August 26, 2007

 

Deering Grange -Revitalized

...by David Walls, Publicity Chairman 

 

The upper hall of our Grange was in depserate need of repairs and a fresh coat of paint.  So after a long time puting aside funds for this project, it was decided that over the summer months the upper hall would be repaired and repainted.  We sought out Profenno's Painting  (Freeport) to do the job, and what a great job they did.  It really looks fabulous and we have received many nice remarks from the various groups of people using the hall.  

 

Another issue that we were faced with was the limited stage space on the upper hall for the various bands and groups that use it.  40-50 years ago we had many plays enacted at the hall and a set was made specifically for that purpose.  We were challeged to find a way to enlarge the stage area without taking away from the original architectural design, while still making it desirable for all groups, bands or plays.  With the help of D.G Walls and Sons Construction, we were able to give the stage an extra 35-40 square feet of workable space.  The suspended ceiling was also removed unveiling the beautiful designed ceiling that had been covered up.  After the stage was expanded, Profenno's Painting took over and did a great job on the finish. 

 

A big thank you goes out to Robert Profenno of Profenno's Painting and Darren Walls of D.G.Walls and Sons Construction on a job well done.  Both Robert and Darren are fellow Grange members as well. Robert being a 50 year+ member of the Harraseeket Grange in Freeport and Darren a 4th generation member and officer of Deering Grange.      

 

 

 

 

May 16, 2007

 

Deering Grange Offers Support To Waterboro Grange. 

...by David Walls, Publicity Chairman 

 

Over a year ago at one of our meetings, the members of Deering Grange heard that a sister lodge, Waterboro Grange, had been broken into with a lot of damage being done.  "There is not much they didn't touch...utensils were bent, the old Bible had pages ripped from it, holes were put through the walls and stage area, old artifacts used in the Grange were damaged or missing"..said Brenda Dyer, a member of Waterboro Grange.  This senseless act came from some mischievous minors who were able to get inside the building while the hall was not being used.  At least one of the minors involved came forward recently and accepted responsibility and is helping out on the repairs.

 

The Deering members immediately went into action.  We started a "Grangers Helping Grangers" campaign for the Waterboro Grange.  Donations were made virtually at every meeting to this cause.  Notices were sent out to the members with their dues notices and the membership response was fantastic as well as heartwarming.     

 

Deering Grange held it's annual Past Master's night starting off with a delicious dinner.  (A Master within the Grange is what other organizations may call a "President".  Past Masters Nights usually include visiting past masters from other lodges)  A regular meeting was held and business was conducted and followed up by a very entertaining program.  Deering Grange invited a member of Waterboro Grange to attend, unknowingly that Deering even had this fund in the works.  We presented the member with a check for $500.00 to help with repairs, along with a plaque (shown below).

 

The members of Deering Grange wish Waterboro Grange a speedy rebuilding.