Home & Community Service

If you have any questions regarding the programs and contests listed below, please contact a member of the Home and Community Service Committee:

Committee Directors:

Theresa Kenney (978-618-0676) – tkenney2023@gmail.com

Committee Members:

Pamela Gale (978-575-0220) - pamgale59@gmail.com

Susan LaFleur (508-295-8908) - sash48@comcast.net

Heather Finneran (339-793-1604) - heathafinneran@gmail.com

Ruth Langner (413-822-7037) - rlaragione@nycap.rr.com

Northeast Needlework Contest

See the document for the rules and categories for the Northeast Needlework Contest.

A Taste of History - Bake-Off Edition - Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary:

This year, everyone will bake the same recipe—with a twist! We invite you to connect your baked item
to history by including a Mini History Card with your entry. This card can be a short story, fun fact, or
historical tidbit about how your version of the recipe might have been made or enjoyed in the 1700s or
early 1800s. For example: “This sweetbread was a favorite of early settlers in the Appalachian
Mountains.”

While everyone bakes the same item, your Mini History Card will showcase your unique historical
inspiration. It’s completely optional, but we encourage you to share a slice of history! Selected entries
and their stories will be featured in a special edition of our monthly State Grange newsletter,
highlighting the rich diversity behind one shared recipe.

The contest will be judged in four age groups. Age is determined as of January 1st of the current year.
Group A Ages 5-8 (Junior Contest)
Group B Ages 9-13* (Junior Contest)
Group C Ages 14-19 (Adult Contest)
Group D Ages 20 and over (Adult Contest)
*Junior members over 13 are eligible to enter the Junior contest in Group B

Official Entry Form and Identification Label Baking Contest

Class______________________________________

Name______________________________________

Street ______________________________________

City __________________ State ____ Zip _______

Grange Member _________ Non-member _________

Entered through____________________Grange # ________

Each entry must have an Official Entry Form and Identification Label attached to the bottom.

This contest is open to both Grange members and non-members. This excludes State H&CS members from entering.
The contest location, date, and time to be announced.
No package mixes are allowed.
Each entry MUST INCLUDE the complete recipe, list all ingredients and instructions, and highlight any local ingredients used.
Please send or bring your items to be judged in disposable containers or on a disposable plate covered with a plastic bag or wrap.
All items will be auctioned off at the end of the contest unless otherwise requested.
All proceeds from the auction will be donated to Grange projects.
Contestants permit the MA State Grange to use photos, name, and recipe for publicity.
The judges’ decision is final.
Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st , 2nd and 3rd place in each class and category.
A contestant may enter only ONE ITEM PER CLASS

BAKE-OFF 2026:

ADULT CATEGORIES:

Sweet Bread loaf or (7) Muffins
(7) Snickerdoodle or Molasses Cookies

JUNIORS CATEGORY:

(7) Gingerbread Cookies (Soft style)
(7) Seed Biscuits (ie. Hardtack/Ship’s Biscuit (sometimes with flaxseed), Caraway Seed Biscuits, Cornmeal Biscuits with sunflower or pumpkin, and Oatmeal Biscuits with caraway or anise.)

BAKE-OFF 2027:

ADULT CATEGORIES:

(7) Colonial Gingerbread Cookies
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (maximum size 9x13)

JUNIORS CATEGORY:

(7) Honey Cake Cookies
(7) Shrewsbury Cake Cookies (a.k.a. Colonial Cookies)

NEW ENGLAND NEEDLEWORK CONTEST AND STATE CRAFT CONTEST RULES AND INFORMATION:

State Needlework Contest will be judged in three age groups. Age is determined as of January 1st of the current year.
Group A: Ages 5-8 (Junior Contest)
Group B: Ages 9-13* (Junior Contest)
Group C: Ages 14-19 (Adult Contest)

Group D: Ages 20 and over (Adult Contest)
*Junior members over 13 are eligible to enter the Junior contest in Group B

