ELLSWORTH -- The 135th Annual Maine State Grange session began on Thursday, October 23, with 176 delegates representing 103 Granges.

Congratulations on our 135 years of serving the State of Maine were received from Senator Snowe, Senator Collins and Congressman Allen as well as the National Grange Master (President) Edward Luttrel. Representatives from the National Grange, John and Nancy Valentine from Indiana, were introduced and welcomed.

Highlights from Thursday's session were:

• The 2008 Grange Farm Family Award was presented to John and Beverly Ingraham of Dirigo Grange #98 of Knox.
• Tree Farmer of the Year was awarded to the Park Family of Presque Isle.
• Commissioner of Agriculture, Seth Bradstreet, spoke about agriculture issues in the State of Maine.
• Representatives from the Grange sponsored cottage from Good Will Hinckley received a check from the Maine State Grange for over $600.00 in addition to hundreds of dollars from the annual penny drive.
• Legislative resolutions were discussed and voted on. Resolutions adopted by the delegates included supporting:
  • Seniors (70+) from being required to participate in the Deer Hunting lottery
  • The President's plan to lift the Ban on off-shore drilling
  • Increasing the number of turkeys allowed by hunters to reduce the population
  • Joe Shaw's efforts to promote research and development of his potato that is toxic to the Colorado potato beetle

Thursday's session ended with the Annual Banquet, with entertainment by Maine Humorist, Clyde Folsom

Seth Bradstreet, State of Maine Commissioner of Agriculture.

Girls from Grange Cottage look at some of the jars of pennies collected by members of the Maine State Grange.

The Park Family recieves the Tree Family of the Year award from Maine State Grange Agricultural Directors Jeanne and David Burnham (In Pink Sashes).

John and Beverly Ingraham recieve the Maine State Grange Farm Family award from Maine State Grange Agricultural Directors Jeanne and David Burnham (In Pink Sashes).