SKOWHEGAN — The 140th Annual Session of the Maine State Grange will be held Oct. 16-19 at the Skowhegan Community Center. This will be Master (President) Victoria Huff’s first session as leader of the 5,000 Maine Grangers. She will deliver her first Master’s address Thursday afternoon.

Approximately 140 Granges from across the state will send delegates to debate various resolutions dealing with National and State legislative issues as well as internal issues.

Thursday evening members will mark the passing of Grange members during a memorial service. On Thursday, Walter Whitcomb, State of Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, will address the session. Friday will feature election of officers.

During the session there will be awards for yearly achievements presented to Granges and individuals. Plaques will be presented to the Grange Farm Family of the Year and the Tree Farmer of the Year. This is 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 or the Degree of Flora by the officers of the Maine State Grange, on Friday evening, featuring a Rose Drill. With the 147th Annual Session of the National Grange being held in Manchester, N.H., it is hoped that many Maine Grangers will take their 6th Degree so they can go to Manchester in November and receive their 7th Degree.

Special guest will be Linda Chase, Ceres of the National Grange and past first lady of the Massachusetts State Grange, accompanied by her husband, Calvin Chase, past master of the Massachusetts State Grange. She will be the featured speaker on Friday evening.

Saturday morning session will be opened by the youth of the Maine State Grange (ages 14-35). This will be followed by presentation of awards, information about the Junior Grange (ages 5-14) and a scholarship presentation.

For more information about the Grange call 1-800-464-3421 or visit www.mainestategrange.org or www.nationalgrange.org.