sure we can ask for anything much better than that! Valley Grangers will be there, talking about Grange Membership, handing out pins, and selling raffle tickets! See the complete schedule of events on the Riverfest Facebook Page. The parade starts at 9:30 am and vendor tents open at 11:00 am. Stop by and say “Hi!”

Alumni of the Valley Grange Bookworm Program and Dictionary Recipients are especially welcome!

If, for some reason, you can’t make it and would like to buy a raffle ticket, contact any Valley Grange member. It’s your chance to win up to $100 and support the many Valley Grange Programs, including:

• Words for Thirds–Third graders in four area school districts receive a dictionary that is theirs to keep! Nearly 4,000 have been distributed to date.
• Bookworming–Volunteers visit school and listen to second and third graders at PCES read.
• GrowME–An annual program of hands-on activities in local schools, promoting agricultural literacy.
• Veterans Honor Program–In conjunction with the Community Health and Counseling Hospice program, we collect lap quilts and afghans as part of a celebration for individual vets.
• Blistered Finger Knitters–Knitters create lap robes for seniors and hats and mittens for local school children.
• Sock It to Us!–We collect socks and distribute them to six local elementary schools.
• Project Linus–We host an annual “blanketeers” day to make blankets for kids and members participate in Project Linus Day.
• Hall Use for non-profits–Past use has included 4-H, Guilford Historical Society, D.A.R, Spirit of America Foundation…
• Newspapers in Education–Contest encouraging fourth graders to explore commercial art and advertising.
• Garry Owen House–We support this transitional shelter where homeless veterans can find hope for the future.
• Bikes for Books–We support this Mason’s Program that encourages literacy both financially and through our Bookworm Program.
• Community Citizen Award–An annual celebration of community and recognition of “boots on the ground” service to our communities.
• Kiddy Ditty Bags–We provide the local courts with these activity bags designed to entertain children who must sit in courtrooms.
• Teddy Bear Parade–We provide teddy bears to local law enforcement agencies as requested.
• Special Programs–“If you have the passion, Valley Grange is the place.” We are always willing to consider addressing community needs and opportunities… and we have annual programs including an annual fellowship breakfast, balloons and baked stuff at Piscataquis River Festival, an annual picnic fun and fundraiser…

Some programs have been temporarily suspended due to COVID mandates and restrictions—we can’t wait to get them going again!