BANGOR – More than 500 Grangers from all over the state met at the Spectacular Events Center for the 131st annual convention of the Maine State Grange recently. State Master Steven Verrill of Minot presided.

Attending the convention were State Flora Susanne Verrill of Minot, State Assistant Steward and State Lady Assistant Steward Harold and Mildred Parsons of Minot as well as many other Grangers from Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties. Representing the National Grange at the convention was John Valentine, high priest of Demeter, and his wife, Nancy.

A highlight was the Tribute to D-Day Vets and Iraq-Afghan vets. The ceremony was attended by Gov. John Baldacci, Rep. Mike Michaud and representatives from all branches of the Armed Services.

The sixth degree was conferred upon 35 candidates from all parts of Maine. It was announced that the Maine State Youth Grange and the Maine State Youth Department raised more than $3,200 this year for Camp Sunshine in Casco.

In his annual address to the convention, Verrill expressed his belief in the future of the Grange.

Verrill said, “The Grange can and should have a future. Its tenets are timeless and will endure as long as humankind walk the earth. Our success depends on enthusiastic people willing to step forward and who want to make a difference in the future of the Grange.” He quoted late Pres. John F. Kennedy,” If not you, who; if not now, when?’ “