Grange members and non-members may enter. This excludes State H&CS members from entering.
Professional needlework designers or teachers or anyone earning their living in a needlework related field may not enter.
Asterisk (*) denotes items for New England Needlework Contest at the Big E. The first-place winners in these categories will be going to Regional Judging and displayed in the New England
Grange Building during the Big E. The New England Needlework Contest Categories and
Rules are subject to change yearly. Contact a committee member for a copy of the latest contest brochure (it should be available at State Session).
Size requirements (if any) will be provided in the New England Needlework Contest Brochure.
A contestant may submit as many entries as have fulfilled the following requirements but may enter only ONE ITEM PER CLASS.
Work must be entirely that of the contestant.
Entries must have been completed within the contest year (August 1-July 31).
Each entry must have a completed Official Entry Form and Identification Label that corresponds with the contest and attached as indicated.
Judging will take place in August or September. Date and location to be announced.
Contestants permit the MA State Grange to use photos and names for publicity.
The judges’ decision is final.
Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st , 2nd and 3rd place in each class or category.
First place winning entries in the New England Needlework Contest will go on to the Big E and will not be returned until the end of State Grange Session.

NEEDLEWORK CONTEST:

Official Entry Form and Identification Label Needlework Contest
Class ______________________________________
Name ______________________________________
Street ______________________________________
City __________________ State ____ Zip _______
Grange Member _________ Non-member _________
Entered through____________________Grange # ________

I hereby certify that this article fulfills all requirements
Outlined in the Official Rules of the Contest.

(PLACE IN PLASTIC BAG AND PIN TO ITEM WITH SAFETY PIN)

ENTRY CLASS:
A. *AFGHAN: An afghan may be made using any yarn product. It can be any pattern, and it may be
knitted, crocheted, woven, etc. (Min. width 45 inches and max 60 inches Min. length 60 inches and
max 75 inches.
B. *DOILIES: May be knitted, crocheted, or tatted. May use any thread suitable to article. May be any
pattern or design (Max. size 18x18 inches).
C. *EMBROIDERY: Any embroidered item except counted Cross Stitch. Any embroidery thread may
be used. (Back of work must be visible.)
D. *3 PIECE BABY SET: May consist of a sweater plus, booties, skirt, mittens, or pants to make a 3-
piece suit. May be knitted or crocheted using any suitable pattern and product.
E. *PLASTIC CANVAS: Any item made with any pattern using yarn or thread.
F. *COUNTED CROSS STITCH: Any item using any thread product. NOTE: The back of the work
MUST be seen on all embroidered pieces. Pictures may be on stretcher strips or may be framed
and/or matted, BUT NO GLASS.
G. *ADULT GARMENT: Entry may be knitted or crocheted using any pattern and any suitable product.
A garment is something worn on the body, sweater, dress, cape, poncho, vest, etc. Items not
covered in this class, such as hats/caps, mittens/gloves, scarves, socks, collar, belt, etc., are
considered accessories.
H. *LATCH HOOK: Any item made with any pattern, using any yarn. The width must be a min of 18
inches and max of 24 inches and with a max length of 45 inches. Project must be finished (including
back). If a project is to be hung, it must have a sleeve on the back for hanging.
I. *QUILTED WALL HANGING: Piece may be hand or machine quilted, no bigger than 36x36 inches
and any product may be used for filler. If it is hung, add a sleeve on the back.
J. *STUFFED TOY: Toy may be knitted, crocheted, stitched, etc. May be stuffed with any product (i.e.
fiber-fills). Toys must be child safe.
K. *BABY AFGHAN: Baby afghan may be knitted, crocheted, woven, etc. and must appear suitable for
a baby - choice of color, selection of yarn product, etc. suitable for a baby. Max size 35x40 inches.
L. *CHILD OR ADULT GARMENT SEWN: Entry must be a sewn garment for a child or adult using
your own design or a pattern and use a suitable product for age. Must be completely finished and
must state size. A garment is something worn on the body (i.e. jacket, dress, skirt, slacks, shirt,
cape, poncho, or vest.)
M. Misc., Others: Any other needlework not included in above categories.

