AUGUSTA -- James Owens, Master (President) of the Maine State Grange, announces that the 135th Annual Session of the Maine State Grange will meet in Ellsworth, at the Ellsworth Holiday Inn on October 23rd  through October 25th 2008.

Over 350 Grange members will meet to debate and decide Grange policy on a variety of issues ranging from agricultural, legislative, education, to internal issues. Each of the 165 Granges across the state will send two delegates, and the 22 Pomona (county) Granges will also send delegates. One of the highlights of this year's session will be our special guests, John and Nancy Valentine of Indiana. Mr. Valentine currently the serves the National Grange as the High Priest of Demeter, which is the highest ritualistic position in the Grange. As the High Priest Mr. Valentine is charged with the conferral of the 7th degree, the highest degree in the Grange, he also decides on the annual password that is used each year.

Other happenings include the presentation of the Master's Address, the judging of various contests from photo to squash growing, a memorial service honoring those Grangers lost in the past year. The annual awards Membership and Community Service awards will be given out, along with various educational scholarships.

Also, at State Grange the 6th Degree will be conferred, the ritualistic highlight of the year. For more information about the Grange or State Grange session please call 1-800-464-3421 or visit www.mainestategrange.org.