To the editor:
As Grand Secretary of Odd Fellows here in Maine, I have had a great opportunity to travel statewide and visit many Maine people. I’m so sorry to say these are troubled times here in Maine. With politicians pointing there fingers at each other, they’re missing the message we’re sending. We’re losing our young people to out of state jobs — jobs we don’t offer. Those young people who stay are faced with a great deal of strife, low income, high expenses and great worries of being able to care for their families. It’s our fault, we haven’t done enough, and I haven’t done enough.
I’ve been there, Calais, Princeton, Houlton, Mars Hill, Caribou, Ashland, Oxbow, and many more places where I found friendship. Traveling into an area where no one knows you and being greeted like you just left them is the greatest feeling I have ever felt. Being welcome, enjoying friendship and building relationships that will last a lifetime.
I’m not just an Odd Fellow; I’m a Mason and Redmen, that’s right Redmen. From the formation of the Sons of Liberty, the Improved Order of Redmen, Americas first true fraternal order, teaching the blessed path of the Native American and their life here. Masonry, holding strong the Temple, where so many came together from all regions and beliefs to build a great future, and Odd Fellowship where the good Samaritan walks his path this very day, reaching out to assist those who have fallen.
Everywhere you go in Maine, you’ll see a building that once housed a fraternal order, back when people needed people, neighbors knew their neighbors and friendships were born. In times of great trouble and needs these groups kept us together, doing the things that others couldn’t do and assisting a friend or stranger. These Orders grew as the need increased, but these days we’re seeing a decrease as those in need are directed to the town, city or state.
Let me tell you my friends, you’re not a burden to us, you are the reason for our being here. Become a member and be ready for fun, oh you may still go to bed hungry, but your family won’t; you may still have tears in your eyes, but your family won’t; and you may still have dreams of a better life and behold you do.
Ken Grant
Sebago
www.oddfellowsofmaine.com