STATE CRAFT CONTEST:

Official Entry Form and Identification Label State Craft Contest
Group (with birth date for Groups A-B) ___________________
Name ______________________________________
Street ______________________________________
City __________________ State ____ Zip _______
Grange Member _________ Non-member _________
Entered through ________________ Grange # ______

(PLACE IN PLASTIC BAG AND PIN TO ITEM WITH SAFETY PIN)

Handmade Through History – Craft Contest - Celebrating America’s 250th
Anniversary:

In Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary: Special Historic-Themed Craft Contest!
This year, everyone will create the same craft item—but with your own unique reflection on early
American life. To bring your piece to life, we encourage you to include a Mini History Card with your
entry. This can be a short story, historical fact, or personal reflection—such as: "I created this Liberty
Bell Wreath to honor the spirit of 1776, when families looked to symbols of unity, courage, and the hope
of a free nation."

Your card will offer a window into the past and help others appreciate the traditions behind your
handmade creation. Participation is optional, but we hope you’ll join us in crafting a little piece of
history together! Selected entries and their stories will be featured in a special edition of our monthly
State Grange newsletter, celebrating your craftsmanship and the rich history behind it.

CRAFT CONTEST 2026:
ADULT CATEGORIES:

Liberty Bell Wreath
Colonial Heritage Quilt Block (12½" x 12½" unfinished)***

JUNIORS CATEGORY:

Yarn Wrapped Stars
Paper Tube Rockets

CRAFT CONTEST 2027:
ADULT CATEGORIES:

Patriot Tin Punch Craft
Colonial Candle Making

JUNIORS CATEGORY:

Craft Stick American Flag
Patriot Wind Chimes

***Quilt Block Entry Guidelines: Each participant may submit one (1) quilt block (12½" x 12½"
unfinished) for judging. Blocks must be made of 100% cotton and should not be quilted or finished.
Submitted blocks will not be returned, as they will be used to create a quilt to be raffled at a future
Grange event. If you choose to submit more than one block, please clearly label the block you
would like to be judged. Only one block per participant will be judged. You are also welcome to
donate additional blocks to the Massachusetts State Grange for use in the raffle quilt. There is no
limit to the number of blocks you may donate—thank you for sharing your creativity!

GRANGE RECOGNITION AWARD:
The Grange Recognition Award is an annual honor administered by the Massachusetts State Grange
Home & Community Service Committee. It recognizes individuals in the community who have
demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in their professional and volunteer roles. Nominees
may be in law enforcement, firefighting or EMT services, or education at any level, and are evaluated

on their professional contributions, community involvement, volunteer activities, special recognitions,
and any situations where they went above and beyond. Forms can be found here. Nominations are due by September 15.

Hearing Aid Fund:

The Hearing Aid Fund assists Subordinate and Junior Grange members with the cost of hearing aid.
Managed by the Home & Community Service Committee, the fund provides reimbursement of up to
$200, depending on available funds and the number of applicants. Members can only be reimbursed for
one hearing aid at a time and are not eligible for a new reimbursement for five years after receiving
funds. To apply, members must be in good standing, submit a bill and proof of payment, and meet the
August 15 deadline. The Committee reviews applications, confirms membership, checks available
funds, and submits vouchers for approval and payment in September. The applications Form can be found here. View this document for further information.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS:

Through community service, a Grange becomes a relevant, caring and involved part of its community.
Community Service is an important part of our Vision for the Grange. Grange members, working
together to meet a community need, make their community a better place to work and live, while
strengthening the Grange itself. Every Grange has projects that they carry out to benefit their
community. The Goal for 2026-2027 is for each Grange to review the needs of its community and to
select one or more projects that will help meet the identified needs. Forms can be found below and must be submitted by August 15.

Community Service Report - for printing

Community Service Report - fillable electronically

All Granges are asked to report projects they have undertaken and success they have achieved.
Report forms and details will be mailed to each Grange with September 15th as the deadline to return
the completed reports. The First Prize will be $100; Second Prize will be $75; Third Prize will be $50;
and Fourth Prize will be $25. The prize money is made available by the National Grange.

Reports should include, but are not restricted to, the following details:

Information for one year (Sept. 1 – Aug. 31)
How and why was the project(s) selected?
What was the project(s) and the success achieved?
How did the Community benefit from the project(s)?
How many Grange members participated in the project(s)?
Volunteer hours by Grange members.
How did other organizations or non-Granger’s work on your project(s)?
How did your Grange gain visibility through this project (publicity)?
Sum of donations made to the community.
Sum of donations made to Grange appeals.

Suggestions for Community Service Projects